Happy Halloween!

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas too! Better get it all in there since I tend to not be the best blogger around the holidays. I actually had a goal to get my Halloween pics up before Thanksgiving and well, I think it's time to start setting more realistic goals for myself. So without further ado, our halloween:

I will say I liked Halloween much better this year which is saying something considering my confession last year. Maybe it was the fact that there was double the candy for me to "help" the boys eat with Cade making the trip to the doors this year too. Maybe it was the absolute perfect fall night, complete with leaves crunching under your feet (I love how we have yet to have our first snowfall - YAY!) It was just a really good night with my favorite boys and I think I'm really starting to accept a night dedicated to sugar.

Since this was my first time to try and be creative pretty much ever, I had to document it. The kids had a lot of fun and I had a lot of fun prodding Colton to tell me how much he loved it. And for the adoring aunts out there (and anyone else who wants to take the time) a video:

Oh and an update on my "Joker" status. It seems I've been upgraded to the "Catwoman" lately. I'm just saying. My son refuses to be called anything but Batman. Ever. His preschool teacher told me that they even had to sing the "Hello" song to Batman, not Colton. Hmmmmm. There are worse things and as long as he keeps this whole Catwoman thing up, I'm feeling just fine with the whole superhero thing.

On the Road Still

That title may be a little misleading considering the fact that we're not technically on the road at this moment, but we did roadtrip it up in October. We spent a weekend in Columbus, Ohio celebrating baby Gavin's blessing with the family. It was a great weekend after the brutal cartrip to Columbus (imagine nonstop rain, traffic, whiny kids, and one controlling side seat driving wife all of which made for some "tension," if you will, between Evan and I). There were definitely better pictures than the one above but I couldn't resist showing how extremely photogenic my children are. If you look closely, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Here are my parents with all of their grandkids. I had to post this one because a) Colt and my mom are matching and b) my parents look so darn happy. I think it's safe to say there are no pictures of my parents with us when we were little enjoying themselves this much. I'm going to try and not read too much into that fact.

Our second roadtrip was to Indianapolis for the big races. And yes, I'm counting my 5K as one of those "big" races. It was big for me people, so it counts. Here's Evan and our friends, Katie and Dave, after running 26.2 miles (a serious form of torture if you ask me). Since I had finished my pathetic 3 miles a good 3 hours before, I didn't feel right posing with the runners during this photo. I just don't think that my makeup and showered self would have shown all I had truly suffered. Speaking of suffering, Evan has now lost FIVE toenails. Ew. We are this close to enforcing a "you must wear socks to bed if you have missing toenails" rule.

On the Road Again

I'm pretty sure that back to back posts have never happened in the history of my blog, but for this little guy it was absolutely necessary. Tomorrow I leave to go see sweet baby Gavin, who arrived on Sunday night, a full three weeks early for my sister Ashley. Rest assured I will be picking her brain trying to figure out the secret to getting a baby to come early.

Try and tell me that those cheeks aren't completely edible. I'm already madly, truly, deeply in love with this little man and can't wait to be his favorite aunt (somewhere I hear sisters and sisters-in-law crying out in protest). More pictures to follow after a weekend spent eating my little nephew up.

Quick sidenote: somehow my beloved son Colton has taken to calling me "Joker." As in The Joker - you know - the villain from Batman? I thought it was a little phase that I could laugh off. One that would hopefully last a day? Maybe two, max. That just wasn't to be. Here are some things I've heard in our house lately:

(During prayers): "We're so grateful for the dinner Mom - I mean - the Joker made us."

"Joker, come wipe my bottom."

"I love you Joker."

And the kicker. (While bringing me a copy of Evan's The Dark Knight DVD and pointing to a beyond creepy picture of Heath Ledger): "Look Joker, it's a picture of you!"

Niiiiiice. It wouldn't be so bad if Evan wasn't affectionately being called Superman and Cade, The Hulk. How did I get stuck being the only villain in the family?

Our Weekend

Labor day for us included:

- Some camping. No pictures (I was too busy keeping my children out of the fire) but a fun time was definitely had by all. Oh and have we talked about how much I loathe outhouses? Evan was lucky enough to accompany me to the outhouse in the middle of the night. I even made the poor man come inside with me. I just can't summon up enough courage to go alone when it's dark outside. He was even nice enough to hold the lantern for me (but drew the line at holding my hand). Who says chivalry is dead?

- Some BYU football. Go Cougs! Such a wild, crazy and fun game to watch. I love fall and I especially love college football, more specifically BYU football.

