Pinkalicious!

Today the girls and I rode along with our friends Kim and Nyah for a girls afternoon show to see Pinkalicious! at the Rose. We arrived in time to wait in the line to enter the theater. The girls received pink necklaces while we waited. Once inside, we turned our vouchers in for our actual tickets. Then, we had a decision to make - wait in line downstairs or go to the balcony. Addison selected the balcony. We waited a few minutes again upstairs before they let us in to find a seat. We selected a front row seat (or I selected one). Now, maybe the second row would have been better because the bar was right in front of us. But, the view was beautiful.


We then waited about a half hour for the performance to begin. Addison was in awe of the moving clouds on the ceiling and all of the statues (that were naked). She is very observant. Alivia did not say much but eat her candy that Ms. Kim provided. (Thanks Kim!). 


Shortly after 2, the show began. The show followed the book, more or less. Addison liked it when Pinkalicious' brother turned pink and when the Mom said, "You get what you get and you don't get upset." I say it similar but I say, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." Too cute that Addison noticed that. Alivia just said she liked it. She is so opinionated these days.


It was a fun afternoon. Asher had fun at home with Grandma Bet waiting for Daddy to return from his airplane trip (he arrived home after 5). We should do more girl days and give Asher some time for Daddy bonding. We will shoot for that next time. 


Going to the Rose?
* Arrive early. It is general admission. With that said, there were some reserved spots for large groups and birthday parties.
* Bring a still camera, no video of course.
* Bring something for kids to do while they wait.
* Snacks if needed...no food is allowed inside the theater though.
* Have fun!

Alivia & Nyah

Alivia & Nyah

The girls at the show (Addi eating her candy!).

The MIDLANDS PIRATE FESTIVAL

Pirates Addison and Alivia

I won tickets to the The "third annual" MIDLANDS PIRATE FESTIVAL at the Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch from Momaha.com. Since we live so close, I thought it would be fun to check it out. So, this afternoon after there was FINALLY a break in the rain, the kids and I packed up to go to Pirate Festival.

Weird.

That pretty much sums it up. I had never been to the Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch before, and I do not think I will be returning. I was disappointed. Mind you, anyone that goes expecting anything like Vala's will be disappointed. I was not expecting much, and I was still disappointed. The Pirate Festival was just plain weird. We missed the only show for kids in the children's area. We sat down just as the show was over. Nice. We walked around to see a bunch of vendors selling pirate stuff. We sat in on the end of a magic show and the man performing was asking for money donations in his pirate hat. Seriously, the price of admission should cover that! It is $10 for adults and $6 for kids! Gees!

Alivia just wanted to play on the play set we saw on the way in. After bugging me forever, we walked over to the playground area. It was weird, too. The equipment did not appear safe. No really, I am not being a paranoid parent here. I saw lawsuit written all over this stuff. It all appeared to be falling apart. The kids had fun in the house with slides coming out of it. There were many holes in that house where kids could fall. I just saw the whole thing as poorly thought out.

The kids wanted an ice cream cone before we left. But, after seeing everything, I thought it was best to go to McDonald's for that.

All in all, it was an outing. It was an experience. And, I learned something. Stick with what I know. At least it was free.

The Magic Show

Pirate Music Anyone?

The Playground Area

Austin Day off of Fun!

Today Alivia had the day off of school. We tried really hard to make her day off special.

After saying good bye to Daddy (he went on an airplane trip with Grandpa Bill for a night or 2), the fun day began with Addison's school pictures. She just ran in and had the picture taken and ran out. Today was not her actual preschool day, but we wanted her to be in her class picture! Now...we just have to wait for the pictures to come back.

After pictures, it was off to the zoo. The zoo was crazy! There were so many kids clubs there between Papillion, La Vista and OPS (and those are just the schools we knew were off), that we could hardly move! We went today with our friends Kim, Nyah and Keegan. It was fun to have company while looking at all the animals. We visited the Desert Dome, monkeys, gorillas, Madagascar and then stopped near the playground to eat lunch. Then we watched the seals for a while before making our way visiting the outdoor animals on the way to the butterflies. We ended our day at the jungle. It was fun...but much too crowded. I continue to take the stroller for the kids to ride in and for me to store our stuff in. If Addison or Asher would get tired, I am not about to carry them across the zoo. As it turned out, they rode in the stroller for much of the time. Maybe next year we can go without a stroller...maybe.

