The Day O' Birth

September 20

We rushed home from Italy (more on that later) as fast as we could, in order to be here in time to see this sweet little mushka turn 4.

The day belonged to her, and per request, we started the day with a special birthday breakfast and a relaxing ride on the Cedar Park Rail.

Awaiting her train.

After riding the rails and playing in the park for a bit, it was time for lunch at one of Kaelan's faves...."The Fireplace" aka Tokyo Steakhouse.



With a bellies full of rice, shrimp, chicken and fortune cookies, it was off to nap.

We awoke Kaelan from her nap at exactly 5:15 PM...the time she entered our lives 4 years ago. The day would not have been complete without at least one bug in the works. Who would have ever thought a remote control spider would delight my child so? (See previous post)

Our little princess will celebrate with a big shebang next weekend, but for the actual day o' birth, we had a most splendid time with just the three of us.

We are indebted for such a blessing!

The Reader

Such a smart little cookie. This is from a couple of months ago. She is now an even more fluent reader. She loves just going in her room and reading aloud to her stuffed animals. She also tutors the neighborhood high school students in the areas of Trigonometry and Calculus. Well, maybe that part is not true.....yet.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Beware....I may give you a wedgie!

Call me an 11 year old boy, but this new restaurant going in down the street sends me into fits of giggles every time I drive by and read its name:

The husband is watching for other earmarked behavior. Thus far, no belching the alphabet or gas passing contests.....

Sorry mom, you raised me better than this.

After taking a shower last evening, I went to reach in the bottom drawer of my bathroom vanity to grab a Q-Tip. Darn....the box was empty, so I struggled to remove rather large box from the drawer to dispose of it. When I finally released the box carcase from its tight enclosure, my drop dropped when I saw the print on the side of the box. 2,000 Q-Tips!!! Seriously???? I have used 2,000 Q-Tips? My hubby must have bought this thing on one of his crazy shopping sprees at Sam's. You know, the kind of shopping trips that lead to buying a 250lb bag of Milkbones and 64 bars of Irish Spring soap, cause' you never know, right?

Anyhow, I don't even remember how long ago that box was purchased. It has probably traveled along with us on many moves, but still, 2,000 Q-Tips???? I would think it would take me years......it might be time to talk with Doug about where on earth he is sticking these things that we could go through so many. Maybe he and Kaelan are working on a nice Mother's Day craft for me. I have no shame, I would wear a 400 count Q-Tip necklace if my kid made it. I guess I'll have to go bigger on the next Costco run. Perhaps, there is a 5,000 count box.

Tool Time

When my nieces fill out their wish lists for birthdays and Christmas, the list is inundated with things like doll houses, Barbies, Disney Princess paraphernalia, and Hannah Montana whimsies. My girl, however..........well she dances to the beat of her own drum. Actually, she dances to the sound of her own hammer pounding and power drills drilling and saws well, sawing. This year her birthday requests include a her own shop vac (pink, of course) and some saw horses.

There has never been and will never be a gal who loves tools more than my Kaelan. From the time she was able to grip a screwdriver, dad has toted her around and allowed her to "tinker" with him on various home improvement projects. Dad and Kaelan built the playscape in the yard, and Kaelan still uses her plastic tools to maintain the productivity of the unit...nearly every...... single.... day.

Her toy tool box set has taken quite a beating over time, and Kaelan recently informed dad that she was ready for a new set. A REAL set. Apparently, we didn't fool her with that cheap stuff.

It has taken a lot of convincing and begging, but mom has finally given in and allowed Kaelan to have her first tool set. Dad picked it out, and Kaelan couldn't be happier. Yes, it's pink....with not a single Princess on it! Call us if you have any odd jobs needing a handygal!

This last picture is a little creepy, no? Check out that Psycho looking shadow...Egad! I fear awakening in the middle of the night to see her standing over me like this. Our new mantra...."Tools are used for good, not evil!"

While You Were Sleeping.....

So I'm not much of a sleeper as of late......just that season again, I suppose. In the hopes of completely tiring both mind and body, I have been trying to lay off the television and read myself to dreamland. Case in point, this is 3 weeks worth of nightly reading (plus 2 books I have since loaned out):

At least I am doing something productive, right? Well...that, and I am balancing out watching those recorded episodes of "Dance Your A** Off ".

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch..........

Summer is in full swing here on the McBrayer Ranch. Lots of doings. Lots of going ons. Kaelan is enrolled in a few classes to keep her busy on these ridiculously hot, sweaty, record-setting days. Perhaps mom should have thought out the whole transporting in and out of hot cars when she came up with the bright idea of taking indoor classes and staying out of the heat. Can you say, "Hot leather?" Ouch!

Much to Dad's delight, Kaelan is a "Little Ninja". That's right, we are paying for our daughter to go to a class and learn how to kick, back fist strike, and round house other children. Sure, she spends much her time spinning around on the floor and bossing Darian around, but if you could see her spar......I just know Bruce Lee is smiling.

Cooking class. This sounded safe enough. She loves to help me cook, and in a few months, she will completely surpass me in cooking capabilities. Yep, it's that bad. Anyhow, the kids have created some REAL masterpieces in this class. In yonder days, Kaelan and I participated in cooking classes that included conquering recipes such as "Ants on a Log" (celery, peanut butter, raisins), and "Haystack Cookies" (coconut, melted chocolate and nuts). That was the kind of stuff I figured we would be making this round, but I was sadly mistaken. The teacher in this class has gone for it, and gone for it BIG! Week 1 was Paella. Week 2 Crepes and Strawberry Compote. Week 3 Greek Pita Bread and Homemade Hummus. Week 4 Ravioli

Seriously.....forget paying this gal for teaching the kids how to cook. I'm hiring her to work at my house!

Ahhh.....the pool. With all this crazy weather we are having in Austin....and by crazy, I mean friggin' hot, the pool is a necessity. Kaelan really wants to swim, she thinks she can swim.
In reality, she can doggy paddle like a poodle on steroids, but she goes nowhere and sinks quickly. So, after some very unsuccessful lessons last year.....you know, the kind where her face never touched the water.....we decided to give it go again this year. So far, she is doing well. She goes underwater, and floats in "blue-fish" for 5 seconds. I am very pleased with her progress.....she totally doesn't freak when I rinse her hair in the bathtub anymore,either. Money well spent.

Parks, indoor playscapes, playgroups, visitors.........summer has been good. Now if we could just do something about this weather............

P.S. Psssst....One more special little secret to share....my girl is reading. REALLY! We'll share more with you later. Just had to brag on that gal of mine!