Katy Living in September

Saturday afternoon Grace and I went to the gym and put up our fall decorations! We put on the Raffi station, lit an apple cider and fall flavored candle, made some tea, and put on Grace's jean jacket to give us the illusion that it was cold out. It was so fun to see Grace getting tangled up in leaves, playing with my jack-o-lanterns, and talking to the scarecrows. She loves exactly what I thought she would.

Sunday we went to Church, a bike ride, and to the pool. It was our last visit to the pool this season. Unfortunately Texas closes their pools at the end of September despite the weather. We had a relaxing day overall and enjoyed a little treat after dinner.

Alex, excited about our ice-cream treat!

Monday we went to the gym for a couple of hours for running and yoga. Although, Alex was pretty upset to hear that Grace had a little boy come give her kisses. Watch out, Daddy's gettin' angry! We had a pretty uneventful day otherwise; mostly worked on getting Grace packed for our trip.

Tuesday morning Grace and I met Jennifer and Carolina to go walking. We walked just under 4 miles. I loved the fresh air, getting some sun, and our heart rates up....and of course the wonderful company. We baked and got ready for our company coming over for dinner. A family from our ABF joined us for taco salad, Brazilian cheese bread, and peanut butter cookies. This lovely family is gluten free so I was kinda freaking out... How gluten free are they?! Turns out I worried over nothing. It was great company.... the kids were so sweet and they were all so easy to talk to :)

This morning was a bit of a morning here. Grace slapped a glass out of my hand and it shattered all over the floor, she refused to nap, and I missed my class at the gym. I finally gave up and headed to a play group and it turned out to be just what we needed. Grace loved going down the slide, eating sidewalk chalk (just when I thought we were past the oral fixation phase), and I enjoyed fellowship with other mamas.  We are having dinner with Sarah and Ryan tonight... breakfast for dinner complete with a little pj party. Can't wait.

This week has been wonderful spiritually. I am loving this Beth Moore study. After about 40 minutes of the workbook, looking up scripture in my bible, and reflecting, I feel like God is truly giving me a takeaway after each session. Beth is really helping me break down and make sense of the scripture.... she has a beautiful way of tying it all together. My passion for The Word is growing and I'm ever so grateful.

I'm still continuing reading Love and Respect. My big take away this week was that women must talk through their feelings in order to truly understand them. We talk to release our emotions. Men are compartmentalized, but women have integrated personalities. "She is like a teakettle- she collects all the things that have happened to her over the day, and there is buildup. She needs to release some of those feelings. When you let her share her small talk and give her a chance to "let off steam," she will feel good and connected to you." I loved the teakettle analogy. I think about how many times I spew my day at Alex or friends on the phone. It truly does make me feel connected and I realize how blessed I am to have a hubby who is interested in my day, feelings, and want to be connected.

I'm SUPER excited for our trip back to Chi Town tomorrow! Say a little prayer for safe travels and that Grace is content (and maybe another little one for fall weather.....too much? Haha, okay.) Love!

The comfort in school supplies....

Ahhh, back to school, back to school. I associate this time with a beautiful box of sharpened colored pencils, fresh crayons begging to be used, pencils so sharp they could carve a pumpkin, highlighters with a crisp fresh tip that so easily glides across your paper. This week I have missed the classroom immensely. Monday night I was sad; I was lamenting with Alex about craving a day of professional development. Last year, I was distracted at the start of school because I knew I would have a baby any day... this year I am a little more organized and have time to miss it. The first few back to school days I'm gloating at home, now I'm jealous of the pictures of the gorgeous bulletin boards and adorable pinterest inspired classrooms. And then, I remind myself that I can never get this time back with my toddler and that I am blessed to be home with my girl.

Wednesday, Grace and I had a sick day in bed...either sick or allergies anyway. We watched cartoons, ate popcorn, stayed in our pjs, napped, watched house hunters, and drank tea. It was a much needed relaxing (for the most part) day.