After the zoo, we said good bye to our friends, jumped in the car, and went off to visit Grandma on the farm. Grandma and Grandpa just got a new dog, Kota (short for Dakota, the birth name of this female yellow lab). Kota was extra excited to see us, and the kids liked being up close to a dog (since Mommy has no interest in having a dog of our own. No, I am not that brave). After the introduction, I left the kids with mom and went up to take a nap. I had not been to sleep since Wednesday night. In addition to being totally exhausted, I had a new cold. I was done. Two hours later I felt good enough to get up and finish our visit. My favorite part of our visit was when I was playing fetch with Kota. I threw her the ball and she ran, got it, and brought it back. Then, I threw it again. She ran and got the ball, the dropped it, peed on it, and ran off. What was that?! It was too funny.

We ate dinner with Grandma before making the trek back home.

Alivia could not decide what the best part of today was. She said the entire day off of school was fun. Mission accomplished!

Before & After: Trees in the Back Yard!

Okay...we bought these trees PRIOR to starting our money diet. :) Chris and I purchased these as part of our 11th anniversary gifts to one another. And, to top it off, they were 25% off with free install from Lanoha Nurseries! Chris and I have learned, fall is the best time to plant trees and plants. So, we hope to be able to put off all future projects for the fall. That is so difficult to do when everyone wants to plant in the spring.

The new trees are all in the backyard. We purchased one Marmo Maple to hopefully provide some shade to our back patio. We also purchased a big clump Heritage River Birch tree for the side corner to provide privacy while we are eating on the back patio. Finally, we purchased 3 baby Golden Raindrop Crabapple trees. Now before anyone comes over and judges the size of our crabapples, Lanoha did not have 3 of the larger ones. So, we had to get smaller ones.  Besides, trees do grow!

The backyard finally has some foliage. But, we have a LONG, LONG way to go. Chris and I really want to get it right, so we are waiting to complete our project so that the trees can provide shade and privacy. For now...we are done for this year.

Bring on the sun so I can sit under the trees!

Heritage River Birch

Marmo Maple Tree

Golden Raindrop Crabapple Trees

The Money Diet

We signed the contract buying our home nearly a year ago now, on September 26. We did not move in until late November, but I do not want to talk about that right now.

When we purchased our home, we knew the taxes were going to be high. Our home was not yet tax assessed, so we estimated as close as possible. And, we were off. But, when we are talking this kinda money...what is a few hundred dollars more! (um, food, clothes, a life!).

We have been enjoying saving some money and spending some to get this house more up to our standards. It is really hard to come from a completed home to one that needs a lot of work. Although this home is new - it has needed a lot and attention...Shutters and window treatments, closet/drop zone, trees and landscaping, a vinyl fence, paint, new fans, hang the TV in the family room and hook up the surround sound (that we never use), etc, etc.

Next month, the monsterous mortgage payment begins.

I am far from excited. Afterall, the new mortgage payment reflects that fact that Nebraska and the city of Papillion do not know how to balance a budget without stealing from our wallets. Seriously, if I add up what is just in this neighborhood for taxes...we should be able to buy a private island every year! (Each home has probably an average of $8000-$12000/year in taxes). Oh, and we are not in the city of Papillion. In other words, we have to pay an additional fee to use the library and join the pool.

I am more than ready to return to our simple life...downsized. Living large is not what it is cracked up to be. I am wore out and soon to be poor.

Awesome.

And so the money diet begins. And I thought we were already on one?!

Saying Hello, & then Good Bye

Baby Emma & Mommy Laura

Addison, Asher and I went to visit our friends last week and meet new baby Emma. Addison was excited to see the baby, where Asher was just excited to play with Simon.

We arrived later than planned because I could not wake up early enough to make the food before taking Alivia to school at 8. But, we did arrive.

We met the beautiful Emma, dressed in all pink, with beautiful dark hair. She looked like a little doll in her mommy's arms. Laura and I talked for a bit before she said she had news. For whatever reason, I wanted to say, "Please, just don't tell me." I had looked forward to seeing her new little baby and did not want anything to change that.

Then, before I could stop her, Laura said the words, "We're moving."

I knew she did not mean they were moving across the street or across town but far away. Who would move on purpose with a 2 week old? And, she then said that her husband got a job as a CFO at a well known company and they would be relocating to Minnesota.

I knew I was supposed to be happy for them. Who gets one blessing now adays let alone 2 within 2 weeks? But, I couldn't be. The selfish part of me just wanted to get up and run out of there. But I didn't. I even stayed longer than the 45 minutes I had planned on staying (I hate to stay with Addi and Asher when someone has a new baby. The new baby is overwhelming enough without having 2 additional kids in your home).

By the time I left, I was in tears.

I will miss our friends. Addison was sad, too, saying that Simon was her friend. They played well together. But, I know our friends will be happy in their new city in their new home. And, who could pass up a CFO position anyway? Congrats is what I should have said!

