There have been posts that I've written for my work blog that I have posted here. Few and far between, but I recently wrote one that I wanted to share here. Here you go, as it was written on my work blog:
For the next 15 days, I’m going to participate in Reverb 10. It’s an open online initiative that encourages participants to reflect on this year and manifest what’s next. It’s an opportunity to retreat and consider the reverberations of your year past, and those that you’d like to create in the year ahead. We’re connected by the belief that sharing our stories has the power to change us.
Today’s Prompt – FUTURE SELF: Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead?
The first thing that popped into my head this morning after reading today’s prompt was Desiderata. It’s a favorite of mine. There are so many things that are right in line with my thinking and beliefs – it just speaks to me. I always find it refreshing when I look back over it periodically, and what I find is that it always grounds my perspective. Do you have something like this that keeps you grounded?
Today’s prompt calls me to write my own version of Desiderata. So, here you go, the advice for myself….
——–
Maintain and grow the relationships you’ve built up over the past year and pay special attention to your long-lasting relationships. Those need just as much nurturing as new relationships, sometimes even more. Know that those who you can call friends are special and not to be taken for granted or advantage of. You are only part of this. Do your job. Nurturing is active. It’s not a passive exercise. And it’s not a standard message & click.
Aim to be kind to all those you come into contact with. For most of those people, you’ll only have that one moment in time to leave your impact on them. Make it a positive one.
Breathe. Before speaking. Collect your thoughts. Stand in your power.
Knowledge is precious. In everything, you have an opportunity to teach or learn. Recognize this and as much as you can, do one or the other. You are doing a disservice to you and those around you if you do not.
Be gracious.
Slow down. Smell the roses, even when there are no roses to smell. The machine that you’re a part of is a magnificent one and it will keep running if you take a moment to recognize where you are and how you got there. Without looking around, you will not see the beauty in what you’re responsible for. Do not rest, though, because the machine keeps running. And there is always someone else who thinks they can keep it running faster, better, more efficient, and more powerful than you.
Take care of your business always. Commitments are made to be kept. They’re tied to your word. Don’t minimize those words because they’re important. Follow them up with action. Consistent. Persistent. Relentless. This is critical.
The world is a balancing act and your world is no different. Know your limits and boundaries. Your sacrifices have consequences, big and small. You must be OK with them.
Don’t lose sight of your passions or your dreams. Both are unique to you and once they’re gone, it’s almost impossible to get them back. Keep them burning however you need to – write, read, talk, create – this flame cannot go out.
Remember that faith enables real magic to happen. Continue pushing and taking risks and know that you can’t control everything. Sometimes shutting your eyes is all you can do to let everything take its course.
Most of all, do not forget that life is a joy, even though it most often feels like job. Don’t take yourself so seriously. You are a speck. Laugh. Smile. Pay attention to others doing the same.
And know, in your heart, that all will be good.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve and we're in bed at 11:10. It's late.
We spent the evening with the Schwarte's. They're so great. I love having close friends who are in the same life-stage as us, living a minute a way from our house, and wanting to spent special times with us like New Year's Eve.
It sure was nice. We have lots to be thankful for this year. We can only hope that 2011 is as good to us as 2010 was.
And maybe I'll blog more.
We spent the evening with the Schwarte's. They're so great. I love having close friends who are in the same life-stage as us, living a minute a way from our house, and wanting to spent special times with us like New Year's Eve.
It sure was nice. We have lots to be thankful for this year. We can only hope that 2011 is as good to us as 2010 was.
And maybe I'll blog more.
Christmastime, pt. 6
One of the best moments of Christmas was on Christmas morning. She slept in our same room, on a palette beside our bed, and when we woke up, she said, "Momma, you know what the best part about Christmas is?"
Momma: "What?"
Gracie: "The best part about Christmas is that Jesus was born."
:)
Momma: "What?"
Gracie: "The best part about Christmas is that Jesus was born."
:)
Christmastime, pt. 5
The kids were good this year and Santa was kind to them. Even though we weren't in our house, he knew where to deliver the presents in The Woodlands (thanks to a note Gracie left for him the day we left). In The Woodlands, he brought Gracie the pair of Chuck Taylors (purple) that she asked for, plus Candyland, and all of the great things (like candy) in her stocking. He brought the boys a set of toy cars from Cars. And stockings, of course.
But that wasn't all.
When we got back to Wylie, what did we see? That Santa left a few things in our house, too! For Gracie, he left a real-life ballarina outfit and a note about the new dance classes he arranged for her. And for the boys, bikes!! Yikes!
Santa is a great Santa, for sure. Especially when little boys and girls are good.
But that wasn't all.
When we got back to Wylie, what did we see? That Santa left a few things in our house, too! For Gracie, he left a real-life ballarina outfit and a note about the new dance classes he arranged for her. And for the boys, bikes!! Yikes!
Santa is a great Santa, for sure. Especially when little boys and girls are good.
Christmastime, pt. 4
We are blessed. For sure. The fact that our kids are able to receive so many gifts and we're able to give is something that quite a few people don't have. Our kids got so many great things. Our friends and family gave generously. We can only hope to teach our kids what it means to give in that way much more than it is to receive things. We're blessed enough to where we don't need anything. We need to turn that around much more than we already do and give to others who are truly in need. We talked to both sides of our family about pooling our money together and going in for families/causes who really need it. I want to do this. Next year, since we're going to be starting a brand new tradition with staying here, as a family, I really want us to be purposeful about giving. I want that to be what our kids think about when they think of Christmas.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Christmastime, pt. 3
It's crazy how much the boys are talking now. Complete sentences. Max is clearer than Nick, but they're both putting sentences together.
Max's thing is that he says, "uh, uh" before most of the words. So, it's something like this, "I uh uh show you uh uh the girl uh uh turned the light off."
Nick's thing is that he growls. He's got an ever-present pirate voice.
Over the past two weeks, this development has been rapid. It's fun.
Max's thing is that he says, "uh, uh" before most of the words. So, it's something like this, "I uh uh show you uh uh the girl uh uh turned the light off."
Nick's thing is that he growls. He's got an ever-present pirate voice.
Over the past two weeks, this development has been rapid. It's fun.
Christmastime, pt. 2
I was reminded this morning of one of the best moments of our Christmastime travels - the Christmas Eve service that Steph and I went to in the Woodlands.
The Fellowship of the Woodlands church - a megachurch - had 20+ pre-Christmas services across 4 difference campuses. The last one was held at the "Chapel in the Woods" at their Woodlands location at 11 PM on Christmas Eve. So, after we put the kids down, we stayed up long enough to go. And I'm so glad we did.
It was a beautiful building, this Chapel in the woods. There's obviously a lot of money that has gone into the church and the chapel was a reflection of that. Simple architecture, huge glass windows, awesome A/V system (their TVs were mounted on these devices that rolled in/out of the walls), sat about 300. And it was completely full.
The service consisted of Christmas carols sung by all, solo and choir performances, and few brief messages by their Guy Smiley-pastor. He was a little creepy, but said some nice things.
The solo performances were, by far, the best thing about the service. This one lady sang "O Come Emanuel" and it was haunting. I felt like I was there, in Bethlehem, the night that baby Jesus was born and this was a poor woman's proclamation. She sang it with such emotion. It was stunning. Their version of "O Holy Night" was good, too, but not as good Emanuel.
Steph and I left feeling great and making a commitment to each other that no matter what, we need to make a tradition out of going to the Christmas Eve service every year. It just reminds us of the true meaning behind Christmas - Christ's love for us. It is amazing. Much more amazing than any gifts we could give each other and all of the other hoopla surrounding this time of the year.
The Fellowship of the Woodlands church - a megachurch - had 20+ pre-Christmas services across 4 difference campuses. The last one was held at the "Chapel in the Woods" at their Woodlands location at 11 PM on Christmas Eve. So, after we put the kids down, we stayed up long enough to go. And I'm so glad we did.
It was a beautiful building, this Chapel in the woods. There's obviously a lot of money that has gone into the church and the chapel was a reflection of that. Simple architecture, huge glass windows, awesome A/V system (their TVs were mounted on these devices that rolled in/out of the walls), sat about 300. And it was completely full.
The service consisted of Christmas carols sung by all, solo and choir performances, and few brief messages by their Guy Smiley-pastor. He was a little creepy, but said some nice things.
The solo performances were, by far, the best thing about the service. This one lady sang "O Come Emanuel" and it was haunting. I felt like I was there, in Bethlehem, the night that baby Jesus was born and this was a poor woman's proclamation. She sang it with such emotion. It was stunning. Their version of "O Holy Night" was good, too, but not as good Emanuel.
Steph and I left feeling great and making a commitment to each other that no matter what, we need to make a tradition out of going to the Christmas Eve service every year. It just reminds us of the true meaning behind Christmas - Christ's love for us. It is amazing. Much more amazing than any gifts we could give each other and all of the other hoopla surrounding this time of the year.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Christmastime, pt. 1
What a rich and eventful Christmas it's been. We're back home now, after travelling to The Woodlands for 2 days and Austin for 2 days (Woodlands pre & Christmas morning, Austin post & Christmas afternoon). We always ask which one we went to first every year, I should just read this blog to tell us the answer. Duh.
Travelling this year was bittersweet because it's our last year to travel. This has been something that Steph and I have talked about for 2-3 years now, and finally, we've both reached that place to where we're at peace with the decision, and even more, excited about it. So, all of our travel and family time this year, was underscored by knowing this was the last time we're doing it.
Family is great to be around for Christmas. It's just part of Christmas for both of us. Ever since we've been married, we've travelled together, first to one place, then to the next - and that's how we spent our Christmases. And when we're there, for the most part, there's no better feeling. As the years have gone on and certainly with kids, there are moments where we've wished that we were in our house, but by and large, there is an overwhelming sense of comfort when it's family-time Christmas. It's the travelling. Especially with 3 kids. That's been the biggest strain. Whew.
And now, our kids are old enough to where they can appreciate Santa and even look forward to his arrival in our very own house. They'll get to wake up in their beds, come into their living room, and look under their tree for what Santa has left them. That's what we really want. That's what the kids deserve and need.
So, we're going to see how it all works out next year. :)
More about the trip later.....
Travelling this year was bittersweet because it's our last year to travel. This has been something that Steph and I have talked about for 2-3 years now, and finally, we've both reached that place to where we're at peace with the decision, and even more, excited about it. So, all of our travel and family time this year, was underscored by knowing this was the last time we're doing it.
