Holidays

Since my last post, Halloween AND Thanksgiving have come and gone and Christmas is just a few days away! I am constantly saying this, but the time really has a way of getting away from me! Anyway, I thought I'd share what's been going on...

Aidan was a Storm Trooper for Halloween...of course his daddy was way proud! He looked really cute and had a fun time trick-or-treating around the block. We got about half-way around and he looked in his bucket and said, "I think this is enough treats!" So, we headed over to his Big D and Cookie's house for the rest of the evening. He had a ton of fun answering the door and seeing all the other trick-or-treaters. That was his favorite part last year, too...when he helped Aunt Candy hand out candy to the other boys and girls. He was hot so we stripped him down to his underwear...which also happened last year, except he was in a diaper. I remember one of the little girls last year asking her daddy why the little boy was naked!




We had a great Thanksgiving...spent the day at my parents house and ate way too much food. We helped decorate Mom and Gene's tree...the boys did most of the work. RJ went with his brother and a few others to the UT/A&M game that evening...they all had a great time, too. Then we celebrated again the next day with his family at our house. We enjoyed having everyone here and had some more really good food. Thankfully, I was not in charge of providing all the food...though I did contribute a couple of sides and a desert!

Aidan, Skyler and Sage in Front of Mom and Gene's Tree



And, now, it's already time for Christmas. I feel like we've been gearing up for it forever now. Mom and I started shopping the week of Thanksgiving. We really got most of it done then. But, there were a few things that were missing. So, RJ and I finally finished up today. Aidan also threw a wrench in things when he sat on Santa's lap this past weekend and told him a few things we've never heard him ask for before. And, he keeps repeating them since then, so we wanted to get those for Santa! He was really cute on Santa's lap..actually told him a few toys he wanted and smiled for the picture. He is a lot of fun with all the festivities. Mom bought him an advent type calendar that we put a "prize" in for him to get every morning...that's the first thing he asks for every morning! And, he loves turning the Christmas tree lights on. I'm looking forward to making cookies for Santa with him and seeing his face when he finds his stuff from Santa on Christmas morning! I hope RJ can be in the living room waiting with the camera to capture the moment. Until then, here are few for you to look at...

Decorating our Yard with Grammy and Grampy


Sitting on Santa's Lap


Our Christmas Card Picture

Has it really been 2 months?

Ok...so I'm not a very good manager of the blog when I have to work...I was much better in the summer! During the week, I go to work, come home, feed the fam, we all play for awhile, then it's bath and bed time for Aidan...and then I'm pretty pooped. I don't last much longer than the little guy! But, I should at least post on the weekends to keep everyone updated. Here's what's been going on with us...

Aidan turned 3! He had a Batman party with a bunch of family around...it was a really fun day for everyone. He got tons of cool toys and has not stopped playing with them since.

Batman Cake


Playing at his new desk that Grampy made on his new computer! The desk is awesome...Aidan loves drawing and coloring at it. He loves his computer, too. He can "work" on it and "check his e-mail"...too cute!


His gigantic Star Wars ship that daddy picked out...as my aunt said...it is a doll house for star wars things! But, he loves it and it holds his attention for long periods of time...and daddy likes playing with it, too! ; )


I went back to DFW for a weekend visit with my old friends and some fam, too! I had a blast...spent some time at my old school to see people I used to work with, went to the football game Friday night and got to see a bunch of my old students, hung out with girlfriends on Saturday, got my hair done with my old hair guy, and then spent Saturday night and Sunday with my cousin Lindsay. It was so fun to see everyone and catch up...I want to go back again!

Halloween was fun...Aidan was a Storm Trooper and enjoyed trick-or-treating. We made it a little farther than last year...he went to about 4 houses last year before he sat down on the sidewalk and announced that he was done. This year, we made it about halfway around the block and then he said, "that's enough treats!" So, we went back to Big D and Cookie's house and he had fun answering the door for the rest of the trick-or-treaters.


