Running On Empty

I'm pleased to report that I have finished yet another good read. These past few books have REALLY made up for some of the stinkers I endured this year.

I think I bought this book simply because it had "running" in the title. What can I say; I'm just crazy like that. It really was a fast and fun read. Although the subject was somewhat dark, there was nothing overwhelming or too emotionally draining in the story. It's mainly about a man's journey back to himself. Sort of a play on the running years of Forrest Gump using a bike instead of sneakers. It's well written and heartwarming and definitely worth the time.

BATS Spelled Backwards Is STAB

Congress Street Bridge

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Vacation is no place for children.

This past weekend some dear friends from Oklahoma drove down to visit us. They stayed at this amazing resort south of Austin and invited us to crash the party. We spent two full days lounging by the pool, drinking, eating and laughing. We had planned to stay at the hotel as well, but after our Dallas trip, we thought better of it. Amelia is NOT a good sleeper when she isn't at home. That, combined with having to share a bed with the wiggliest child ever, means that no one, besides Asher, would have gotten any sleep.

We were able to get a sitter Friday evening so we had an adults only, real food meal where no one ordered mac and cheese or complained about not being able to wear pajamas. Elijah and I wore actual "going out" clothing and I even put on make-up. I know, big night eh? We ate at Hula Hut and it was just as good as I'd heard. After dinner, Elijah and I had extra time to waste spend, so we caught a late showing of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World at the Alamo Drafthouse. I honestly cannot remember the last time Elijah and I were out together without the kids. And the fact that were able to spend the evening with friends made it even more of a treat.

I had made reservations to see the Congress Bridge Bats on Saturday evening. I figured that we'd spend the day relaxing by the pool and then take the kids into the city in the evening. What I hadn't factored in was the draining power of the sun (on both adults and children). Nor had it ever occurred to me that THERE IS NO WAY FOR ANYONE TO ESCAPE AN EXHAUSTED, SCREAMING CHILD WHEN YOU'RE ON A BOAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WATER. We made it out and back just fine and the bats really were amazing. The kids did well considering the circumstances. I however, had a hard time enjoying it because I was so worried about keeping the baby happy and making sure we didn't slip slowly into meltdown mode. Anxiety ruled the day so I will have to redo the experience sans children, or maybe once Amelia hits six.

As you can see from the pictures it was a pretty exhausting day.

Waiting for Asher's horse back ride...in the sun.

The boat is still in dock...look at that face.

Middle of the ride, waiting on her fourth wind.

There were some bright spots...

And some near meltdowns.

Girls and Boys In School

Asher was so excited to start First Grade today.

I guess he hasn't yet reached the age where school is lame and you live for summer break. I think keeping him home with me for those last three weeks of vacation made him actually want to go back to school. Never underestimate the motivational power of a nagging mother. Based on this experiment I don't think I'll have any trouble getting him to leave the nest permanently.

Amelia and I came back to our empty little house and just stared at each other. It was lonely and far too quiet. However, don't for one second think that I wasn't trying to figure out when there will be total silence at home all day!

Barely Breathing

Sorry about the silence. I realize that I've been off the grid for the past week.

I took the kids to Oklahoma for one final anxiety ridden blast before school starts. It was a nice visit and I'm pretty sure I made up for the lack of photos the last time around. I guess we'll see once I'm out of my post vacation stupor.

I hope to be up and running a bit more smoothly next week. Thanks for stopping by to read this sad little post. Enjoy your weekend!

Behind Blue Eyes

The most unbelievable blue eyes I've ever seen belong to my first born child, my baby boy, Asher.

I have brown eyes and my husband's are hazel so seeing Asher's bright blue eyes at birth was miraculous to us. I remember worrying, during his first year, that they would change. It wasn't so much about the color. I think, instead, that I was afraid I'd lose the daily reminder of the perfect blue eyes I first saw on the day of his birth.

Throughout these past six years those eyes have been a constant reminder of that indescribable moment; when I first became a mother. He was born silent, and continued that silence for those first 24 hours in the hospital. He seemed almost thoughtful as if he was taking in his new world, his eyes filled with wonder.

The only thing that's really changed since that first day is the silence. I swear, that child is physically unable to be quiet. But he is still such a thoughtful boy, always trying to figure out the world around him. Questioning how things work and where he belongs. It is such a privilege to take this journey with him and see the world through his eyes.



















This post is written in response to a prompt from: