Settled?

In the past week, I've been asked numerous times if we are "settled."  I usually answer "yes, for the most part.  I have a few boxes that haven't been unpacked the garage, but most things are put away."  The thing is, I'm not settled.  Yes, most items have been put in the room where we think they will be most useful or necessary.  And most boxes have been emptied.  Hubby cleaned out the garage this past weekend and got most of those items put somewhere as well.

The reality is that things are in rooms, but I don't really think one of our rooms in this house is finished.  I guess the living room/dining room is mostly together but I don't love it and there are things I would like to change about it.  Most of those things will have to wait, so for now I guess it's finished.  Our bedroom is a mess which I tried unsuccessfully to clean up today.  I'm not sure about the furniture placement in there yet and it needs to be painted.  Flipflop's room is painted and the furniture is basically in the right places, but I need to hang pictures and figure out some sort of organization for all of her stuff.  Firefly's room needs to be painted and I think I'm going to move his bookshelf to another wall.  Basement has furniture but nothing on the walls.  Kitchenette in basement has nothing.  My kitchen is pretty much done but I need to rearrange some of the cabinets and get rid of some things so that I can organize better.  I'm making progress on the guest room and this room that I'm in right now, I'm pretty much giving up on.  Not sure what we're going to do with it.  And don't get me started on the front or back porches.  No, I'm not settled.

So why do I feel the need to tell people that we are?

No Makeup...No Worries

*Edited because last night while trying to fall asleep I realized that I used real names*

I'm still struggling with waking up on time to get the kids to school.  My internal clock has not adjusted quite yet.  Funny to think that last year I was up and showered before the kids were even awake but that was because I had important places to go: work!  Being in a new place with a wide open schedule leaves me with a list of items that need to be accomplished but a lot of time in which to accomplish those things.  Last week I was really good about getting up and at least making myself presentable before walking into the school to take Firefly to his classroom.  It's not that anyone cares what I look like (except me) but when you are meeting people, first impressions make a big difference.  And I'd rather feel somewhat put together when I meet new people.

But this morning, I was really trying to psych myself up to go to the Y and workout after I dropped the kids off.  So, instead of putting makeup on, I put on workout clothes, threw my hair back in a ponytail and thankfully at least dabbed some concealer on under my eyes.  I dropped Flipflop off and then drove around to the other door to take Firefly inside.  I was in and out in about a minute and a half.  Waved hi to a couple moms and headed to my car.  But alas, Flipflop left her water bottle in the car.  So I ended up going back inside and walking over to her hallway to give her the water bottle.  In doing so, I met up with another mom who stopped me for a moment to let me know to check Flipflop's backpack for an invitation to a prayer group for the 3rd grade girls (love this idea!).  Then almost as a second thought, she says, you know, we have a group of moms that meet on Monday mornings right after drop off to pray for our kids.  You should join us.  It only takes about 20 minutes.  I'm thinking to myself, do you see what I look like right now?  And you want me to go meet a group of people?  And you know what I did?  I went to that group and prayed for our kids and made some more friends.  I'm so glad I did even if I was a little stinky and not too pretty.  And no, I didn't go workout.  I came home and cleaned instead.

First Day of School

I was sweating there for a few days worrying about how Firefly would do at school on Wednesday.  We stopped in on Tuesday evening for the "back to school bash" which was really an opportunity to drop off school supplies and eat hot dogs (we skipped the eating hot dogs part) as well as a chance to throw a softball at the dunking tank and dunk people we don't really know yet.  We also bought some spirit shirts so the kids have some t-shirts to wear on spirit days (first Friday of every month).  He was tired despite a 45 minute quiet time downstairs (he stopped napping about the last two weeks of school last year, but is insistent that he still needs a nap at school) and honestly, he was nervous about being there and it was obvious.  He didn't want to answer the teachers questions, he acted like he couldn't find his classroom (even though Flipflop and I were inside it), he put things away where he obviously knew they didn't go and was just acting silly the entire time we were there on Tuesday night.  I enlisted the help of hubby on Wednesday morning for drop off.  I had this vision of him either latching onto me and not letting go or him taking off running down the hallway.  Previous experiences have proven both of these scenarios do happen with him every once in a while.