Family is great to be around for Christmas. It's just part of Christmas for both of us. Ever since we've been married, we've travelled together, first to one place, then to the next - and that's how we spent our Christmases. And when we're there, for the most part, there's no better feeling. As the years have gone on and certainly with kids, there are moments where we've wished that we were in our house, but by and large, there is an overwhelming sense of comfort when it's family-time Christmas. It's the travelling. Especially with 3 kids. That's been the biggest strain. Whew.
And now, our kids are old enough to where they can appreciate Santa and even look forward to his arrival in our very own house. They'll get to wake up in their beds, come into their living room, and look under their tree for what Santa has left them. That's what we really want. That's what the kids deserve and need.
So, we're going to see how it all works out next year. :)
More about the trip later.....
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
More Catch
Max wanted to play catch again last night. So we did. He placed himself about 3 feet away from me, stood firm, and then started throwing. Then, catching. He's got the timing down for that distance. We played for about 5 minutes then it was time to go to bed. He got upset and wanted to continue just like I did with my dad when I was little. So we went on for about 5 more minutes. Then it was really time for bed. It was awesome.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Our First Catch
Max and I played catch for the first time last week. I've thrown the balls around with the boys many times before, but they haven't done anything but chase it and throw it wildly across the room. This was the first real game of catch that we've played where he was just as engaged as I was and we actually threw and caught back and forth.
He's got this little squishy football that fits perfectly in his hands and he started throwing it to me, actually pretty good too. Then, when I would through it back to him, he got the timing right so he caught them almost every time.
This is the moment I dreamed about when I was a boy, playing catch with my dad. I thought, someday I'm going to be able to play catch with my son and I want to play catch with him as long as he wants because as a boy, there was nothing more that I wanted to do than play catch. And now, Max knows what it means to play catch. I love it.
He's got this little squishy football that fits perfectly in his hands and he started throwing it to me, actually pretty good too. Then, when I would through it back to him, he got the timing right so he caught them almost every time.
This is the moment I dreamed about when I was a boy, playing catch with my dad. I thought, someday I'm going to be able to play catch with my son and I want to play catch with him as long as he wants because as a boy, there was nothing more that I wanted to do than play catch. And now, Max knows what it means to play catch. I love it.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Mr. Mommin' It
Today was another full-on Mr. Mom day. Even though they're rare, I enjoy them. They give me a satisfaction at the end of the day that is hard to beat, like I handled these 3 little munchkins and came out on the other side. God bless Steph for doing this every day. She went to The Woodlands this morning for Mariane's 70th birthday party, so it was all me and the kids here.
It was harder than the last time. My strategy didn't change - run them ragged - but they are more difficult to handle now than before, so it was a doozy.
It's about them all waking up at 6 AM. This has to stop. I really hope they come into their own with morning sleep. At least till 8.
So, Steph left early, the kids were up just as early and we ate breakfast and celebrated Lola's (Gracie's favorite doll) 1 year birthday this morning (in truth, she's just as old as Gracie because she's been with Gracie since birth) and by 9, we were headed out the door to find something to do.
It's cold and windy here, and Max is in this stage where he freaks out with cold and wind, so we couldn't really play at an outside park. We went to the Galleria Mall and played at that fancy indoor park. It was nice and the kids loved it. It's kinda like a mix between Central Park (with all of the stones to climb up on) and a children's animal museum (other than rocks, the only things to climb on are real big plastic, foamy animals). It's the nicest indoor mall park we've played at, so as far as those things go, it's a definite do-over and recommend.
After the park, we went to write Santa a letter and drop it in the mailbox. On the way, we actually saw Santa, Gracie sat in his lap, and they all 3 got balloons (separate from Santa). They were happy with the exception of having to sit in the stroller. Max just wants to be independent and walk. I can't have that in a big mall like The Galleria when we're just roaming.
We ate, came home, and the kids took an hour nap. Only an hour. I didn't fight it.
Once they got up, I gave them a snack and we went out again. This time, to run errands - UPS store, Best Buy, FBC to see the live nativity which wasn't there, and Blockbuster. We stopped by KFC on the way home for a little dinner, came home, and ate dinner over Barbie's Mermaid Adventure or something.
Gracie was a great little girl today and she wanted to go to FBC's Christmas musical tonight, but they didn't have a nursery for the boys. Sitting through a musical like that in a closed space like that is a recipe for disaster for the boys. She just couldn't understand why it was so. Once we got over that we weren't going, I told her we would pick up any movie to watch in place of the musical tonight. Her pick was Barbie Mermaid Adventure or something.
Tonight, I was able to spend good time with them before they went to bed. I need to take this time, when it's just the four of us, and do purposeful things with them, other than trying to run them ragged. So, tomorrow, we'll just hang around, read some books, play some cars, do whatever they want to do as long as it doesn't involved breaking stuff, coloring on things not to be colored on, and/or general destroying of our items. All else is pretty much fair game and I hope they're in a good mood and/or all getting along, at least for moments, so I won't have to referree or teach or....it's not going to happen. And it's all good. We will have a great time. :)
It was harder than the last time. My strategy didn't change - run them ragged - but they are more difficult to handle now than before, so it was a doozy.
It's about them all waking up at 6 AM. This has to stop. I really hope they come into their own with morning sleep. At least till 8.
So, Steph left early, the kids were up just as early and we ate breakfast and celebrated Lola's (Gracie's favorite doll) 1 year birthday this morning (in truth, she's just as old as Gracie because she's been with Gracie since birth) and by 9, we were headed out the door to find something to do.
It's cold and windy here, and Max is in this stage where he freaks out with cold and wind, so we couldn't really play at an outside park. We went to the Galleria Mall and played at that fancy indoor park. It was nice and the kids loved it. It's kinda like a mix between Central Park (with all of the stones to climb up on) and a children's animal museum (other than rocks, the only things to climb on are real big plastic, foamy animals). It's the nicest indoor mall park we've played at, so as far as those things go, it's a definite do-over and recommend.
After the park, we went to write Santa a letter and drop it in the mailbox. On the way, we actually saw Santa, Gracie sat in his lap, and they all 3 got balloons (separate from Santa). They were happy with the exception of having to sit in the stroller. Max just wants to be independent and walk. I can't have that in a big mall like The Galleria when we're just roaming.
We ate, came home, and the kids took an hour nap. Only an hour. I didn't fight it.
Once they got up, I gave them a snack and we went out again. This time, to run errands - UPS store, Best Buy, FBC to see the live nativity which wasn't there, and Blockbuster. We stopped by KFC on the way home for a little dinner, came home, and ate dinner over Barbie's Mermaid Adventure or something.
Gracie was a great little girl today and she wanted to go to FBC's Christmas musical tonight, but they didn't have a nursery for the boys. Sitting through a musical like that in a closed space like that is a recipe for disaster for the boys. She just couldn't understand why it was so. Once we got over that we weren't going, I told her we would pick up any movie to watch in place of the musical tonight. Her pick was Barbie Mermaid Adventure or something.
Tonight, I was able to spend good time with them before they went to bed. I need to take this time, when it's just the four of us, and do purposeful things with them, other than trying to run them ragged. So, tomorrow, we'll just hang around, read some books, play some cars, do whatever they want to do as long as it doesn't involved breaking stuff, coloring on things not to be colored on, and/or general destroying of our items. All else is pretty much fair game and I hope they're in a good mood and/or all getting along, at least for moments, so I won't have to referree or teach or....it's not going to happen. And it's all good. We will have a great time. :)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Boys First Haircut
So, yesterday was the day that we broke down and said, we're going to let someone cut the boys hair. It was LONG overdue. Steph tried to cut Max's when she cut Gracie's at the end of summer, but it didn't take long for it to get as unruly as it was before. And honestly, I don't think she wanted to mess with his hair anymore. So, we left it to the professionals.
There's this great place called Cool Cuts for Kids that's designed just for little kids. Games, movies, toys - you name it, they have it. Even little cars for them to sit in vs. chairs. You can even bring your favorite movie for them to watch while the cutting happens if you like. We did.
Steph and I had a meeting before we arrived and agreed that we wanted their hair cleaned up, but didn't want anything crazy. To Steph, that meant Justin Beiber. To me, that meant way short (and Justin Beiber). I told her that I didn't want to lose the spirit of their hair, I just wanted it to be less-mullet-like and clean. She laughed. But she understood.
When we got there, that's what we told the stylists. They laughed. And they didn't understand "spirit." But they did a good job.
Surprisingly, Nick was the hardest to keep still. He didn't like the gown. He didn't like getting sprayed. He didn't like the scissors around his head and he didn't really like sitting there.
But Max was a champ. He was so sweet. He sat there. Didn't mind the gown or the spray or the scissors. He looked down when the stylist asked him to look down and he answered her when she talked to him. He was awesome, really. Where is this boy the majority of time???
They both look great. Gracie now wants a haircut of her own at this place. I don't know if that's going to fly with Steph.
The stylists were so nice and it's an ideal place for little bitty haircuts. A little expensive so I don't know if we'll be going back. I'm sure we will, at least for the next couple of times. Until they get get comfortable with the idea of getting haircuts. Then, they'll be able to go with daddy!
There's this great place called Cool Cuts for Kids that's designed just for little kids. Games, movies, toys - you name it, they have it. Even little cars for them to sit in vs. chairs. You can even bring your favorite movie for them to watch while the cutting happens if you like. We did.
Steph and I had a meeting before we arrived and agreed that we wanted their hair cleaned up, but didn't want anything crazy. To Steph, that meant Justin Beiber. To me, that meant way short (and Justin Beiber). I told her that I didn't want to lose the spirit of their hair, I just wanted it to be less-mullet-like and clean. She laughed. But she understood.
When we got there, that's what we told the stylists. They laughed. And they didn't understand "spirit." But they did a good job.
Surprisingly, Nick was the hardest to keep still. He didn't like the gown. He didn't like getting sprayed. He didn't like the scissors around his head and he didn't really like sitting there.
But Max was a champ. He was so sweet. He sat there. Didn't mind the gown or the spray or the scissors. He looked down when the stylist asked him to look down and he answered her when she talked to him. He was awesome, really. Where is this boy the majority of time???
They both look great. Gracie now wants a haircut of her own at this place. I don't know if that's going to fly with Steph.
