Mother's Day 2013

This was my first Mother's Day in Austin, and it was definitely bitter-sweet.

Even if we were in Utah, I wouldn't have seen my Mom, but I definitely missed the traditional Mother's Day party with the in-laws. 

Yeah, you heard me right. 

My in-laws rock.  

However, the one thing that remained the same – I got spoiled!

So here's the thing. I'm kind of weird about getting store-bought presents...

I like it when someone buys me a gift on a random day, simply because they were thinking of me. However, I don't like it when someone buys me something on an obligatory holiday, such as Valentines Day, Christmas, or Anniversaries – I just feel like it's a waste of money. Generally speaking, if I want or need something, I just buy it. Luckily for my husband's wallet, I want and need very little. 

What I can't buy is a whole day with my loved ones just hanging out, laughing, and enjoying nature. 

What I can't buy is having everyone unplug from their iPods, phones, and computers to simply enjoy one another's company. 

What I can't buy is a 6-year old's handprint, or a coupon for hugs and kisses. 

What I can't buy is a website created just for me by my 12-year old. 

What I can't buy is a hand-written card from my 10-year old telling me that I "look young for my age". 

The gift of time is the most precious and important gift anyone can give to me (with the exception of chocolate). 

So yeah...

I got spoiled.

Mother's Day Tea

Olivia and her entire Kinder class has been planning a 'Mother's Day Tea Party' for over a month. 

During that month, I woke up to Oliva asking me "How many more days until the Tea Party?"

Every. Single. Day.

Leave it to Murphy and his lame law to give her 104˚ fever just two days before the big event. 

No matter how much Advil or Tylenol I gave the poor kid – she just couldn't break the fever.

The first day, she pretty much slept the whole day. 

 

The second day, she was to adamant about going to the Tea Party the following morning, that she faked her way through the pain, and kept telling me she was fine. Yet, I kept catching her rocking baack and forth in the fetal position, while holding her head in pain.

*Insert broken heart here* 

Fortunately around 6:00 pm – her fever broke!

So...the "right" thing to do is to wait 24-hours before sending your kid back to school. 

However,  the "awesome" thing to do is to let your kid go to school to enjoy the event they have been anticipating for the last month.

Admittedly, it didn't hurt that it made me "The Best Mom Ever". 

The next morning, I arrived with my exclusive invitation and was escorted to my seat. 

I was then served a lovely breakfast complete with a croissant, fresh fruit, muffin, and orange juice.

I was then given a flower pot pen, as well as a coupon book. 

Additionally, I received a book of reasons why Olivia loves me. 

Apparently I give the best hugs and make the best muffins.

Don't be jealous.

Just sayin'...

After breakfast, the kids pampered their mom with manicures, pedicures, hair-do's, and makeovers.

I must say my nails have never looked so good! 

They also sang songs, recited poems, and showed us their amazing artwork.

I'm so glad she felt well enough to go to school!

I would also like to apologize to anyone who got sick because of my selfishness. 

If it makes you feel any better...look how freakin' cute we are!

Formula Run 5k

I've never been into Nascar or any other kind of racing, so I wasn't

familiar with Formula 1 either. Apparently it's a big deal among International Elite

and is called "High Class Racing".

So, apparently it was a pretty big deal that Austin built an F1 race track

and my boys (along with 2,000 other people) were among the first

to be on that track. 

Landon improved on his time from the previous 5k, and most importantly

got to spend a fun morning with his Dad!

I Need a Bumper Sticker

The kids got their 1st report cards today. 

They all got straight "A's" and we are so proud of them.

I had to laugh though because Emma was reading the 

certificate to me in the car and asked, "Mom, what's
alla honor roll?".

I had to double check her report card to make sure

she actually got an "A" in comprehension ;)

I am so glad to see how quickly our kids have adjusted 

to their new schools and environment.

Not only are they well-adjusted, but they are truly thriving.

This move has without a doubt been the best thing for our family!

Happy Halloween!!

Our first Halloween in Texas where we can wear shorts and no coats!

Landon had a pretty clever costume, but you have 

to see it in person to get the full effect. 

He cut the eye out of a T-shirt and taped his iPod 

underneath. Then he downloaded an App that 

would make the eye ball move around.

It was subtle, but awesome.

