Beamer & Nica

2012 Christmas Card

2012-12-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Was not going to do a Christmas card this year. With the twins and the holidays always getting here before you know it, I didn't think I would have time.

I had come to realization one was not going to go out. *big sad face*

Until Mike pulled out his pouty face and whined that he actually accomplished something this year and would like to let our friends & family know.

It was a little tough to get it done without my drawing board (in storage) and my computer is not in an easy to reach location (upstairs game room away from everything). The twins didn't make it any easier.

I did find an awesome app on the iPad that let me sketch, and that, my friends, is what helped me get it done. It was surprisingly easier to draw with your finger than it is with a stylus. If you have received past cards you will noticed that this lacked A LOT of detail work. Boo.

Finally... here is the long awaited Knepp 2012 Christmas Postcard.

I am getting close to running out of ideas for our family drawing. I have not repeated any yet and don't plan too. If any friends out there have any ideas we could use in the future, we welcome suggestions. Hey, you never know we may use that idea and definitely give you credit.

Update

2012-09-02T12:03:00.000-06:00

Lets see its been since February since my last post. Having twins really does take up a lot of time. Just to catch you up to date...

May 16-
Nadia Siri was born at 12:56 pm. 5 lb 10 oz.
Naomi Lilu was born at 12:57 pm. 5 lb 13 oz.
no complications, no NICU. Both super healthy and ready to eat.

May 19-
Mike walks across "da stage" as an official JD major.

July 17-
Audre turns 7.

July 24-
Mike takes the Texas Bar (3 days). Results in November.

August 5-
Nadia & Naomi's blessing

....& thats it. Really. Nothing special going on in this part of Texas for us. Between Audre's & Trae's shenanigans and the twins schedule, I am a little behind on the blogging world. I can't even post pictures since they are all on my computer which has no internet at the moment. Just thinking about transferring the files onto this computer seems like to much work already. Mental exhaustion.

Here's a picture of the twins today.

15 weeks, 4 days old. (DINC couples that means about 3 months old)

until later....probably much later.

Expect the Unexpected

2012-02-25T13:24:00.004-07:00

Our life goal (supposedly) says we plan on having 4 kids. They were to be in sets of 2 at least 5 years apart. This is almost the same as my family. I have 4 sisters. My sister and I (18 months apart) then 9 years later my two little sisters (18 months apart). Mike's family is a little on the weird side. He and his brother are 3 years apart. We think because of this big gap of 3 years they grew up with nothing in common. Therefore they are not anything close like my sister and I or little sisters. He also has a little sister that is 20 years younger. He never grew up with her since we married when she was 3 months. If you ask me that's WAY to big of a space.
That's our logic. 2 sets 5 years apart. They grow up with a best friend and get to still experience having little babies at home. Oh and our last *rule* was no more kids before we hit 30 years old. We want to be kid free by 50... at least we hope they have all gone to do their own thing by then.

First came Audre in 2005. A year before we planned to have kids but still worked out. Trae came afterwards, 15 months to be exact. I actually wanted them super close. This was a close as we could get them.

Now we were a perfect stereotypical family. Dad & Mom - Sister & Brother.
I almost didn't want to have any more kids. We have one of each sex. We were not outnumbered. As college students [still] it was just not logical to have more kids with a zero income. We ALMOST settled for just Audre & Trae.

Then Trae turned 5. It was now or never again. Mike was in his last year of Law school and we were fixing to move back to Texas from Alabama. We decided to go ahead with our plan.

October - We knew for sure we were pregnant.

November - Thanksgiving- We kept our mouth shut until we were for sure. We let Audre & Trae know and not to tell ANYONE. They are good secret keepers.

December - We're finally able to see a Dr. Run around with insurance stuff until now. Dr. had a hard time finding a heartbeat but finally found one for just 2 seconds. She does mention I was measuring a little bigger than normal. Have A & T announce to our families that we are expecting a baby. Everyone else received a Christmas card with our surprise announcement.

January - Monthly check-up with a Dr. Once again she has a hard time finding a heartbeat. We get little snippets of a heartbeat enough just to tell it was in the 150's. She assumed the baby was just wiggling tons. She measures me and says I am measuring where I should be. My blood pressure was a little high for the normal range so she has me come in 2 weeks later with a 20 week ultrasound. We guessed it was a little high since this was our first real time seeing a Dr. and I was a little excited.

January - End of January we have our first ultrasound. (Routine 20 week ultrasound). Imagine our surprise when the Ultrasound Technician lady puts the ultrasound wand on my stomach and says "Oh I didn't know you were having twins"

"uh, we didn't either."

Here are the tops of their heads.

We decided to take both kids with us to the ultrasound so they could see their new little sister or brother. They were both excited to know there were 2 babies.

Audre wanted a girl.

Trae wanted a two face. He couldn't decide on a girl or boy. He also loves Batman way to much.

They were both right in a way. We were having Identical twin girls. They are girls and there are 2 faces.

So there you go folks. Now our surprise can be your surprise as well. Originally due June 1st. Now with twins it will more than likely be a lot sooner.

We did have some clues on the possibility of twins. I was extremely exhausted the first trimester. More so than when I was pregnant with Audre & Trae. I figured it was because I was older in this pregnancy than the last two. No, it was not because I had two little ones to watch. That's what the Dr. assumed when I told her how tired I am. My kids are wonderfully behaved kids that need almost no or less supervision than most kids. I was beyond tired. I was falling asleep anywhere doing anything. I was also having morning sickness. Something that was new to me. Never had it before but had it with a vengeance on this one. Once again I blamed it on age. Mind you I am only 28. I don't think I am old. The last one was my heartbeat. We took a family trip to DisneyWorld this year. My heartbeat stayed right at 100 bpm...sitting. We figured it was all the walking we were doing in Disney. You see, everything that would of clued us in, we had an excuse for.

2 sets in 5 years.

Audre & Trae- 15 months apart. Twins- minutes apart. You can't get any closer than that.

Surprise Christmas Card

2012-01-27T09:04:00.005-07:00

I know it's WWWAAAAYYYY past Christmas but I think it's never to late to post our Christmas card. Or post anything on this blog for that matter. Our last post was Trae's birthday party. Which by the way I also have Thank You cards made for that never went out. Hopefully my friends understand. *smile*
Here is our 2011 Christmas card for those that I had no address for. There was a big announcement on this card. Enjoy!

Batman Flash

2011-10-18T17:23:00.003-06:00

First off it's Batman Flash. Not Batman. Not Flash. Batman Flash. If you tell him other wise, it is like trying to tell him the grass is purple. He is a superhero like Batman and as fast as Flash. Also in his super powers is his "Flash Eyes"

Flash eyes= eyes that can see in the dark because they light up (like a flashlight).

The 5th attempt at getting them to make an angry face. Audre's look is "I'm about to cry". (She really is happy ;))

30 min capes. Done. Did I mention I planned this party in about 2 days? I didn't even have time to sew the batman/girl on Audre's cape. She had a Cheerleading Barbie outfit, conveniently turned into Batgirl.

Our lovely table. All treats are from ALL over Montgomery. Target, $ store, Party City, Wal-mart, including Crackle Barrel. Is there an evil villain that blows (wind)? If so he was here and knocked over our buildings.

As soon as all the super heroes arrived it was time to start the training. I let the boys & girls know that I received a warning this week that a "bad guy" wanted to destroy Trae's Birthday party. While I was explaining all the training we were going to have to do the "Bad Guy" ran out from behind a building with a blow horn. He scared the kids and told them he was here to destroy Trae's birthday then proceeded to drop bombs (black balloons with a small red ribbon attached) all over the place. The super heroes had to pop all the bombs before they exploded. I didn't get any pictures of this part. I left the camera on the table. It was awesome though.

After we stopped all the bombs from exploding. It was time to start our training so we would be ready for the Bad guy the next time he showed his face. First off was an obstacle course. Up a ladder, through a bridge, down a slide and over the buildings.

After our obstacle course it was time to do a trial run on hunting bad guys. There were little minions hidden through out the playground. Really Army men, well firefighters actually. I told them it was bad guys with Axes (Forest Firefighter), Napalm Blowers (Firefighter with extinguisher) and a minion with an ear piercing whistle (fireman traffic man?). I had to get a little creative with these little men.

In search...

Looking with his Flash eyes.

After collecting all the bad minions we threw them in jail. (BBQ Grill)

After we found the bad guys

We were ready for the Big Bad Guy! As a trophy for finishing our training we all got a can of Spiderman Web (silly string). Then we went in search of the bad guy. He came running out from behind us and we sprayed him down with our web. By far the super heroes favorite part.

We then took the bad guy to jail with his little buddies.

To give us a break before eating those scrumptious cupcakes we decorated masks.

Both our Batmans were very hot.

Happy Birthday Trae!

Mooo...

2011-07-14T15:22:00.001-06:00

It was Cow Appreciation Day the 7th. My sister woke me up bright and early to go. Anything involving free food she's all over it, who isn't? If you dressed up like a cow you get a few entree from Chick-fil-a. Or Chick-feel-uh, the way the guys say it.
We had no black paper to cut spots out of to stick on our kids so I went to next best thing. Eyeliner. So here is little Audre beast as a milk cow.

Trae tried to wiggle and cry his way out of wearing eyeliner on his face. Daddy would say "atta boy, eyeliner is for girls". Since he was with me I forced him. I love having so much power over them :). I only managed to draw a circle on the tip of his nose.

Once we get there I ask the guy what we get for dressing up. He looks me up and down and says "you look like a cow, you get to eat like one too" Mind you I was NOT dressed like a cow.

Just kidding.

He really said "uh your not dressed like a cow" I therefore point at my kids. They got free kids meals. I still had to pay for my meal. Oh well. Chick-fil-a took pictures of my kids and uploaded them on to their facebook page. Fun stuff if you want to see the terrifyingly huge cow that unbelievably walks on 2 legs. Really people when do you see a cow on it's hind legs?

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Hello Cat

2011-07-14T15:06:00.001-06:00

We happen to be in town when Hello Kitty came to Barton Creek Mall. The week before I had to tell Audre we were going to miss her since we were going to be in AL. In the end we stayed an extra few days. Lucky girl!

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Who is Michael?

2011-06-29T14:34:00.004-06:00

Today was a little unerving awaiting to hear whether Trae would make 1 of only 18 slots for the Pre-K program at Audre's school.

Guess what!

He's in. He's in. He's in. I am so super excited. I am sure once he leaves for his 1st day of school I'm going to wish he was still with me. Tear Tear.

They had about 50 kids who applied. It was lottery style drawing and were only choosing 18 kids. The rest are put on a waiting list. I am stoked he is going in but now what am I going to do with all this free time?

I attended the drawing hoping my presence would give Trae some luck. Everyone knows how lucky I am. Right? They alternated boy/girl. I was listening intently and hoping they would say Trae's name.
Somewhere in the middle of the list they said "Michael Ka-nepp"

Who in the world is "Michael Ka-nepp"? hehe.

Then the lady re-said the name correctly this time- "Michael Knepp".

It STILL took me awhile to figure it out. *haha*. Then the lightbulb turned on. That's me! That's my son's name. Woop! As the child's mother you would think I would know my own son's name.

Seriously though, I don't have a child named Michael. His name is Trae and I am sticking to it. Only the goverment knows him as Michael Knepp and only my In-Laws know him as the Michael Knepp III. That's where the Trae comes from. Kids with III in their name are nicknamed Trey. Unfortunately my Husband likes... I mean loves... 3rd Coast Rap. One of the popular rapper's name is Trae with an AE. Therefore my "Trey" was stuck with Trae.

Now for some silly Michael Ka-nepp faces... I mean Trae...

What's for dinner?

2011-05-13T12:07:00.001-06:00

I know I've been without my dinner menus. I need to get onto of things!
I have been out a lot this month which is a lovely excuse for my absence in the blogging world.
This month is Audre's last month of her first year in school. Unfortunately/fortunately has many activities to get done. She had her ballet recital practice Wednesday and her final recital Thursday. Mike has finals right now as well. Actually taking one this moment. Good luck! We also had to make a trip to the Apple store on Thursday. Can you guess how far the closest one to us is? (1.5 hours away in Birmingham). Trae had his end of the year field trip with his class on Wednesday to the zoo. This was all since Tuesday. I also had a social event to attend at the capital on Tuesday followed by some games of volleyball.
Before all this I had to make a quick trip to the ATX and didn't get back into town until Monday night.
Phewww am I tired. It's Friday now, finally the end of the week.
(BRB)
Trae and I went to have lunch with Audre this morning :). We bought some groceries in the way back from her school.