The stylists were so nice and it's an ideal place for little bitty haircuts. A little expensive so I don't know if we'll be going back. I'm sure we will, at least for the next couple of times. Until they get get comfortable with the idea of getting haircuts. Then, they'll be able to go with daddy!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Gracie's Pledge of Allegiance
Yesterday was Gracie's Thanksgiving Feast at her school. It was a family affair and actually, the boys were well-behaved and it wasn't the circus I thought it might be. The highlight came at the very beginning of the meal, when we saw Gracie getting escorted down to the front of the stage, all in her little pilgrim bonnet and collar. She stepped right up to the microphone and asked everyone to stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance! Then, she said it all by herself! Like a pro. Public speaker Gracie! Rocking the Pledge of Allegiance like she owned the place. It was awesome. Unfortunately, neither me or Steph could make it to the front so we could get a good video of her. I had Max in hand at the back of the cafeteria. And to push through the crowd in the span of the Pledge was impossible. So, we just relished in hearing her leading everyone in the Pledge. No nerves. And the cutest thing ever.
You can hear it here...
You can hear it here...
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Tales of Max
Last Sunday, it was poop. This Sunday, it's marker. Max is going to destroy this house, one Sunday at a time. Actually, we'd only be so lucky if it were once a week. It's usually multiple times a day. I suspect that it's a 2-year old thing, but it's also a Max thing. And Max things are not age specific. I just hope as he gets older, the things evolve into something less destructive and more agreeable. Or at the very least, he channels into something productive - like painting the house or mowing the lawn or building something. Woo-sah.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Strep throat and Super-mom
Another month between blog posts. Shameful, I know. It's this and that and the other thing - everything that can prohibit me from posting has. Mainly my prioritization of recording the madness that is our lives right now. I want to do better and post more frequently, but it's hard.
It's a busy season for sure. I'm distracted right now listening to Max go through a vocabulary book and saying words that Steph is pointing out. He's gotten good. You can show him an entire ABC book with pictures and he knows and says 90% of everything in there. And always says, "um" in front of them. It's very cute. Nick is running at about 75% of the book and is much more deliberate in his word delivery and pronunciation. Now, Steph is disciplining Max to put something back. Sounds like a drink. That boy. Wow. He is going to make his mom older in a day and it's going to take me a couple of days, but he'll do the same to me.
They're on antibiotics right now b/c out of the blue, 2/3 of them got strep throat. I think the anitbiotics have some sort of steroid-type effect. They have been wired for the past 4 days, talking more than they ever have, destroying things like they never have, not sleeping....it's been eye-opening and just a tad exhausting. Just a tad.
I've been traveling quite a bit lately. Last week, I was in Denver for 2 days for a big pitch. Next week, I'll be in NYC for 4 days for a conference - I'm speaking on a panel at the conference. I know it drives Stephanie to the limits, her watching the kids all day/night by herself for days on end, but if she didn't do what she does, our family would be in shambles. It's hard. I know it's hard. It's hard work and it's hard for her to realize that she's doing an incredible job. It's hard for her to see the purpose in this many times, this staying home with the kids, being a full-time mom. The thought of a "full-time mom" probably sounds so ideal for girls, before they're actually in it, and once they are, there are few things elegant about picking up poop from the floor and refereeing fights and picking up "stuff" all day long and asking 5 times for something to be done and having 3 kids glued to your legs and loading in and out of the car and the store and the gym. I am convinced that there is nothing harder than being a full-time mom, much less being a good full-time mom, much less being a great full-time mom. This family is blessed with a great full-time mom. Kids - when you read this, when you can read this, go to your mom immediately and thank her for everything she did for you and then sit up in her lap and tell her a story. Or read to her. Or sing her a song. And tell her that you love her.
We went to our first parent/teacher conference of the year for Gracie on Friday night. The nut - Gracie is doing a good job. She's a very smart little girl. But she's "social" - she talks a lot. And her sociability gets in the way of her focusing and following directions. If she can learn to control her sociability, she is going to be the queen of her class. Valedictorian. She's going to be the queen of her class anyway ;) The best thing that the teacher said the other night was not about her smarts or things we need to work on or her report card (very first one!) - it was that she is a happy girl. The teacher (Mrs. Brown) said, "you guys must have a happy home because Gracie is a happy girl."
I rubbed Steph on the back and thanked her for everything that she does. We do try to set a positive example for our kids and we do things together and when I'm not irritated that I don't already have an iPad, things are more than pleasant around here. But it's the times when I'm not here, which is the majority of the week, that the real modeling takes place. And that's all Steph. Regardless of her mood (I know she's not "happy" all the time), she gives the kids everything (and more) that she has each day - energy, patience, teaching, discipline, compassion and most of all, love.
We have super-mom here at this house and we're all better for it. Homeade breakfast, of course, is now ready. Off for another meal, day, month of madness and fun.
It's a busy season for sure. I'm distracted right now listening to Max go through a vocabulary book and saying words that Steph is pointing out. He's gotten good. You can show him an entire ABC book with pictures and he knows and says 90% of everything in there. And always says, "um" in front of them. It's very cute. Nick is running at about 75% of the book and is much more deliberate in his word delivery and pronunciation. Now, Steph is disciplining Max to put something back. Sounds like a drink. That boy. Wow. He is going to make his mom older in a day and it's going to take me a couple of days, but he'll do the same to me.
They're on antibiotics right now b/c out of the blue, 2/3 of them got strep throat. I think the anitbiotics have some sort of steroid-type effect. They have been wired for the past 4 days, talking more than they ever have, destroying things like they never have, not sleeping....it's been eye-opening and just a tad exhausting. Just a tad.
I've been traveling quite a bit lately. Last week, I was in Denver for 2 days for a big pitch. Next week, I'll be in NYC for 4 days for a conference - I'm speaking on a panel at the conference. I know it drives Stephanie to the limits, her watching the kids all day/night by herself for days on end, but if she didn't do what she does, our family would be in shambles. It's hard. I know it's hard. It's hard work and it's hard for her to realize that she's doing an incredible job. It's hard for her to see the purpose in this many times, this staying home with the kids, being a full-time mom. The thought of a "full-time mom" probably sounds so ideal for girls, before they're actually in it, and once they are, there are few things elegant about picking up poop from the floor and refereeing fights and picking up "stuff" all day long and asking 5 times for something to be done and having 3 kids glued to your legs and loading in and out of the car and the store and the gym. I am convinced that there is nothing harder than being a full-time mom, much less being a good full-time mom, much less being a great full-time mom. This family is blessed with a great full-time mom. Kids - when you read this, when you can read this, go to your mom immediately and thank her for everything she did for you and then sit up in her lap and tell her a story. Or read to her. Or sing her a song. And tell her that you love her.
We went to our first parent/teacher conference of the year for Gracie on Friday night. The nut - Gracie is doing a good job. She's a very smart little girl. But she's "social" - she talks a lot. And her sociability gets in the way of her focusing and following directions. If she can learn to control her sociability, she is going to be the queen of her class. Valedictorian. She's going to be the queen of her class anyway ;) The best thing that the teacher said the other night was not about her smarts or things we need to work on or her report card (very first one!) - it was that she is a happy girl. The teacher (Mrs. Brown) said, "you guys must have a happy home because Gracie is a happy girl."
I rubbed Steph on the back and thanked her for everything that she does. We do try to set a positive example for our kids and we do things together and when I'm not irritated that I don't already have an iPad, things are more than pleasant around here. But it's the times when I'm not here, which is the majority of the week, that the real modeling takes place. And that's all Steph. Regardless of her mood (I know she's not "happy" all the time), she gives the kids everything (and more) that she has each day - energy, patience, teaching, discipline, compassion and most of all, love.
We have super-mom here at this house and we're all better for it. Homeade breakfast, of course, is now ready. Off for another meal, day, month of madness and fun.
Friday, October 1, 2010
It all happens so quick
September came and went in a blur. I wanted to write numerous times, but just didn't get around to it.
There was Labor Day, where we were going to travel to the Woodlands, but then decided against it because we'd go later in the month for Alexandra's christening. We stayed home and finished the back porch tiling project and hung out with the Stovall's and the Schwarte's. Both were fun.
There was the opening weekend of NFL, which around here is a pretty big deal. Kids - there's little that I find more enjoyment in than opening weekend of NFL. It was a great weekend.
Then, there was Max starting to be more than a handful. Now, there is still Max being more than a handful.
There was Alexandra's christening, which was more about wrangling Max more than anything for me. But the ceremony looked beautiful from the TV in the back room in the church.
Then, there was more Max. Driving Stephanie crazy. Seriously. She's had a couple of breakdowns due to the little man. He is so head strong and independent and insecure and overall, misunderstood. He needs A LOT of attention and right now, a lot of discipline. Steph does a great job with him, but it is exhausting. And that's an understatement.
There was us taking down their cribs because they climbed out of them too many times and they wouldn't sleep during nap or at night. There was the potty training, which as of tonight, seems to be going great for Max, and so-so for Nick. Max tells us everytime he has to go to the bathroom and does it by himself. Nick doesn't tell us all the time. He's getting better, though.
Then, there was also the stomach bug that ripped through our house last weekend, right before we went to Austin for my mom's 55th birthday. First it was Max. Then, it was Gracie. Then, Steph, then me. That ended this past Wednesday. It looks to have avoided little Nicky.
There is the talking more - surprisingly, Max is talking more clear words than Nick, and there is also the learning by Gracie. She's doing great in kindergarten. She's got a few behavior issues that Steph is working on in all her spare time, but overall, she's doing really well.
And now we're here. October 1. Wow. Family night movie night, Wizard of Oz on, Steph asleep, Gracie glued to Dorothy and Toto.
It all happens so quick, just as evidenced right here.
There was Labor Day, where we were going to travel to the Woodlands, but then decided against it because we'd go later in the month for Alexandra's christening. We stayed home and finished the back porch tiling project and hung out with the Stovall's and the Schwarte's. Both were fun.
There was the opening weekend of NFL, which around here is a pretty big deal. Kids - there's little that I find more enjoyment in than opening weekend of NFL. It was a great weekend.
Then, there was Max starting to be more than a handful. Now, there is still Max being more than a handful.
There was Alexandra's christening, which was more about wrangling Max more than anything for me. But the ceremony looked beautiful from the TV in the back room in the church.
Then, there was more Max. Driving Stephanie crazy. Seriously. She's had a couple of breakdowns due to the little man. He is so head strong and independent and insecure and overall, misunderstood. He needs A LOT of attention and right now, a lot of discipline. Steph does a great job with him, but it is exhausting. And that's an understatement.