Thursday, God answered my prayers with my need for intellectual stimulation and craving for school supplies. It was the bible study kick off day at church. We heard Gari Meacham speak about her new book, Spirit Hunger (which sounds amazing and she is such a cute woman) and enjoyed a delicious brunch. I'm doing a Beth Moore study, I was warned was pretty intense, and I love it already! The homework, while time consuming, has been very thought provoking. I can't wait to bust out some of my old teacher supplies and love on this homework!

Friday Alex worked from home. My neighbor, her daughter, Grace, and myself went to a resale and to Great Harvest. It was an adventurous morning out. When Alex was done working, we went to the gym. Our neighbors and the Franks came over for yard games (most of their first time playing bags, can you believe it?!) and enjoyed the company. I love that we love our neighbors. God has truly blessed us with trusting, good people.

Grace and Avery together....so sweet! :)

This morning we went to breakfast our friends and checked out a local craft fair. You'll love the name, "The Real Craft Wives of Katy." Ha! I got a couple of little things and enjoyed strolling through.

I hope everyone is having a spectacular weekend. Show some love to someone who needs it <3

Baby steps and Running Races

Grace is moving ever so quickly toward the walking stage. Baby step, baby step, plop. Yesterday, Grace stood up, took a few steps, and then plopped. That was the first time she's really walked on her own without the controlled fall and when prompted to walk to Alex or myself. While skyping with her Aunt Maggie Sunday, she took quite a few steps towards the screen to chat. I guess she needs shoes if she's going to be walking!

Grace loving on Daddy as soon as he gets home.
She gets so excited when he walks in the door... I love it!

Friday was our first morning at Kindred (Similar to MOPS or Moms & Mentors at our old church). There was a delicious breakfast, a speaker, and a craft. The women at my table seem lovely and I love hearing about mothering from other women. It's nice to hear that regardless of how "put together" and on top of things these women appear, we all have our struggles. The speaker spoke on comparison and how envy robs us of our joy. It's SO easy now with social media to compare ourselves to other moms. At the end of the day, you can't put a price on your sanity.  I remember judging like crazy before I had Grace. Big mistake. If you and your child need those thirty minutes of Veggie Tales to reboot, go for it girlfriend. Some days, you've just got to pray feverishly, and try to make it through the day until the reasonable hour to pour yourself a glass of wine.. trust me, I've been there. Praise the Lord we're on a break from teething for a little while... we have had some rough days while we were getting the first eight. The brave transparency that I heard Friday was not only comedic but made me want to shower these women with love. Looking forward to growing and learning through Kindred.

Friday afternoon we made some bows for a few new babies coming into the world in November. We did a little baking and ran a few errands. We tried to go to a new pizza place that opened recently but due to the long wait we went to Olive Garden. The bread sticks were just as delicious as you remember and it was nice to go to a casual place where Grace could be loud and we could relax.

Creative wrapping. Cut a hole in the top of a box and pull band of headband through.

Saturday morning we had the Just Run for a Just Cause. It was a great turn out to help support victims involved with sex trafficking. Alex ran the 5K and I ran the 10K. It was super fun, we ran together, Alex kissed me and sent me on my way to finish another loop. I took third place in my age bracket at a 52:22 finish. I was honestly just happy to be able to run that far. It's a lot harder post baby.

After the race we went to La Centerra and strolled around and enjoyed a cup of coffee. We came home and relaxed, watched a movie, and took a nap. Later, our neighbors on each side came over for board games and snacks. We played cranium and wahoo. We had a great time :)

Sunday we went to church followed by lunch with some folks from our ABF class. After lunch we had a nap, called both set of parents to wish them a happy grandparents day and relaxed the rest of the night. We needed lots of rest this weekend.

Yesterday Grace and I met some friends for Mondays with Mommy. Its a program put on by some local organization to sing and dance with your toddler. Unfortunately, it was so hot that we didn't last long. We ran a few errands and then headed home. We met Alex at the gym after he was done with work and then had an early night relaxing here.

