It's amazing

It's amazing how fast things can deteriorate. Especially, around dinner time. Any one relate? After recounting the events to Zack he said, "You have to blog this."

It all started with Shep "accidentally" spilling his milk all over the floor and Conner saying he was too busy to eat dinner. He decided to sweep the floor. Shep comes into the kitchen I'm trying to pull food out of the oven and to announce his spill. I quickly say, "Conner don't sweep the milk" Any Mom of a little boy will know that that is automatically would they would do. I turn around to see Conner sweeping the milk everywhere with a broom. Ask Conner to go to his room. Clean up all the milk.

While I'm disciplining Conner, I leave Shep at the table eating his salmon and brown rice. Upon coming back out I see Shep standing next to his chair eating rice that had fallen on the chair. The rice was in a puddle. Yes, the puddle was pee. Talk to Shep, clean up the puddle on the chair and the floor.

We've been having a huge ant problem since it hasn't rained in so many months. As I am opening the oven to check the zucchini, I notice I left a plastic ant trap filled with liquid poison sitting on the stove. Without thinking I lift it up to toss it in the trash, but it is practically melted and spills into the oven. I didn't think any got on the veggies, but not taking that chance. Now I need to figure out how to clean ant poison from my stove.

All that happened in a span of about 15 minutes. Just think, in April will add a newborn to this crazy mix:)

Proverbs 3

I've been thinking about Proverbs 3:5-6 lately. One of those verses that we've all read a zillion times, but it has encouraged me in a new way the past few weeks.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Most of you know we are almost done here in Austin. Zack's doctoral recital is this Friday. He's starting his dissertation and will graduate in just a few short months. I don't think it ever crossed my mind all these years we've that he wouldn't find a job, but I've been discouraged lately. There have only been a handful of openings in his field and for some of them there could be hundreds of applicants. Worry has started to creep in. I know God is in control, but the situation is very daunting. I read Prov 3 last week and part of verse five struck me...

"do not lean on your own understanding..."

That is exactly what I was doing. Looking at the small number of positions out there is overwhelming. It looks almost impossible, but I was leaning on my own understanding of the situation, instead of trusting God with my whole heart. Does this mean, God will provide a job for Zack right away if I just trust Him? No, but I can trust that God is leading us and He will provide for us, just as he has the past 4 years. He's not going to leave us.

Please pray for us as we seek God's will for our family and pray especially that we would trust in the LORD with all our hearts!

First Day of School

September is finally here. It's been a long summer folks. This week we got a little break from the heat (think highs in the low to mid-90's!) We've actually gotten to go for some walks in the morning again. This morning as we saw Daddy' off around 7:30, Conner said, "Brrrrr...it's cold out here!" and then Shep said, "It's a snow day!!" We decided to go for a little walk before getting ready for school. Conner was quite determined to wear his new jeans and light jacket, although by this point it was already 70 outside. Glad I have one boy who appreciates clothes that aren't pajamas.


Headed to school. Notice the clothing choice of the boy on the left.

Shep and I had some special time together at Starbucks.

Bliss

It's amazing how much you can get done with only one child! I did two loads of laundry, dishes, cleaned a bathroom, made some brownies for Zack's rehearsal and even MADE MY BED!

The boys were so happy to see each other after four hours apart. They played so sweetly this afternoon. Conner included Shep and Shep didn't wreck any of Conner's projects (sound familiar to any of you moms out there??:) It was a good day. Now, if only Shep would start napping again.

Shep quote: I asked him a question about what color something was and didn't hear his reply, so I asked him again. Shep: "I already told you Mom. It's white." He sounded exasperated. He's probably thinking, "What a dumb question. I mean, I'm 2 yrs and 4 months. Don't you think I know my colors??"