There was us taking down their cribs because they climbed out of them too many times and they wouldn't sleep during nap or at night. There was the potty training, which as of tonight, seems to be going great for Max, and so-so for Nick. Max tells us everytime he has to go to the bathroom and does it by himself. Nick doesn't tell us all the time. He's getting better, though.
Then, there was also the stomach bug that ripped through our house last weekend, right before we went to Austin for my mom's 55th birthday. First it was Max. Then, it was Gracie. Then, Steph, then me. That ended this past Wednesday. It looks to have avoided little Nicky.
There is the talking more - surprisingly, Max is talking more clear words than Nick, and there is also the learning by Gracie. She's doing great in kindergarten. She's got a few behavior issues that Steph is working on in all her spare time, but overall, she's doing really well.
And now we're here. October 1. Wow. Family night movie night, Wizard of Oz on, Steph asleep, Gracie glued to Dorothy and Toto.
It all happens so quick, just as evidenced right here.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Gracie's first day of Kindergarten
We can't believe it's here. Neither Steph or I couldn't sleep last night. It doesn't help that no one in the house hasn't felt all that great, but there was anxiety about this morning for sure. Gracie was so excited! She colored a picture for her teacher, Mrs. Brown.
We all loaded up in the van (we're taking Keke to school every MWF, then Morgan is picking them up after school those days, so we had Keke in tow), and headed off to school about 7:45. Once we got there, we all went in, dropped Keke off in her classroom and then all marched to Gracie's. She was one of the first ones there. It was a big deal for everyone. We weren't the only ones who wanted to take pictures.
I don't think Mrs. Brown wanted all of the parents in the room, but there's only 1 first day of Kindergarten. And then we left. Gracie was just fine. She couldn't wait to start school. She was seated at her desk, in her place, as we left, ready for everything to begin.
She loved it! They learned about rules. And Genesis 1. Beyond that, they read and played. This year, she's going to learn and grow so much. She'll learn how to read and write lowercase letters and count to 100 and no telling what else. I really can't believe it's already here.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Transition is on!
Boys' meet the teacher was Tuesday night. They have no idea what's going on. It's going to be a lot like church, where they have a safe place to play, good people to watch after them, and they'll get used to it. Hopefully, they'll learn some things, even though they're only going 1 day a week. Structure, craft-time, how to play well with others - all of these things, I hope they'll learn and embrace.
Gracie's meet the teacher was last night. It's so much different - looking at a kindergarten class, meeting the teacher, seeing the way the room is set up, the other kids - it's just not the same as pre-K. Mrs. Brown is her teacher and she seems like a good one. I'm happy for Gracie because I think it's the right place for her to be this year. I pray that she'll continue to grow and learn and excel in the situations she finds herself in. She's a good girl, well-mannered, smart, inquisitive - I anticipate those qualities will get stronger over the next year and she'll continue to be the leader that she is.
Tonight, we gave her her first haircut.
Gracie's meet the teacher was last night. It's so much different - looking at a kindergarten class, meeting the teacher, seeing the way the room is set up, the other kids - it's just not the same as pre-K. Mrs. Brown is her teacher and she seems like a good one. I'm happy for Gracie because I think it's the right place for her to be this year. I pray that she'll continue to grow and learn and excel in the situations she finds herself in. She's a good girl, well-mannered, smart, inquisitive - I anticipate those qualities will get stronger over the next year and she'll continue to be the leader that she is.
Tonight, we gave her her first haircut.
She loves it! She looks clean and cute. That long hair was just ratty and long.
Tomorrow, we're taking her out for a special day with mommy and daddy. We'll take her to eat wherever she wants and then take her ice-skating. She picked that over everything else. It will be an awesome time.
This is a big transition so we're trying to enjoy it for everything it is, make it about Gracie (and the boys in their case), not about us, and trust that we'll get through it all. I know we will. And we'll do our best to have fun through it all.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Managing this blog and our emotions :(
Hard to manage, this blog. It's been a busy summer, and specifically last 4 weeks - there are so many things going (and gone) on, I'm a little frustrated to be dusting off the cobwebs now. Better late than never, I suppose.
The thing staring us in the face right now is Gracie starting kindergarten. This is her last week at home, no-school-on-the-weekdays for at least 18 more years. Wow. Obviously a huge milestone. She woke up today and yesterday asking if this was the day that she gets to start kindergarten. Slow down, missy. We need to savor this week. In general, I'm not having as hard a time with it as Stephanie is, but now, writing about it, I'm getting a little sad and nostalgic.
While the days of coloring and asking lots of questions will no doubt continue, it won't be the same ever again.
The thing staring us in the face right now is Gracie starting kindergarten. This is her last week at home, no-school-on-the-weekdays for at least 18 more years. Wow. Obviously a huge milestone. She woke up today and yesterday asking if this was the day that she gets to start kindergarten. Slow down, missy. We need to savor this week. In general, I'm not having as hard a time with it as Stephanie is, but now, writing about it, I'm getting a little sad and nostalgic.
While the days of coloring and asking lots of questions will no doubt continue, it won't be the same ever again.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Detroit, Wedding, Birthday, Dentist
Tuesday and Wednesday I was in Detroit for client meetings.
Thursday morning we left for Austin, to prepare for Michelle's wedding on Friday. Thursday night was the rehearsal dinner. The wedding venue was Texas Old Town in Kyle - real nice place, but outside, and hot. They had a shaded area so it could have been worse. It was really a beautiful venue. Rehearsal dinner was at Texas Reds in San Marcos. Man, that place hasn't changed in 15 years. And it looks it. But the food was still good. Me and Steph had to give toasts. We rocked it out. My dad did a good job, too. Mark even stood up and said some words. We all represented the Cearley side well.
Friday was a crazy day to say the least. Girls went for manis/pedis mid-morning. Then, they all left mid-afternoon to get ready for the wedding, leaving me and Kyle to baby duty. It didn't hit me, everything that I needed to do to get them ready (snacks, clothes, baths, etc..), until late in the afternoon. I ended up waking the boys up - they weren't happy. But we made it in time. Gracie got ready with Steph and the girls. The boys got ready with me. And we all strolled out at about 5:30 to start the ushering (me and Mark, with the boys' help).
Everyone looked so happy and beautiful. Steph was stunning. Gracie was adorable. Michelle looked fantastic. Damon cried (I'm really happy for both of them). Michelle was at peace the whole time.
The kids danced and ate (it did get hairy for awhile) and lasted till about 10:00.
Then, today, we had a small birthday party for Gracie at one of mom and Kyle's friend's houses. They have a great, little swimming pool and it was perfect. Cheri and Raymond. Mom and Kyle. Dad. Mark and Hayli. Mary Catherine and Eric. Colleen and Rex. And kids. Gracie loved it. She didn't want to leave, of course. But we had to get back to Dallas for another birthday party tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we'll have the neighborhood party.
Then, on Monday, I go to the dentist for a deep clean. Joy.
We are truly blessed. Even though I have to get my teeth cleaned like that.
Thursday morning we left for Austin, to prepare for Michelle's wedding on Friday. Thursday night was the rehearsal dinner. The wedding venue was Texas Old Town in Kyle - real nice place, but outside, and hot. They had a shaded area so it could have been worse. It was really a beautiful venue. Rehearsal dinner was at Texas Reds in San Marcos. Man, that place hasn't changed in 15 years. And it looks it. But the food was still good. Me and Steph had to give toasts. We rocked it out. My dad did a good job, too. Mark even stood up and said some words. We all represented the Cearley side well.
Friday was a crazy day to say the least. Girls went for manis/pedis mid-morning. Then, they all left mid-afternoon to get ready for the wedding, leaving me and Kyle to baby duty. It didn't hit me, everything that I needed to do to get them ready (snacks, clothes, baths, etc..), until late in the afternoon. I ended up waking the boys up - they weren't happy. But we made it in time. Gracie got ready with Steph and the girls. The boys got ready with me. And we all strolled out at about 5:30 to start the ushering (me and Mark, with the boys' help).
Everyone looked so happy and beautiful. Steph was stunning. Gracie was adorable. Michelle looked fantastic. Damon cried (I'm really happy for both of them). Michelle was at peace the whole time.
The kids danced and ate (it did get hairy for awhile) and lasted till about 10:00.
Then, today, we had a small birthday party for Gracie at one of mom and Kyle's friend's houses. They have a great, little swimming pool and it was perfect. Cheri and Raymond. Mom and Kyle. Dad. Mark and Hayli. Mary Catherine and Eric. Colleen and Rex. And kids. Gracie loved it. She didn't want to leave, of course. But we had to get back to Dallas for another birthday party tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we'll have the neighborhood party.
Then, on Monday, I go to the dentist for a deep clean. Joy.
We are truly blessed. Even though I have to get my teeth cleaned like that.
Gracie is 5
Wow.
Now that was fast.
Just listening to her and watching her - she is not a baby anymore. She is a little girl and we can't believe we're already here.
She loves silly bands (these rubber bands that you wear on your wrist), leading people around, taking care of her brothers, and listening to stories.
She was a flower girl in my sister's wedding yesterday. She was awesome.
Now that was fast.
Just listening to her and watching her - she is not a baby anymore. She is a little girl and we can't believe we're already here.
She loves silly bands (these rubber bands that you wear on your wrist), leading people around, taking care of her brothers, and listening to stories.
She was a flower girl in my sister's wedding yesterday. She was awesome.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The boys' 2 year Dr. appt.
The boys' 2 year doctor appointment was yesterday. Steph braved it without me (she didn't have much of a choice - thanks baby doll!) The boys, while a handful and a half, are healthy.
Nick's creds:
Head - 19 1/2" (60%)
Height - 34 1/2" (25%)
Weight - 25 1/4 (10%)
Max's creds:
Head - 19 1/2" (65% - I don't know how/why this is different from Nick's?!?)
Height - 36 1/4" (75%)
Weight - 30 1/4 (65%)
Max could probably stand to slow down while Nick has a bit of room to grow. Or at least meat to put on those bones!
Nick's creds:
Head - 19 1/2" (60%)
Height - 34 1/2" (25%)
Weight - 25 1/4 (10%)
Max's creds:
Head - 19 1/2" (65% - I don't know how/why this is different from Nick's?!?)
Height - 36 1/4" (75%)
Weight - 30 1/4 (65%)
Max could probably stand to slow down while Nick has a bit of room to grow. Or at least meat to put on those bones!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Our favorite moments of our little summer vacation
1. Getting the boys down without fuss the last night in San Antonio.
2. Steph and I making up with each other (through apologies) for our popsicle/drink argument at the end of the Sea World excursion.