So far...
Today- hamburgers
Sat- fajitas
Sun- Saurabauten (sp?)

That's as far as I got. We are not eating out this weekend since we ate out quite a few times already this week. Including some Chuy's in Birmingham. Yum!

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Easter

2011-04-25T13:31:00.002-06:00

We went to Louisiana for the Muse Annual Reunion. That would be Beamer's mother's side of the family.

There was football, food, water ballons, food, playground, food, basketball, food, Easter eggs, oh yeah and food.

Watermelon Boy

2011-04-25T13:28:00.002-06:00

Beastly Trae lives off watermelon...& dirt.

You see the juices carrying along the dirt he had on his hands and arms?

Pondering... about watermelon.

I think there is a seed.

I WILL EAT YOU WATERMELON...WITH MY EYES!

The only thing Trae ever ask my parents (Abuelos) to have for him is watermelon. My wonderful Mother ALWAYS makes sure to make a special trip to the store just to buy Trae his watermelon.

April 24-28

2011-04-25T07:45:00.001-06:00

Sunday- We spent the day driving back from Texas. Our Easter Sunday meal consisted of egg candy, water, gas station junk food and Church's Chicken.

Monday- Rigatoni Bake (Mike's fav. dinner) & garlic cheese bread
Tuesday-leftover Rigatoni
Wednesday- sloppy joes
Thursday- Spaghetti

I DON'T like any of these meals. Seriously. I am going to be making me some healthy food on the side. (grilled chicken & veggies). This week and next week will be like this.

What are you eating this week?

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Little Ballerina

2011-04-20T22:01:00.004-06:00

These were just her picture day shots. I will definitely be taking a lot more during the actual recital. This is my least favorite outfit from her recitals dresses. It's a bit 80's. Whatcha think?

This is her teacher Mrs. Katy.

For the first time Audre is the tallest in her class. She has caught up to the girls her age. Now only if we can get Trae to grow a couple inches-and not count his faux hawk hair for height.

Armpit of the Gulf

2011-04-06T10:49:00.003-06:00

The beaches in Biloxi are exactly like beaches in Texas. Like Beamer says our Texas beaches are the "Armpit of the Gulf".

They are not pretty.

Biloxi falls right there with them. We go there because we have a free place to stay on the beach. So we play with sand...

...and apparently jellyfish. At this time of year.

"Look Mommy I am making a snow angel"

Uh, yeah Trae thats not snow. Far from it.

Meatloaf Cupcakes & Grilled Cheese Pound Cake

2011-04-02T00:16:00.002-06:00

YUM! I try to do something different every April Fool's. One of my favorite holidays...followed by Halloween. I wonder if has anything to do with the "trick" part?

I made the kids Meatloaf cupcakes with purple mashed potato frosting & Toasted grilled cheese pound cake with cream cheese frosting.

I gave the kids the option of eating dessert or dinner first. Of course, they choose dessert. Muahahaha.

Looks so appetizing...

Kind of looks funny on the bottom. We shall say its carrot cake?

Lots & lots of food dye for the perfect color Kraft yellow.

Her face after figuring out its not a cupcake.

He scarfed down those grilled cheese sandwiches.

It's pouring babies...

2011-03-30T18:12:00.002-06:00

Seriously. Everyone around me is having babies or expecting. Something is in this Southern Alabama water. Note to self: filter my water. I have to admit they have all been the cutest little things.

One friend asked me to make an announcement for her. Since I am so talented and all *sarcasm*. I've done a couple before...showers, weddings, birthdays, christmas and now announcements. I figured I would share my latest since she has already sent it out... hopefully. I got mine already, not that I have not seen it enough. Here it is...

Week 5 3/28-4/3

2011-03-28T16:32:00.001-06:00

Monday- pork dumplings (pot stickers) & fried rice
Tuesday- left overs (there is tons of extra food we need to finish off or else I am throwing it all away)
Wednesday- pizza
Thursday- chicken tenders (mashed potatoes & corn)
Friday-OTE
Saturday-OTE
Sunday- French Steak (white rice & green beans)

Thats this week :)

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Little Old Lady

2011-03-23T16:18:00.001-06:00

We have a 100 year old child.

The 100th day of school was awhile back. Kids had to dress up like they were 100 years old. Here's our little 100 year old baby.

