there's a storm comin'

So, we're earthquake folks. I've got those drills and procedures down but we're entirely new to this hurricane thing.

We're taking the crash course from the news media and preparing for this major storm headed right at us.

Although parts of Houston are being evacuated, we're being told to stay put and prepare for power outages and possible damage from winds and storm surge.

I'm sure we'll be fine. We're prepared. Maybe just pray for my kids who tend to flip out over mild thunderstorms.

So far we've convinced them that it's going fun spending Saturday (riding out the storm) camped out in Mom and Dad's walk-in closet (because aside from the bathroom, it's the only place in the house with no direct exposure to windows) all snuggled together with games, snacks, the DVD player, and maybe even FLASHLIGHTS!

Patriotism

As still fairly new Americans-back-in-America, we are basking in our status as patriots as opposed to

ex-patriots, a title I've never quite understood for Americans living abroad. (So we lived in another country for a time. It's not like we abandoned ship or anything, but whatever.)

Amid our sense of patriotism, we find ourselves wrapped up in current politics more than ever before and are stoked about this:

Along with our hearty helping of national patriotism, we're beginning to sample the local patriotism here in Texas.

Matt has an official TX driver's license.

Our van has converted too with new plates.

The Sequoia and I go in for our makeovers on Friday.

And we all laughed right out loud when Garrett told us that every morning in school they say the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Pledge to Texas.

These people are SERIOUS about patriotism.

**Late addition** Matt wanted me to clarify some statements:

1) I misspelled ex-patriate. Maybe the correct spelling makes it sound a little less un-American?

2) We are STOKED about the enthusiasm Palin has brought to the Republican party. Honestly, McCain has never been our favorite. We wanted Romney. We like Palin though, and have a lot of respect for the woman. With feel much better now about our options going to the polls.

We are, however, getting a little tired of hearing the same soundbites from both campaigns, and want to start hearing more about the real issues.

Okay. Enough on that. On to the storm that's brewing...

round two

A quick forced picture and off he went,

Out of the car, never looking back.

Go get 'em, Big E!

NieNie auction: every cook needs one of these little numbers...

It's NieNie Day and bloggers around the globe are holding silent auctions to help Stephanie and Christian Nielson with their intense recovery. Join in!

Here's my item up for bids:

This fabulous little apron will spice up any kitchen!

With it comes this adorable matching child-size apron:

(shown on my 2 1/2 year old, but easily fits older children)

It's a perfect set for you or a gift for a friend! Aprons are designed and handmade by Marci Green (who sells these beautiful aprons around the world, and has a number of different styles and designs; email me if you want her info.)

Bidding ends at noon (central time) on Monday, September 1st. Bid in the comment section below. High bidder will donate the winning amount to the Neilson Fund via paypal and contact me through email for confirmation and shipping details at glauser13@gmail.com. I pay shipping costs.

If you haven't "met" Stephanie yet, meet her here. You'll fall in love with her and her family. Then start bidding on mine or any of these other fantastic auctions!

the hills are alive with the sound of music

Oh, how I've waited (10 years) to finally have one of my own and to fill my home with the sound of music.I cried when they delivered it. Sometimes I like to just sit and stare at it.

round one

Off he goes...

So grown up. So ready to conquer the world (or at least a 1st grade classroom).

(sniff, sniff)

Back to School Weekend

It's finally here. We are so looking forward to the stability and routine that is a natural byproduct of school being in session.

With one last trip to the community pool,

(is that an awesome community pool or what?)

...and a Back to School Celebration Dinner

(another great idea courtesy of NieNie)

...complete with a Tuxedo cake

(Ethan wanted Double Chocolate, and Garrett wanted Confetti Coconut, so there you go)

...along with back to school shopping, haircuts, prayers and blessings, I think we're ready to go.

Garrett starts tomorrow, Ethan starts next week.

Bring on the sack lunches, homework, and a little extra piece of cake for Mom during the quiet hours of the elusive afternoon nap.

(really this picture's sole purpose is to show off my new dessert plates from Luiz Salvador Ceramic Shop in Itaipava, Brazil. I love them.)

A little tribute

I've spent the last several days finding it hard to think of anything other than Stephanie and Christian, constantly checking her sister's blog for updates, wanting to do something, and praying in their behalf.

I read beautiful tributes surfacing around the web to the exceptional people the Nielson family is, and adding them to my own association with her, conclude that everything surrounding Steph and her family is uplifting- even their trials. They are exceptional people, meant to do exceptional things.

I find it inspiring despite this tragedy to know that their kids will be okay because of who they are, because of parents they have, and because of the love and truth their parents have given them; that Stephanie and Christian will overcome this because of who they are and the faith they hold so dearly; and that the rest of us along the sidelines watching are able to grow. My sister put words to something I haven't been able to articulate for years about trials, and I firmly believe it.

Thinking about Stephanie makes me want to be better- to embrace life more, enjoy my kids more, pay more attention to what I'm teaching them, love my husband more, share my love the Savior more, smile more, strive to be more even-tempered, and enjoy all the little blessings that make up each day of my life.

The Nielsons

My thoughs have constantly been on our friends, Stephanie and Christian, who were in a private plane crash over the weekend and are in critical condition.

Since the time our paths crossed, she's continued to inspire me to embrace my life and my role as wife and mother, as she does for so many others.

We join their family and countless others in prayer for all the Nielsons. I know my blog world is small, but maybe it reaches some New Jersey friends of the Nielsons or others who have come to love "NieNie" through her blog. I'm sure they can use all the divine help they can get from anyone who wants to add their collective faith through prayer.

you gave up on me, didn't you?

When I realized we're almost into August I decided I'd better post something, if for no other reason, so that I don't have a gap in my blog archives.

Frankly, July wore me out.

It's been over a month since we left, and Brazil almost feels like a distant dream now. After a week or so of hesitating before flushing toilet paper, drinking tap water, and greeting people in English, we're all adjusted to being in America again. It's really good to be back.

We miss it though. Brazil was an incredible experience and one we will never forget. We miss living across the street from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We miss the tropical climate, the fruit, and the juice, but most of all we miss Matt. After nearly 4 intense weeks of business trips around South America, he's almost done with his international assignment. We get him back on Saturday.

We already really like Texas. The kids and I spent a few weeks there before flying to California to visit family. We've had a lot of fun over the last month along with a fair share of tears and exhaustion. We feel a bit displaced and are all ready to be home, to put the suitcases away (for a really long time), and to start decorating this place:

more to come...eventually.