3. Gracie sliding down the water slide by herself and seeing the fear, then joy on her face.
4. Uchi's dinner.
5. Watching Gracie make best friends with Peyton - Dan & Lyndsay's daughter.
2. Steph and I making up with each other (through apologies) for our popsicle/drink argument at the end of the Sea World excursion.
3. Gracie sliding down the water slide by herself and seeing the fear, then joy on her face.
4. Uchi's dinner.
5. Watching Gracie make best friends with Peyton - Dan & Lyndsay's daughter.
Our little summer vacation: Day 5
Yes, everyone did get a solid night's sleep. There was no waking up in the middle of the night.
We had this plan that we would eat breakfast, take the kids swimming, wear them out and then hop in the car and drive. After breakfast, all we wanted to do was get out of there. So, we left. We rolled out of the hotel at 10 and arrived in Wylie at 3:30. It was a long drive, but the kids slept for the last part of it. From that standpoint, it wasn't bad at all. (We stopped at a nice rest stop outside of Salado and let the kids play while we ate our packed lunch.) Man, it's hot. I can't imagine what July and August are going to be like. It's just not right.
Everyone was so happy to be home! We didn't do anything but rest. Got the kids to bed at normal time and they LOVED being back in their beds. There is truly no place like home.
We had this plan that we would eat breakfast, take the kids swimming, wear them out and then hop in the car and drive. After breakfast, all we wanted to do was get out of there. So, we left. We rolled out of the hotel at 10 and arrived in Wylie at 3:30. It was a long drive, but the kids slept for the last part of it. From that standpoint, it wasn't bad at all. (We stopped at a nice rest stop outside of Salado and let the kids play while we ate our packed lunch.) Man, it's hot. I can't imagine what July and August are going to be like. It's just not right.
Everyone was so happy to be home! We didn't do anything but rest. Got the kids to bed at normal time and they LOVED being back in their beds. There is truly no place like home.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Our little summer vacation: Day 4
Sometimes you eat Sea World. And sometimes Sea World eats you.
The morning started at 3 AM when both boys woke up crying because they didn't recognize their surroundings. This is the first time they've been in a hotel, plus it's the 7th day that we've been away from our house, so they weren't having any crying themselves back to sleep. We tried to let them cry it out, but it just didn't work. They ended up in bed with us around 4, then we all woke up around 6:30. Lots of non-sleep in between.
Breakfast was an adventure mainly because Max didn't feel like eating. I think he has some sort of one-food-at-a-time OCD so when I overloaded his plate from the buffet, I think he immediately turned it off. He wanted to play more than sit in his chair and he let the whole restaurant know it.
Those two red flags were not going to deter us though!
We were at Sea World when it opened and here's what we did/saw, in order, too:
1. Steph and Gracie rode the little Shamu roller coaster. The boys and I played at the kiddie splash area. Well, Nick played. I kept Max wrangled just outside the play area.
2. We all went to the water park and played for 1 1/2 hours. Hands down the best part of the day. Max and Nick didn't like the lazy river, but they all liked the little slide.
3. Lunch in the van. Max wanted chips, not the sandwich. Steph was dead set on him having the sandwich and not the chips. That was the beginning of the end. We also did a quick change into dry clothes in the van here.
4. Dolphin time. Only $6 to feed them, which Gracie so wanted to do. Only problem - I left the money in my swim suit in the van. Steph hoofed it back to the van while I took all the kids to the Shark aquarium.
5. Shark aquarium where no strollers are allowed. Everyone was on foot. Max does what Max wants to do. He marches to his own beat. He understands everything I'm/we're saying, but he pushes it to the last moment. By this time, it's 2:30 and no one has slept (normal nap time is 12:30.)
6. Shamu. The only problem was it was 1/2way across the park. Hot. Cranky. Tired. Sweaty. Max fell asleep in the stroller. When we got to the stadium, I got paranoid that he was having a heat stroke, primarily because he was so hot and lethargic. We took his shirt off of him, but in doing so, woke him up and as Steph said, "we woke the sleeping giant." The good thing here is that the whales were not cooperating so the show ended up getting cut short. Our kids certainly weren't cooperating with us. At that point, I threw in the towel. It was enough. 3:30.
We got back to the car around 4:15 and no sooner than we drove out of the parking lot were 2 out of 3 asleep. They all ended up falling asleep and got about an hour nap.
For dinner, we met the Mallards - Dan and Lindsay, Peyton and Alannah, at Rudy's. It was really good to see them. I like Dan so much. We usually only talk during fantasy football season. I need to do a better job of keeping in touch with him. They have a wonderful little family. Gracie and Peyton hit it off and talked and played the entire time.
We got home a little after 8 and got everyone down. Here's hoping that we get a solid night's sleep - everyone.
The morning started at 3 AM when both boys woke up crying because they didn't recognize their surroundings. This is the first time they've been in a hotel, plus it's the 7th day that we've been away from our house, so they weren't having any crying themselves back to sleep. We tried to let them cry it out, but it just didn't work. They ended up in bed with us around 4, then we all woke up around 6:30. Lots of non-sleep in between.
Breakfast was an adventure mainly because Max didn't feel like eating. I think he has some sort of one-food-at-a-time OCD so when I overloaded his plate from the buffet, I think he immediately turned it off. He wanted to play more than sit in his chair and he let the whole restaurant know it.
Those two red flags were not going to deter us though!
We were at Sea World when it opened and here's what we did/saw, in order, too:
1. Steph and Gracie rode the little Shamu roller coaster. The boys and I played at the kiddie splash area. Well, Nick played. I kept Max wrangled just outside the play area.
2. We all went to the water park and played for 1 1/2 hours. Hands down the best part of the day. Max and Nick didn't like the lazy river, but they all liked the little slide.
3. Lunch in the van. Max wanted chips, not the sandwich. Steph was dead set on him having the sandwich and not the chips. That was the beginning of the end. We also did a quick change into dry clothes in the van here.
4. Dolphin time. Only $6 to feed them, which Gracie so wanted to do. Only problem - I left the money in my swim suit in the van. Steph hoofed it back to the van while I took all the kids to the Shark aquarium.
5. Shark aquarium where no strollers are allowed. Everyone was on foot. Max does what Max wants to do. He marches to his own beat. He understands everything I'm/we're saying, but he pushes it to the last moment. By this time, it's 2:30 and no one has slept (normal nap time is 12:30.)
6. Shamu. The only problem was it was 1/2way across the park. Hot. Cranky. Tired. Sweaty. Max fell asleep in the stroller. When we got to the stadium, I got paranoid that he was having a heat stroke, primarily because he was so hot and lethargic. We took his shirt off of him, but in doing so, woke him up and as Steph said, "we woke the sleeping giant." The good thing here is that the whales were not cooperating so the show ended up getting cut short. Our kids certainly weren't cooperating with us. At that point, I threw in the towel. It was enough. 3:30.
We got back to the car around 4:15 and no sooner than we drove out of the parking lot were 2 out of 3 asleep. They all ended up falling asleep and got about an hour nap.
For dinner, we met the Mallards - Dan and Lindsay, Peyton and Alannah, at Rudy's. It was really good to see them. I like Dan so much. We usually only talk during fantasy football season. I need to do a better job of keeping in touch with him. They have a wonderful little family. Gracie and Peyton hit it off and talked and played the entire time.
We got home a little after 8 and got everyone down. Here's hoping that we get a solid night's sleep - everyone.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Our little summer vacation: Day 3
We slept in this morning, as much as we could (initially got up at 6, but went back to sleep till 7:30). Had a nice, leisurely breakfast, then, all of a sudden, the pace picked up and things got a little hairy.
The one thing we had to do was get to San Marcos to see Gracie's dance recital-type thing that ended the week of dance camp at 11:30. Needless to say, we barely made it, and when we did, she didn't want to dance :)
There was grocery shopping and gas filling and van loading and lunch making and road detouring that drove us to the brink of missing it. The girl gets so shy when we're around and watching her on a big stage like that. I don't know what it is.
Anyway, after the camp (and Gracie's meltdown saying good-bye to Nana and Papaw), we hit the road to San Antonio. It was a pleasant drive - no traffic - and we were even able to find another tie for the boys for Michelle's wedding in the process.
When we got to the Hilton Hill Country (came back after last year's success stay for Virginia's wedding), we checked in to our little suite, which really was sweet. Two rooms. One big enough for the boys pack-n-plays separated by two doors to another room, big enough for a king bed and a palette for Gracie. Slumber party time. The joy in the kids when they walked into the room reminded me all too well of our joy as kids when we would go on vacation and have a new room to explore and destroy and call home for a day or two. That was a neat moment.
The swimming pool took up most of our afternoon, followed by a cheap Sonic dinner and some S'mores. Kids are all sleeping now and I'm about to catch a recap of the NBA draft before I shut my eyes. Tomorrow is the day. Wally World. I mean, Sea World.
The one thing we had to do was get to San Marcos to see Gracie's dance recital-type thing that ended the week of dance camp at 11:30. Needless to say, we barely made it, and when we did, she didn't want to dance :)
There was grocery shopping and gas filling and van loading and lunch making and road detouring that drove us to the brink of missing it. The girl gets so shy when we're around and watching her on a big stage like that. I don't know what it is.
Anyway, after the camp (and Gracie's meltdown saying good-bye to Nana and Papaw), we hit the road to San Antonio. It was a pleasant drive - no traffic - and we were even able to find another tie for the boys for Michelle's wedding in the process.
When we got to the Hilton Hill Country (came back after last year's success stay for Virginia's wedding), we checked in to our little suite, which really was sweet. Two rooms. One big enough for the boys pack-n-plays separated by two doors to another room, big enough for a king bed and a palette for Gracie. Slumber party time. The joy in the kids when they walked into the room reminded me all too well of our joy as kids when we would go on vacation and have a new room to explore and destroy and call home for a day or two. That was a neat moment.
The swimming pool took up most of our afternoon, followed by a cheap Sonic dinner and some S'mores. Kids are all sleeping now and I'm about to catch a recap of the NBA draft before I shut my eyes. Tomorrow is the day. Wally World. I mean, Sea World.
Our little summer vacation: Day 2
Yesterday was me and Steph day of our vacation. Mom and Kyle watched the kids - thank you!!
We stayed at the Hilton downtown and I've got to say, it's a pretty good deal. We had a nice room with a nice view, even though we didn't do anything but sleep in it :) Uninterupted sleep, though. Yessss. (We still woke up at 6 though.)
