Maia and Ethan

It was a really full night. Ethan's always happy to see Aunty Maia. He also got to see Aunty Em at her thesis art show. Way to go Emilee! You did it and your art is so beautiful. I'll say "I knew her when" when you become famous.

Piggy Back Ride


Play Place

Happy 5th Birthday Ethan!

We had a blast at pops and nana's house this Saturday. Nana and Pop's got a bouncy Batman castle and the kids went crazy in it.

Azure Ray and Ebear Yarn Fight!!

The Azure Ray show was amazing. Orenda and Maria make the most beautiful harmonies these ears have ever heard. The door guy gave me a VIP pass and I got to sit in this little box next to Maria's mom, Pat. Here's a picture of me and Maria. I also saw the guitar player from Rilo Kiley! Jenny Lewis was there too, but she stayed out of the eyes of the 'little people.'



Since I hadn't seen bear all weekend, we decided to go get some things to make 'projects' together. Among other things such as glue and popsicle sticks, we also got yarn and scissors. When I picked him up from school today, he was cutting a skein of yarn into bits and having a really good time. We cut tons of yarn into tiny pieces and threw it everywhere like snow. After a yarn blizzard hit the living room, bear tried to help clean up and seemed only to be making a bigger mess so he got into a much needed bath while I cleaned. I had to be meticulous because Shooley our 25 pound maine coon eats everything. He is very cute, but not very bright. I've watched him cough up some pretty unbelievable stuff. Wish Maia had been a part our yarn swirl!

Thanksgiving Continued

We had a cozy Thanksgiving at Nana and Pops's house. Dad was there and my brother, David and his fiancee, Vanessa, and my niece, Sienna Rose. Uncle Bill, Karen and their boys were also here to share in all the family time and yummy food, all cooked my mom. She spent at least three days preparing, woke up at 6am and had the best meal ever on the table by 5pm. Mashed potatoes, turkey, broccoli cole slaw, broccoli cheese dip, stuffing, ham and loads more! Everyone fell asleep soon after the meal. Anyway, Sienna and Ethan had a blast playing in the sprinkler and chasing each other all over the place. It was a good thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving 2008

David and my new pet

My trip to LA to see Azure Ray

AZURE RAY


This is the first time they have played together in years, and there is only one show and it's in LA. Thanks Michael, mom and dad for my early Christmas present!

Finally an update

Apparently I'm not very good at keeping up with blogs and whatnot! Ethan has changed so much in the past months. He's about to turn five. He has a firm grasp on his opinions, likes and dislikes. He has been taking soccer at the YMCA and karate at Kajukenbo Martial Arts school, which have definately improved his focus and confidence. He still has loads of energy, even after school. His school, Children's Discovery School, is by far the most unique school I've ever encountered. He has learned so much about nature and how to care for it. I love asking him what he did at school. He never says "nothing". Also, I may be the youngest mom, but I'm definately not the most tattoo'ed mom! I don't think there are any parents not tattoo'ed! Anyway, we couldn't ask for more in a school. He missed the cut off date for Kindergarten this year, so he won't be able to attend Kindergarten until next August. By that time, we will be living in Houston. My mom and I are starting to look for schools. We are moving back to Houston, yet again, in February or March. This will hopefully be our last move. My mom and Michael are hoping to invest in a property in the Heights (close to their house) and let us live there and pay them rent, i.e the mortgage. They are always in the market for houses with garage apartments, because that usually takes care of most of the mortgage, leaving our rent fairly reasonable. I'm currently working as a freelance massage therapist, but I'm hoping to get a job in a spa or rent a space at a spa or health center. I'm about to take a continuing education class in deep tissue and trigger point massage. I'm currently learning reflexology and reading a book about aromatherapy. Dad (grandpa) and I took ebear to the Museum of Natural Science. We bypassed the Body Worlds exhibit, which I'm definately going back to see! I went to the last one and it was incredible. Body's completely intact, but you can view the muscles and bones and tendons and cartilage! As a therapist, it's like a continuation of anatomy class. The part where you get to put the real thing with the knowledge you already have! I also got some rad socks pictured above:) The bones and muscles are labeled. Best socks EVER! Instead of taking Ethan through that fun and gross stuff, we looked at dinosaurs and science stuff;) When we got to sonic testing exhibit (makes a boom) Ethan decided it was time to go! He is very sensitive to loud noises. I was the same way as a kid. We went to the gift shop, because, naturally, this is his favorite part of the museum experience. On a completely random note, we currently have five cats, but one is a stray that we are fostering. She is a gem. So sweet and affectionate. It will be hard to see her go, but five is too many. Four is too many, but they are our staple cats and we could never give em up!

Museum Pictures








KARATE





Soccer Pictures





SYLVIE



Oh yeah, Halloween!
Blake and I took Ebear trick or treating in Blake's neighborhood. He got tons of candy and had a blast. He went as a ninja. Super tough!




Tacos at Nueva Onda-best in Austin according to us!

Random Photos

Ethan and Zach got Batman gear!

Maria and Penelope

I should start a cat shelter! I can't say no to a needy animal. I adopted two torties that were "half price" and long term at Town Lake Animal Center. If you have any issues with spaying or neutering your pets...go to Town Lake and look at the sad faces on all of the unwanted animals. I say shame on anyone who doesn't take this step toward animal management and happiness. They've also decided to put a terrible Petland in South Austin. I couldn't think of a bigger contradiction. I guess there are still uneducated people out there. I'm teaching Ethan about animal overpopulation and how important it is to take care of your pets. Anyway, an awesome home was found for Maria and Penelope. Thanks Emilee for hooking Rocky with the two gals. THanks Rocky for being a great person and sweet cat dad. So far my one woman crusade for kitty placement has been a success.

new kitty SAMIAM

I found this kitty when I started listening to Mazzy Star again, so I wanted to call her "Hope" or "Sandy" or "Mazzy." Bear decided that she was "SamIam" because 'Green eggs and ham' just happens to be his favorite book! She is sweet. Looks like my Isabel.

pictures of you