"Come what may, and love it."

Friday, October 31, 2008

October catch-up

Here are a bunch of posts that I wrote to catch-up. Hope you enjoy!

Here are six random things about me:

1. When playing the game "Two truths and a lie," I like to steal other people's truths and make them my lies. This makes my lies seem more authentic. Unfortunately, sometimes I forget who I've played it with, or who's experiences I am borrowing and end up stealing someone's truths at the wrong time. Sorry, Autumn.

2. I like to play Sudoku. A lot. Pretty much every night before I fall asleep I play at least two games in bed.

3. I have a pretty awesome memory. It amazes my husband, and I am quite proud of it.

4. I have tiny sneezes. For this I blame my sister. When I was a child I was traumatized by her loud, scream-like sneezes and have repressed my sneezes ever since. Nick likens them to the sound you hear when you step on a mouse.

5. I have monkey toes. I can pick up many objects using just my toes, and Jacob seems to have inherited the same talent.

6. I love snow, dislike hot weather, and still enjoy living in Texas. Go figure.

Thanks Jasmine - this was fun!

I tag my local peeps plus one:
Hil, Jamie, Chow and Sarah O.

Dar Williams

Last night I went to a Dar Williams/Shawn Mullins concert in Austin with my great friends Hilary and C. It was so amazing. I admit, I kind of forgot who Shawn Mullins was until midway through his set when he referenced his "monster hit" - Roackabye. Remember? Yeah. It was pretty good, though I must say I am glad he went first so that I could fully enjoy Dar, and leave with the glow of her music on me.

She played some wonderful songs - notably such favorites as "The Christians and the Pagans," "As Cool as I Am," and "After All." I actually can tell you her whole set list - in order. And not just from memory. My amazingly brave friend Hilary went up to the stage after the concert was done and retrieved not one, but two set lists - one for me and one for her. Her bravery was born of experience - eight years ago she attended a Dar concert and received a set list there too. So great.

The venue was awesome. The concert was presented by the Cactus Cafe at UT and took place in the Ballroom - an intimate setting that added to the wonderful overall feel of the concert. Hil laughed at me during the second half of the concert - I most definitely had perma-grin.

After the concert we waited around and Dar signed our set lists and took a picture with us. I admit, I was a little star-struck when it was my turn to speak to her. I think (and I am sure that Hil can correct me on this) I said something like - "I'm so happy and I can't find any other words." It was silly, and true.

Ah, beautiful music, a beautiful night, and wonderfully beautiful friends. Thanks Hil and C. And a big thank you to Nick who stayed home (though he loves Dar too) to watch the boys so I could enjoy the evening out.

Oh, and as soon as Hil posts the picture on her blog I will steal it and post it here.

Halloween 2008

This year I was determined to do family-themed Halloween costumes. Back in June we asked Jacob what he wanted to be for Halloween. He said Captain Hook so we went from there.

We found Jacob's costume at the Disney store (an ebay version of it, at any rate) and my blue nightgown was discovered at Kohls. When I was in Utah visiting my family, my mother, sister-in-law Emma and I all tackled Sam's Peter Pan costume - we dyed a white t-shirt and tights green and fashioned a hat out of green felt. My favorite part? Brown booties made from felt and rubber bands.

Nick's Mr. Smee outfit was constructed from pants and a cheap t-shirt we bought at the store, and I sewed him a red sleep hat out of an old t-shirt. The finished family product was something I was extremely proud of.

It was good we were actually prepared in advance, as we had lots of fun Halloween obligations this year - we attended a BBQ party at our friend's house, had the church's trunk-or-treat on Wednesday night, Jacob's pre-shool party on Thursday and went trick-or-treating this morning. It was a very successful, if drawn out, Halloween. And Jacob has fully embraced the concept of candy. Oh, well.

Aunt Meggie

We love Aunt Meggie so much! Megan is my best friend and former next-door neighbor from Long Island. She works really hard and her job takes her all over the United States organizing different conferences. Thankfully, some of these take place in Austin and we had the pleasure of her company a few weekends ago after she finished working in the city. We had fun shopping, talking and just visiting. Thanks for coming, Meggie!

Here are some photos from her visit:

Megan and Sam

The girls and Sam

Megan and the boys

Funny faces

Weekend in St. George

The second weekend in October my mother and father flew me, Sam, my sister Susan and her son Asa, my sister-in-law Emma and her youngest James all to St. George for a long weekend of spoiling and good times. We were also happy to have Emma's sister Elizabeth and her daughter Megan join us from northern Utah.

We shopped, ate delicious food prepared by Dad (thanks, Dad!), relaxed and enjoyed each other and all of the children. It was a beautiful weekend, and it was a great time with family. Thank you so much Mom and Dad!

Me, Sam, my sister Susan and her awesome son Asa

My adorable and generous parents

The girls and their boys

Emma's sister Elizabeth and daughter Megan (so much fun!)

My sweet nephew James (Mike and Emma's youngest)

My beautiful sister-in-law Emma

My sister and Asa again

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Random Photos

My mom wanted to see what the Moby wrap looks like, so I thought I would share! I love it so much, and Sam is certainly cozy in it. We use it a ton - going food shopping, picking up Jacob from preschool- everywhere. I highly recommend it!