hiatus . . . no more

I've been gone, but hopefully not forgotten. The summer (which I thought was busy) has given way to full blown, crazy busy autumn. We're loving the great weather and enjoying trying to keep everything we've got going, well going. School is very busy for me right now with lots of projects, mentoring a first year teacher, and working on a few district level projects. Doug is busy working and keeping up with home repairs, golf, and of course Sooner football. Caden is in pre-K and talking constantly about anything and everything. He is in Cubbies (Awana) this year and doing youth league bowling on Saturday mornings. He's eager to be his beloved Sam Bradford for Halloween and looking forward to his 5th birthday in November. So our blogging hiatus is now officially over. And though the pictures below are a couple of months old and Caden has since lost his mohawk (his choice for those of you thinking I forced the issue); they are too cute not to share. Thanks to Megan for taking them back in early August!

new do

I am NOT normally fond of what I like to refer to as extreme hairstyles, but Caden asked for a mohawk (and secretly I've thought it might be cute on a little boy, but certainly not so on a rebellious teenager), so Doug and I decided to let him try it once at four in hopes that this will tame his future fourteen year old self. Here he is after his shower last night without the hair spiked up. I'm a teeny bit shocked every time I see it, but I do think it's kinda cute especially when it's "done".

playing in the rain

This afternoon Caden and I did something I've ALWAYS wanted to do, but never done . . .we played in the rain. Caden was reluctant at first and gave every excuse: He was cold. Our feet would get dirty (he likes to be clean). Daddy might run over us (we were in the street . . . the quiet, very dead end street with no intention of staying out long enough for Daddy or anyone else to run over us). I finally convinced him. We splashed and played barefoot in the rain and puddles. It was cold, but so much fun! So worth us both getting that experience (especially for free!)! Here's the aftermath.

dripping wet on the porch

a smooch for MommyI love how happy we both look

time for a hot shower!

oh joy! oh joy!

We've got a big boy! Caden is finishing up his first independent shower right now! I couldn't be more thrilled! I tried last night to get him to take a shower, but all I got for my efforts was tears, hysterics, and protests!! Tonight, Doug tried and we now have clean boy who just this second as I write this, shouted, "I want to do that next time!" Then he came running in here and PROUDLY announced, " Mommy, I tooked a shower all by myself!!" Here's the proof of the pride he clearly feels about accomplishing this.

molars, canines, bicuspids, oh my!

Now what tooth fairy, dentist, mom, grandma wouldn't love a smile this cute?!? :) Caden got these funny teeth as a joke in his Christmas stocking last year (Daddy picked them out) and just rediscovered them. He thinks they are sooo hilarious, but he's a boy and he's four, so we must forgive his humor. And if you haven't smiled yet today, hopefully now you can! :)

can you say overbite? with the teeth no he can't!

he needs a good scrubbing from the dental hygienist
beaver bucktooth boy

rub-a-dub-dub

3 little people in the tub! Saturday we watched Tegan and Jensen (our niece and nephew). They had a good time playing in the bathtub all together, a rare treat for only-child Caden. Doug and I felt especially at bath time it was not always fun to be outnumbered! But we did manage to get 3 kids clean and jammied and in bed at a decent hour. We also managed to get all 3 dressed, fed, and to church on time Sunday morning. I know for some of you this is a normal occurrence, but we were impressed with ourselves.

lined up from youngest to oldest

Jensen got mad because all the water and the big kids disappeared.

9

On this day, nine years ago, Doug and I said I do for better or worse. We've seen a lot of both, but we've endured together. Happy Anniversary Doug! I love you! Here are the top 9 reasons why:

1) you are such a good daddy to Caden

2) you care so much about our family

3) you can make me laugh at anything

4) you are so calm, a nice balance to my not always so calm self

5) you work hard at everything you do

6) you're always proud of everything Caden and I accomplish

7) you're an awesome cook!

8) you support me in the things I want to do or try

9) you take care of all the things I can't handle

So today on our anniversary I want you to know that you've been a part of many of the most significant moments in my life, good and bad, but what matters most to me today is not those moments, but that I got to share them with you. I look forward to all life has to offer us in our next year together. It's now official . . . we've known each other for over 1/3 our our lives. It won't be long before that creeps up to half. Can't wait!! :)

my favorite big guy with our favorite little guy