The end of an era...

Who knew when we moved to Texas over five years ago that we'd stay this long...that we'd love it this much...and that we'd be sad to see it end.  Our upcoming move to Alabama (have I mentioned Bryce got a full time teaching position at a University there?!!) means the end of a wonderful era in our lives. We've been living in a great place here in Texas, surrounded by amazing friends with children the same ages as our own.  Somehow many of us mothers seemed to have babies around the same times and our children have grown together into fine little Texans!

Slowly many of the families have trickled off in different directions as their schooling ended. Most have remained close enough for at least an occasional visit for birthday parties etc. but suddenly and sadly it seems even this is ending for a few of us. As of the end of July we're headed for Alabama, another family leaves next week for Maine, others have possible moves in the works to California, and Idaho. And it feels like we should all pull out a yearbook of some sort and start writing each other wishes for a good life! Thank goodness for things like blogs and facebook - no one is ever too far away now. I think I'll make a pact with everyone that we at least get wedding announcements for each kid when that time comes...and I fear it will come too quickly. I could post a kazillion pictures of all the fun times we've had over the years, but these two are an indication of that fun...and of the growth we've experienced!! I really love all these people, they've made life in Texas, away from family, bearable and fun.

2007
I was amazed to look back and
see how many families had not yet joined the throng!

2011
Our numbers have grown...and even here we are missing a few families!

Long overdue Ladies night pics!

Can you believe this is from way back in March? I'd say we're overdue for some more crazy times ladies!

To Kill a Fish

When I was growing up our cats would often show their love for us by leaving lovely little treasures of dead mice or birds on our doorstep. And although we were entirely repulsed by the sight of these gifts, they brought a certain degree of happiness with them in knowing that we really were appreciated. This pretty much describes the way I felt when this beauty showed up on my doorstep, courtesy of a neighbor we do adore. My reaction was a sore sight, according to Bryce, because my son now believes that fish are the cause of all that is evil in the world. And it may well be true! What you're looking at is a real, live, genuine, bottom feeding Texas Catfish -sitting on (what used to be) my lovely cutting board. And I do mean live. Not only was I disgusted by a fish about to be gutted in my kitchen, but I was entirely distressed by the fact that it was still moving...and suffering...however small it's brain is. I begged Bryce to put it out of it's misery quickly - which is the only reason I didn't take the time to set up a gutting station OUTSIDE. I removed Snackie from the room (the tasks of "hunting and gathering" will likely not exist in the LaughAtme household...we simply enjoy our weekly grocery store outings too much, so seeing daddy kill a fish at age 3 would probably only instill fear in the boy), and poor Bryce set to the awful task of killing and gutting the fish. And of course...then eating the fish. I am certain that it will disappoint many of you (ahem...Chewy) to know that I do not enjoy eating fish, but the first and last time I tried catfish I found it similar to slurping pond scum through a straw - something I generally try to avoid doing. So, no, I did not partake. Nor did I partake of the lovely soup our friends offered when they invited us over for dinner later that evening. And just watching as everyone "fished" tiny little bones out of their mouths as they ate, reinforced my decision.

So...just in case y'all were feeling a desire to share some love, just know that I do prefer Chocolate & Toffee cookies over catfish any day.

a little smooch anyone?

Kudos to Kara

(sorry Kara, these pics were just toooooo awesome not to share!)

I brought Bryce some leftover cake from a baby shower last night, and as he gobbled it up for breakfast this morning he exclaimed, "that's the best cake I've ever had." Of course I didn't need to tell him that our friend Kara had made it, he knows well enough that she is an amazing baker. So he then proceeded to tell me that I should, "take baking lessons from her." I felt you all cringe at that one...but I didn't cringe one bit. He and I both know that I can't bake/don't desire to bake...even to save my life, and his statement was said in the same way someone might say, "you should learn Chinese" or more accurately in my case, "you should create a Universe." Bryce would LOVE to have the kind of yummy treats around our house on a daily basis that you find at the Nelsens, but the truth is I really have no desire to bake. I mean I do wish I had the ability to make wonderful yummy things if the mood arose, but it would only really be worth it to me if they simply appeared in my oven without the labor involved, and the mess to clean up afterwards...or better yet...it would be nice if they simply appeared...on my doorstep! But until that day I'm sure Bryce will survive on the yummy BlueBell Popsicles in the freezer, and the store bought sugar cookies on the counter. :)