March Week 4 (?)

2011-03-22T21:59:00.002-06:00

Last week there was no menu. It was OTE everyday. We spent our time out in Biloxi with my in-laws.
Who graciously over stuffed us with 3 full meals a day. A rarity in our poor student life.
We are back though and it seems there are several things going on this week where I won't be able to cook. Score!
Here's the deal...

Monday- hamburgers with chips ( I had fries in mind but by the time I remembered it the burgers were done).
Tuesday- Was not home. Helping host a baby shower to an awesome friend. Beamer had leftover hamburger. Which he helped himself to a double patty. Then gave the kids Mac and Cheese.
Wednesday- Parmesan tilapia and seasoned rice.
Thursday- Won't be home. Some RS birthday thing. Which I just found out about today. Dinner will be served to me :)
Friday & Saturday -OTE
Sunday- chicken parmesan

That's the menu for the week.

I'll post our spring break shenanigans soon.
I won't promise. Knowing me they won't be up for a looong time.
UPDATE: No fish Wednesday. I forgot Beamer wanted hot dogs. I try to take that opportunity whenever I can. He thinks Hot Dogs are in the same category as soups... side dish.
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Week 2- March

2011-03-03T09:45:00.005-07:00

I always make a menu before the beginning of the week so I know what I am making each day. It works out great and I can make a grocery list of everything I need. This coming week will be a little different since we leave on Friday for the beach *woop*. In this case we go out to eat Thursday night so there are no dishes to clean and put away *Yuck* before we leave Friday.

I decided to post what we are having for dinner each week. It's always so hard to figure out what to make. In the attempt to keep sane and (somewhat) healthy, I'll ATTEMPT to blog about it every week. The usual prep time for my meals is pretty much short around 30 minutes sometimes a bit longer or shorter. I strive for the shorter. I start on Monday since that's the day I go do the unavoidable... grocery shopping *DOUBLE YUCK*. Here is the menu this coming week...

Monday- Chicken Tenders - mashed potatoes & green beans

Tuesday- Mongolian BBQ - white rice & stir fry

Wednesday- Roasted Rack of Lamb - ?

Thursday- OTE

Every week we try an experimental dish. I might have done it before or I might have not. It is however a new or forgotten recipe. If we end up liking the new recipe it will go in the make more often section. This week will be Rack of Lamb. I believe I have done it before, way back then. I remember liking lamb not to long ago when we tried some type of lamb dish. We shall see the outcome of this dish. Also on Tuesday it has to be a VERY quick meal since we have things going on Tuesday nights.

Also, Friday & Saturday are not menu days, they are OTE (out to eat) days. Every ONCE in awhile I'll make something at home because I don't want to go out OR if Beamer is -out of town /not home- that evening I make something he doesn't like that me and the kids love.

This past week (week 1- March) we had...

Monday- Fajitas - Mex Rice

Tuesday- Fajita Quesadillas

Wednesday- Tacos

Thursday- Grilled Salmon - Couscous & Corn

Sunday- (IT"S MY BIRTHDAY!) Chicken Poblano

Monday- Fajitas with Spanish Rice

Very simple recipe which I LOVE. Made extra fajitas Monday to make a meal Tuesday.

Tuesday- Fajita Quesadillas

Chopped the leftover fajitas sautéed it then added inside quesadillas.

Wednesday- Tacos - lettuce, tomato, spicy ranch, black olives, cheese, sour cream

Tacos where just a taco kit thing from the grocery store. The shells were all broken so they were more like tostadas. Beamer eats it like a taco salad. He crunches up tortilla chips then adds the meat and all the extra on top.

Thursday- Grilled Salmon- Couscous & Corn

Seasoned Fillet of Salmon grilled. Served with limes. Couscous *yum* cooked in chicken broth and seasoned (sometimes I add veggies).

Sunday- Chicken Poblano

This is my Mother-in-laws recipe. Its seasoned grilled Chicken, sautéed onions and poblano peppers, cheese sauce, spanish rice & avocado.

No experimental dinner this past week.

I'll post recipes only if people ask.

I'll also try to catch up on this thing called blogging.

New Years

2010-12-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

For New Years we went to Cherino, Texas. Middle of nowhere East Texas. It's near Nacogdoches... If you even know where that is. We did some basketball, water skii, skeet shoot & several other things people do out in the country. It was also Beamer's Grandparents 50th Anniversary. YAY!

