At Play . . . Tree Eggs

There is this type of tree that has these HUGE, heavy, green, orange-shaped balls that fall from the limbs. Some of these things are larger than basketballs. We see them all over our area. They get squashed by cars, they look like brains, they float, and they are really-really ugly. Today we found one that was small enough to be investigated.

The insides are very sappy, milky. Evidently the seeds are edible but harder to harvest than seeds in a banana. We did some research and found that they are called hedgeapples. Or as Evy calls them, tree eggs. It was pretty cool.

This is how Merritt helps in our investigation.

Lunches with Dad

We have had the best time taking Dad to lunch whenever we can! Definitely a perk of living in the same town as Erik works. We have a great time and feel very lucky to get to see him in the middle of the day!

Hook 'Em

Religion in Texas has started again.

No comment on the game between our arch rival and the school we constantly make fun of . . . .

Texas, Texas, Yeehaw!

Chills and Thrills

We have enjoyed the past couple of weeks. A great visit from Aunt Megan, Everett's godmother, filled in our time as we continue to unpack and get settled. We are enjoying a cooler turn in the weather.

Erik is continuing to slave at work. Sheila is enjoying her time with the boys at home. Evy is the constant big brother keeping Merritt safe, and Merritt keeps us smiling.

We have great plans to repaint the kitchen soon. Forwhatever reason, we are having a difficult time picking the color. I love that this is the major decision facing us right now. A welcome change.

Erik is also serving our congregation as ward employment specialist. I realized that we are always helping someone with their resume and networking. Kind of nice that his assignment fits into something that we already do.

Our current TV favorite is The Philanthropist. Those that know Erik best will understand why.

Nothing super major going on except us figuring out how to speed up the process of mowing the lawn. A charmed life, for sure.

At Months 8 and 9, Merritt Shines

Stats

Weight: 18 pounds, 9 ounces (10-25%)

Height: 28 and 1/2 inches (50%)

Head Circumference: 17 and 3/4 inches (25-50%)

Interview with Merritt

Moderator: Ladies and Gentlemen, Merritt is with us today filling us in on all that he has been up to recently. Tell us Merritt, what do you like to do best?

Merritt: I love to play with my brother and explore. I also try to copy my brother when he makes my mom laugh. We also sound really good together when we play the drums. Evy is so cool.

Moderator: Tell me more about what you like to explore.

Merritt: Everything. Mom finally created "bags" and "boxes" of stuff that she moves around the house to interest me since I love getting into the fireplace, crawling up the stairs, and finding all the "nono" areas. My favorite tub of stuff has CUPS of all sizes. Cups are cool.

Moderator: Your mom said that you are a flirt, what does that mean?

Merritt: Well, I love to smile and laugh at people. I make eyes at them, make eye contact, and then turn my head every so slightly to the one side because it makes me look even CUTER! I am really good at kissing.

Moderator: Really! Well, that is interesting. What is your favorite food?

Merritt: Mmmhhh, well, you should know that I talk when I eat. I make these chipmunk like sounds and make sure I keep up with the conversation. As far as what I prefer, I love finger things like cheerios. I don't like pureed pees. I LOVE bananas and mandarin oranges

Moderator: Is there anything else you want to share with the people?

Merritt: Well, I love to read books. Mom says I light up like a light when we read together. I am constantly getting into trouble because I am "risky." I climb up and go everywhere. That means that Mom and Dad have to get creative in keeping me in safe areas. I really like walks and spend most of my time looking at the ground as we pass over cool stuff. I don't like naptime. I have an uncanny sense of when it will be and I start crying the moment Mom takes me into my room. And, I am extremely ticklish and have a loud laugh!

Here is a picture you can share of me. I was the length of the caterpillar when I was born.

Some thoughts from Mom:

• Merritt is a happy boy. He is on the lighter side weightwise as he is burning calories all the time.



• He enjoys exploring and wrestling with his brother. He wants to be in the middle of the action all the time.


• I think I should start saving for orthodontic work for Merritt. He is constantly bruising his mouth, lips, etc. The dentist says not to worry but you can't help but wonder.


• When he is happiest, he makes these cooing noises like a dove.


• He doesn't like the hardwood floors or the ceramic tile on his knees. He has this crawl that is knee, knee, knee, foot. Pretty fun to watch.


• This one is ALWAYS on the move hitting milestones early, in an effort, I am sure, to keep up with his brother.


• He is a pleasure to be around and Everett is always making sure that he is safe. Evy watches to see how big the food pieces are that I give Merritt whenever we eat. They enjoy being together.


• Changing his diaper is akin to wrestling a steer.


• He loves to eat paper.




• Just yesterday he was standing by himself, without support. He kind of surprised himself!


• 6 teeth and counting.

Evy In Pictures

Evy's Thought for Today

"Mom, here are your keys and your phone!" Evy ran them to me holding them as if they were sacred offerings.

"Thanks, Evy."

"I'm trying to be a hero . . . . like Hercules!"

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After a discussion between Mom and Dad about dinner in the car, Mom turns to Evy, states the plan, and asks,"Doesn't Dad have great ideas?"