We dropped Flipflop off first - piece of cake!  She informed me when she got home that she already knew all of her friends and that she was the only new person in her class so she didn't meet anyone new. Obviously coming to VBS and going to the birthday party a couple of weeks ago proved to be worth it for her - she was the new kid and already knew everyone in her whole class (I think there were a couple of people she hadn't met, but she knew enough that it didn't feel like it).  I can tell she's a bit nervous about the work, but hopefully that will subside as she gets back into the swing of things.

Then we walked Firefly to his classroom.  When we got to the door it was a sea of legs.  He looked at me and whispered - there's too many people.  So I said, ok, we'll wait over here for some of the grown ups to leave and then you can try again.  About six parents walked out and I knelt down and reminded him that his best friend (Jesus) is with him wherever he goes.  Then I took his hand and reminded him about The Kissing Hand and started to plant a kiss on his hand and he shook free of my grasp, looked at me appalled that I would even consider trying to kiss him in front of his classroom, turned around and walked in.  Never looked back.

When I picked him up I was relieved to learn that the worst part of his day was when another child was acting crazy, crying and running around the room ringing the bell that is supposed to tell you when to stop.  Oh thank God, it wasn't you!

A Night Out...without kids! And the rest of our weekend.

Last night we were supposed to go to the Miranda Cosgrove concert (iCarly from Nickelodeon).  Unfortunately, she was involved in a bus accident on Thursday and broke her ankle.  This left Flipflop in tears because Miranda was in the hospital.  Once I explained that she would get better and we'd go to her concert when they reschedule, she calmed down.  That left our Friday night wide open (which is not such a bad thing, but it is when every day is wide open as it is in a new town with few friends).  So hubby talked to a co-worker and arranged for his daughter to babysit while we went out with he and his wife.  Hooray!  We ate at Bonefish Grill which was delish.  We started with the Bang Bang shrimp - yum!  Too bad hubby couldn't eat any, but the rest of us devoured them.  He ordered the Spinach Bacon Gorgonzola Atlantic Swordfish and I had the Thai Coconut Shrimp.  So good!  The sangria was delicious too.  Can't wait to go back there.

Of course while we were out, another severe thunderstorm headed our way.  I got a text from Flipflop (she had hubby's phone) during dinner saying she was scared because the sky was yellow and it looked weird.  Good thing we were done with our dinner and headed back.  We got home right before the downpour.  The good news was they loved the babysitter and want her to come back!

Saturday, we ran errands all over town.  We picked up Flipflop's dance attire and shoes.  She is so excited to start dance at the Y in September.  She's also going to continue in gymnastics with Firefly.  I am going against my one activity rule this time because honestly, our schedule is wide open and I figure this is a way to meet more people.  Plus, we skipped a year of activities last year, so it's kind of like we're just making it up this time around.  Yeah, remind me of that in a few months when we are so overloaded that I'm stressed out.

Saturday night, I rearranged the furniture in the living room.  After having three different sets of visitors to the house this week I decided that the way we had originally arranged the couches was not welcoming.  We ended up feeling like we were blocked in by the front door.  So I took the advice of the stager from the other house and ended up putting them at an angle.  It makes the room look much bigger and you can walk right in to sit down.  No more blockade.  Here's a picture (notice Oscar on the couch looking so thrilled!)

I still don't love it but the furniture will have to do for now.  Gotta get those student loans paid off! 

Today we went to church and Sunday school.  This is our third visit to this church and each time we have gone to a different service.  We felt much better about it today and met several people who made us feel very welcome.  Flipflop headed off to Sunday School with a friend from her class and Firefly went with us.  He wasn't quite ready to venture off on his own.  After dog training at PetSmart, we rested a while and then headed to The Alley for some cosmic bowling and arcade games.  I used to be good at bowling, but not so much anymore!  Flipflop doubled my score at one point in the game.  But hubby came out on top with the win.  As if that were not enough entertainment for one weekend, Firefly, Flipflop and hubby went fishing behind the house.

And just so the furry members of the household aren't left out.  Here's Tucker in his favorite chair in the office and Oscar outside.  Oscar is doing much better in his training class.  He has learned sit, down, in (the crate) and is getting better at leash walking.  We are also getting a little more comfortable being around other people and other dogs which is huge.  He didn't try to eat any of the other dogs today, so that's great!

