take a hike ike

The latest reports show that if the storm surge reaches 25ft it would basically wipe the whole island of Galveston out. The thought of losing my favorite ice cream parlor (La Kings) and Colonel Bubbies (not to be crass, but I always thought it was "colonel boobies" as a kid!) makes me very sad. I can make jokes or comments about my favorite places, but I'm definitely more fearful for the people of Galveston. I pray that all my family in Houston (Nana, Pop, Grandmom, Aunt Kathy, and all of my other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends) would be okay and would merely have some broken limbs in the front yard.

Here's a little fascinating history for you-my great-great grandmother came to the US from Sweden. She came to Ellis Island (NY) and then to Galveston, where her family (my grandmother-"nana") would eventually be raised. She was actually in the big hurricane of 1900 that wiped out the entire island. She was found on the beach after the storm and a hero came to rescue her (a fireman), who would eventually become her husband, my great-great grandfather.....talk about romance!

My family has had a trip planned to go to Galveston for the end of Sept since May so I'm really bummed that we most likely won't be going! I bet we won't even get a drop of rain in Austin!

preschool and the coolest product ever

Caroline's first day of preschool was on Tuesday. She walked right on into her room and started playing with no issues at all. I was glad that she didn't have a melt down, but it was almost worse because I felt like she didn't need me. :( When it was time for me to pick her up I was looking in through the window of her classroom and there lay all the sweet children taking naps on their little nap mats. Oh, and there's my sweet Caroline tossing and turning because she never fell asleep (the only one). They did however say that she minded very well and never got off her mat so that was nice to hear. When we got home at about 2pm I thought I would just try and put her down and see what happens (she normally goes down at 1pm) and she slept till 3:30pm!


The coolest thing ever-
A week or so ago I went on a mission to find an insulated cup for Caroline so her drinks would be cold throughout the day, mainly used for when she is away from me for a long period of time. I found Thermos Foogo and I love it! When I was getting ready to leave the house before dropping C off at preschool (8:30am) I filled it up with all ice and water for her to have for the day. When I picked her up (1:45pm) there was still ice in the cup. And it gets even better....at 6pm when I cleaning up the gameroom the same cup from preschool was now upstairs and it still had ice in it. Needless to say, it is no lie when they say it stays cold for 12 hours. It's is well worth $15. I got the 12oz bottle with straw from Target. It says you can buy in the store, but I never found any so I ordered online.

anxiety....

Caroline is starting preschool on Tuesday. She'll be going T/Th for a couple of hours each day. Ever since I found out that she got into the program I have had anxiety on whether or not I am making the right decision. Am I starting her too young (she's only 2)? Does she really need this? Do I need a break? and the list goes on....I've really been noticing lately how bored she is at home and how hard it is to keep her entertained. I pray that God would watch over my baby as she takes this next step this week. It is our prayer that throughout this first year of preschool Caroline would gain Godly character according to Biblical truths and that she would gain more confidence in learning and being more independent.

I really feel like this will make me a better mom in a way because I'll have some time to take care of myself. I'm really looking forward to going to Smoothie King and getting my fav "island treat" and then shopping for shoes at Marshalls! Oh, and how could I forget grocery shopping (yuck).

Pray for me this week that God would give me peace as we take this next step and that I will have faith in knowing that He is ultimately in control.

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Pslam 100:5


Caroline has been really excited about her nap mat.

family pics

Our friend Rachel took some family pics of us that turned out great. We have so many good pics I had a hard time deciding which ones to post. I love using Rachel because she's so easy going and great with kids. She doesn't have a studio so you either meet outside or I think she can meet at your own house. The best part about her is that you just pay for the session fee and she gives you the CD with all the pictures. Enjoy the pics!

our morning swim with matthew and lance

This morning we decided it was finally time to go to Barton Springs. We have lived in Austin for over 6 years and have never been so today would be the day. We loaded up and packed some lunch. For those that haven't heard or been there, Barton Springs is an Austin favorite. It is fed from under ground springs and is 68 degrees year round, so it's super cold.

Only a few minutes after our arrival into the park we decided it was time for our morning swim with Matthew and Lance. They trailed behind us the entire time.... I guess they need to start working out.






I saw Lance in the water about to get out and I think I said "oh, there's Lance" then I saw Matthew McConaughey getting out and oh it was time for the camera. I felt like a dirty paparazzi person. I'm sure that has to get old for them. We saw a lady go up to Matthew and hug him...I would never do that!

Caroline is watching her daddy go off the diving board. He was trying to get himself acclimated to the chilly water in order to take her in.

gap adjustable waist jeans

Why have I not heard of these before?! Gap sells these adjustable waist jeans for toddlers. They have these little buttons tucked away in the inside of the jeans to adjust the waist. I know $30 is a lot to spend on a pair of jeans for a 2yr old, but I think they will grow with her well. Now that Caroline is out of diapers she's wearing much smaller sizes. The other day I got her some cropped denim pants and they were size 12-18 months!

great kid websites

I'm really into finding toys for Caroline that are unique. I get so tired of all the boring, plastic, made in China toys. Some of these websites I've known about and others I found in the latest Parents magazine. I thought I might share in case you want to start Christmas shopping early for your kids.

1. The Red Balloon Co.

2. Oompa Toys
I love this one, they have a big inventory

3. Crocodile Creek

4. Warm Biscuit

5. Land of Nod

6. Baby & Child Restoration Hardware
Apparently Restoration Hardware just came out with a baby and child line. It's very cute, but super pricey

7. Kidkraft
They have really cute kitchens and dollhouses.