Emma was Katniss Everdeen from the book Hunger Games

Olivia was the cutest witch ever.

I carried on my 80's fitness theme from our adult party earlier that week.

Jeremy took the easy way out, but at least added the glove as an accessory. 

 We went to our friends' neighborhood where we found another Katniss.

As well as a bunch of other cute and crazy kids.

In the past, we would run from house to house really quickly

so we didn't freeze to death. 

This was a much different experience.

Every couple of houses would have a "Pit Stop" where the 

kids could eat their candy and rest and the adults could 

grab a drink, visit and have a snack.

Some had Haunted Houses for the kids.

Some had movies.

Halloween has always been my least favorite holiday, 

but after this year, I may have to reconsider!

Dash For Dads

Landon and Jeremy decided to run a 5k together. 

They found the perfect race since it is geared towards Dads

 and their kids, called "Dash for Dads"

About a week prior to the event, Jeremy crashed on 

his bike and hurt his hip pretty badly. 

Turned out it was lucky break for Landon 

so he could beat his Dad for the first time!

They had a lot of fun and decided to schedule another one for next weekend.

Liv's Kinder Class

There's a lot of things I love about Liv's class.

The class sizes here are much more reasonable

 than in Utah...there are only 17 kids.

and her teacher is silly...

The one downfall...

She's bored.

I know she will be challenged soon enough, but I had 

to share what she said today because it cracked me up.

"My teacher taught us vowels today.

VOWELS Mom. I learned those last year.

So I just looked down at the ground.

I saw a lady bug."

Holy Teeth Batman!

Emma has been complaining about pain in her jaw, as well 

as headaches. It's clear that new teeth were coming in and

it did look pretty painful.

I called the dentist last Friday, and since that time, she lost

three teeth. We went to the dentist today and they said that she still 

had four other teeth coming in that she would lose within a few months,

in addition to her 12-year old molars. 

Sounds like another few fun-filled months are headed our way!!

Start 'em Young

When we made the decision to move to Texas, we did our best to 

convey excitement and limit my our anxiety, so our kids would feel 

more comfortable. However, once we moved here we realized that 

people here take it to a WHOLE OTHER LEVEL. 

I was surprised to find out they say "The Texas Pledge"

after the "Pledge of Allegiance" and every Friday they wear a spirit 

shirt displaying their love for a Texas city, school or football team.

After just 3 weeks of this, I think it's safe to say that our kids have 

been completely brain-washed 

Mission Accomplished.

First "Official" Day of Autumn

Last night Emma's friend Paige, from Utah, slept over. They had fun 

making movies and talking and giggling all night.

The next morning we went swimming...

Cute Liv

They both brought their Mermaid Tails

Emma & Paige

We sure miss this cute girl!!!

Student of the Week

Emma was voted "Student of the Week" by her classmates 

after just two weeks in school.

I think it's safe to say she is adjusting pretty well!

Ladies Spa Retreat

After celebrating Jeremy's Birthday weekend, Vicky and I needed some relaxation and pampering. We checked into Lake Austin Spa, which is just a few minutes away.

Since it was Labor Day and the kids were out of school, we figured the husbands could handle them for just one night. We were spoiled with yummy meals, enjoyed fabulous views, and had amazing spa treatments both days.

Our complimentary water bottles trying to entice us to hit the gym.

Our quaint room

 Our food was very pretty, portion-controlled, and calorically measured.
But I still would have liked the option of a fattening cheese-burger.

Damn "Health Clubs". 

We enjoyed a beautiful evening on the Lake and were so 

happy to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Morning breakfast with a wonderful view and perfect company. 

I can't express enough appreciation to my friend Vicky for 

taking me. We both agreed that we could have stayed an additional 

night, but also felt that it was exactly what we needed in order to 

come home completely refreshed for our families. 

Are you ready for some football?!!!

We went to our first University of Texas game last night.

We took a shuttle from the UT Golf Club so we didn't have to fight the traffic. 

We had some fun tailgating for a couple 

of hours before settling into our seats.

Bevo!

First touch-down of the night

The four of us

Around the 3rd quarter, we decided to cool off and 

head up to the UT Club. The game was on, but admittedly 

we didn't really watch it. Heard they won though!

Hopefully this is the first of many games to come!