This morning we were early riser to meet our friend Leslie who is in town from Chicago. It was so great catching up and getting together with her and Jennifer. I am one blessed lady!

What's been going on

Well hello September. I didn't expect to see you so soon, but welcome!

Alex traveled the second half of last week. He was missed dearly. Wednesday night I got up around midnight and started freaking out. "Grace is upstairs. If someone breaks in, she's too far away. How can I protect her?" I decided to go upstairs and have her sleep with me. Poor baby was awake for two hours! I prayed that God would put both of our minds to rest and at ease. By 2:30, I felt terrible that both Grace and I were awake over my selfish fears and ended up putting Grace back in her crib. Aye yiyi. I have to protect this sweet baby!

Thursday we went to Rice Village with Jennifer, Sarah, and their little ones. Each baby took turns having their melt downs but it was lovely to be out exploring (let's be real....shopping) and enjoying fellowship with these women. It was like a mini road trip since we all rode together in the Pilot (awesome family car people) complete with a kids movie in the DVD player as a last result with the lack of naps taken. Grace and I went on an evening run and hit the hay early.

Ryan, Carolina, and Grace in Rice Village

the view on our run. Beautiful sunset :)

Friday we played around the house, caught up with friends, and Alex got home early afternoon from his business trip. We went to the gym, the grocery store, and came home to make stir fry for dinner. We decided to go out for dessert....after two attempts to get shaved ice, we eventually had McDonalds. Wha wha.... we'll get it soon!

Saturday we woke up, packed a picnic and went to San Jacinto State Park. We had to take a car ferry to get to the park which was very frightening for me. The park had the only remaining ship that served in WWI & WWII. It was amazing! We were able to explore the ship, see the old bunks, cannons, signage, and wander all over the ship. I love the lack of political correctness (read the text in the last picture)!

We had a picnic near the monument. It was nice to cool off and enjoy the delicious fresh food packed. While leaving, we decided we were both craving a fountain coke. We googled, "soda fountain," and found one about 30 minutes from our house. We went to a little town called Rosenberg to Another time Soda Fountain. It was adorable! Fifties themed complete with phosphates, homemade sodas, malts & malt cups, and the impression that everyone knew each other. One patron struck up a conversation with us about teaching Vacation Bible School. We can't wait to bring visitors soon! We watched Life of Pi (excellent movie, graphics are great) followed by a game night with our neighbors. Wahoo is an awesome game!

Sunday we went to church, did a little shopping, and had a couple of guest come. Our friend Alicia and her buddy Tony came to stay. It was a great excuse to have frozen margaritas and Lupe Tortilla. We enjoyed our piece of the Midwest! After dinner we strolled through La Centerra and played suspend when we got home. Great company :)

Monday we had a big breakfast and after our company hit the road, we went to the pool. Unfortunately, the pools are open on the weekends only through the end of this month. I wish they were open year round. The pool was fun with grace splashing and taking her first ride on the slide. We enjoyed an afternoon bike ride and rented the movie Mud. It was pretty well done.

Tuesday, Grace and I did some playing and cleaning. We had two families over for a pasta party. Three homemade sauces and pasta. Super fun despite the kiddos going a little stir crazy. All you can do is laugh and enjoy the sweet company.

Wednesday I went running and to Yoga. We had a play date at a family's home from our ABF class. I love our growing community. It's a great opportunity to watch parents with their older children to get ideas on how to parent. For example, when it comes to dessert, one family has taught, "if sweet things don't come out if your mouth, sweet things don't go in." Love it!! 

We had dinner with Sarah and Ryan at a little Asian bistro while Alex had his first men's group study at church. We missed him dearly but were in good company. The food was yummy too!

Today was Costco day!! We went to Garden & Muse for coffee strolled around. Alex met us for lunch and we were at Costco for a few hours. I love that place. We picked up our packets for the Just Cause race Saturday morning. I'm running a 10k and Alex is doing a 5k. So excited! 

Garden & Muse coffee shop

Off to bed! Night y'all!