The Rehearsal

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Wow, how far we have come in just 6 months! Molly would have NEVER stood on a stage in a small room full of people if her life depended on it a mere 6 months ago... but today--- she couldn't get enough of the spotlight!

This afternoon, Molly had her rehearsal for her ballet recital this weekend. Nonnie watched Gabey which meant that Molly and I had a date. She was excited to have a Mommy date but WAY more excited to wear make-up. To each their own.

I am so sad that Kelly had to work during the rehearsal--- he has no idea the level of cuteness that is going to take place on Saturday afternoon. I am smiling just thinking about it,

Just take this (which is already way stinkin' cute!)

and multiply it by 14 other little cuties. And yes, there will be video footage... and don't you worry... it will most definitely be making the blog! Perhaps it could make up for my lack of posting?

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And an even cuter post might be me writing about how Gabriel BEGGED me to put make-up on him too all the way to Nonnie's... sweet Gabe, he wants to be just like his big sister... and secretly I would LOVE to get mascara on those lashes. It would be beautiful. but alas, Molly and I are stuck with the stubby lashes.

Strategy

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I am coming to realize that in this world of parenting and well, even just living in general, so much of your success really depends quite a bit on strategy. Now, I have to say that this kills me a little to say this because I do believe wholeheartedly in spontaneity and fully embrace misguided adventures... but... in the end, my successes are most evident through strategic planning. Sad but true.

Case in point. If you were anywhere within hearing distance to the Medallion Target or Gtarget as we lovingly refer to it... you definitely heard the results of non-planning. Poor Kelly. Probably never a good idea to hear your child screaming through the van door and it still hurt your ears?

Strategy. I still have so much to learn. How lucky am I that I have some true miracle planners for friends?! I love having friends that are smarter than me in ways of life because then I can steal their ideas without having to think too hard. Yes. I am that lazy.

For instance, hair-wash night. Molly LOATHES hair-wash night. DREADS hair-wash night. Starts asking about hair-wash night at breakfast. It is rather sad town and it only escalates throughout the day. Always a battle. Can I please tell you how lucky I am that my husband bathes our children EVERY night? But it is still loud throughout the house and perhaps down the street. No escaping hair-wash night.

Until... wait, what is this Molly? A smile?


My brilliant friend, Tiffany, introduced me to the world of Popsicle bath time. For our house, this only happens on hair-wash nights. Now, molly (and Gabriel) can eat their Popsicles during scrub time. I mean it's not like they're going to get that dirty... GENIUS. And it all goes back to strategy.

So, as of tomorrow morning we will be two weeks away from moving. Wow. That happened fast. I am really making a point right now to focus only on the things that I can control. For those of you that don't know this about me, this is a big struggle for me. When I am tired or stressed I often focus on the details that I can't alter... it consumes me. So instead, I am going to create strategy. Moving strategy. Starting today...

See this...

I packed up one WHOLE closet tonight. I know this might seem trivial but oh no, this is HUGE. This week we will be focusing on minor home improvements, sorting and packing all the closets and drawers. The following week we will be able to focus on packing the bigger things. Not having to live around boxes for the next two weeks? I'll take it... I can just stack them in my packed closets!

And since we technically could still have house showings, etc... everyone wins.

Keep you posted!

Springy Days

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Spring season at the Dallas Arboretum this year did not disappoint. It was marvelous! I have a feeling that we are now bordering the cusp of unbearably hot so it is nice to have springy pictures to look back on...

and sigh...

and remember how cool the shade was...

and how nice it was to eat a picnic lunch with a butterfly

and spiderman...

Oh, the shade...

Life at the arboretum is no one trick pony... there is ALWAYS something new to explore.
The "Mollys" had some quality talk time...
While Gabe brushed the goats' faces. Over and over again. Poor goats.

At least Molly made up for some abuse with feeding them.

Summer, not quite ready for you...

Pictures

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I promise there will be pictures coming today.... don't you worry gparents. I just had to take this moment to let you in on the miracle that is taking place on Solta Drive this morning. It is 8:34 and BOTH my children are still asleep. It seems that maybe they have been running a little too hard as well. While I do feel totally responsible for their exhaustion, for selfish reasons... this morning I am a little thankful for it too. Best and quietest cup of coffee ever.

Have a laugh...

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Okay, it is midnight and we just got back home from Austin about 45 minutes ago and yes, while our bodies are EXHAUSTED, we can finally relax a little more because... we just might have found the best house ever!! Well, best house for us that is! Technically the application is still in the works and because I really don't want to jinx it , there will be more details on that to come VERY soon...once it is finalized officially and my brain is a little more awake.

But for now, I am going to leave you with a GREAT laugh. Okay, well I think this just might be the funniest thing EVER. My brother's girlfriend sent this to me and this is exactly how we feel about our sweet wheels. On each road trip, my love for Olive only grows. This trip most definitely didn't disappoint.

Click the link!: (You won't be sorry!)

Swagger Wagon

Sleep sweet!

The big 5!

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After almost 13 years of dating and 5 years of marriage I still get butterflies around him...


I'll take it! Happy Anniversary, Kel!

whirlwind

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If my life had a mascot right now--- this might just be it.

and yes, I picked this specific picture for the multi-colored stars. So sue me, I like flair.

In my confessions-of-a-bad-blogger status the truth has to come out--- life has just been a little busy. Okay very busy. But I feel like I have regained balance in some small way and learned some new things along the way.

Let me catch you up on all the important facts.

Fact #1: Rosie George is officially the size of a dog now. She strained a muscle or something running around with her best bud, Abbie, and I had to carry her sad little self to the car. She was SO heavy!

Fact #2: Rosie George might just be the fastest healer ever. Halfway to the vet she was standing on all fours eating the car insurance. Apparently, she was healed and took this joyride as an opportunity to review our collision liability. She must not have liked what she saw.

Fact #3: I have not taken a single picture in over a week. My batteries died and I forgot to buy new ones at the store. And then I was too lazy to go back. Sad.

Fact #4: Gabriel and his buddy, Bennie, might have the cutest little boy friendship ever. It is super precious and I am going to demand that Caroline send me pictures so that I can share them with all of you ---of course. It will melt your heart.

Fact #5: Molly's hair has been doing fantastic things and I just might have my new favorite curly product. Finally.

Fact #6: The Mays have some news.

Big news.

We have decided to step up the crazy in 'crazy may days' and plunge right in to a new direction of living (think towards the s). In June, we will be taking this party south to Austin. Kelly has been offered this great job, I had this incredible one come my direction, our landlords want to sell our house... the timing was just all too perfect and so we have decided to embrace the adventure with optimism and hope knowing full well that we have an incredible place to come home to.

Not going to lie, this week has been tough. It sure does take a bunch of effort to move a family. And telling someone you love that you will no longer be able to hug them on a weekly basis feels about as great as wet blue jeans. Yuck. I wake up with a list in my head and fall asleep to what feels like a buzzing brain. I think I might actually be hearing myself process everything--just wish this didn't take place at 2am. It's been a lot to get ready for. And it hasn't been great... yet. But it's getting there. You see, our plans are out there now... and out here... and so now, we can just prepare for there. And find a way to wrap up all that we love here and carry it along to Austin...

Packing party?