The first stop was the pool. We did little swimming and much chilling. I took a nap for the first since I can remember. We stayed out there for a couple of hours and then got ready to go eat at an awesome Sushi place - Uchi. Man, it was so good. We got the 6-course tasting menu and it's one of the best meals I've ever eaten.
After that, we went to a wine bar that Steph's friend from high school owns - Uncorked. We had some wine, listened to a band, my brother and Hayli came by - it was relaxing and good conversation at the same time.
I was craving some sort of dessert after that so Steph and I drove around for a little while, but didn't end up getting anything. We were back at the hotel, in bed by 11:30.
Even though it was short, we had focused time together. It was much needed. Especially before taking the kids on a roadtrip, staying in the same hotel room with them, and venturing to Sea World. Happy trails....
We stayed at the Hilton downtown and I've got to say, it's a pretty good deal. We had a nice room with a nice view, even though we didn't do anything but sleep in it :) Uninterupted sleep, though. Yessss. (We still woke up at 6 though.)
The first stop was the pool. We did little swimming and much chilling. I took a nap for the first since I can remember. We stayed out there for a couple of hours and then got ready to go eat at an awesome Sushi place - Uchi. Man, it was so good. We got the 6-course tasting menu and it's one of the best meals I've ever eaten.
After that, we went to a wine bar that Steph's friend from high school owns - Uncorked. We had some wine, listened to a band, my brother and Hayli came by - it was relaxing and good conversation at the same time.
I was craving some sort of dessert after that so Steph and I drove around for a little while, but didn't end up getting anything. We were back at the hotel, in bed by 11:30.
Even though it was short, we had focused time together. It was much needed. Especially before taking the kids on a roadtrip, staying in the same hotel room with them, and venturing to Sea World. Happy trails....
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Our little summer vacation: Day 1
First small summer vacation has officially begun. We're in Austin and have been here since Saturday. It was my sister's bachelorette party so we decided to make a week out of it. We spent Father's Day here with my mom and Kyle. Mark and Hayli came over, too. It was very nice to spend it with a larger group of family. Then, I worked out of the Austin office yesterday and today.
Tomorrow, my mom is watching the kids and Steph and I are going to stay at a hotel downtown. We're going to eat at Uchi, then go to a wine bar, and then see what the night brings.
Thursday, we'll pick Gracie up from Michelle's dance camp (she's been there all week), and take the kids to San Antonio where we'll stay at the Hilton Hill Country (where we stayed for Virginia's wedding last year.) I really think the kids will love it.
On Friday, we're going to take them all to Sea World. We can't go to Schlitterbahn this year for our family reunion due to Michelle's wedding so this will take the place. And it will only be our family. But we will go and we will have fun. It is our Griswold family vacation and we will have fun. Even if the kids scream all day. Even if it's 100 degrees outside and we walk for miles. We will have fun.
Then, Saturday, we'll come back to Dallas. So, here's to the first short vacation of summer. Cheers.
Tomorrow, my mom is watching the kids and Steph and I are going to stay at a hotel downtown. We're going to eat at Uchi, then go to a wine bar, and then see what the night brings.
Thursday, we'll pick Gracie up from Michelle's dance camp (she's been there all week), and take the kids to San Antonio where we'll stay at the Hilton Hill Country (where we stayed for Virginia's wedding last year.) I really think the kids will love it.
On Friday, we're going to take them all to Sea World. We can't go to Schlitterbahn this year for our family reunion due to Michelle's wedding so this will take the place. And it will only be our family. But we will go and we will have fun. It is our Griswold family vacation and we will have fun. Even if the kids scream all day. Even if it's 100 degrees outside and we walk for miles. We will have fun.
Then, Saturday, we'll come back to Dallas. So, here's to the first short vacation of summer. Cheers.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Gracie the kindergartner
Gracie is officially a kindergartner now. Friday was her last day of pre-K. I can't believe how fast this has come upon us. She's so big, and the days of school will not end for at least 12 more years. Wow.
We went to her field day on Wednesday. I was the only dad there. Gracie LOVED having both of us there. We both loved being there. (A little anticlimactic. I was expecting three-legged races and a dunking booth. I got bubbles and face painting.)
I'm so proud of Gracie. She is such a good little girl. Well-mannered. Smart. Knows right from wrong. Kind. Loving. A little rough. And pretty head strong. But she is the only Gracie Jane Cearley in the world and I'm so happy she's ours.
We went to her field day on Wednesday. I was the only dad there. Gracie LOVED having both of us there. We both loved being there. (A little anticlimactic. I was expecting three-legged races and a dunking booth. I got bubbles and face painting.)
I'm so proud of Gracie. She is such a good little girl. Well-mannered. Smart. Knows right from wrong. Kind. Loving. A little rough. And pretty head strong. But she is the only Gracie Jane Cearley in the world and I'm so happy she's ours.
Big swimming day
Swimming milestones today:
Gracie actually took breathes above water before getting to her final resting place. Usually she takes one big breath and swims from point A to point B all in one fell swoop. She just hasn't gotten that she can poke her head above water to take a breath and keep going. Well, that moment hit her today. I don't know what it was - probably watching Amalia do it and feeling comfortable enough to just try it - but I think we've turned a corner. The real test will be when we're in our home pool. Let's see if it carries over there.
Max, usuall skiddish, took to the water like a champ. I had to drag him in multiple times, but he soon realized that he was safe in his floaties, so float he did. He even got to the point where he would half-jump in from the shallow part. We got over his fears of whatever in the past couple of days. Again, the true test lies ahead.
Nick just took to it all like old hat. He floated. He swam. He wasn't afraid. He even seemed to like going under water.
We did this thing where we all jumped off of the big ledge, even with Nick and Max, and they loved it. Max wanted to do it over and over.
I hope our summer is filled with many more awesome memories of family and water.
Gracie actually took breathes above water before getting to her final resting place. Usually she takes one big breath and swims from point A to point B all in one fell swoop. She just hasn't gotten that she can poke her head above water to take a breath and keep going. Well, that moment hit her today. I don't know what it was - probably watching Amalia do it and feeling comfortable enough to just try it - but I think we've turned a corner. The real test will be when we're in our home pool. Let's see if it carries over there.
Max, usuall skiddish, took to the water like a champ. I had to drag him in multiple times, but he soon realized that he was safe in his floaties, so float he did. He even got to the point where he would half-jump in from the shallow part. We got over his fears of whatever in the past couple of days. Again, the true test lies ahead.
Nick just took to it all like old hat. He floated. He swam. He wasn't afraid. He even seemed to like going under water.
We did this thing where we all jumped off of the big ledge, even with Nick and Max, and they loved it. Max wanted to do it over and over.
I hope our summer is filled with many more awesome memories of family and water.
Our kids and the big kids
Max wants to be with all the big kids.
Gracie wants to run the big kids.
Nick could care less about the big kids.
Gracie wants to run the big kids.
Nick could care less about the big kids.
Hi Summer....
And summer officially begins again in The Woodlands. We're spending Memorial Day weekend with YiaYia and the cousins in the pool. Yesterday was great. The boys even swam by themselves (with the help of their floaties, of course), which is a feat, especially for Max. Today is a big party celebration and the pool awaits....
More to come later.
More to come later.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Max the tackler
I watched Max chase Gracie last night and tackle her to the ground like a linebacker. She would get up, he would too, and then he'd do it all over again. Sometimes he would fall before reaching her. Sometimes, she would fall on purpose. But mostly, he caught her and wrestled her to the ground. He's a brute. He's headstrong, even more than Gracie. He is going to get in a lot of trouble. And he won't be able to tackle it all, all the time.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Gracie is BRILLIANT
We had our first parent/teacher conference today at Gracie's school (FBS). I was very excited about it. Mrs. McClure showed us Gracie's progress with coloring, drawing shapes, recognizing numbers and letters and writing her name. In short, the girl is BRILLIANT!
She mistakes 9's for P's and 6's for 9's, but that's OK. She also can't draw a triangle, but we can fix that. Everything else, she aced.
I was concerned about her interaction with the other kids. Just seeing her interact with kids at the playground or the way she interacts here made me wonder how she is with others at her school. Sometimes she can be shy or timid and just ignore other kids - away from school. But Mrs. McClure said that she interacts very well with others. In fact, she called Gracie a "leader." That's right.
She said that Gracie has a great attention span. She likes to sit and listen to books. She likes her friend Alyssa, but will share with all the other kids when they are playing. She talks loud, but this is something that she does here, too.
Next year, we are going to send her back to FBS for kindergarten. Smaller classroom sizes. She'll go all 5 days of the week from 8-12. It will be good for her. And if today's results are any indication of what we can expect next year, when she goes every day, I'm not very worried about how she'll handle the transition.
Kudos to Stephanie, too. She's worked with Gracie all year, outside of school - both on school-type things and also on behavior and manners. Mrs. McClure said Gracie was very well behaved, one of her best, she couldn't ask for any better.
We're raising her right.
Kudos to Mrs. McClure, too.
She mistakes 9's for P's and 6's for 9's, but that's OK. She also can't draw a triangle, but we can fix that. Everything else, she aced.
I was concerned about her interaction with the other kids. Just seeing her interact with kids at the playground or the way she interacts here made me wonder how she is with others at her school. Sometimes she can be shy or timid and just ignore other kids - away from school. But Mrs. McClure said that she interacts very well with others. In fact, she called Gracie a "leader." That's right.
She said that Gracie has a great attention span. She likes to sit and listen to books. She likes her friend Alyssa, but will share with all the other kids when they are playing. She talks loud, but this is something that she does here, too.
Next year, we are going to send her back to FBS for kindergarten. Smaller classroom sizes. She'll go all 5 days of the week from 8-12. It will be good for her. And if today's results are any indication of what we can expect next year, when she goes every day, I'm not very worried about how she'll handle the transition.
Kudos to Stephanie, too. She's worked with Gracie all year, outside of school - both on school-type things and also on behavior and manners. Mrs. McClure said Gracie was very well behaved, one of her best, she couldn't ask for any better.
We're raising her right.
Kudos to Mrs. McClure, too.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Nick breaks arm
Yup, the first broken bone of childhood has happened in the Cearley household. Nick fell off of a bar stool the other night and while it seemed like it hurt, it didn't seem like he broke his arm. Then, the next day, he went to catch himself on a fall and it definitely got him. Apparently, he was incredibly sweet getting X-rays and everything. He kept saying "light." Well, at least now he's got a club to protect himself from Max and Gracie.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Our fun time
To say that parenting over the last month has been challenging is an extreme understatement. The kids are going through massive transition and the toll that it has taken on us feels massive.
