Boots for Lily

Now that we are moving to Oregon, Lily needs a pair of pink Boots.

I found these at the thrift store for $1.50.

They won't fit until next fall/winter but they were so cute I couldn't pass them up!

She was a bit more interested in watching Ethan play in the water then in the Boots. But I know she will love them when she gets to wear them!

Happily Homemaking in......Oregon!!

In case you haven't heard we will be moving to Oregon the first of
March 2012!!

Eli got a Faculty job at Oregon State University in Corvallis!!!!
This is a wonderful opportunity for him and our family. I know he will do a great job.

Go Beavers!

Although we are sad to be leaving our friends and family here in Texas

 we are so excited to be moving to this beautiful State and wonderful City.

A little about Corvallis:

We are an award-winning City that has been recognized as one of the best college towns, one of the top ten places to live, and as having the highest Peace Corps volunteers per capita and the most green buildings per capita. The City was recognized for exceeding standards established by the International City Manager’s Association Center for Performance Measurement and was ranked #1 on the Environmental Protection Agency's national list of Green Power Communities. These are just a few examples of why we are a one-of-a-kind community that is sure to capture your heart! (Source) 

Designated a "Bike-Friendly City", Corvallis has many miles of bike paths, trails, and roadside bicycle lanes. Many miles of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to very technical, abound in the outskirts of the city, with the highest concentration present in the Oregon State University research forest. (Source) 

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency report on its “green power communities,” Corvallis buys more power from renewable resources than any other city in the nation. Corvallis purchases more than 100 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, which amounts to 13 percent of the city’s total purchased electricity. (Source)

These among many other things makes Corvallis a great place to live and raise our children.

As of now, Eli will end work here at UT the end of February and we will leave the beginning of March. I'm sure it will take us at least 4 days to drive there. I don't like to drive after dark and we will have a 3 and a 1 year old! 

Over the next few months I will keep you updated on "The Move" progress. There is not much we can plan and put into action this far in advance in regards to moving. As for now, we are just talking and dreaming of our new life!

First Day of "School"- MDO

 Ethan started back to his "school" today! He goes to a Mother's Day Out program twice a week for 4 hours. 

I don't think he knew why I was taking his picture in the front yard. He didn't want to take his hand out of his mouth.

I finally got him to give me some what of  a smile without his hand!

Hands in the mouth again, he turned for a moment to let me snap a photo before running off to the playground.

Here he was last year on the first day. Look how much he's grown! Oddly enough he is still wearing these clothes.

I can't wait to pick him up to see how his first day went.

*Teacher said he had a great day! He didn't say a word all day (not surprising) until story time. Then he stood off by himself and told his OWN story. To himself. She said she couldn't get him to sit down with the rest of the group. Then he wouldn't nap until about 15 minutes before I pick him up. I guess he was just too excited about his first day!

Weekly Weigh In

Starting Weight: 185.6

Last Weeks Weight: 163

Current Weight: 162.6

+/- Week: -.4

+/- Total: -22.4

Not much but more then nothing. 

I think I ate too much cake this week. 

No exercising.

 A bit stressful. 

Tomorrow is another day.

School Days

While the kids and I were shopping at the thrift store we ran across this picture frame. I passed by it thinking that my babies were too little to need this right now.

But before we know it we will be here......

And not too long after that we will be here......

He loves it.

We will hang it in his room and add a new picture each year.

And when it is full and he has graduated from High School and moved on to College I will move it out into the Living Room so I can remember the day we bought it.

Wordless Wednesday- Lizard in the Bathroom

When Dad's Away the Boy will Play

Weekly Weigh In

Starting Weight: 185.6

Before I left for Vacation: 163.8

When I got back from Vacation: 165.6

Gained 1.8lbs on Vacation.

Current Weight:163

+/- Week: -2

+/- Total: -22

Not too bad. I gain a little while camping with my parents but managed to get it off again in one week. Now I just need to start exercising again.

And set another goal. Let's see...... How about I hit -30lbs total by end of September? That's 8lbs. I can do it!!!!

Now I really have to start exercising.

Hope everyone else did well!

Pink Sheets are for Girls

Eli is gone to the Gulf to dive for Coral. 

I am alone with both kids for the first time. 

For 5 days.

Wish me luck.

Lily and I decided that while Daddy is out of town we will have pink sheets on our bed.

We love the softness.

And the pinkness.

Pink diapers go well with pink sheets.

Ethan Learns to Fish

Grandpa Scotty teaches him to use the button. Drop, reel in, repeat.

"Hey! I got this!" (Don't you just love the crossed legs?)

Fishing takes concentration.

Maybe baby sister can help? No way!

Then Uncle AJ taught him to toss the line. This could go on all day if we let it.

But it was worth it to see how happy it made him!

I especially like the squatting position.

He even let Momma help!

Next time maybe we will let him tie a little minnow on the end. No hooks yet, though. Hopefully Daddy will be there to teach him that!