Soggy and Quiet Sunday

We have been feeling the far reaching wind and rain bands of hurricane Gustav for the last two days and it was especially windy and rainy today. We feel very fortunate though that this particular storm will not hit South Florida but we are always fully aware of the fact that if we do not get hit then some other area will. We are keeping the people of the gulf coast in our thoughts and prayers.

Marc was sweet enough to shop with the DD for our Labor Day BBQ tomorrow while I went to the mall. He is an amazing husband and he knew that I needed a little R&R along with a little retail therapy. I got home just in time for him to leave for work so I am back on the job again. As I mentioned recently, Ethan has been VERY out of sorts lately so being on the job has gotten a bit wearing. The last few days has been chock full of temper tantrums and crying. My theory on this personality meltdown is two fold; first he is fighting a cold and secondly, he is really beginning to speak a great deal more and I am a firm believer that when a child enters a new developmental stage their brain becomes a bit disorganized so to speak and all of their emotions become magnified. I remember this with Justin. My theory is not as solid with Katie as she can maintain composure through most situations. She does have outbursts too as she is a normal three year old but she is definitely the easiest and most pleasant personality of the three. Sorry Justin and Ethan but I have to tell it like it is.

Today has been a great deal easier. I was not here for some of it and that helped but seriously, he does seem a lot happier today so maybe we are over this hump.

On to another subject ~ Justin and Judy ~ Justin is back in law school for his second year and Judy is searching for her first teaching job since she graduated in May with her Masters in Education. This is a very stressful time for Judy as the job market for teachers here in South Florida is tighter than a drum. With all of the budget cutbacks brought about by the catastrophic downturn in the real estate market and subsequent recession, it is almost impossible for a new teacher to get a first job. Judy did manage to finally get an interview due to her tenacity at a very large elementary school, where a friend of hers is teaching. It was a tough panel interview but she got positive feedback from it and we are hoping with all of our might that she finds out next week that the job is hers. I am really hoping that this works out or that something else comes about soon so that they are under less pressure

Update on my mom ~ Mom is still in pain and she is having a hard time getting comfortable. I think being in the house is also getting to her. She is supposed to come to our house tomorrow for the BBQ but she is not sure if she will make it. I am urging her to come as I think seeing her grandchildren will lift her spirits. I know my mom very well and I know that I am right about this.

I took some more photos today with my new camera. I really like this camera and am enjoying learning how to use it to it's fullest potential. Enjoy the photos and I will be back tomorrow as I am a woman of my word :-)

Camera not in focus but I had to get this shot quickly ;-)

A little snack after nap

Love this picture of our beautiful boy (I know Nana and Grandma will want it too)

Ethan had woken up earlier from nap and already eaten his snack but here is Katie sharing with her brother after he asked her for some of her snack

All done!

Let's ride our bikes now that the rain finally stopped!

and play a little ball....

As Katie says...I threw it up high in the Sky!!