12.21.2008
December Highlights
I've been remiss on updating this month so I am posting a collection of our activities for the first few weeks in December. This list includes the Christmas Festival in Georgetown, Texas where JT and Zachy attempted to rock climb and Sam was snowed on. Cookie making with mom; I think I had over 100 cookies when all was said and done. A quick visit from Eli Nguyen. The boys did their first 1K, The Jingle Race. JT was disappointed with how short a 1K actually is and has asked to run a 5k. Zachy had fun too however I knew that having him at the front of the line wasn't the best idea; he started the race but then quickly had a collision with a little girl. Rick tried convincing Zachy to run but he decided it wasn't as fun as he thought. While at the race, JT met up with his kinder buddy William and his twin Katherine and their older brother Patrick. There are also a few photos from Zachy's Christmas party at school.
12.20.2008
where is the lucas clan
we are currently in new orleans on our way to north carolina for one lat visit before pete and judes move north to new york.
we left austin yesterday around 2PM. the majority of the trip was uneventful.
rick got sleepy and asked me to drive, which i agreed to without realizing just how close we were to houston. i have two road-trip rules: i will not drive in dallas or houston. well, lucky me i got to drive through houston at 4:30, which was super fun.
we missed most of louisiana b/c it was dark and foggy.
we did get a nice 30 minutes side trip when jt announced in the middle of nowhere that he had to use the bathroom. we saw a gas station sign and foolishly followed into the middle of nowhere. it was about 11 PM so we really have no idea where we were but we did get lost and we believe we got to travel over this bridge, not once but twice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SunShine_Bridge.jpg.
we rolled in to town about midnight and stayed up until almost 2 drinking beer and having the best red beans and rice ever.
rick and lee had to take the car in to get a spark plug fixed - i am not thrilled - but once they are done we will start our adventures in nola.
we left austin yesterday around 2PM. the majority of the trip was uneventful.
rick got sleepy and asked me to drive, which i agreed to without realizing just how close we were to houston. i have two road-trip rules: i will not drive in dallas or houston. well, lucky me i got to drive through houston at 4:30, which was super fun.
we missed most of louisiana b/c it was dark and foggy.
we did get a nice 30 minutes side trip when jt announced in the middle of nowhere that he had to use the bathroom. we saw a gas station sign and foolishly followed into the middle of nowhere. it was about 11 PM so we really have no idea where we were but we did get lost and we believe we got to travel over this bridge, not once but twice http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SunShine_Bridge.jpg.
we rolled in to town about midnight and stayed up until almost 2 drinking beer and having the best red beans and rice ever.
rick and lee had to take the car in to get a spark plug fixed - i am not thrilled - but once they are done we will start our adventures in nola.
12.08.2008
Santa Plays Baseball
We went to Round Rock Express stadium on Saturday to sign up the boys for Spike's Club and we got a chance to see Santa. JT doesn't believe that this is the real one; he had several comments about the suit not being just right. We've had to explain that Santa needs some guys to help out during the season but that you never know when the real Santa will show up.
Zach told Santa that he wants carrots and JT told Santa he wants a Nintendo DS (a gift I keep telling him he probably isn't getting). JT also asked Santa if the elves know how to play baseball.
The group photo includes JT's and Zach's tball buddies - (from left clockwise) Sarah, Matthew, Sam, JT and Zach.
Zach told Santa that he wants carrots and JT told Santa he wants a Nintendo DS (a gift I keep telling him he probably isn't getting). JT also asked Santa if the elves know how to play baseball.
The group photo includes JT's and Zach's tball buddies - (from left clockwise) Sarah, Matthew, Sam, JT and Zach.12.07.2008
slacker with cool tile
I am still here but I've been miserably sick for the past few weeks. It started first with a fever, got better around Thanksgiving, and then turned into a very nasty stomach virus. Unfortunately both boys have had this mysterious stomach virus that seems to hang on. I think we've had at least 4 nights of "MOOOOMMMMM...I have puke!" I am not sure if Rick and I should be proud that we are a well-oiled machine when it comes to cleaning up puke and pukey kids. The good news is that Rick hasn't gotten it and I am really hoping he doesn't.
And since I've talked about it long enough, it is about time I show some photos of the fabulous tile Rick has installed. The photo is of the stuff that we put in the kitchen, laundry room, entry way, and the boy's bathroom. Our bathroom has similar tile that is a bit darker. I definitely found the best tiler in Texas; I am willing to loan him out to anyone who needs him.