Max is going through a lot right now. He wants to be a grown up in the worst way. He wants to sit at the table (not his chair), wants to drink out of a big cup (not his sippy cup), wants to dress himself (not be dressed), wants to walk (not be pushed in a stroller) - he thinks he is much bigger than he is. We're trying to find a balance between giving him freedom and keeping him safe. It is hard, though.
He has also taken up climbing as a favorite hobby. He's always liked to climb, but now moreso than ever. Because he's bigger and more grown up, he's a better climber. Since he's a better climber, he's more adventurous. This has caused great heartburn. It all started last week when he began climbing out of his crib. He did this thing where he would then crawl across the dresser, into Nick's crib and just by staring at him, make Nick cry. The crib is Nick's happy place and as of last week, Max learned how to invade it.
This went on until Friday when I took off one side of Max's crib. Then, he got out and would still climb on the dresser, into Nick's crib. He did this until he busted his nose on Friday night. Blood everywhere. Screaming.
I think that was after he had been up all night the night before with a stomach bug. Steph spent the night in his room with him, sleeping on the floor. That was a fun night.
Over the weekend, I got smart and rearranged the room. I thought that if he didn't have a dresser to crawl on, he wouldn't get out of his bed, certainly wouldn't climb into Nick's crib. Well, I learned 2 things: 1) there was no way he was staying in that crib, all open like that and 2) the disassembled bed really messed him up. He was terrified of the openness. I finally broke down and re-assembled the crib this morning at 3:30 AM, after Nick had been sick all night. That was another fun night.
Now, as I type this, Steph is sick. Since Gracie was sick last Sunday, guess who's getting sick next?
Joy.
Max is going through a lot right now. He wants to be a grown up in the worst way. He wants to sit at the table (not his chair), wants to drink out of a big cup (not his sippy cup), wants to dress himself (not be dressed), wants to walk (not be pushed in a stroller) - he thinks he is much bigger than he is. We're trying to find a balance between giving him freedom and keeping him safe. It is hard, though.
He has also taken up climbing as a favorite hobby. He's always liked to climb, but now moreso than ever. Because he's bigger and more grown up, he's a better climber. Since he's a better climber, he's more adventurous. This has caused great heartburn. It all started last week when he began climbing out of his crib. He did this thing where he would then crawl across the dresser, into Nick's crib and just by staring at him, make Nick cry. The crib is Nick's happy place and as of last week, Max learned how to invade it.
This went on until Friday when I took off one side of Max's crib. Then, he got out and would still climb on the dresser, into Nick's crib. He did this until he busted his nose on Friday night. Blood everywhere. Screaming.
I think that was after he had been up all night the night before with a stomach bug. Steph spent the night in his room with him, sleeping on the floor. That was a fun night.
Over the weekend, I got smart and rearranged the room. I thought that if he didn't have a dresser to crawl on, he wouldn't get out of his bed, certainly wouldn't climb into Nick's crib. Well, I learned 2 things: 1) there was no way he was staying in that crib, all open like that and 2) the disassembled bed really messed him up. He was terrified of the openness. I finally broke down and re-assembled the crib this morning at 3:30 AM, after Nick had been sick all night. That was another fun night.
Now, as I type this, Steph is sick. Since Gracie was sick last Sunday, guess who's getting sick next?
Joy.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Vocabulary
Nick's vocabulary: 16 words
Door
Shoe
Sock
Car
Truck
Tractor
Ball
Football
Cowboys
Momma
Dadda
Sissy
Bubby
Max
Gigi
No
Max's vocabulary: 8
Door
Car
Truck
Tractor
Thank you
Momma
Dadda
No
Max mimics Gracie, which isn't the best thing. And Nick mimics Max. The chain has begun.
Door
Shoe
Sock
Car
Truck
Tractor
Ball
Football
Cowboys
Momma
Dadda
Sissy
Bubby
Max
Gigi
No
Max's vocabulary: 8
Door
Car
Truck
Tractor
Thank you
Momma
Dadda
No
Max mimics Gracie, which isn't the best thing. And Nick mimics Max. The chain has begun.
Happy 2 years!
Crazy that 2 years have gone by. The boys are so big. And we are all 2 years older?!?!
It was a low-key birthday. We were all in Austin for SXSW (the thing that has consumed me since the beginning of the year - working for one of our clients) until Tuesday (3/16). Steph and I came back to Dallas - mom kept the kids, thank you mom! - to spend a little bit of much needed time together. Then, on Thursday, the actual day of the boys' birthday, my mom and Steph met each other in Waco. Steph brought the boys back and spent the rest of the day getting settled into the house. We decided that we would spent the evening together, just family, and wait for the weekend to have a little party.
On the way home from work, I stopped by the store and got balloons (they LOVE balloons) and an ice cream cake. We were all so excited to see each other because it had just been too long. I don't feel like I've been around much at all lately and especially being a part from each other for a couple of days - we were all wanting to be with each other.
The boys loved their cake. They loved the balloons even more (I got Gracie one, too). It was a great night together.
We didn't end up doing anything over the weekend. Nick woke up on Saturday morning with what looked to be pink eye so it has sequestered us to the house all weekend.
It's been a great weekend, but I don't know that any of us can believe that they are already 2. Sigh.
It was a low-key birthday. We were all in Austin for SXSW (the thing that has consumed me since the beginning of the year - working for one of our clients) until Tuesday (3/16). Steph and I came back to Dallas - mom kept the kids, thank you mom! - to spend a little bit of much needed time together. Then, on Thursday, the actual day of the boys' birthday, my mom and Steph met each other in Waco. Steph brought the boys back and spent the rest of the day getting settled into the house. We decided that we would spent the evening together, just family, and wait for the weekend to have a little party.
On the way home from work, I stopped by the store and got balloons (they LOVE balloons) and an ice cream cake. We were all so excited to see each other because it had just been too long. I don't feel like I've been around much at all lately and especially being a part from each other for a couple of days - we were all wanting to be with each other.
The boys loved their cake. They loved the balloons even more (I got Gracie one, too). It was a great night together.
We didn't end up doing anything over the weekend. Nick woke up on Saturday morning with what looked to be pink eye so it has sequestered us to the house all weekend.
It's been a great weekend, but I don't know that any of us can believe that they are already 2. Sigh.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Day Tea Time
It was precious. We got all dressed up, her in a dress and me in something I'd wear to church. She watched me the whole time. When we got to the church, we had to stand in line with all of the other daddys and daughters to get our pictures taken. There were so many daddy/daughters there! We took our picture on a little bench, Gracie in a boa. I can't wait to see them.
Then, we went into the gymnasium and found two empty seats. None of her good friends were around, so we sat at a table and met new people. Then, one of her friends from her class, Kendall, showed up and sat across from us. She was happy about that. And I met Kendall's dad, John. Nice guy.
Then, we played BINGO. Gracie was one of the first to get BINGO, but instead of saying "Bingo," she had to say, "Daddy." She got stickers for winning. And then, we played until everyone won. There were M&Ms and Sweet-tarts - she was in hog heaven.
After BINGO, they brought out tea and goodies to the tables. The goodies were cookies, icing sandwiches and more cookies. Gracie loaded up :) We talked together, about the different candies, about her friends that weren't there, about Kendall, about the tea gloves that she didn't want to wear - it was really a great time.
Then, before we left, the teachers told everyone - "Daddy's look over at your daughter and tell her how much you love her and daughters, give your daddy a kiss and tell him how much you love him." I hugged Gracie hard and told her how much I love her and that she is the light of my world. She gave me a kiss and said, "I love you, Daddy."
What can be any better?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Fun in the Snow
Snow, snow, lots of snow. We woke up Thursday morning to snow on the ground and had all-day snowing. I went into work that morning, but came home early so I could avoid the ice. When I got home, we took the kids outside to play in the snow. For the first time ever. Well, I think Gracie played in the snow last year when there was maybe an inch on the ground. This was enough to where we could make a snowman and snow balls to throw at each other.
The kids loved it! Gracie wanted to do everything that Steph was doing - snow angels, snow balls, throwing, running - everything. Max and Nick loved it, even though they didn't know what to make of it at first. Once they figured out that it wouldn't hurt them, they played and played.
Friday morning we woke up to more snow on the ground and icy conditions. So, I stayed at home (which working from home for me and Steph both is not everything it's cracked up to be), and there was more playing-in-the-snow. The kids and Steph went over to the Penn's and played and built. Max liked to stomp around in the sludge. Nick just liked to wade in the snow. Gracie wanted to do snow angels most of all.
There were a few dejavu moments for me and Steph from New York. Snow is great. And I am so grateful that we had a chance to all exprience it together at such a young age for the kids. I've got some video that I'll post soon!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
SuperBowl Prediction
Super Sunday is here, but it doesn't feel like a Super Sunday. Steph and I even watched a movie (Extract)?!?! It was just OK, but now, I wish I would have watched more coverage. I've thought a couple of times about our experience two years ago in the hospital room. I will remember that Super Bowl forever. I hope this one is good. My prediction - NO 38 Indy 35. Go Saints.
Movies = some semblance of adult life again
We have been movie watching fools lately. It's such a good thing, because I remember not too long ago, when watching anything, much less a movie, for any length of time in one period was a challenge. This is an indication that we have some semblance of an adult/together-time life back again. The movies that we've watched since Christmas:
1. The Hangover - hilarious. Not to watch with your mom :)
2. Julie & Julia - Yes, chick flick, but I really liked it. Both Amy Adams and Meryl Streep were good. Meryl Streep was great, actually. Good, inspiring story for writers.
3. Duplicity - (Clive Owen & Julia Roberts) - just OK.
4. Public Enemies - very good. By the same director, Michael Mann, who made Heat. This one had very much of a Heat-feel. It's long, but I recommend.
5. 500 Days of Summer - good indie film. We had recently watched "Away We Go", which has an indie-feel to it, too. I compared the two, and because of that, it lessened my preference for 500 Days of Summer.
6. The Heat Locker - intense. Great insight into what war does to soldiers and their assimilation into 'real' life back home. We can't thank the soldiers enough, for sacrificing in many more ways than we can comprehend, for us. Very much recommend.
