Preschool's back in session

Today was Jackson's first day back at preschool.

He started off the day with a new 1st day of school tradition - Breakfast with Daddy! They went to Dutch Monkey Donuts and enjoyed some breakfast before I took Jackson to school. They sat outside to eat, and Jackson was beaming when they returned. Turns out he saw several school buses, motorcycles, and even a recycling trash truck while they ate.

I love new traditions and I think this one is a keeper - Breakfast with Daddy on the first day of school!

He was doing so well as we packed up his bag for school, but when it came time for Philip and me to actually leave him at school, he wasn't so excited. He didn't cry, but he hung on for dear life. Luckily, since I am an "experienced" preschool parent, I knew what to do. I had the teacher distract him with some toy cars and took off! Though I hated leaving him unhappy, I knew he would settle down and enjoy the day.

Philip and I headed to the Y for the Zumba class and then enjoyed a quiet lunch at home. I arrived VERY early to pick Jackson up (the doors weren't even open yet) but I couldn't wait to see how his first day went.

When I entered his room, he turned to me and said "Hi, Mom!" and then went back to playing! He was not ready to leave his new little friend, Isabelle. The two of them finished their puzzle and then he was ready to go. After a hug to the teacher, we were out the door!

It was a great day and must have been exhausting for the little guy. He is taking a great afternoon nap!

1st day of 3 year old Preschool

Mrs. Mary's Class

Family News!

Since it is all over Facebook, I guess it is official news: I'm going to be an aunt again!

Susan and Tim are expecting #4 in March 2011! We are so excited for them and Joshua, Caleb, and Rebekah.

When I found out the news, I was excited because this means Philip will have a cousin close to his age. I shared that with Susan and she informed me that wasn't the reason they are having Baby Lloyd #4 :-) Oh, well. I still can be excited for Philip!

Congrats guys! Can't wait to love on our newest family blessing!

On your mark...

Emily, Ryan and I have committed to run The Boulevard Bolt Thanksgiving morning. This 5-mile race goes through beautiful Belle Meade in Nashville.

Emily has worked up a 12-week training schedule for us. To prepare for training, I have been heading to the YMCA 3 times a week for the past couple of weeks. Yesterday marked my first official pre-race workout. We had to run 1 mile so I ran that mile and walked a few extra minutes.

In addition to running three times a week, we have to do some cross training. I decided that instead of doing cross training on my own, I would commit to going back to my Zumba class. I love this class but haven't been to it since I found out I was pregnant with Philip. I almost backed out today, but I am so glad I didn't!

It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be to get back into the rhythm of the class. Though the music is different, the moves are the same, and I have 3 friends from church there encouraging me along.

I am hoping that Zumba combined with my running will help me complete this race. I haven't run 5 miles all at once since I was training to run/walk the Country Music Marathon in 2004!

Also, I am also helping this training will help me squeeze into a cute pair of pants I still haven't been able to fit in since Philip was born...

Food Budget

For the past 8 years, we have been on a budget. I would probably laugh at the line items of our first few budgets - the ones without kids, house payments, etc. Where exactly did our money go back then?

Oh well, now it goes to clothing, college funds, preschool... All those "fun" things that come along with children.

We do pretty well sticking to our budget in all areas but one: food. We go over each month in this one. We have tried:

• Not eating out - that lasted about a week
• Using the cash-only system - I always forgot to use cash
• Fasting - just kidding!

This month, I decided to try a new approach. Last Wednesday night, I spent two hours going through my recipes, coupons, and sales papers, and I picked out 10 dinners I wanted to make over the next month.

I wrote out an extensive list with all the ingredients needs for those dinners, plus side items, breakfast and lunch foods, and snacks. Thursday morning, Jackson, Philip and I spent one and a half hours in Publix purchasing all that we needed for the main courses for the month.

My hope is that these 10 dishes (made with leftovers in mind) will last through September. The only time I want to be back in the store this month is for milk, bread and fresh fruit. These quick, inexpensive, trips will just cover us while we eat off the large shopping I did last week.