And since I've talked about it long enough, it is about time I show some photos of the fabulous tile Rick has installed. The photo is of the stuff that we put in the kitchen, laundry room, entry way, and the boy's bathroom. Our bathroom has similar tile that is a bit darker. I definitely found the best tiler in Texas; I am willing to loan him out to anyone who needs him.
11.24.2008
tiling and zach's bed
We've had a busy weekend of tiling. Rick is done. okay, he is done with the tiling and grouting. He still has thresholds and molding to put in but I am fine with that coming post thanksgiving (especially since we won't be hosting at our house). I do love the new tile and I am very pleased with the manual labor that I hired. I will definitely keep him around for a few more projects.
I also want to share a great conversation between me and Zach earlier this week. He was looking for some Star Wars item of some sort (go figure!) and he found it on Rick's nightstand.
me: you found it, where was it?
zach: dad's and my bed
me: your and dad's bed?
zach: yes, my bed is in the middle.
me: well then whose bed is that in your room?
zach: that's ella's (the dog) bed
I also want to share a great conversation between me and Zach earlier this week. He was looking for some Star Wars item of some sort (go figure!) and he found it on Rick's nightstand.
me: you found it, where was it?
zach: dad's and my bed
me: your and dad's bed?
zach: yes, my bed is in the middle.
me: well then whose bed is that in your room?
zach: that's ella's (the dog) bed
11.16.2008
We did it!
Rick and I finished the 1/2 marathon in San Antonio today. Our time was about 2:30, which I am pleased with for my first race. It breaks down to an average of 11 minute miles.
Before I give my play-by-play, I have to give a big shout out to our friends the Allessios. If it wasn't for them graciously taking the boys for the weekend, we would have never been able to run the race. Events like this are always much easier when you know your kids are being well-cared for and having a good time.
Rick and I got to San Antonio in the early afternoon and went straight to the Expo to get our packets. We roamed around a while and then headed to the hotel. After checking in we headed to the Quarry (a shopping center) and wandered around to a few places looking for dinner. Our biggest disappointment was that Panera was sold out of bagels; apparently everyone else wanted bagels for breakfast. We were back at the hotel early, had dinner, watched Juno, and then were fast asleep by 10.
We woke up at 4 AM and caught the marathon shuttle for the start line. We hung out at the start line in 30 degree weather for about 2 hours. Thankfully we had some good advice from friends and had some wal-mart (yes, i shopped at wal-mart) sweatpants and sweatshirts that we left on the race course once we got started. The race crew picks up all the clothing and donates it to charity. It took about 40 minutes for us to get to the start line. We had a good steady pace until mile 6 where I hit a wall. Rick stayed back with me and helped me get a good pace back again.
The course was uneventful. We ran mainly through the hoods around the downtown area before movingd to a hood with some nice older homes and then back downtown to finish at the Alamo Dome. It wasn't a bad course, mostly flat until the last 1/2 of mile 12 (which sucked). This was the first year for the Rock n Roll marathon in SA and they definitely have some kinks to work out. There wasn't much crowd support and not nearly as many bands as we had thought, which was probably one the toughest things to deal with. Rick and I had both left our mp3 players at home thinking we would get some good bands. I really needed my music to keep my mind off the miles and my numbing foot.
Prior to the race, I kept telling Rick I was worried that we would lose each other during the race. We never did but when we reached the finish line I took off in search of a porta-potty. Another flaw with the marathon was that all the finish line porta-potties were outside the runner's area and over where you meet your friends/family. Because of this, we missed out chance to get our photo taken and only grabbed a few food items. We tried to get back in but we were stopped by a police officer. The other downside was that since we couldn't get back through we weren't able to help cheer on the remaining finishers.
The swag was definitely disappointing. We got a t-shirt at registration but didn't get finisher shirts or any other cool things at the end. We did get some heavy medals that the boys think are pretty cool.
So that is my recap. Hopefully the race photographers got at least one good photo of us. I'll post the link once we get it. We will be taking a break for a while but we will definitely be looking for another race soon.
Before I give my play-by-play, I have to give a big shout out to our friends the Allessios. If it wasn't for them graciously taking the boys for the weekend, we would have never been able to run the race. Events like this are always much easier when you know your kids are being well-cared for and having a good time.
Rick and I got to San Antonio in the early afternoon and went straight to the Expo to get our packets. We roamed around a while and then headed to the hotel. After checking in we headed to the Quarry (a shopping center) and wandered around to a few places looking for dinner. Our biggest disappointment was that Panera was sold out of bagels; apparently everyone else wanted bagels for breakfast. We were back at the hotel early, had dinner, watched Juno, and then were fast asleep by 10.