My Unwanted Vacation Souvenir

While on vacation in Destin in July, we dined at Fudpucker's.  The crab balls were delicious, the hushpuppies, not so much.  While sliding into the wooden booth, I was greeted by a 3 inch long piece of wood that pierced through my shorts and ouch!  I looked at the hostess and said something that included the word splinter and pulled it out, set it on the table and said, hmm, there's still some in there.  After a few minutes I headed to the restroom, pulled a little bit more out and realized that the rest was not going to come out.  Upon my return to the table, the manager came and filled out an accident report.  He suggested I go to a local clinic and let them know it happened at the restaurant.  Well that plan didn't work with our schedule. The clinic was only open 8-5 and we had reservations for parasailing and a boat rental.  I thought about going the morning we were heading out of town, but honestly I just wanted to get home at that point and I couldn't imagine taking the kids to the clinic before being in the car for 8 hours.  I enjoyed the rest of vacation and got up early Saturday morning to go have "surgery" to have my splinter removed from my rear.  The doctor asked what restaurant in Destin because he vacations there frequently and when I replied he said, "you'll be going on antibiotics."  Nice.

Well, I finally got the bill from my surgery and I have just emailed it to the manager and am waiting on his reply.  It's not that much (under $35) since we have really good insurance up here.  I almost wish I had insisted on them comping our meal but he never offered and I just wanted out of that restaurant.  While the crab balls were yummy, I don't plan on EVER dining there again.

Can't sleep

Four of the past seven nights we've had severe thunderstorms come through.  And I can't sleep through the storms, unlike the youngest member of our family who has yet to wake up during one of them.  We have a text messaging service from the Weather Channel that alerts us when there is bad weather coming.  It's nice to have, but at the same time I probably wouldn't be glued to the radar screen if it didn't text me.  So we get the text, check the radar and then make sure there is nothing outside that can blow away (neighbors have had grills, basketball hoops and furniture blow over) and then wait it out.  Luckily for me, I've had some great books that I've been reading the past couple of weeks.  Unfortunately, then I don't want to go to sleep when the storm has calmed down because I'm too into the book.  So my internal clock is all messed up and we have less than a week until it needs to be straightened out for school.

Flipflop can't seem to sleep either.  That is, she can't sleep in her own room.  I'm pretty sure part of the problem is crickets outside her window.  And part of the problem is that she is scared being downstairs in the new house.  So she's been camping out on our floor, on the couch upstairs or even on the couch downstairs last night.  At least we are getting closer to her room.  She has slept in her room the majority of the nights we've been here, so I'm not really sure what happened this week (other than the storms) that has given her a reason not to sleep down there (where she is actually safer from the storms).

I've started reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett this week.  I wanted to read it before seeing the movie which has recently come out.  So far it's really good.  Last week I finished The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon.  That one was hard to put down (which is probably why I haven't been sleeping normal hours!).

Goal for this week is to make a hair appointment.  I have one recommendation for a salon, but it's not very convenient and says, "upscale" which honestly probably means more than I want to pay.  I have been meaning to ask my neighbors but every time I see them I forget!  Pretty soon they may look at me and start suggesting places though...

Oh and I am sad to report that Firefly has not outgrown the wheat allergy.  It did not affect him quite as badly as it used to, but it definitely still affects him.  Poor little guy!

Meet the Teacher

Yesterday and today we had some very special visitors to our home.  I love that the school we have selected has home visits, where your child's teacher comes to meet their student (and parent) in their home before school starts.  I remember my teachers coming over to visit when I was a child and I think it's helps take some of the anxiety out of the first day of school for everyone.  Meeting Flipflop's teacher and Firefly's  two teachers (he has a morning teacher and an afternoon teacher who are splitting the day) reinforced our decision to choose the school that we did.  They are all so caring and welcoming and both kids are super excited to go to school next week!  The principal asked that all new students pose with the school sign in their yard and send in their photographs.  So, here are our photos:

Yes, that boy is wearing long sleeves on a summer day in August!  It would have been a bit more appropriate yesterday when it was only 76 outside with NO HUMIDITY, one of the great things about living here.  But today it was a bit warmer (upper 80s).  Since it's been hovering around 108-110 the past three weeks, he felt it was downright chilly today!  

We also went shoe shopping today and bought some new school shoes and PE shoes.  Then had a frozen yogurt at one of our new favorite places, Peachwave.  Yum!  Unfortunately, I was not paying attention very well and accidentally allowed Firefly to have a non-gluten free yogurt.  It's been over an hour and so far no reaction.  Could we possibly have outgrown the wheat allergy???  To Be Continued...