Christmas

2010-12-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

This is Nangies (Natalie). She is my most adorable and favorite niece. :)

The last day Elf was with us. So Sad. He had to fly away to the North Pole again and start making toys. He will be back next Christmas to watch over the kids.

Trae started feeling sick half way through Christmas. I put him down for a nap and Buzz HAD to come with him.

I was playing with one of my new toys, a new lens for my camera :) What better model than Audre? You better say none. A bit fuzzy, with no tripod this was pretty good.

My beautiful Mom with all the grandkids. My dad is the only thing missing in this picture. Maybe I'll superimpose him in there peeking form behind.

Nanga again. So precious.

The son-in-laws chillin' in a separate corner all to themselves.

Trae Beast the night before Christmas.

One of Texas best inventions. Big Red.

A few of my favorite things...

2010-12-03T21:11:00.018-07:00

I went to a party not to long ago that an awesome new friend here in Alabama threw. We had to bring 5 of our favorite "thing". It could be anything but you bring 5 of them with you to the party. Once everyone comes, we all put our name in a bowl 5 times. Each person stands and talks about their favorite item and choose 5 random people from the bowel to receive one. All of my five items were cool but my favorite was the Bath & Body Works Mentha Lip Gloss in Pink Shimmer.

I started thinking of what my favorite things are. I tried to think of things I would grab if I had to leave for awhile, other than my kids and husband... although a little time to myself with my favorite things does not sound bad.

These are in no particular order...

1. Graphtec CraftRobo (Silhouette)

Love this thing! (I am going to say that with every item) It's kind of like a printer that cuts. I like it a whole lot more than a cricut cutter. I can design my own designs, letters & shapes. I then can use them for scrapbooking, cards, or vinyl. The difference with this than the cricut is that I don't have to buy cartridges ($25-$70 each). It's cheaper & a broader varieties of designs to cut. I have the Graphtec Craft Robo. Graphtec also sells their product to Silhouette, who then sells it for a higher price. Mike got it for me for Christmas, and he did his research so he went directly to the manufacture. Highly recommend it to any scrapbookers or even home decorators. It has endless possibilities.

2. M.A.C. Paint Pot

I just bought this not long ago, and it's amazing. It makes your eye lid silky, smooth and a perfect base. the eyeshadows look brighter and stays on forever. If you ever get the makeup build up on the crease this prevents it. Definitely worth the price.

3. M.A.C Prolongwear Foundation

Another MAC product. I have to admit I do have an addiction to them. I can't go past the counter without buying something. My favorite foundation, and I have tried several. It covers enough with out looking cakey and like all MAC product it stays on and looks nice all day...and day.

4. Maybelline Mascara

I have tried several mascaras (including my adored MAC) and I always fall back on the Great Lash Mascara. I have not found any that can beat it. I have been using it since middle school. I have both the Blackest Black and Royal blue. Both awesome.

5. Brother Sewing Machine

I used several and gone through several machines. I loved this one. I love how it has a no pedal option. It has buttons on the front panel to start and stop. No more cords all over the place. I don't think it's very expensive either. It has made it through several moves and still works perfect.

6. Redken Hair Shine

Just a spray is all you need. It makes your hair feel super smooth and shiny. I just spray 2 sprays (I have a lot and long hair) into my palm and run it through my hair. Perfect.

7.Clinque Acne NIght Treatment

I owe my clear complexion to this marvelous and miracle gel. *cough* When I do have a clear complexion. BUT when I don't and one of those pesky little teenage mosquito bites pops up, just a dab and its gone by morning. Seriously. FYI: Disappointing news, it's discontinued. SO SAD! They discontinued it awhile back so I use mine sparingly. You only need a tiny drop.

8. Wacom Bamboo Tablet

Another smart Christmas present. (Mike knows me very well). Those who receive my Christmas card, has seen this little nifty tech toy's work. You can draw on it with the pen it comes with or use it as a mouse pad. A super favorite for graphic designer fans.

9. iPhone

LOVE LOVE LOVE. I don't think I can live with out it. I have had one of these since day one. Maps, iCal, Safari, Apps, Calls, Stickies, iPod, Alarm clock. It's a tiny computer I take with me everywhere. I REALLY REALLY cannot live without it. Once you get one, your attached. Be careful this is definitely a wonderful poison.