We woke up at 4 AM and caught the marathon shuttle for the start line. We hung out at the start line in 30 degree weather for about 2 hours. Thankfully we had some good advice from friends and had some wal-mart (yes, i shopped at wal-mart) sweatpants and sweatshirts that we left on the race course once we got started. The race crew picks up all the clothing and donates it to charity. It took about 40 minutes for us to get to the start line. We had a good steady pace until mile 6 where I hit a wall. Rick stayed back with me and helped me get a good pace back again.
The course was uneventful. We ran mainly through the hoods around the downtown area before movingd to a hood with some nice older homes and then back downtown to finish at the Alamo Dome. It wasn't a bad course, mostly flat until the last 1/2 of mile 12 (which sucked). This was the first year for the Rock n Roll marathon in SA and they definitely have some kinks to work out. There wasn't much crowd support and not nearly as many bands as we had thought, which was probably one the toughest things to deal with. Rick and I had both left our mp3 players at home thinking we would get some good bands. I really needed my music to keep my mind off the miles and my numbing foot.
Prior to the race, I kept telling Rick I was worried that we would lose each other during the race. We never did but when we reached the finish line I took off in search of a porta-potty. Another flaw with the marathon was that all the finish line porta-potties were outside the runner's area and over where you meet your friends/family. Because of this, we missed out chance to get our photo taken and only grabbed a few food items. We tried to get back in but we were stopped by a police officer. The other downside was that since we couldn't get back through we weren't able to help cheer on the remaining finishers.
The swag was definitely disappointing. We got a t-shirt at registration but didn't get finisher shirts or any other cool things at the end. We did get some heavy medals that the boys think are pretty cool.
So that is my recap. Hopefully the race photographers got at least one good photo of us. I'll post the link once we get it. We will be taking a break for a while but we will definitely be looking for another race soon.
11.15.2008
run forest, run!
ever since rick ran the marathon he has been asking me to run a race with him. i agreed to train for a 1/2 marathon this summer hoping and believing that we would just train and not actually run a race. well that was until rick announced one night that he registered us for the San Antonio Rock 'n Roll Marathon. We are still only running the 1/2 but it is this weekend. We are packed and getting ready to head out now. I am nervous and also suspicious that this is some trick Rick has planned to collect insurance money. I'll post a full report on the race adventure when we return.
And just because I know there is a Nana who is wondering, the boys are with friends this weekend. They have a very busy weekend planned and are annoyed that it is taking us so long to get them to Sammy's house (mean, mean parents!)
And just because I know there is a Nana who is wondering, the boys are with friends this weekend. They have a very busy weekend planned and are annoyed that it is taking us so long to get them to Sammy's house (mean, mean parents!)11.13.2008
What will he be like as a teenager?
I caught Zach playing the Wii like this today. I would expect this from him when he is 15 but seriously the kid is 3. We love the Wii but there are times I really question whether this was the best idea. If Zach had his way, he'd play lego star wars all day.
11.12.2008
slade
we are always busy. busy running kids arounds, busy working, busy cleaning, busy with t-ball, i am always busy making some list of more things to do to keep me busy or i am busy feeling bad about not doing something but every once in awhile we get smacked with news that makes us stop, breathe, remember what we have, give thanks for all that we have, and just relax.
take a moment to check out one of our newest buddies Slade Milton Lesley. congrats Eli on being a big brother! we can't wait to officially meet him but for now we will be adding the lesleys to our friends list on the blog (that list over there on the right).
http://lesleyfamily.wordpress.com/
in the meantime, please keep them all in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever preferred method you have.
take a moment to check out one of our newest buddies Slade Milton Lesley. congrats Eli on being a big brother! we can't wait to officially meet him but for now we will be adding the lesleys to our friends list on the blog (that list over there on the right).
http://lesleyfamily.wordpress.com/
in the meantime, please keep them all in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever preferred method you have.
11.09.2008
i have nothing
our weekend was quiet mainly because it was the first weekend without t-ball. i have no thrilling exciting news to report. i did finish my halloween quilt that jude's sent. yes, i finished it post halloween; i 'd like to blame t-ball (it really is my most favorite excuse for not doing things like cleaning the house or finishing a craft project). i'll get some photos of the quilt up soon. it turned out okay for my first adventure in to quilting. i'll save all the details and excuses for when i get a photo up.
right now i am going to try to pull myself off the couch to bathe some kids and supervise rick tiling the kitchen. it has been one of those days.
right now i am going to try to pull myself off the couch to bathe some kids and supervise rick tiling the kitchen. it has been one of those days.
