Life in Helena!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we packed our things and left Chelsea. We've moved into a rental house in Helena. We have found a nice family who is willing to rent to us month by month until we find our new home. We've made this house home for now and have put up our Christmas tree. The kids really like being across from Aunt Kimilou and Uncle Eli! It's fun to have Aunt Jenn Jenn and Londyn Kate there as well! This house is more comfy than an apartment, with a backyard (although often a little too muddy to play in). Home is where our family is, so we're having fun. It's an adventure that I'm not complaining about!!

We spent the day today with the most amazing person in this world!!!!!! Our sweet Granny! I couldn't even begin to describe my LOVE, respect, and adoration I have for that woman!! She is an amazing person (and a great cook)! We had our family Christmas party there. It was a great place to get the season started. My sister, Rachel, was there with 4 of her 5 kids, my brother, Aaron, had his 3 kids, and there was me with my 3. This was only a small part of our family. We had all already filled the house before everyone else arrived. It was a great time! We watched the Alabama game - ROLL TIDE!!! What an incredible game!

Okay, I heard a little sermon from a friend this week and thought I would include some of my thoughts here. Although most are excited when the Christmas season approaches, it's not long until there is stress, rushing, complaining, and disappointment. Let's remember what Christmas really is!! We are in celebration of a birthday - a huge celebration of Jesus!! Hear me??! He came to earth as one of us!! He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born - to be an example, to teach us how to live, what our life should look like!!! Why do we even exchange gifts??? Gifts were brought to our Savior to honor Him - we are showing honor to each other by taking on this tradition. Don't stress over gifts - give truly from the heart! Enjoy giving and don't give more than you can! If it's truly from the heart, price never matters. Just take time to LOVE each other this season (and always)!

This is a season of celebration!! Sit down, reflect, soak in, enjoy!! For unto us a child is born...a Son is given!! Wow! Can you believe it??!! You better! It's true! Lots of love to all of you this CHRISTmas season!

Halle docorating and Cooper undecorating the tree

Missed Me?

Okay, so I knew I wouldn't be good at blogging!! Life is way too busy in the Austin household to sit at the computer long enough to give updates. I'll try to do better (I hope!). My sweet friend Shannon told me today that it was time for me to update since Cooper's first haircut (which he's due for another now) and post some pictures.

About 3 or 4 weeks ago, we put our house on the market. What a crazy time that is!! I didn't realize how much time you spend cleaning your house EVERY DAY just in case someone stops by while you are out! It has been unbelieveable trying to remember to open the blinds, etc. in the mornings - not to mention trying to dish out breakfast, make lunches, wash up any dishes quickly, wipe down the counters (again), and get myself ready. Thankfully, I am married to what I call a MamaDaddy. Scott is an awesome dad and takes on the kids as much as possible in the mornings. A couple of weeks ago someone decided to put an offer in on our house. Inspection is complete, and we are officially closing on Nov. 20th and out by the 25th - that's right - the week of Thanksgiving! Can you say homeless for the holidays? I don't remember a sweet Christmas song about that! I am very excited and definitely not complaining! We have all prayed together as a family (including sweet Coop) over these decisions and for the person who is buying our house. It's a sweet sorrow to leave our first home. This house has lots of memories for us. We moved into this house before Halle turned one. She is now 7, and we've had 2 more additions since then!

We're now hot and heavy on the house search! It's a lot tougher than I could have imagined. I'm pickier with age as well! I want to be in the house where our family should be and the area of town that is best for us. We have prayed for God to show us the house, but I haven't seen the flashing lights pointing to the house yet. I sure wish that was how He showed us where to go! If there is a house on the market between Oak Mountain and Chelsea, I have seen it (even if it went on today!). One problem is that I HATE making decisions! I don't even like deciding between 2 restaurants to eat at! Say a prayer for us as we travel on this journey!

A few weeks ago, our friends Lindsay and Andy met us at Botanical Gardens to take some pictures of the family. Andy did a great job with the pictures. I'll post a few below. There are a lot of great ones (of course with cute kids like these....). The one at the start of the blog is from this day as well. The kids rolled their pants up and took a stroll through the water. It was a lot of fun, and yes Cooper eventually took a seat and got soaked! We have some pictures of redneck baby in his diaper as well (not posted today).