-Hanging out at Ocean Michigan. I know some prefer to call it "Lake" Michigan but anytime you can't see land as far as the eye can see, I'll refer to it as the ocean, thank you very much. I kept having to remind myself that this was freshwater and absolutely no sharks were going to get me. I also kept asking Evan if there was any way possible that Lake Michigan connected to the ocean. Go ahead, call me paranoid. It would be an accurate description. This was the kiddos on the way home from a day spent under the sun and in the water.

Reasons to Celebrate

And what better way to celebrate than a yummy dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Minus the cheesecake since eating cheesecake for me is like eating a block of cream cheese. A tragedy to most people I'm sure. Happy 5 years to my main man. Really, my only man. Good news is: five years later I still really, really like him. Works out since he's stuck with me for a long time. Like forever long time.

Reason number two to celebrate: we sold our house! YIPPEE! YAY! WOOHOO! And now we're the poorest we've ever been. Darn economy. Still a stinking good reason to celebrate if you ask me.

Baby Rencher

(Sorry for the blurry photo. Not surprisingly, it's the only one I took.)

Making his debut in just two short months. I CANNOT wait to love on this baby. And yes, I'm a belly toucher. Can't help myself from rubbing a pregnant belly.

Had so much fun with my ladies (though we were missing some key women who were down in Texas) in Ohio at Ashley's baby shower. Ate a lot of yummy food (of course), cracked up at Ashley's hysterical hubby Logan, and organized a a pile of baby clothes that filled Ashley's entire living room. Not exaggerating here. Ashley has some people that love her - a lot.

Speaking of - I love that I'm within driving distance of my sis. In the card I wrote to her, I told her that we've come a long way. Then I proceeded to cry when she read my card aloud. I cried - at my own card - the card I wrote. A little weird I know, but it's true. I'd consider Ashley one of my best friends which is saying something considering we used to fight all the time. Sometimes it got physical: hair pulling, hitting, punching. Like I said, a long way.

Now I'm off to take my mom to the airport. No doubt I'll cry some more. I hate it when that woman has to go home.

You know your exercise plan is failing...

... when you run 1.5 miles and almost pass out because you're so lightheaded

... then you blame it on how hot it is ( only 80°) and how humid (there's a nice cool breeze)

... when you scrounge for your child's last package of dinosaur fruit snacks

... then you eat them

... when you whip up a Texas Sheet Cake because those fruit snacks sure as heck aren't cutting it

... when your hubby leaves to go for another run after running with you so that he can actually "break a sweat."

... when you need a good 4 months to train for a 5K

Starting to Adjust

It's official - I'm in love with the Chicago skyline. This was our view from the ferris wheel. Evan and I decided to venture down with the kids to Navy Pier and it is by far the best downtown I've ever been in. Not that I'm some world traveler but still. We felt like tourists the whole time because we had NO idea where we were or what we were doing. Case in point: showing up to the train station 5 minutes after the train left. No big deal right? Wrong. The next train wasn't leaving for TWO hours - no big deal except for our crankypants kids. We did what any self respecting parent would do. Loaded them up with sugar to keep 'em happy. I'm slowly falling in love with things here and there. Namely the FOOD! Why has no one ever told me that Chicagoans know how to eat??

After Navy Pier, it started to cool off and as we were walking back to the train station we passed a little park full of fountains for the kids to run around in. So much fun for them and more fun for me to rest my feet in the lovely grass. I LOVE the grass here - random but true. Any of my fellow Texans know what I'm talking about with the painful grass down there?




My sis and her hubby came down for the weekend. It was a ton of fun and in true Carleton style we ate ourselves silly. Friday night started out with Giordano's pizza and ended with some gelato. Saturday started out with some Belgian waffles, Burger King (I told you I'm obsessed) and ended with this place:

Ashley and Logan were nice enough to watch our kiddos so that Evan could take me out to an Italian place called RoSal's for a birthday dinner. I'm hoping that she posts some more pictures on her blog - thanks to Ashley/Logan and the hardworking chefs of Chicago for the best weekend ever!

Chicago

We're here! As of last Sunday night we officially became Chicagoites? Chicagoans? I have no idea but whatever they call it, we're that. Back in Denver, Evan's hours were either cut or he was working in Washington. Thankfully, we were being watched out for and we now are kicking it in the suburbs of Chicago as Evan goes to his "dream job." Now let's be honest because really I'm not going to sugarcoat this blog. It has been a HARD week - I've been all teary eyed and irrational and hormonal - kind of like pregnant Rebecca. Luckily my mama showed up on Thursday and saved the day. Now if only I could convince the woman to move into our little apartment. Here's a recap of the week - the good and the bad.