11.03.2008
11.02.2008
the end of fall t-ball
This past Tuesday we were notified that last weekend wasn't our actual final weekend of t-ball but that we had a tournament this weekend. Seriously, who schedules a tournament the day after Halloween? Needless to say the Astros game out and played some serious t-ball. Some highlights from a very long weekend (we didn't get home until 7 PM tonight):
A great big thanks to everyone that came out to support the Astros including the Allessios who helped keep an eye on Zachy and the Basharas. Without Josh showing up, I probably would have never mastered simple math and the Astros season could have ended early.
- JT caught a fly-ball while playing pitcher
- JT had a triple
- JT had a double-play - he caught the runner before he got to first and then ran to tag out the runner at home
We ended up taking 2cd place in the tournament. We had a great time despite some odd calls in the final game.
A great big thanks to everyone that came out to support the Astros including the Allessios who helped keep an eye on Zachy and the Basharas. Without Josh showing up, I probably would have never mastered simple math and the Astros season could have ended early.
We should be tball free until February!
Phil and Susie
We were invited to a costume party on Saturday night. Of course I waited until the last minute to find costumes but I was able to get this fabulous kaftan/house dress for myself and a stellar suit coat for Rick. We had a great time despite the fact that we had to leave early for yet another tball game on Sunday morning.
Susie meets Sarah Palin!
Abe taking a turn at ping-pong. George wins best costume.
Phil and Sarah.
Raggedy Ann with Phil and Sarah
Suzette came a mime and managed to stay in character for 30 minutes although I never saw her try to get out of a box.Hallowee Night!
JT found a Swamp Monster costume at Target in late September and he swore this was the costume he wanted for Halloween. Being the mean mom I am, I made him swear that no matter what, once I bought the costume he was locked in to it. JT eagerly agreed. As we got closer to Halloween, JT was a bit sad that Zachy was going to be Yoda and his friend Sam was going to be Obi-Wan. He quickly came up with the idea that if I made him a Jedi robe, he could be Kit Fisto. I've put a picture of Kit below as reference for those that aren't inundated with Star Wars everyday like we are.
Kit and Yoda battling the Dark Forces.
Sammy was going to be Obi-Wan but he got a cool Peyton Manning costume from his grandfather and couldn't pass that up.
Yoda using electric.
Early on Rick and I realized that this Halloween was going to be a bit sad as our neighborhood trick or treating partners moved to Virginia earlier this summer. While our neighborhood is a fun place on Halloween, we quickly accepted an invitation to trick or treating with JT's buddy Sam. Christine put together a great spread for dinner and we had a fabulous time in their hood. A big thanks to the Alessio family for such a great night out.
Kit and Yoda battling the Dark Forces.
Sammy was going to be Obi-Wan but he got a cool Peyton Manning costume from his grandfather and couldn't pass that up.
Yoda using electric.
Early on Rick and I realized that this Halloween was going to be a bit sad as our neighborhood trick or treating partners moved to Virginia earlier this summer. While our neighborhood is a fun place on Halloween, we quickly accepted an invitation to trick or treating with JT's buddy Sam. Christine put together a great spread for dinner and we had a fabulous time in their hood. A big thanks to the Alessio family for such a great night out.
pumpking carving and painting
Zach, JT, and Izzy contemplating their pumpkin designs.
JT trying a drill on his pumpkin.
pre-halloween
These are some random photos from the days leading up to this crazy weekend. The first are of Zachy at his school Halloween party. They have a parade and then treats in the room.
Yoda ears are on backwards!
Zachy's class.
Yoda leading the parade.
JT got some serious birthday money from Aunt Paula and Uncle Ed and quickly requested a trip to get Lego Star Wars. This is the X-Wing. It took Rick and JT two days to get it together and it took Zachy about 3 minutes to break it apart. JT asked Rick to super-glue the pieces to keep Zachy from breaking off pieces.
Yoda ears are on backwards!
Zachy's class.
Yoda leading the parade.
JT got some serious birthday money from Aunt Paula and Uncle Ed and quickly requested a trip to get Lego Star Wars. This is the X-Wing. It took Rick and JT two days to get it together and it took Zachy about 3 minutes to break it apart. JT asked Rick to super-glue the pieces to keep Zachy from breaking off pieces.
updates are coming
i am in the midst of putting away the last of the halloween decor and then i hope to move to photos from a very, very busy weekend. we had trick or treating on friday night, tball all day saturday, a costume party saturday night, and then tball all day sunday. the lucas household is exhausted.
patience and i promise at least one or two good photos!
patience and i promise at least one or two good photos!
