Runaways

I love watching my kids grow up, but sometimes it's too much for me. It seems just yesterday they were babies and today they are getting ready to pack for college.

Every morning, Cooper is exasperated when Abigail gets dropped off and runs into her school building unsupervised. Little Man is desparate to not be escorted to class, as per the preschool's rules. This morning, Cooper asked, "When I'm this many will you drop me off for school?"


And, Abigail is already planning her adulthood, telling me... "Mom, you're going to be so jealous of me when I'm on "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Voice".

Sure, kids. I'll just step aside while you run off by yourself to unsupervised stardom!

It finally cooled off down here in Texas. I know, it's October and I shouldn't be surprised. But, it was still 105 degrees a few days last week, so I wasn't prepared for the cooler temps we are having this week. By unprepared, I mean my kids haven't been fitted in pants for the new year. I've been waiting until I absolutely have to buy pants. It's not that I'm cheap, but because my kids' legs grow longer every night. If I had bought pants when school started, I'm certain they would be too short by Thanksgiving.

No matter what the reason, my procrastination led me to a quick trip to Marshall's Sunday night. Not one of the three of us were interested in shopping, but the weather forced my hand. Unfortunately, that meant I wasn't mentally prepared for the challenge of battling Abigail's "new style".  We got in and out with little arguing, but in retrospect, I probably should have put up more of an argument instead of just pulling out my debit card.


My daughter went to bed a 7-year-old last night, but this 17-year-old is who I dropped off at school today. Aagh!!!

Tuesday Treats: I don't think so...

Oh, I know you come here looking for Paula Dean inspiration and Martha Stewart yumminess. This Paleo experiment we just finished (last night) has not left me with anything to share. I'm not saying that everything has been terrible, but I'm saying that I don't want to be responsible for spreading the recipes I've used for my family the past two weeks.

I love that we've developed some new clean eating habits. We will continue to eat more fresh ingredients. But, I'm going back to some of my tried and true meals, even if that means feeding my family atrocities like cooking soups and stocks.

I can say I tried. I've cooked meats I never had thought of cooking. I've sliced and grated more vegetables the past two weeks than I ever imagined. If you doubt me, you should know that last night I made meatballs from ground turkey, shredded red onion, shredded zuchini and chopped pine nuts. The meatballs were cooked on top of crushed tomatoes and spinach leaves. See?! I didn't take any shortcuts in this experiment.

One of the items we will be keeping from this experiment...

This is great on everything you would eat with peanut butter. It's an awesome substitute for fatty PB. I can't wait to try all the other flavors.

Early this year I was so excited to find a wonderful hairstylist and was in her chair every six weeks. Unfortunately, the last two times I was in the salon, I left very unhappy. Ugh... I can't stand letting my hair go but also can't stand finding a new hairstylist. On a whim today, I booked an appointment for tomorrow with a friend's hairstylist. I'm equally scared and excited. I know, it's just hair. But, it's MY HAIR!

Here's a blurry pic of what I've currently got going on...


But, I'm so against Mom hair and I think I'm looking Momish. I want something more dramatic. I'm thinking...

Cooper and I enjoyed the Drafthouse so much yesterday that we had to return with Abigail today. I know, it's excessive. But, when the kids are begging to see Dolphin Tale and I am looking for a lazy way to spend time with them and there is place where we can all get our way while we are showered with pizza and cookies... Uh, duh! Drafthouse, here we come!


These crazy kids filled up on mozzarella sticks, pizza and cookies and also enjoyed Dolphin Tale.


I know the days of being un-cool and only being wanted as an ATM are on the horizon, so I'll take these fun days any chance I can. Kids who want to hang out with their mom? Yes, please!

Party Hardy

I look forward to Saturdays because it means sleeping in, relaxing, and family time. Today was not a Saturday I've been looking forward to. For whatever reason God enjoys laughing at my craziness, Abigail received four birthday party invitations for today. Yes, you read that right: FOUR. Then, a week ago, the swim team scheduled the end of long course season party/team meeting/awards. That comes to five events in one Saturday. All thoughts of relaxing and sleeping in went out the window. Sigh...

Because Abigail can only be in one place at a time, she had to decline two of the party invitations. (Thank the Lordy!) But, the day was still crazy. The first party kicked off at Kerbey Lane in Austin for breakfast. (Sidenote: Although I'm not fond of birthday parties, I loved the idea of meeting for breakfast. Fun!)

I didn't want to be driving back and forth to Austin, so Cooper and I stuck it out in Austin and had some of our own fun. We met one of Cooper's friend, Ferris, and his mom and brother at the Drafthouse to see The Lion King. Brunch and a movie is an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning.


Please forgive Cooper for looking "special" in this photo. He's decided that it's hilarious to ruin the photos I take. Yeah, it's hilarious, Cooper.

Abigail's morning party lasted until early afternoon, so we still had plenty of time to kill after the movie. I bribed Cooper with browsing a few stores with me in exchange for me browsing through Toys R Us with him. Unfortunately, I didn't know that the nearby Toys R Us had closed. Oops!


When we finally ventured to the arcade/bowling alley/laser tag arena to get the party girl, she hadn't spent all of her arcade money so Cooper and I hung out in the arcade while she played.


Finally, the fun wrapped up and we wished the brithday girl a happy day!


There were a few hours for naps while I wrapped the evening party's present and baked for the swim team party. Then, we were off to party #2. Again, this party was another creative night. The girls started off at Mighty Fine for burgers...

... and then ventured to the mall for Build a Bear. Abigail had a blast! I'm pretty sure it was her favorite birthday party ever. I'm so glad she has sweet, Christian girlfriends to have fun with.

While Abigail partied away the evening, Cooper and I had more fun time together. I loved getting to spend the day with this kid. Even if we did take this picture three times before I could convince him to take one without showing off his chewed up hamburger bite in his mouth, he's just too cute.


The two of us went on to the swim team party where Daniel and Abigail joined us late in the evening. And, we finally got to head home at the end of this very long, party-filled day.