I will find new friends the longer we are here. But some friends can not be replaced. We will forever miss them!

Congrats to our friends...we wish them the best!

PS...Is it completely clear here that I am awful at the good-bye part?

1st Grade Bully

Alivia came home from school one day saying she girl in her class that was being mean to her and called her a "bully." The girl was taking things from her during class, telling Alivia that should could not play with this girl and other girls in Alivia's class and telling Alivia not to talk to Kindergarteners (they go to lunch and recess with them and Alivia knows one girl who is our neighbor).

Come to find out...I know this girl! I have witnessed this girl poking fun at Alivia, and Alivia just walks away. I just thought the girl was having a bad day and Alivia was to just take it.

So, what is a mom to do? So, I told Alivia, if this girl is not a nice girl, Alivia does not want her as a friend. Period. I told Alivia that we should all surround ourselves with people like ourselves with similar values. Alivia is a very nice, sweet, but quiet girl. She believes, or at least believed, that everyone was her friend. Her little bully is teaching Alivia that everyone can not be your friend.

Perhaps I should say that everyone is not worthy to be Alivia's friend.

That is one hard lesson to learn, especially for a 6 year old in the 1st Grade.

The Annual Austin Family Campout!

2010 Annul Austin Family Backyard Campout

 

 

 

Last night we had our annual family backyard campout. We have scheduled this event many times during the summer. But, there were so many reasons not to camp...fireworks, the heat, wind, I had to work, etc. Finally, last night, the weather was perfect, the wind was still and it was perfect. Chris got the tents set up and I got the smores. Mmmm! After a watching Horton, the kids went right to sleep. Okay, Addi and Asher skipped naps, so that may have helped. But, it was a fabulous night to sleep under the stars. Now we have some camping gear to buy for next year!

Smores!

 

 

 

 

 

Our version of roughing it!

The morning after the night before

Before & After: Our Exterior Trim

After

Between a birthday party and the kids acting, well, like kids, Chris and I managed to paint the green trim on our home. Yes, the trim was green. Why green? Well, after painting it what is supposed to be tan, we are not sure we like it. The "tan" color jumps off the house more than we wanted. But, to paint all of those peaks was an undertaking that we do not want to repeat...at least until next summer. For now, our exterior house trim matches the fence. And, my husband continues to amaze me with his energy and talent!

Before

 

The Taggie Fairy

Addison, now 4 years old, has had an never ending love for her thumb and her taggie blanket. She did not suck her thumb without the taggie blanket. We took away the blanket, or exchanged it, for a big puppy before we moved. She was without the blankets for months...until we moved. Then we caught her sucking on tags from her pants, shorts and even her panties tags and sucking her thumb. The poor thing needed something to help her transition into a new home.

So, Daddy and I gave ALL of her taggies back to her. Addison was in heaven. She took the taggies EVERYWHERE. She grew to like the pink one from Grandma Bet best, and Grandma Bet had to replace her favorite ribbons from the blanket many times.

It got to the point where Addison was sucking her thumb all day long. I could not get her to keep it in her room. She got it dirty, and then was getting sick almost weekly. The time had just come...Addison had to say good bye. But how?

This is where the Taggie Fairy came into play. I am not sure how I heard about this idea, but I did. She goes to bed as normal after being prepared for weeks that the fairy would be coming soon. On Tuesday night...the taggie was taken by the "fairy" and put in a special place and replaced with a nice present from Von Maur, of course. The idea is that Addi would find the present in the morning from the taggie fairy. Of course, all good ideas have flaws. Addison, who rarely wakes up, woke up at 12:30AM to find the present from the fairy. I actually think Alivia may have seen it from her room and woke up Addison...but the girls are not telling. Anyway, Addison opened the present and her and Alivia began playing with her new, soft, webkins puppy at 12:30 AM! I told them to go back to bed, and then I returned to bed. However, the girls got back up and played. At 4:00AM Addison woke up vomiting in Alivia's room. Why was she in there? Because she was sleeping under Alivia's bed of course! Who knows how long they stayed up!! And why she was getting sick is a whole other story (she was fine by breakfast).

When 7:15 rolled around the next morning, Addison came into my room excited to show me her new toy from the Taggie Fairy. Addi and Alivia decided that the Taggie Fairy got into our home by magic, took her taggie, and somehow made it into a dog. However it happened, Addison is content. She has not asked me for her taggie once. We commented to her on how the Fairy must have thought Addison was ready, how she is a big girl now, etc.