Evy emphatically said,"No!"

"What? Who has great ideas then?"

Pointing to himself he said,"Me!"

Follow-up questioning resulted in him explaining that no one else but Evy has great ideas.

Got to love toddler/preschooler ego.

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"Mom, Spiderman doesn't have a nose."

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Mom exited the bathroom and told Everett, after questioning, that she did in fact go poopoo.

"Awesome, Mom! You get a big TREAT now!"

(Let me tell you it does a body good when someone cheers for you even if it is only because you went to the bathroom.)
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Erik hurt his back a couple of weeks ago. Old age, mowing, and moving suddenly. We didn't talk about it too much but it was clear Erik has been in pain.

On Friday, when Erik got home from work, Evy asked,"Dad, your back hurrrting you?" He was checking in to see if he could help dad.

What a sweetie!

Thus Ends One Epoch of Time and We Begin Another

1. And it came to pass that we doth completed our 23rd move in this 13th year of marriage.
2. If thou thinkest us crazy, thou be right. But we shine in happiness only looking foolish as we doth continue to search for lost objects including those items that our first begotten son hides in trash boxes.
3. During which time, said eldest son left diapers behind.
4. During which time, O Ye Readers of This Blog, we tarried through three abodes before arriving to rest on our fourth hearth of said year.
5. And Everett spake of merpeople at the pool and showed unto us dance moves from Happy Feet.
6. And Merritt spake of jibberish and laughter.
7. And Sir Erik hung stars in the heavens much to the delight of Sheila.
8. And peace begat peace and mounds of packing paper.
9. Wherein, family helped unpack and friends organized books by color.
10. Wherein, we ran to and fro, O Ye Readers of This Blog, in making order of three origins of boxes--from storage, from apartment #1, and apartment #2.
11. Behold, we have plans to paint the cooking room but know not what to do with the paneled sharing room.
12. Herein, never fear, we shall prevail over the burden of bad design and peace shall continue to reign as we take part in shorter journeys to and fro work, frolick with fire ants and other various insect creatures, partake of Blue Bell icecream at an almost unbridled pace, bask in the company of family and friends at a moment's notice, and, in general, know we abide in the right place.
13. Thus the dust settles, after feeling we waiteth a long while, ending our journey to Texas and home.

Methinks our next move shouldest be a long time from now.

Highlights Through Pictures

Late night unpacking and help from sisters (Lady Paper Roller is in the other room).

Sir Erik cannot unpack without putting on a fashion show.

Fashion show continues.

Mover 1 (to Sheila): Ma'am, I sure do wish we could find those parts so I could put that futon back together for you (and tables and bookcases).

Mover 2 (shakes head in complete agreement that it is such a shame that the movers in DC were so irresponsible)

One week after being in the house, we find THIS box buried deep in the garage's mound of boxes. I don't know how it could have been made plainer.

Evy's Thoughts Inspired By Potty Training

While we were potty training Everett, he would say things like this in the most serious manner:

Mommy, I go poop in the potty. It makes Mommy happy. It makes makes Merritt happy. It makes everyone happy. It helps people. I help people.

(pause for more introspection)

Mommy helps people. Daddy helps people. John helps people, too.

(runs off to be a tiger with sharp claws and lots of growls)

John is the name of the maintenance man from our old apartment. We. saw. him. a. lot. Everett loved helping John. John was great and would ask Everett to help by holding a little flashlight. When Evy realized that our home was not at the apartments anymore as we drove home during our first week in the house, he said from the backseat of the car, "I miss John." John is a good guy.

Chills and Thrills

I think I have about three minutes for blogging today. I just don't get on the computer much these days. Something about unpacking and still trying to have some semblance of fun for the kids and Erik. ("No, Mom, no cleaning. Play wiff me!") I think I have sent about 5 emails since we moved into the house. If you've been a recipient of one of those, consider yourself a Chosen One.

Erik had a pretty brutal week at work. Lots and lots of work. He has also been the superhero in trying to help continue to get things organized in the house.

I've been loving having a home with my stuff and my kids. I love having a real bed and couches and plates and all that other junk I love to keep. I love that our artwork is on the walls. I was amazed at how much more peaceful I felt when my favorites were placed. We are able to eat more at home with pleasure. Also, I am convinced we either have a ghost or a raccoon that lives in our attic. Where is my mullet laden pest guy, Billy, when I need him?

Evy is running about a million miles an hour. He LOVES running through the house and outside. At about 7:00 you can always find him running circles in the house. It is like his prebedtime "get the energy out" . . . and he loves the fact that Merritt now chases him. Of course, Evy laps Merritt, but Merritt at various spots will turn around and catch Evy headon which is funny for everyone. He is talking all the time in full sentences, compound sentences, and makes connections that I never made . . . "No, not a Starburst. A triangleburst . . . a squareburst." One quirk he has is he does not say "with" or "for" . . . he goes the foreign language route and says, "cookie ame" or "water ayou" or "Merritt ame" -- using the "a" instead of the regular pronoun. Come to think of it, he has always done this.