10. Sheer Bliss Pomegranate Dark Chocolate Chip

Everyone has heard me talk about this one. It's so smooth and creamy...and calorieisous. This one I would have to say is my deadliest sin. I can only find it here at Publix in Alabama. In Austin, I know they have it at Central Market and Whole Foods. YUM!

Those where the ten I thought of just off the top of my head at this time of night.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Audre's class had a pumpkin patch field trip...

Every time I keep trying to load the pictures it's not working. Please don't think I am playing favorites by only posting pictures of Trae. It's the Blogspot server who is playing favorites.

Hits & Misses

2010-11-15T18:22:00.006-07:00

What I miss about Austin...

1. Whole Foods. That place is AMAZING! Also being the main headquarters of Whole Foods Inc. really spoils us Austinites into having a several story building with an ice rink included. Their pizza there....scrumptious. Their gellato there...unbelievable. Oh yum, let me clean up this drool...

2. Freebirds. All these United Staters are all about Chipotle, & Utards with their Cafe Rio(puke!). Poor them and there lack of burrito tasting. How can Chipotle, a branch off Mcd's be any good? Seriously? For you Cafe Rio Fans.. FYI, the people who started Cafe Rio admitted into taking the idea from Freebirds themselves. Yes, they really came to Austin, worked at Freebirds, moved to Utah and opened Cafe Rio. Apparently it inspired them to open Cafe Puke, unsuccessfully.

3. Pluckers. Never thought I would say I love my mouth on fire, especially after eating some of their Fire in the Hole wings. yum yum. Their ooey gooey cheesy mac & cheese. I have tried and tried to replicate their mac & cheese. It has never been as tasty as theirs.

4. 6 Street. I can here you Mormons gasping...What can be so bad as blocks and blocks of drunks walking around? JK. It's all the hidden things on 6st that make it awesome. I am not talking about Leslie. Although more than a few wished he was hidden. The Pecan festival is just as fun. The food, the crafts, the music, the weirdness...oh the weirdness.

5. The Taco Trucks. Can you believe I have not seen a SINGLE taco truck here in AL? It's not just the taco truck, it's all the airstream trailers on Congress. Crepes, tacos, cupcakes, even a whole airstream for pet food.

6. The stores. ALL of them. I never realized how privileged we are living in a medium size town yet have all the coolest stores around. I miss... Sunglass Hut, RunTex, Nordstroms, Apple Store, Tiffany's, Sur la Table, Container Store, Crate & Barell, White Elm, PB kids, Lambs Candy, Lucy in Disguise, Book People, Whole Foods, Central Market, Ikea, San Marcos & Round Rock Outlet Stores... I can go on & on. Do I sound snobby? Reading over the list makes me feel snobby. Just to let you know I don't always go shopping in these stores. I like looking and seeing...and wishing.

7. Recycling. That's a word you would never hear me say. I never really cared to but when I remembered I would. The recycle can the city gives us is bigger than the trash can itself. I have literally been in a state of panic since there is no where to recycle here. I now realize that the greeness of Austin rubs off on you. I am turing green without wanting to. Next you will see me planting trees. I might become a hoarder trying to find a reason to use scrap paper more than twice. I feel guilty throwing away so much paper that could be used again some how or way.

8. The Skyline. I miss the twinkling lights in the horizon in all different shapes and sizes.

9. Christmas lit Houses. I miss driving around Christmas time and seeing all forms of lighted houses from pretty to tacky. Last year we went out for an FHE to look at houses around our area. We came home disappointed. So sad.

10. Schools. Now with kids in school, a major factor of where we live is the school where our child will be going. All the schools where we were were (that's a tongue twister) great. AND all in walking distance. I have to drive 8 miles...8 MILES!!! Just one way to take Audre to school. That's 16 miles round trip. WT...

11. The Weirdness. Everyone in Austin is different. That's what makes us who we are. You go downtown and lawyers, businessmen, and professionals are all in "unique" clothing. Where else can you dress how you like and still be considered a professional? I can tell you where... Austin.

I can go on and on and on and on...

I'm tired. Maybe I'll finish another day.
I'll have to make a things I hate about Austin... starting with Traffic & toll roads.