Addison has changed since the Fairy's visit. She is more talkative now that her thumb is not in her mouth. She also comes to me more where in the past she would run to her taggie and suck her thumb. I am babying her a bit for the moment as she transitions to being a big girl.

We are now a taggieless house. Not sure any of us were fully ready...but here we are. Our baby girl is growing up. Kinda makes me sad...

Krista's Lawn Mowing... ...has closed until a rider lawn mower can be purchased. Seriously, this house, the yard, and the future sidewalks that will need to be cleared are exhausting me. I am not joking. I know, everyone thinks I am this lazy person who does not want to work because I am a stay at home mom. Well, I challenge anyone who thinks that to maintain my "Job" for 1 week, and I have big bets that nobody would do it. Okay, I admit, I am whining. Who wouldn't? It is no secret, Chris loved this house. It is also no secret, that I did not love it. I compromised...a lot. The things I despise about our home now I actually did not consider before moving here. For example - A bigger yard. Everyone wants a bigger yard...except those who have a big yard. Seriously? Want to mow the bigger yard? Um, no. I mowed today for over an hour and 20 minutes. I mow at top speeds pushing it with a self propelled push mower. Seriously, who would go speed walking for an hour and 20 minutes? And, while speed walking, find things to do for your active 2 and 4 year old kids? I am thinking only crazy people. So...that must be me. And, as I mow, I look down our endless sidewalks thinking, "There is NO WAY that I will be able to clear those walks...let alone the driveway...with our normal sized snow blower." You know me, minimalist all the way. This house...not a minimalist house. The yard and walks fail miserably as well. I want to be able to enjoy my life, not be tortured to near death all summer and winter long maintaining the outside. Interior Design I kind of secretly enjoy. The outside, I outwardly despise. So, I am now on the hunt for a riding lawn mower. Call me a weeny...but I know nobody else could push mow our yard and live to talk about it.

The OCM & Momaha Today, while Addison was in school, Asher & I went to the Omaha Children's Museum for the Momaha event at 9. It was a great opportunity for Asher to play with fewer kiddos running around. There were times where Asher was the only one playing. He just ran all over. We started upstairs visiting the Clifford exhibit before making our way downstairs. Momaha (& No Frills) had juice and donuts. Asher gobbled up his treat before meeting Clifford and giving the Big Red Dog a big hug! After playing in the big room, ball room and making an art project, it was time to make our way to pick up Addison from Red Apple Day at Preschool. We had a fun morning! Asher is beginning to love his play time with Mommy. I guess we better start getting used to it...

Meeting Spider-man On Sunday, Chris took the kids to meet Spider-man, Ironman, & Batman at the Septemberfest in downtown. Spider-man is Addison's boyfriend (She loves Peter Parker), and she continues to talk about Spider-man. The kids had fun...and so did Daddy.

August in Review Gees...August is over? We began the month soaking up summer and ended the month with Alivia in the 1st grade, Addison in her 2nd year of preschool...now at Sacred Heart, and Asher getting sweeter even as he challenges us with his little boy antics. We visited the zoo, OCM and the forest, as well as hosted and went to several play dates with friends. The kids have made many new neighborhood friends, too. Chris and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary while the kids stayed TWO NIGHTS at the farm with Grandma and Grandpa. Chris and I enjoyed just chillin' while the kids had a blast on the farm! We had to say good bye to our beloved Piper...so we are sharing many pictures of our furry family member this month, too. We miss her...but get updates that she is doing well in her new home. Enjoy our pictures and memories of August until next month... http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=3b6e64c4a4e2b8569a16dcf07a6807f9&sid=8EbNmblo3bs-g