Bad: Moving into an apartment that STUNK! Like rotting food smell.
Good: Having a candle to hold under my nose as I walked from room to room. Oh and the nice apartment manager ladies letting us switch to a smoky smelling apartment instead. I'll take it.

Bad: MISSING SO MUCH my house!
Good: Ummmmm...someone else will hopefully buy it and love it instead?

Bad: Sooooo flat here.
Good: I'm from Houston so dangit I can hang with the flat.

Bad: Trying to make all our stuff from the house fit into an apartment.
Good: My mom who has made it all work - love that woman!

Bad: Missing my neighbors and friends!
Good: Ummmm ....

Bad: Being the new girl in the ward (church congregation for those not fluent in Mormon speak).
Good: The nice lady who came up and told me where the "good" McDonald's to go to was.

Bad: Missing the springtime in Colorado.
Good: LOVING all the Burger Kings here!

Bad: Making a rent payment and mortgage payment at the same time.
Good: My husband getting paid.

Bad: Living so far away from so many people that I love.
Good: Living only 6 hours away from my sis!

Here's to a better week and a better attitude on my part. See you in a few days Ash!

Update...

from our festivities last night as requested (for the admiring grandparents/aunts - and anyone else who cares):

This cheesy smile kills me. We saw it throughout the night.




YAY for birthdays! Oh the mess.

Notice Colt picking up the candle and putting it into his mouth. NO idea why but he proceeded to try and eat it? Guess he was used to everything being edible last night...?

Thanks to our friends (who are our family out here) for coming and celebrating with us. And sorry about the ghetto grill that delayed dinner for an hour and a half!

The big 0-1

Cade, just a few minutes old

Happy birthday to my Cade! I can't believe my little guy is one today. A question to the moms out there - is it just me or does it go by faster with the 2nd one? It feels like yesterday that I was holding my calm, sweet baby and having a drag out battle with the hubby over his name. I was nervous with the 2nd one, wondering if he would be a colicky baby (like...ahem...my 1st) and keep me near tears with his crying. And then Cade happened and I wonder what I ever did without him. He's snuggly (still!), feisty, outgoing, happy and just a joy. I feel so blessed to have these sweet boys in my life and to be entrusted to teach them, love them, and raise them to be the kind of men that God would want them to be (hopefully something like their dad).

Evan had a test in LA a week ago and because of Southwest (now THAT is a company I could do a commercial for) the kids and I were able to hop along for the ride. We were able to make it down to the museum in downtown LA and Colt was quite taken with some walking stick bug there. The Mr. Museum man told Colt that he would be an entomologist when he grew up. Ummmm...that's fine sweetie, but don't be bringing your work home with you.


On Evan's request - or rather - demand, we made it to the beach. How it's considered a "beach day" when I'm in a sweatshirt, I'll never know, but Evan and Colt had fun (cousin Anna too). Evan insisted on burying people. Morbid man.


Thanks to the Joneses for hosting us! And thanks to the state of California for cooling down for us (hello 100 degree temps the first couple of days!)

Ps - I just found out what my sis is having! Congrats to her - I'm ridiculously excited to be loving on her baby!

Cruising the Caribbean...Just us two

Last year, about a week after we got our stimulus check in the mail, we decided to do our part and stimulate. So we booked a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean to celebrate our 5 years of togetherness (in August). A HUGE thank you to my parents for taking on our kiddos for over a week. This is us the first night on the cruise, about to go gorge ourselves at dinner. What can I say, you eat more when you don't have a toddler and baby to feed.


Cozumel, Mexico. We headed over in a taxi to a gorgeous beach so Evan could do this all day. Barely saw the man. He is absolutely addicted to snorkeling. I was happy with my fish tacos, book, and the sun shining down on me.


Roatan, Honduras. My absolute favorite day. For those who know me well, know that the ocean and I have issues. Too many sharks, waves, scary unknown things waiting to get me. I LOVED the beach in Honduras. I hung out in the water! I think it was the first time in my life I stayed in the water for more than 30 seconds - it was so warm and clear and wonderful. I absolutely heart Honduras.

The ocean kayaking in Honduras was not one of Evan and I's finer moments. Who argues on a romantic getaway? We do. Apparently, I'm a backseat driver even in a kayak. Granted I was a bit controlling but Evan was either steering us into other kayaks or out to sea. I'd rather not drift out to sea to meet my death thank you very much. As soon as the kayaking was over, the bickering stopped. Problem solved.


So pretty right? (Still Honduras.) We had a great time and it was so good to get to spend so much time with the hubby (kayak adventure and all).

I just got home from spending two weeks at home with my family. Another HUGE thank you to my sis-in-law Valerie for not only getting Colt and I into Sea World, but taking us backstage. You're the best!

