August Updates

I have been really self-absorbed lately following my latest hobby, decorating. After realizing I only had 1 picture of my children from the entire month of July, I decided that it was time to get back to my old ways of taking pictures of my kids and having fun with them and stop being so preoccupied with "getting things done." The pictures below are from some of the things that we did.

Don't get me wrong, I do fun things with them almost every day, but I've been failing miserably at capturing moments on camera and really engaging in that meaningful play with them. I won't get too dramatic though because we've still had plenty of trips to the pool, Kings Island, playdates, parks, walks, etc...so it's not like I've completely kept them secluded during my preoccupation period.

Isa started soccer two weeks ago. She did so well this past week. She dribbled well, scored two goals and learned how to stop the ball with her foot. She was cracking me up whenever she would run too fast. I overheard her tell the coaches that she can't run because her stomach starts jumping. I guess that meant she couldn't catch her breath! Her first game is on the 23rd.

Both Braden and Isa start school in a few weeks. I'll need to make sure to get those moments on camera.

Carter just got over a double ear infection and a virus with blisters in his throat.

I'm down 3 lbs. this week on WW. Weigh in again tomorrow. My cousin, Angela, and I set a goal to lose 12 lbs. before our cousin, Jen's, wedding on Sept. 6. We started last week. So, as long as I keep exercising and staying within my point range, I'll lose that 3 lbs. per week. (Such a slacker....why does it take me a month before a wedding to get motivated?)

I don't know that I've mentioned this, but please keep Bill in your thoughts. He has a qualifying exam to pass and a paper due October 3rd. He must pass the qualifying exam to stay in the PhD program. The paper, if chosen to be published, would be something that he would present in Rome, Italy next May 2009. We'd both like to go if his paper is selected.

Met up with my old friend, Tina Cramer that I used to work with at Pete's Restaurant years ago and spent time with her and her kids today. She has two. Twins. Brooke and Brady. They're starting kindergarten this year! Geesh, time flies.

GG and Papa's anniversary is tomorrow. Happy Anniversary!

So many people are having babies here within the next few weeks: cousin Angie, friend Lisa, friend Monica, and friend Libby. Good luck to all of you!