Flipflop's Room Re-do

When we moved in, Flipflop (using that for the girl for now) chose a room in the basement that was previously used as a playroom.  Unfortunately, it was not a cute playroom but rather a place where the previous owner dumped all the extra toys.  It was painted a very dull almost pea green.  I had intended to hire painters once school started to complete her vision of having a delightfully pink, girly room.  However, I woke up last week needing a project.  And right about now I am wishing that I had taken a before picture.

We headed to Lowe's and Sherwin Williams where she selected Party Time and Hibiscus.  Since it's a basement room, it has a ledge around two walls that go halfway up the wall.  So I figured we'd do the darker color on the bottom to tone down the Party Time.  We also put the hibiscus on the far wall behind her bed.  It worked well and looks fantastic!  Here's the end result:

We still haven't finished the decorating - need to hang some pictures and add some personality.  But she loves it and I think it turned out great (even if it does glow!).  

More Rim Rock Lodge

One more photo (from my phone)

Rim Rock Lodge, San Marcos, Texas

Recently our family met outside of Wimberley, Texas to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary.  Their anniversary is actually in August, but we went in July because school will have already started by the actual date.  We stayed at Rim Rock Lodge, a luxury, 6-bedroom, 4-bath lodge with swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, game room.  It was amazing and beautiful.  Here are a few pictures I took:

 and one that hubby took of the sunset:

I wish we could go back!!  It was so peaceful and relaxing.  

The Not So Lazy River

After spending a few hours cleaning my house (not my favorite thing to do!), I took the kids back to the YMCA.  On the agenda today was to swim at the waterpark.  We've only gone one other time this summer and the water was FREEZING which is why I have been so hesitant to go back.  But considering that it's been over 100 (actually closer to 110) the past few weeks, I figured that the water may have warmed up by now.  It has and was actually quite refreshing.  My other issue with the Y waterpark is that they claim to have a Lazy River.  I was so excited about that because that is one of my favorite things to do - float lazily along under the sun.  However, I don't consider having water dumped on you from 10 buckets, sprayed on you from 20 squirters or poured on you from two bridges quite the same experience as a "lazy" river.  More like a crazy river where you are drenched by the time you go around.  I went in with a better attitude and a clearer idea that I would be drenched this time and we enjoyed it so much more than the last time when the water was about 20 degrees colder.  Hooray!

Do Unto Others and the rest of our day...

If I have learned anything in the past month it's definitely the Golden Rule.  And what I would like for others to do is be friendly and welcoming.  So the kids and I made those White Chocolate S'mores Gooey Cake Bars from Picky Palate along with our flat and crispy cookies from the previous post and delivered them to our new neighbors tonight.  We also took a cute little sea turtle bath toy for their 6 month old daughter.  I hope they liked them and aren't wondering why the cookies are so flat!  Guess they'll find out when they try to bake cookies.

Other than that, we went to the Y this afternoon for gymnastics.  I am still amazed by our YMCA.  It is huge.  The kids had a great time at gymnastics and I was impressed at the facilities and coaches - just like our old gymnastics place only on a smaller scale (and being at the Y, I can work out if I so desire; today I did not desire).  But I did talk to another mom which if you've been around me in the past few years is not something I do often.  So yay me!  I'm going from being the standoffish listener who keeps to herself to being the inquisitive instigator.  Do Unto Others...

It's been over a year...

It's been over a year since I last posted on a blog.  It was a different blog, a blog that I still have but do not update because honestly I sort of had a blog stalker that freaked us all out a bit.  Which explains a little of why it's been over a year since I've posted anything.

So why start blogging again?  We moved to a new house in a new city in a new state a month ago.  I am really looking forward to school starting in two weeks just so we have a schedule and places to be each day.  I'm also hoping to volunteer at the school and meet some new people.

Not really sure what my plans are for this blog.  I suppose to keep my friends and family up to date and keep a journal of our adventures.

Today I learned that cookies do not turn out the same way here that they did at home.  I tried baking in my Advantium oven for the first time and they were flat and crispy.  So, I switched to the regular oven and guess what?  Flat and crispy.  Strange...  And here I was trying to be a good neighbor and make  cookies for the people who moved in across the street.  Hopefully the ooey, gooey white chocolate s'mores bars turned out better.  :-)