Merritt is into EVERYTHING. Nothing slows him down. Stairs, trashcans, grass, hardfloors, obstacles on the floor, cabinets, nothing. He is climbing and thinks that he is a seal with the way he flails around in the bathtub. He loves the water. He is a "mamamama" and "bababa" talker. Our favorite is when he gives us open mouth kisses on our jaws or chin. So cute! Every single time we meet someone in public, we get the comment,"What beautiful eyes!"

We are living a regular life in suburbia. We are grateful.

And So It Is

Joy of having chairs to sit upon

Visiting family

Neighbors with treats

Lost remotes

Violent thunderstorms

Building new habits

Recognizing grace

Brother chasing brother

Giggles

Fevers

Nebulizer treatments

Mowing blades of grass

Lost pot lid

Pulled muscles

Newly discovered toys

Skinned knees

Post-Stress Fatigue

Sighs of relief

Found futon parts

Evening family walks

Lost baby monitor

Home cooked meals

Water play

Fly infestation

Sandy beach pool

Heat

Energy conservation

Broken chair

Late work evenings

Answered prayers realized

It will take us awhile to have a chance to catch up and share how a neighbor's concern meant a 3:00 am wake-up call from the cops. It will take us awhile to have a chance to share the latest brotherly antics like secret midnight playdates. It will take us awhile to share "Life Lessons Through Potty Training" compliments of Evy Musings. It will take us awhile to get it all going. But, we are enjoying every moment of it all while it is happening.

We're Here

Holy Cow we love our home! Our neighborhood is great and we couldn't be happier. Pardon our silence as we do whatever people do when they move.

My new view . . .

. . . from laying down in my backyard. Okay, our backyard. Waaaa-Hoooo!

Celebrity Outing on National Cow Day

In case you didn't know, we are celebrities. At least when we walked into Chick-fil-a dressed as our bovine friends (cause we were going to eat chicken, ya know), there were whistles, cheers, bell clanging, and all kinds of clamoring for our attention. And, all our food was FREE!

And, they made sure we had the best booth in the house, delivered our food to us, found high chairs for us and came to check on us. Aaahhh!

Looking a little strained trying to get everyone in the picture. And we are STILL looking glamorously distinguished. (It was totally hot outside.)

Afterwards, we bathed our bodies in the shade and water. The kids and adults all had a great time. Nothing like drinks and food poolside! Heatwave? What Heatwave?

Good thing Aunt Debbie is such a good sport!

A Quick Moment

Merritt is continuing to move around so quickly. He is cruising the boxes and the windowsill today. He also has started to want to walk more while holding my hands. He thinks that it is so much fun! I am continually amazed by him.

Evy and I were reading books this morning. We were talking about what each of us saw in the pictures. He spotted popcorn.

Mom: What are they doing with the popcorn?
Evy: They going take w' hands, put in mouf, go in tummy, down (motions his body), out bottom hole, and on my pants and feet! (ending with both hands thrown in the air in triumph)

We have never talked about the digestive process past what happens after the tummy. I don't know if he had a conversation about this with his dad. But, I thought it was pretty funny. (minus the poop on the pants and feet part.) (And he was so proud.)

Chills and Thrills: Week 4 of Camping with AC

We sign on the house this week! The sellers are leasing it back for a couple of days. So, we don't get to start moving until Friday. Our first night in the house won't be until Saturday. We are almost there!

Last week was busy getting all the odds and ends taken care of and making sure everyone else was prepared. We took some pictures of our soon to be empty apartment, just for the memories.

For those of you that don't read this blog frequently: We were kicked out of corporate housing three weeks ago due to the economy. The company brought someone back from abroad to stay in the corporate apartment. So, we scrambled to find a place to live and ended up staying in the same apartment complex to simplify things. We've been living in a 2 bedroom (Mom and Dad sleep in the living room). We have some boxes and a few odds and ends in the kitchen. The boys have their beds, and we have an air mattress that looks like it has a goiter (we hope it lasts through the week).

It hasn't been glamorous or fun or easy. But, Erik still has a job; so, we can't complain.

A sideways look at the most gourmet meal we've had in the apartment. Believe me, it was yummy. And, we are eating on a tabletop on the floor thanks to a loan from my dad.

This is our entertainment center. Our ghetto DVD player that is practically broken. My sisters will have a flashback to a VCR repaired by a rubberband when they see the picture of this beauty. (Yes, the fish toy is just putting the right amount of pressure to the DVD player so that it will continue to play and not think that someone just opened the tray, whereby starting the DVD over, again.) And, personally, I am loving Evy's post-nap hair.

I am mentally preparing to clean, yet again, another apartment from top to bottom. Thankfully, this one is smaller and I don't have to worry about perfectly clean dishes and linen . . . because, well, we don't have any!

This room is full of boxes. You don't see the wall of boxes that is behind me when I am taking the picture. We have two amazing large closets (for the size of the apartment) that are holding boxes as well.
Aunt Debbie and I went to Waco to visit Mandy and the kids. More on that Celebrity Outing soon.