7. Up - what you would expect from Pixar, as they evolve. Good story.
8. Inglorious Basterds - what you would expect from Quentin. Good. Pulp Fiction is better.
9. The Illusionist - (Edward Norton) - good movie.
Today, we are going to watch "Extract" from Mike Judge. Then, it is all about the SuperBowl. With the Stovalls for the first half. Go Saints. :)
1. The Hangover - hilarious. Not to watch with your mom :)
2. Julie & Julia - Yes, chick flick, but I really liked it. Both Amy Adams and Meryl Streep were good. Meryl Streep was great, actually. Good, inspiring story for writers.
3. Duplicity - (Clive Owen & Julia Roberts) - just OK.
4. Public Enemies - very good. By the same director, Michael Mann, who made Heat. This one had very much of a Heat-feel. It's long, but I recommend.
5. 500 Days of Summer - good indie film. We had recently watched "Away We Go", which has an indie-feel to it, too. I compared the two, and because of that, it lessened my preference for 500 Days of Summer.
6. The Heat Locker - intense. Great insight into what war does to soldiers and their assimilation into 'real' life back home. We can't thank the soldiers enough, for sacrificing in many more ways than we can comprehend, for us. Very much recommend.
7. Up - what you would expect from Pixar, as they evolve. Good story.
8. Inglorious Basterds - what you would expect from Quentin. Good. Pulp Fiction is better.
9. The Illusionist - (Edward Norton) - good movie.
Today, we are going to watch "Extract" from Mike Judge. Then, it is all about the SuperBowl. With the Stovalls for the first half. Go Saints. :)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Nick's vocabulary - 7 words
Nick is starting to talk. Simple words. Yes, no, door, dadda, momma, ball, football.
Max not so much. He understands, but doesn't talk.
Gracie is learning how to spell. I would say that she has 2 words in her spelling cache. Gracie. Bell. We've got a spelling game that Steph (and I when I can) are starting play with her. In a month, let's see how many she's got under her belt. :)
Max not so much. He understands, but doesn't talk.
Gracie is learning how to spell. I would say that she has 2 words in her spelling cache. Gracie. Bell. We've got a spelling game that Steph (and I when I can) are starting play with her. In a month, let's see how many she's got under her belt. :)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
La Update Mi Familia
Maxi's sick. Real bad cold. He doesn't feel good at all. He's crying right now. Poor guy. Nick is getting sick right behind him. Gracie went to the movie theatre today with Alecia, Jackson & Katy to see Alvin & The Chipmunks. We love our friends. They are so good to us and our family. My work is intense right now. Steph has worked overtime, compensating for my late hours. God bless her.
I've made it easier for everyone to know when I post something new. You see the "Subscribe in a Reader" button in the right column? Click on that and select your RSS reader (for those of you that this makes sense to). Then, everytime I post something new, you'll know :)
Yes, I know, welcome to the convenience of the new interwebs.
I've made it easier for everyone to know when I post something new. You see the "Subscribe in a Reader" button in the right column? Click on that and select your RSS reader (for those of you that this makes sense to). Then, everytime I post something new, you'll know :)
Yes, I know, welcome to the convenience of the new interwebs.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Support in the New Age of Technology
So, from time to time, I've posted blogs here about my work. Most of my readers (or those who I believe are my readers) have no idea what I do for work and even when I explain it, they still don't know, so I try not to mix the two. I just started a work blog and I'd love to have anyone who's interested check it out and regularly follow me (http://11thscreen.com/). I'm on Facebook and Twitter, both of which you can find from my work blog. I just wrote a blog post for work that I feel compelled to share here, too. It is appropriate for the times and it is something that I'll want the kids to know about when they're older.
My thoughts are not ground-breaking, but they are my thoughts nonetheless. Here you go...
I am humbled, although not surprised, by the human condition and the outpour of support for all of the people of Haiti. Just like other major catastrophes of the decade (9/11, Thailand Tsunami, Katrina come to mind), people from all over the world are contributing in all sorts of ways. It’s awesome to witness how new technology – social & mobile – has enabled immediate outreach and support. Red Cross’s text message campaign has already raised $10 million plus. Say what you will about FarmVille and Mafia Wars, but their maker, Zynga, has utilized them as a platform and already raised $1.2 million plus. And Paste has partnered with musicians to offer up a library of exclusive MP3s to support the relief effort. Not to mention all of the companies, including mine, encouraging their employees around the world to contribute, and matching dollar-for-dollar those contributions. These are only a handful of examples that not only exhibit good will that I believe is inherent in people, but also exhibit the power of technology and how it can be used for productive, meaningful outreach and (global) connection. I’ve often told people that I wish there were a news channel dedicated to good news 24/7, particularly for events like this. Touché, there is such a thing, yet another example - if you follow the right people/sources, that is what Twitter has become for me. :)
My thoughts are not ground-breaking, but they are my thoughts nonetheless. Here you go...
I am humbled, although not surprised, by the human condition and the outpour of support for all of the people of Haiti. Just like other major catastrophes of the decade (9/11, Thailand Tsunami, Katrina come to mind), people from all over the world are contributing in all sorts of ways. It’s awesome to witness how new technology – social & mobile – has enabled immediate outreach and support. Red Cross’s text message campaign has already raised $10 million plus. Say what you will about FarmVille and Mafia Wars, but their maker, Zynga, has utilized them as a platform and already raised $1.2 million plus. And Paste has partnered with musicians to offer up a library of exclusive MP3s to support the relief effort. Not to mention all of the companies, including mine, encouraging their employees around the world to contribute, and matching dollar-for-dollar those contributions. These are only a handful of examples that not only exhibit good will that I believe is inherent in people, but also exhibit the power of technology and how it can be used for productive, meaningful outreach and (global) connection. I’ve often told people that I wish there were a news channel dedicated to good news 24/7, particularly for events like this. Touché, there is such a thing, yet another example - if you follow the right people/sources, that is what Twitter has become for me. :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Our different kids
So, the kids, of course, just keep developing by the minute.
Gracie is so very inquisitive and curious about everything. She talks, talks, talks. There isn't anything that she doesn't ask a question about (excuse the double negative.) She wants the attention that her baby brothers are taking away. We do everything we can to give that attention to her. She also needs to be engaged. Doing. We do as much as possible. Steph is very good at this. I could be better, but we (Gracie and I) have our moments.
Max is misunderstood. And I misunderstand him more than Steph. One could observe him, like I do, and think that he is grumpalupagous, but Steph says that he has so much that he wants to say and communicate, but he just can't do it. He speaks in his twin speak and he does a good job of hand motions, but there is still a lot to be interpreted. I think he is frustrated by us adults. Why can't we just see/know what he wants? To him, this is a simple subject and everyone who does not get it are morons.
Nick operates in his own little bubble. He doesn't really care if anyone is around or engages him or even understands him. He understands himself and Max understands him to the extent that he needs it and that seems to be good enough for him. If all kids were like Nick, the world would be a better place. He is simply adorable.
They all are.
Each day, we see how different they truly are from one another. Some traits of mine, some traits of Steph, some traits of their own. Despite their differences, they are awesome and we love them with all of our being.
Gracie is so very inquisitive and curious about everything. She talks, talks, talks. There isn't anything that she doesn't ask a question about (excuse the double negative.) She wants the attention that her baby brothers are taking away. We do everything we can to give that attention to her. She also needs to be engaged. Doing. We do as much as possible. Steph is very good at this. I could be better, but we (Gracie and I) have our moments.
Max is misunderstood. And I misunderstand him more than Steph. One could observe him, like I do, and think that he is grumpalupagous, but Steph says that he has so much that he wants to say and communicate, but he just can't do it. He speaks in his twin speak and he does a good job of hand motions, but there is still a lot to be interpreted. I think he is frustrated by us adults. Why can't we just see/know what he wants? To him, this is a simple subject and everyone who does not get it are morons.
Nick operates in his own little bubble. He doesn't really care if anyone is around or engages him or even understands him. He understands himself and Max understands him to the extent that he needs it and that seems to be good enough for him. If all kids were like Nick, the world would be a better place. He is simply adorable.
They all are.
Each day, we see how different they truly are from one another. Some traits of mine, some traits of Steph, some traits of their own. Despite their differences, they are awesome and we love them with all of our being.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy 2010!!!
Steph, nor I, can believe it's 2010. That is crazy. It was just yesterday that we were both in Austin, Steph looking to get into a prestigious graduate school and I looking to get financing for one of my films. So much has happened since then, not the least of which we look up and see that 10 whole years have passed.
Steph did go to graduate school, The Actors Studio, and still has mixed emotions about her time there. It was no doubt valuable - she learned from incredible teachers, made some incredible friends, and had an adventure like no other. I didn't end up making my movie, but have parlayed that experience into a pretty good marketing career. We got married in 2001 and I moved to NYC, after Steph's first year. Nine wonderful years (albeit trying at times) of marriage, a four-year old daughter and 1.5 year old twin boys, another cross country move later and everything in between, here we are. Ten years later.
2009 was a tough year. It was a transformative year. I hope that the effects of all of the transformations lead to more positives than not. It is with that that we look into 2010. This is in more ways that just another 'new' year, a new chapter. Our lives will proceed in a new decade (some would technically dispute me on this), making new experiences, growing, transforming more and more into the best versions of ourselves. My hope, more than anything, is that we strive to be better people (because we all can) - better spouses, parents, siblings, sons/daughters, friends, workers - in this new time. The type of people we are shapes our experiences and that, at the end of ten years, is really all we have to look back and reflect on and take with us.
May this year bless each and every one of us in ways that we can't imagine right now.
Steph did go to graduate school, The Actors Studio, and still has mixed emotions about her time there. It was no doubt valuable - she learned from incredible teachers, made some incredible friends, and had an adventure like no other. I didn't end up making my movie, but have parlayed that experience into a pretty good marketing career. We got married in 2001 and I moved to NYC, after Steph's first year. Nine wonderful years (albeit trying at times) of marriage, a four-year old daughter and 1.5 year old twin boys, another cross country move later and everything in between, here we are. Ten years later.
2009 was a tough year. It was a transformative year. I hope that the effects of all of the transformations lead to more positives than not. It is with that that we look into 2010. This is in more ways that just another 'new' year, a new chapter. Our lives will proceed in a new decade (some would technically dispute me on this), making new experiences, growing, transforming more and more into the best versions of ourselves. My hope, more than anything, is that we strive to be better people (because we all can) - better spouses, parents, siblings, sons/daughters, friends, workers - in this new time. The type of people we are shapes our experiences and that, at the end of ten years, is really all we have to look back and reflect on and take with us.
May this year bless each and every one of us in ways that we can't imagine right now.
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