As for the lastest news on the move out east, it's a no go. Lest you think that I blog announced it too early, we had the contract signed, a start date, movers scheduled, etc. Three days before Evan was supposed to drive out there, we found out that Evan's would be boss made a pretty big blunder and they didn't have the money to pay for Evan's position out there. Ummm we'd rather not work for free so everything fell through. So, for now, my dreams of fried food and perfecting a southern drawl are on the back burner.

Big News

This is our new home, in about 2 months that is. We're heading out East to set up roots in Tennessee. Since I've heard the news, I feel the need to use more southern phrases and "set up roots" seems appropriate. "Dadgum" too (see last post). I've never been to Tennessee but I'm planning on southern hospitality, lots of yummy fried food, and things like "I reckon." Anyone who actually has been there, feel free to set me straight. Evan's company came to him a few weeks ago and told him that work was getting slow, as in "so slow we're laying off people - good people." Relocation was deemed a much better option than say...no paycheck. I do love hitting up the local Taco Bell every now again and a paycheck helps to keep those dreams of mine alive. We found out that Evan's company in the Knoxville area was willing to take him on and so began our new adventure. Feelings for me are mixed. Evan too. Evan will miss our good friends, the mountains, the snow, all things Colorado. I'll miss our good friends. So for now I say bring on the fried chicken!

Ready for Summer

Not because we're having a psycho snowy one but because I'm dadgum tired of nasty winter germs. I was just down and out for TEN whole days with the stomach flu! True, I wanted to lose the rest of my baby weight from Cade but preferably not in that fashion. I had nary a calorie stick to me for more than a week. And for someone whose hobby is food, it was a tragedy. Count on me to ruin all that hard work. A Texas sheet cake was made today and I'm making up for those lost days.

So, in a nutshell, there are no pictures to document our Valentine's Day. Because really, who wants to see a picture of me by the toilet? Poor Evan. I had promised him an evening of romance - aka Take Out and me in my pajamas curled up on the couch - and instead I curled up on my bathroom floor. By Day 8, Evan was at the drugstore purchasing a pregnancy test. Because I thought I was either dying or pregnant - let's be honest ladies, doesn't the first trimester of pregnancy sometimes feel like you're dying? Now my mom and sis are in town and I plan on getting some pictures of us doing something fun because if there's one thing for sure, it's that my 3 year old deserves some fun.

Oh and I'm not pregnant. Promise.

Christmas in February

Here is Christmas/Colt's 3rd birthday/Random pic of Evan's birthday all brought to you pretty darn close to Valentine's Day. What can I say? Typical.

And now for a quick trip to confession - I have made at least four maybe FIVE Texas sheet cakes since my last post. Evan and I have eaten them all. By ourselves. In a matter of two maybe three days. Which is why we went running on Saturday and why I can barely move. Because those cakes call for a LOT of butter. But I'll be darned if I'm not happy every time a take a bite ... and then another.

PS - anyone else wish my sister would quit acting like me and actually post something? I have heard that imitation is the best form of flattery but still. I'm missing her rambles...

A quick shout out

To the pioneerwomancooks.com. I love this woman. She makes me want to be a pioneer. Her recipes for Chocolate Sheet Cake (aka Texas sheet cake - we Texans are cocky enough to think we invented it), Apple Dumplings, and Sigrid's Carrot Cake are to die for.

Evan's latest goal is to not eat sweets. I'm not what you would call "supportive." So I've resorted to tempting that man like the devil - and it's working.

If you live by me, come grab a piece so that I'm able to wear something besides sweat pants by the end of the week. If you don't live by me, come visit, and I promise to make you something that would make all pioneer women proud.

ps - that picture is not my picture (it's the pioneer woman's picture) but really doesn't it make your mouth water SO much you drool a little?

29

Happy birthday to my main man (well... my only man)! Happy birthday to the man who introduced me to the word "budget" - and we have savings because of it. Happy birthday to the man who washed and folded FOUR loads of laundry for me on Saturday while I spent 3 hours at Wal-mart (I do love that store). To the man who puts up with my many nights of leftovers for dinner or worse (Ramen). To the man who gives me backrubs anytime (and I do mean anytime) he's sitting next to me - and sad to say but I'm a taker, not a giver on those.

Thanks for working so hard for us so that I can have a trip through the Wendy's drive thru every now and again. You're the best husband and father this girl could ask for!

Ps - I'm the idiot who decided to homemake a carrot cake (we're talking about actually grating the carrots) and begin potty training my firstborn on the same day.

Pps - Christmas recap to follow soon.