Friends As I get older, and old I am, I am finding making and keeping friends more difficult. Maybe it is because I am a busy mom to 3 and have an amazing husband that I like to keep happy. Or, maybe it is just because I tend to only like nice people who say nice things and leave the crap at the door. Or, maybe it is both. I don't know. As mom, we kind of get thrown into being friends with more people as we are exposed to the parents of our kids' friends. I have met a lot of people this way, the good, the bad and the ugly. Seriously. Since moving, I have had to tolerate more than I am used to tolerating. As I stand outside the elementary school doors waiting for Alivia, I see moms, but I also see a bunch of woman acting like they are in junior high. I see cliches. I see Moms wearing stiletto heels with shorts to pick up their kids from school. Seriously, I don't care what I wear for the most part. I, of course, put on clothes. But, Alivia is just excited to see me and that is all that matters. If I look nice, it is because I had time during naptime to clean up for CHRIS not for the mommy show being put on outside of elementary school. And the comments. Seriously, I feel like I am stuck in a flashback to junior high or high school. Let's face it, woman (and girls) say mean things to each other. I really don't think it is our nature, because I have to try to do it if I am mean. Generally, if I am mean, it is to try to point out that I will not tolerate someones crap and to leave me alone. I guess maybe I should just say that. "I'm sorry, I am not in junior high. I am in my mid 30's and am the mommy to 3. If you want to throw mean comments like a 10 year old, go try them on someone else." I wonder how that would fly? For example, I am trying really hard to get Alivia to tone down a bit. If she is going to stay at her grandparents in Iowa, for example, she will say it really loud to whoever is around, even in Target. "I AM GOING TO MY GRANDPARENTS TO STAY FOR 2 NIGHTS!" I know she is just excited, but I find bragging, or any form of it, really unflattering and quite annoying. I avoid braggers at all costs or simply stop talking to them (This eliminates a lot of people as friends). The MY KIDS ARE AMAZING parents to the MY HOUSE IS BIGGER AND BETTER people to the MY LOOKS ARE FABULOUS! Okay, who really cares about those things...how is your (or your kid's) heart? Are you loving, giving, generous and kind? If not...I don't really care how smart your kid is, how big your pad is or how green your grass is. If you are not kind...does any of that matter? Um, no. It is difficult to teach Alivia that when she is exposed to it on the adult level. I have, however, been trying to be more outgoing. No, I will not join the PTO. I find it too full of drama. And, who would watch the kids so I could go? I would prefer to just stay home with them. But, Alivia has met some friends who have nice mommies. What a perk for me! And, Alivia has a new friend who has a sister Addison's age! Yeah! Finally a little friend for Addison! And, to top it off, Chris thought this girl's Mommy was one of the nicest Moms he has met. I will keep working on making friends, scheduling playdates, and going to Junior High, aka the elementary school waiting area to pick up Alivia. I guess I can add that to my list of things to do..."Tolerate the Mommy Drama...quietly." Wish me luck with the quiet part.

Welcome to the new Austin 5 blog! I am working on trying to bring over my Vox blogs...so wish me luck. So far...I am not being very successful! I have learned... Back up my blogs!

Good Bye Vox!

Vox is closing. Nice. So our family blog will be moving ASAP. I will only have until September 15 to move it...so I have to get at it! I have not saved off any of the blog in months...so I have my work cut out for me!

I will let you know our new family blog address asap! For now...I have some packing to do!

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Good Bye Piper...

Piper

After months of struggling to make our decision, this evening we had to say good bye to our beloved cat, Piper. I miss her already! Piper has been a member of our family, even before we had kids. We loved her like she was our child.

There are many reasons why now was the best time, but the primary reasons is the development of allergies.

Over the years, the kids have played with Piper like she was their sibling. The girls have played babies with her, put Piper in doll clothes, and Piper has even been in the doll stroller! She took it all in stride.

But, after finding a good family with 2 young boys, we could not pass it up. Piper is now in very good hands in an Omaha home. We made sure she would be cared for. The family even said we could visit them anytime. And, we may just do that. Afterall, Piper was not gone 5 minutes and I heard her meow! It will be a while before we get another pet (if this works out) because saying good bye is just too hard (When I told Asher, he was upset at first but quickly moved onto playing. Addison did not seem to care one bit. Alivia, well, she will find out after school today. :( ).

Good Bye Piper...we love you!

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The Omaha Children's Museum...August Visit

Yes, somehow I convinced myself to return to the OCM after our 2 weeks of sickness following our last visit. This time, there was no putting things in our mouths and we washed our hands often!

Asher and I visited the OCM yesterday morning at 9 until 10:25 or so, during the time Addison was in her second day of preschool. We met some friends there, Keegan and Ms. Kim. We started upstairs playing in the Clifford display. We were the only ones up there for like the first 10 minutes. Even the lights were out.  Asher loved it! He liked the bone area best, but also enjoyed playing with the mail and cutting in the drawing area. He is getting really, shockingly good at using the scissors. Then we went downstairs where Asher just ran around everywhere.

We had fun...until about 10 when the doors opened for non members. It was like the flood gates had opened. It was more than time for us to go. When I can not easily keep my eye on Asher, I want out (not to mention the noise level).

Asher had fun! He had so much fun that he went right to sleep at nap time. And, so far...we are not sick. So far...

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South Dakota Photo Album

I received an email from Shutterfly that we could receive a free (plus shipping and handling) photo book if ordered by September 1. So, I got on the computer and got to work. Within hours, my album was complete and ordered for an entire $8.55! Yeah!

Here is the album from our South Dakota Vacation 2010...enjoy!
Austin Vacation to South Dakota 2010

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