If all goes well, we should know the sex of the new baby this coming Thursday! We are excited to find out...we would love to have a girl, but it would be so neat to give Aidan a brother, too. So, we'll see! I know my mom is thinking pink...she wants a girl to hang out with when all the boys want to be in the garage with Grampy!

It's Been A While...

Sorry it's been so long...I've spent the last 3 weeks starting my new job. It's been a long 3 weeks, but pretty good overall. The people I work with are all very nice and so far, the kids are too. There are some major cultural difference from DFW to Austin, and that has been interesting. DFW is much more conservative, so having students with visible tattoos and big piercings and colorful hair has been new for me! But, they are all very nice and polite, so I cannot complain.

RJ is doing well...very busy with work. He has been traveling a bunch, but is doing great! He is just now getting over a cold that knocked him out for about a week. Aidan and I were fortunate enough to not get it.

As for Aidan...there have been major developments since I last wrote...especially in the last few days...here are the top three:

#1: When we moved from DFW to Austin, he was almost off of his paci...only used it at night. But, with his daddy moving before we did and then the actual move to the new house, he had a bit of a setback. We didn't push it because we knew his little world had been rocked a bit, so we gave him some time. But, when the paci started to fall apart (literally), I told him that he wasn't getting a new one...this was it. I helped it along it's way (of deteriorating) by cutting or pulling off bits piece by piece...Aidan would make a funny face the next time he put it in his mouth, but he wouldn't say a word...because he knew I would say we needed to throw it away...to which he would reply, "but I NEED it!". Anyway, we honestly lost it the other night...the 3 of us went on a search and noone could find it. So, RJ told him that if he slept all night without it, he would buy him a toy the next day. And, so he did! I just knew he would wake up crying for it in the middle of the night, but he didn't! Turns out I found it right after he went to bed, but that is still our little secret. So, we are finally paci-free!!! It only took two years and 10 months...he definitely took after his mother on this one...I was pretty old, too!

#2: We started the whole potty-training process a couple of weeks ago. We would put Aidan in pull-ups during the day and diapers at naptime and bedtime. Sometimes, he would go on the potty and other times it was a fight to even get him in the bathroom. The pull-ups became just like diapers to him. So, we decided to go full force with big boy underwear only during the day. The first attempt was yesterday while he was home with me and RJ. He did a great job...only had one accident. And, today, with Grammy and Grampy here during the day, he was dry all day. It's 7:36PM and he has been dry all day! We are so proud of him we can hardly stand it. I only hope the days to come are equally as successful! A big thanks to Grammy and Grampy for all the hard work and "prizes" during the day when they are here with him!

#3: Aidan is going to be a big brother! We found out we were pregnant right before my last post (right before the trip to Galveston). I am about 11 weeks along right now. I'm not sure how much Aidan understands...he knows there is a baby in mommy's tummy...and will tell you he wants a brother or sister (it changes daily). But, as far as knowing what that really means, I think he's clueless. We keep telling him that it will be a little baby like baby Jason...but it will live at our house. Anyway, we are very excited and anxious to be adding a new baby to the mix! The due date is March 27th...2 days after my grandmother's birthday, so she is hoping it comes on her b-day. Funny...Aidan was due 4 days after my mom's b-day and she hoped the same thing!

So, that's the update for now. I need to download some new pics and show everyone how big Aidan is getting...he is truly growing by the second. I will do that soon!

Galveston, TX

Grammy and Grampy took the three grandsons to Galveston for a few days. I was able to go along for the fun, too. Everyone had a great time...I think the adults were more tired than the kids! Chasing 3 boys was wild...I don't know how people handle a bunch of kiddos! Aidan was able to do a bunch of "firsts" on this trip...went to the beach, played miniature golf, went to Schlitterbahn...here are a bunch of pics of the fun times...