If this works, we will save some time and money as well as give me the chance to try out some recipes I have been wanting to make. Usually, I plan out my menus so last minute that I just revert to the basics - spaghetti, salad, and tacos.

I spent a lot Thursday morning, but hopefully, it will pay off in at the end of the month. I would love to stay under budget just once!

So far, Wesley has liked my little test because we have had 3 new recipes for dinner over the past week: Chicken Fried Rice; Croque Monsieur (if you have seen It's Complicated you know of this recipe!) and Beef Stroganoff Burgers.

Hands down the burgers have been the best (http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=3121)

I will keep posting any other successful recipes as well as let you know how we did at the end of the month. Wish us luck!

Beautiful Fall Day

We woke up this morning to a beautiful fall day. With temperatures in the 70s, we decided to head up to the outlet mall for some outdoor shopping.

Before we hit the stores, we stopped off at Five Guys for a burger. It was delicious! Even Jackson ate an entire hamburger.

It was so pretty out, I had to snap a few pictures of my family enjoying the day.

I usually don't like eating outside, but it felt so good out there, we really enjoyed it.

I love this man!

I forgot to wash the ketchup off his face before snapping this picture - oh well! He's still a cutie!

Fun Monday

Today was a fun day. We started off the morning, early, very early! Philip was ready for a nap by 8:00 while the rest of us were eating breakfast. Good thing he can sleep anywhere.

By 10:00, Jackson and Wesley left to “go to work.” Jackson has wanted to join Wesley at work for a while and today it worked out. The best part of Wesley’s job is relationship building with teens. This morning, he was spending time with one of the teens who graduated a few years back. He was watching his 3-year-old nephew so it was a natural fit for Jackson to join them. Wesley and Gerald visited and Jackson got to enjoy time with his new friend, Amir. They had a great time.

While they were away (and Philip was still asleep) I caught up on some TiVoed episodes of Racheal Ray. Once Philip woke up, we went outside and enjoyed the beautiful day.

I have noticed that I don’t take nearly the amount of pictures of Philip as I did of Jackson. Mainly that’s because we don’t stop enough with Jackson around to snap any! While J was gone, I decided to seize the opportunity to get a few cute shots of Philip outdoors.

Everyone lately has been saying "Oh, Philip is a mini-Jackson" In my opinion they don't look anything alike. Jackson (as a baby) looked just like me. This above picture of Philip looks just like Wesley!

I love that you can tell he is smiling!

(Look at his perfect posture!)

"What's with all these pictures, Mommy?"

After dinner, Wesley offered to clean up and the boys and I headed back outdoors. Jackson loves being with Philip and wants him to play so badly. Whenever I feel it is safe, I let Philip join in on the fun. Tonight, I figured it was as good of a time as any to try out the cozy coupe. I think Philip (and Jackson) enjoyed it!

I hope this brotherly fun lasts as they grow older!!

Date Night

Tonight, Wesley and I went out! It has been quite awhile since we have been able to go out alone and it was so fun. We had big plans on our anniversary, but Toy Story 3 with Jackson trumped that outing!

Our wonderful friends, Edith and Larry, sent word they were in town this weekend and wanted some time with Jackson and Philip. When Jackson was young, they would watch him for us almost every Thursday. Due to crazy schedules, we haven’t been in town at the same time much this year, and they have only been with Philip once. They were itching to get some playtime in with him and Jackson.

Jackson was all about being with Mr. Larry and Mrs. Edith and was telling Philip about their house on the way to Alpharetta. (Overheard from the backseat: Don't cry, Philip. We get to give the dogs cookies when we get there!)

Knowing they were in good hands, Wesley and I did a little clothes shopping and decided to enjoy a nice dinner out at PF Changs. It was DELICIOUS and very affordable! We split an appetizer, entree, and even saved room for a yummy dessert.

Since it was nearing 10:00 when we arrived to pick up the boys, I thought we would find one, if not both, asleep. Wrong! They were both up laughing and playing. I think from the smiles, they had fun!

Thank you Larry and Edith for loving on our boys and for giving us the opportunity to have the night out!!