Coop's First Haircut

After a little thought, we decided to cut Cooper's hair. His hair was getting so long in the back and just not catching up in the front. I finally decided the mullet look wasn't right for him. I was going to take him to the barber shop, but it really wasn't a lot of hair, just a little trim. A little trim is a little much for someone with little haircutting experience. So.... Scott convinced me to put the longest guard on the clippers and buzz it. Although I was a little nervous of my attempt at the redneck haircut, I went ahead with it. Coop loved the vibration, so he really didn't have a hard time sitting still. He looks pretty stinkin' cute, but I can't handle the instant age lift it gave him! Hopefully now, his hair will all grow out together. If the mullet returns, so will the clippers.

Snakes & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

My sweet Carter is a busy little boy outside. He used to hate the dirt, but now he wants to live in it (proof is a couple of ticks this summer in some pretty secure areas). He has really gotten excited about being able to catch things, not just observe them and run away. He's caught some wonderful creatures. He's fairly gentle with them until Halle tries to steal them away. Then the little creature gets a little extra squeeze. He's been able to catch several frogs, toads, and a lizard. They're always chasing bugs, but he's much more interested in the amphibians and reptiles! I just hope he doesn't pick up any snakes!!

Second Grade From the Beginning

Halle has been in 2nd grade from the start. My first year at Oak Mountain was the year I was pregnant with Halle, and yesterday Halle started 2nd grade just one door down from that old classroom. I'm not sure where all that time has gone. After helping me show new students and kindergartners where to go, she walked confidently into her classroom. She seems to really love her teacher, Miss Asbury. She's a really sweet person with lots of love, kindness, and silliness to share with her class. I stood with Mrs. Wells (Jeanne) yesterday missing Halle (and I know Halle misses Mrs. Wells). Halle came walking towards us. I got excited to see her and then she was gone - right into the bathroom. I thought she was coming to give us love, but it was only a glimpse. It's different not having her right next door. I'll adjust - I've still snuck into her classroom a couple of times to play around with the kids. She has a really sweet class.

I know I've blogged about Halle a lot, but she's been in the spotlight the past couple of weeks. I'll have to put up some pictures of the boys soon. See some pics and captions of Halle's first day of 2nd grade. : )

Halle with her teacher, Miss Asbury. Do you notice anything unusual?

When I went to find Halle in her classroom afterschool, she had been playing in Miss Asbury's shoes.

Quadruple D Day

Scott and Halle had "Daddy Daughter Date Day" on Wednesday. Scott felt that if I were able to get some alone time with Halle, he would like some too (a little jealous??). He took off of work to spend the day with her before school started. We attempted to let them sleep in (a little noise when you have two little boys running around). They began their day staying in bed and enjoying a movie. Then, they headed out to Botanical Gardens and took a picnic lunch. After this, they ventured to see another movie at the theater. From what I hear, it was a wonderful day! I've included some pictures.

Halle getting ready for her date. She learned to take a picture of herself from her Aunt Steph.

At Botanical Gardens

We needed to include Daddy.

Mommy/Daughter Day

Halle and I had a mommy/daughter day yesterday. It seems like we don't have many opportunities to be alone together, just the two of us. We enjoyed shopping and trying on clothes for school. Halle got some great outfits and earrings, of course!! She really wanted a variety of earrings that would match several outfits and were a little more grown up. I'm a little hesitant on how grown up they can be. I think "we" selected some that are appropriate. We also had interesting conversation over chips and salsa at Habaneros. Halle always has intriguing topics to talk about and questions to ask. She's a little too curious sometimes. I'll share some of those things along the way, I'm sure. It was such a fun, low stress day and a blessing to share time alone with Halle.

The boys had their first day at Lee Lee's. Carter was excited about going until he got to the door at her house. At that point, he turned around and buckled back into the car. I had to really talk him into going inside and even then he held onto me and sat in my lap. He was fine last week when we went by to visit - Lee Lee is one of his favorite people! However, I don't think he liked the idea of the other kids already playing and having a good time when he arrived. Cooper on the other hand waved bye and blew me a kiss as I was standing at the door - so much for separation anxiety from the one who should be having it!!

I'll try to get Halle to try on some of her new outfits and add photos. She's a little deep into her movie right now and is not concerned with my blog.

Okay, I Think I'm Ready

Although I know I don't have the time, I've decided to attempt to blog. Since I have pretty much refuse to do Facebook or MySpace, I thought this may be a great way to allow my family and friends to keep up with all the crazy, yet wonderful things that go on in my household. I'll attempt to add pictures soon and maybe update on our summer adventures.