Walk on the Pier


Day at the Beach


Snug as Bugs in a Rug


On our way to Moody Gardens

The Rainforest at Moody Gardens

Caught in the Storm

Look at that Form! : )

Getting Better!

The Gang at Miniature Golf

Fun at Schlitterbahn

Three Drowned Rats

Sporting the Souvenir Shirts

Thanks Mom and Gene for such a fun get-away!!!

Grammy's Spaghetti

Anyone who has had the privilege of eating my mom's food knows she is an excellent cook! And, one of my favorite meals (as well as my bff, Megan's) is her spaghetti. Aidan and I went to stay with my parents for a few days this week while RJ was in Chicago for work. One night, mom fixed her infamous spaghetti. Aidan doesn't usually like pasta (except for macaroni), but he decided he wanted to try some of my dinner...so, I gave him a bite and what happened next was hysterical. He wouldn't let me cut it up because he was having too much fun trying to slurp it up! Pronouncing the word "spaghetti" is pretty hard for little ones and provides for a few smiles, too. Enjoy the clips...

Slurping


I love Grammy's "fusagetti"!

Summertime Fun

We've been able to see a lot of family since we moved...Aidan is really enjoying his time with his cousins. We're also enjoying playing outside a bunch. Here are some pics of all the fun we're having this summer!

These are in Grammy and Grampy's backyard...playing baseball. My oldest nephew, Sage, was throwing the ball for Aidan...Sage is always really sweet to Aidan and Aidan adores him! I love the concentration in the second one and the eyes in the last one! : )





These are also at Grammy and Grampy's house. The first was one of many photos...trying to get a group photo of the 3 boys is interesting! We got a couple of cute ones, though. And, the second is of Aidan and Skyler swimming in the backyard. Aidan loves spending time with Sage and Skyler!




These are from this past weekend...during a visit from Nani, Tati, Aunt Mari, and Bella. The first is of baby Jason...he is too cute! Then, we got the 3 cousins together for a photo shoot...both Bella and Aidan are pretty intrigued by baby Jason. The third was of Aidan and Bella saying goodbye at the end of the weekend...it was really neat watching them play this time. We all had a great visit!





Two more of our little guy...he is getting so big, I guess I can't really say LITTLE guy anymore. He loves to be outside...in the first one, we are trying out his new t-ball set, which he loves! In the second, he is riding his motorcycle that he got from Aunt Candy and Uncle Bob for his last b-day. He is finally tall enough to reach the pedals and "ride" by himself, although it is really a group effort to get anywhere. But, we did ride to Big D and Cookie's house yesterday!

A Confession...

...I am a pack rat! Those of you that know me well, have probably heard stories of the letters from high school that I still have...notebooks full of letters from RJ and close friends...crazy, I know, but I save everything! So, as I've been unpacking, I've been finding some pretty cool stuff. I had a box of cards from college that I was going through the other day. Most of them were from my 21st b-day, but there were also some from Christmas...there was one that stood out to me...

It was a Christmas card from a random guy that was in my bowling class (yes, I said bowling...I took it twice...not because I failed, but because I needed 2 PE credits and that was one of the easiest ways to get them!). Anyway, I do not remember this person at all...which is another reason this card stood out to me...his name is Matthew. And, as most college students do when you meet someone new...we must have discussed our majors and what we wanted to do with our lives, which, of course, meant that I shared with him that I wanted to be a teacher...here is what he said about that in the card...

There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to be a wonderful teacher. One of my first impressions of you was that you had an unconditional compassion for humanity in general. I don't see that in many people, and it makes even a cynical guy like me think positively about the future.

I don't share this to boast, but instead to ask myself 2 questions...

1. Do I still exude that unconditional compassion for humanity? I sure hope so. I think that people who know me would say that I am compassionate...I hope that people that first meet me can see this too...that is the type of person I want to be. It is easy to be hardened by circumstances and the world around us, but I hope that I always keep the joy and compassion no matter the situation.