Update

Lots of changes and updates going on around here. First of all, Shep potty-trained, gave up his pacifier and here's the tough one, gave up his nap, all in the same week. I'm a little shell-shocked about the last one. He's only 2 yrs 3 mo. Conner gave up his nap around 2 1/2, so I hoped I would have a few more months. So, now the fun part...getting him to realize Mom is quite serious that he stay in his room for an hour everyday. Here's a picture to give you an idea of how it's going. He set several of his stuffed animals outside his door and is pretending to touch the floor.

Now the big one. Zack has started applying for jobs!! We've almost made it!! I'm so excited to see where we will end up. Pray that more jobs will open up and that he'll get one! I also want to brag on some of the upcoming performances he has. Someone he met at the music festival in Maine is going to perform his new piano piece at UNC next month and in Feb his band piece will be performed at Texas Tech. Then in June the orchestrated version of Triple Venti Latte will be premiered by the Austin Symphony. I'm so proud of how hard he has worked and so excited to see what the future hold.

Cute story: Saturday morning Conner was playing around on our electric piano. He discovered the setting that plays pre-recorded pieces. There is one particular jazzy one he likes. He announced, "Let's have a band!" Mommy, you can play the kazoo. Shep will play the tambourine and Daddy will play the banjo!" I asked him what we were called and he replied, "The Seagulls" So we jammed for awhile. It was pretty cute. Conner was smiling from ear to ear. Here's Shep, being Shep.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Portrait Session

Here are a few pictures from the the portrait session we had with Diana Mino. She got some great shots! With little boys, every shot is definitely an action shot.

Conner posing in Zack's hat. Love this one!

Headed outside for some dump truck shots.

Thanks, Diana!

Favorite part of traveling

One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying all the local foods. There really is no better way to really experience a place.

I was in Maine during blueberry season. I love blueberries and they have the real deal in Maine. The blueberries are small, wild and full flavor. Some amazing blueberry pie.


Some wild blueberries we picked in Acadia.

Of course, the main food you have to try in Maine is lobster. The lobster bisque and lobster stew was amazing and the best thing was that it was actually cool enough to eat soup. (in July!!)

We stopped at a Lobster Pound on the way home from Bar Harbor. Here is Zack ready to commence at his first lobster.

I wasn't quite ready, so I had a lobster roll. Did you know the hot buns in Maine are different? They look like the bread in my lobster roll. Basically, a piece of white bread, folded in half.

There were ice cream parlors everywhere, which I thought was strange, since it doesn't get very hot there. I decided ice cream parlors are to the northeast, what taco stands are to Texas. This little place was amazing. It looked like it was straight out of the 1950's, complete with a mini-golf course. That's one of the things I love about the north east...it's so quaint.

So glad I could visit Zack for a few days and so, SO glad he's back now. Yesterday Shep said, "Daddy's home now. He's not at school anymore. I can talk to him."

Traveling and 4 More Days

Yep, only 4 more days until Zack comes home! I had the opportunity to visit Zack for 4 days, while the boys went to AR. I'll try to post about the trip soon, but first are some pictures from Houston. The boys and I visited my brother last week-end.

On our way to the Aquarium. We parked by Daniel's office, so we could take the little metro train. Conner was beyond excited. It has been his dream to ride on a metro train ever since he saw the Curious George where he rides on a subway.

Swimming

More silly faces

Sunday we went to Galveston for the day. The boys had a blast. Shep hadn't been crazy about the beach when we were in Florida, but two-and-a-half months made a big difference for him. He wasn't afraid at all this time! Wish we lived close enough to make it a day trip...just a little too far.

Jessica drove down from Dallas to see the boys!

I totally forgot to bring any pails or shovels. Shep improvised with a sea shell.

Texas beaches definitely aren't like Florida beaches, but it was nice.

I wasn't crazy about how muddy it was. The boys got filthy!

Hello, August. Actual temperature yesterday (and today, too). I'm wondering if it will get worse. Glad we have a nice pool, freezer pops, a blockbuster and a library near by=)