10.26.2008
our first slumber party
After 4 years of hosting big birthday parties, I decided that this year JT needed to downscale. A month ago the idea of having 4 of JT's tball buddies come over for a slumber party sounded perfect. The plan was simple, have 4 boys come over, order pizza, watch a movie, eat cake, sleep in a tent, wake up, and send them home. It sounded so easy and so relaxing for Rick and I.
The pizza part was fine, the movie part was okay but it didn't last long as 8 kids never want to sit and watch the same thing. We completely skipped cake until the next day. The tent was fun for awhile but we went through several people placement issues before calling the whole tent plan done around 10 PM. Waking up started at 6:15 despite some people not going to sleep until well after midnight. I think the only part that went as planned was the parent pick-up.
We had a good time but needless to say, it will be a long time before we have more than 2 kids spend the night. If you are planning any sort of slumber party, call and I will give you my tips. My best piece of advice is to be sure you wear them out and I mean really wear them out before you put them in a tent or room together.
The pizza part was fine, the movie part was okay but it didn't last long as 8 kids never want to sit and watch the same thing. We completely skipped cake until the next day. The tent was fun for awhile but we went through several people placement issues before calling the whole tent plan done around 10 PM. Waking up started at 6:15 despite some people not going to sleep until well after midnight. I think the only part that went as planned was the parent pick-up.
We had a good time but needless to say, it will be a long time before we have more than 2 kids spend the night. If you are planning any sort of slumber party, call and I will give you my tips. My best piece of advice is to be sure you wear them out and I mean really wear them out before you put them in a tent or room together.
10.24.2008
SIX part 2
I forgot to add one of my most favorite photos. This one is of JT and Emily at age 2 (or almost 2). We went to the Pumpkin Patch in Lexington. 
We went to the pumpkin patch and bought a big bag of small pumpkins that the kids painted at JT's first real birthday party. It was also his first Halloween-themed party. I recall Rachel and Wayne bringing over pizza Friday night and helping me decorate cookies, cupcakes, and make a zillion peanut butter sandwiches.
And to think 4 years later, we are celebrating tonight with JT's dinner choice of homemade mac 'n cheese, corn on the cob, and ice cream. Tomorrow after two t-ball games and William's birthday party, JT will have about 5 t-ball buddies over for some flag football (his birthday present request), a visit to the Haunted Trails, and then a slumber party in a tent on the deck. I'll have a full report, if I surive.
We went to the pumpkin patch and bought a big bag of small pumpkins that the kids painted at JT's first real birthday party. It was also his first Halloween-themed party. I recall Rachel and Wayne bringing over pizza Friday night and helping me decorate cookies, cupcakes, and make a zillion peanut butter sandwiches.
And to think 4 years later, we are celebrating tonight with JT's dinner choice of homemade mac 'n cheese, corn on the cob, and ice cream. Tomorrow after two t-ball games and William's birthday party, JT will have about 5 t-ball buddies over for some flag football (his birthday present request), a visit to the Haunted Trails, and then a slumber party in a tent on the deck. I'll have a full report, if I surive.
SIX
I have no idea how this happened but somehow JT turned 6 today. 6?! Where in the world have 6 years gone? I am sad and happy all at the same time. It is so much fun to be around JT these days. He has so many questions and a fabulous sense of humor. He is always moving and always has big plans of what he wants to do next. I wish I could keep him small but I know that the next 6 years and even the next 6 years after that are going to be just as much fun as these first 6 have been.
I've pulled a few JT shots from the past few years. I tried to get some baby photos but I am having problems getting in to my Shutterfly account. Oh well, these are just as cute.
JT and Bella at a birthday party.
Asleep after studying his first Playmobil catalog.
JT plays soccer
JT's first race.
JT's first time at tball.
Just about a month ago in his new shirt from Nana Juju.
Just JT!
JT hamming it up in the tub.
Tball this past spring.
Tball Fall 2007
I've pulled a few JT shots from the past few years. I tried to get some baby photos but I am having problems getting in to my Shutterfly account. Oh well, these are just as cute.
JT and Bella at a birthday party.
Asleep after studying his first Playmobil catalog.
JT plays soccer
JT's first race.
JT's first time at tball.
Just about a month ago in his new shirt from Nana Juju.
Just JT!
JT hamming it up in the tub.
Tball this past spring.
Tball Fall 2007
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