2. If he (or anyone else) met me today (after being in the classroom for 10 years), would they still think/say that about me and my profession...would I seem passionate about what I do or callused by the parts of it that are less than appealing...like upset and/or hovering parents, discipline issues, paperwork, etc etc... It is easy to say right now since I am on a summer break, but my goal for the coming year(s) is to show compassion and passion to my students...that I will be a catalyst to their being driven to learn...math and life lessons.

The Closing

RJ and I went to Fort Worth on Sunday to clean the house and then go to the closing on Monday. It was a lot more emotional for both of us than we had anticipated. First of all, it was weird to see the house without any of our furniture in it. It reminded me of when we first bought the house and we didn't have anything in it for a while! Then, while cleaning each of the rooms (especially Aidan's), my mind was flooded with memories...as I vacuumed the back right corner of his room, I couldn't help but think of all the times I rocked him in the rocker that used to be there...then I moved to the other side of the room where the changing table was and I thought of all the times he laid there to be changed and also of his first night home when he sprayed both of us plus about a six foot perimeter of the changing table and of his first "bath" at home which happened on that table...it was truly overwhelming and my emotions took over. Fortunately, memories are things we can take with us...that is what I keep reminding myself...

So, we got it all cleaned up and went to sign the papers...the title company gave us a random cheese server and our realtors gave us a bottle of wine as thank yous for doing business with them...so, as RJ said...we walked in with a house and out with a platter and bottle of wine! Then we went to eat at Sushi Sam...the same restaurant we ate at after signing the contract to buy the house...then we drove back to Cedar Park. It was a somber trip back and seemed to last forever.

While it was sad to go through the motions of giving up the house, it is a good feeling to have that part behind us. We can now focus on the house here and getting everything in order here. I hope the new owners love our (their) house as much as we did. I know we are going to love our life here even more.

The Move

Well, we're here...all back together again! The movers came on Saturday...you should ask RJ about that experience...it was interesting! But, they got all of our stuff to the new house, and that's all that really mattered. The house was a wreck, though, with too many things to stuff into this house! So, my mom and Gene kept Aidan one more night for us so we could try to make some sense of the mess. We were at least able to get his room and the playroom ready. So, they brought him over on Sunday after his nap and Sunday night, we spent the first night here as a family. It was a great feeling to be back together again and even greater this morning when RJ left for work and we were able to tell Aidan that daddy would be home tonight!

A BIG Weekend

Well, it wasn't really just a weekend...it trickled over until today...and lots happened...

RJ and I took the day off Friday to go sign papers for our new house in Austin. That was fun...we got the keys and went to see it...me for the first time...he had picked the house on his own and I must say, he did a great job! That was a huge test in trust, and he passed with flying colors. We worked on the house all weekend...we started Friday evening and didn't stop until Monday night. We got a ton done, though, and owe a huge thank you to my parents and Damian for all the help! We painted every wall in the house except the study and the master bathroom. It looks like a new home! It made me get really excited about moving. My brother and his fam came over to see it...they live just a few minutes away from the new house. And, Megan spent an afternoon with us...so fun that we will be able to do that whenever we want! Another fun part was to see how close it is to Damian and Jessica's house...we walked back and forth all weekend...I think Damian timed it and it only takes a little over 2 minutes to walk it! We didn't have the water turned on yet, so we made the trip quite a few times to go to the bathroom...thanks guys! It was a fun time with family...even if we were working so hard!

Aidan in front of the fire place in the new house. He really likes the new place...he kept wanting to go into his room and play...he and Big D (Uncle Damian) ran circles around his room a million times! He loved the back yard, too!


Since we worked so late Monday night, I decided to take a 1/2 day on Tuesday and drive back to Fort Worth in the morning. Sounded like a good plan...but then we got a call at 1:00 AM from Damian...they were at the hospital! So, I got on the computer and requested a sub for the rest of the day. We went to the hospital around 10:00, where we waited with Ralph, Mona, Mari, Bella, and the Lee's. Jessica worked hard all day and finally delivered a healthy, beautiful baby boy around 10:00 last night. They named him Jason Colson...we couldn't be more proud...especially RJ...what an honor! Check out Damian's blog for some cute pics...jessicandamian.com

So, I didn't get on the road to come back until this morning...I have some wonderful friends at work that covered my classes this morning until I could get there. I was thinking about the whole weekend as I drove home...funny how a few moments can make such a huge difference in your life...Damian and Jessica became parents, RJ and I started to build our home in Austin, and I didn't want to leave. A few weeks ago, I was crying to think about leaving here (I still am), but for the first time, I cried yesterday at the thought of coming back to Fort Worth. There is so much there (namely our wonderful families) that I am beginning to wonder how we did this (lived apart) for so long...and I only got a small taste of it this weekend. I am truly thrilled about moving and being around the corner from Damian, Jessica, and my precious little nephew, a few minutes from my brother and his family, and just about 30 minutes from my parents. I am humbled and so grateful for this opportunity...only 2 more weeks till the big day!

Cuteness

Aidan does or says at least one thing that cracks us up each day. Here are two from the the last couple of days...

1. I've really been talking about everything "potty" these days as my goal for the summer is for Aidan to be potty-trained. We read the same book each night about getting potty trained and we talk about big boy underwear and the potty itself. He has some underwear in his sock drawer that he saw the other day and so we got them out and looked at each pair...they have Mater and Lightning McQueen on them which he thought was pretty cool. I asked him if he wanted to use the potty so he could wear the underwear, and he said, no, so we put them back in the drawer. This morning, he asked me to get them out of the drawer again (there are 3 pair in a little plastic baggy)...so I did. Then he decided he wanted to take them to school with him! : ) I told him could take them in the car, but had to leave them there when we got to school. That would be one interesting show-and-tell! ; )

2. Aidan always wants some of whatever you are eating. I had a blueberry bagel with butter on it the other day. He wanted his own, so I gave him half of mine. He asked for peanut butter on it...I figured he meant regular butter so, I explained that it was already on there. He said, "no mommy," and took me to the pantry to get the peanut butter. He insisted...so I put it on there and he loved it...mmmm peanut butter and blueberries...the breakfast of champions! Here's a pic of him enjoying it...

Longest Post Ever...As Emotions Run High

So, the tears keep coming….I can’t seem to shut them off these days. In the past weeks, when I would think of leaving (my friends here, my work, and my house), I would just shove those thoughts to the back of my mind and think “I’ll deal with that when the day comes.” But, as the day nears (only about 4 weeks left), I can’t seem to forget about it anymore. I cry at the drop of a hat.

I get sad as we pack things up…I love my house and have so many wonderful memories here…this is the first house RJ and I owned (that was a very exciting and proud time in our lives), it’s where we had our first child, and we’ve put a lot of time and work into making this place our own. It seems really weird that someone else is going to come in here and make it theirs.

I get sad as I walk down the halls at school and think I won’t be back there next year, as I pack up my stuff to take with me, and as I listen to everyone talk about the events of next year. It is strange that I won’t be a part of all of that. Sometimes I join in before I remember it doesn’t pertain to me.

I get REALLY sad when I think about leaving my friends (they’re really my second family) that I’ve made here. I have been so blessed to work with people that have become more than friends. They have seen me through all the major phases of my adult life. When I moved here and started working at my school, I was not even engaged. So, some of these friends have seen me get engaged, married, and have my first child. They have been by my side through trials and celebrations and have truly shaped me in many ways. They are like mothers at times, sisters at others, and always the best of friends.

I get THE MOST sad, though, when Aidan tells me he wants to go home and we are sitting here in our house when he says it. I know what he means…he wants to go where daddy is. I try to explain that daddy is in Austin and we will all be there together soon, but that is a lot for a 2.5 year old to understand. Mostly, I think, “me, too, buddy…I want to go home.” My home is with my family and my hubby is not here…so this really is no longer my home. I am ready for us to all be under the same roof again. I am ready to be home…even though I haven’t seen it myself (RJ had to pick it himself…but that’s another story), one thing is for certain…it will be perfect because we will be together.

And so, I come full circle…I am sad as the day nears, but it also makes me happy. I cannot imagine saying goodbye to the people here, but I cannot wait to start our new life there. I am scared for all of the changes, but I feel very blessed to be given this opportunity.

Another Piece to the Puzzle

I got a job yesterday! : ) I have had 2 interviews with principals and the math department head at Cedar Park High School in Leander ISD, and the head principal called yesterday to offer me a position! I don't know exactly what I'll be teaching yet, but that's okay...it will either be Algebra I or II or a combination of the two. I am really excited to be teaching there...it is one of the schools that Jessica's middle-schoolers go to, so we could possibly share some students after a couple of years...that would be fun! It is also a relief to be able to mark that off the list and it's definitely another answered prayer...I feel so blessed and grateful that everything has been going so smoothly! Next on the list...finding a house down there!

An Offer

We got an offer on the house yesterday...it was a good one! We still countered and they accepted...even better! So, if all goes well the next couple of weeks, we will be selling our house and closing on June 16th...the timing could not be more perfect! It is definitely an answered prayer! RJ is in NY right now and I am in Austin for the weekend, so getting the contract from the realtors in DFW to me to sign and then to RJ to sign and back to the realtors is going to take a bit of coordinating, but it will get done. We are very excited! Just wanted to share the good news!

Aidan Update

Here are some recent pics for those of you who haven't gotten to see Aidan in a while...

Eating a Dinosaur Sandwich


Posing by Flowers at the Dallas Arboretum


Being Silly


Aidan as a "Puppy Gogg"...that's how he says it! : )

Cute Quote of the Day

This morning, Aidan told me his "tummy was growling"...then he held up his shirt to expose his belly and said "SEE"! : )

Everyone has a story!

I have always loved hearing other peoples stories! My husband will tell you that we'll go to a restaurant and I'll ponder what is going on in the lives of the strangers around us. Before we leave, everyone has a story...at least in my head! I know he thinks I'm crazy, but I just like knowing peoples stories! So, when I started reading blogs recently, I got hooked. I've been inspired to start my own...not because I feel I have anything profound to say or share, but simply to give our family, friends, and maybe even some strangers who might share the same joy for stories as me a little glimpse into our world. And so begins my story...

Our life is ever-changing...our two year old son learns something new every day and is constantly growing. As is the case with all children, the milestones keep flying by and he exits a phase as quickly as he entered it. Life is never boring! We are also in the middle of a major life-change as we prepare to move our family to Austin. I have been in the DFW area for nine years now, and RJ has been here for eight. We have moved through many phases of adulthood in this area...we got married after we moved here (though the wedding was in our hometown of Victoria), we bought our first house here, we had our first child here...so, it is going to be a big transition. But, we want to be closer to our families...nothing is more important to us! So, we decided it was the right thing to do...eventually...and put it in the back of our minds. Then, it (the move) found us! A position as a sales rep in the Austin area for an eye-wear company fell into RJ's lap...we could not pass this opportunity up. He has been with his new job for over a month now and is loving it. The only downfall is that it requires him to be in the Austin area already. I am a teacher, so Aidan and I are still in DFW until the school year is over. So, we only get to see eachother on the weekends. We have put our house on the market, and I've interviewed with a couple of districts in Austin. It's really happening...weird and exciting at the same time!

So, I hope to keep you all updated on the happenings in the Gonzales house...from the day to day changes in a growing little boy and family to the transitions of moving from DFW to Austin...these are our times of change!