Why A Zipline in the House is NOT a Good Idea...

Happy Birthday, Caden Blake Hoover!

Three years ago today, I gave birth to one of the two most precious gifts in my life.7 lbs 6 oz; 19.5 inches long of pure joy.
Caden is very special to our family. In January of 2007, I had to tell my grandfather goodbye as, he was losing his long battle with cancer. Before I left his bedside, I kissed him and told him that he was a wonderful grandfather and I would miss him. I also asked him to tell God something for me when he got to heaven; to please tell God we wanted and were praying for another baby. Sadly, we had two prior miscarriages between Ethan and Caden. I didn't think my grandpa could have possibly heard me because he was slipping away. Apparently he did hear me because about a month later, I found out I was pregnant.
Caden is our gift from God and my grandpa. At least, that's the way we like to see it.
Caden amazes me and drives me insane all within the course of a day. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Cade is our singer, dancer, and the brawn for Ethan's brain. Don't mistake him though. He has his own brain and plans his own schemes. Many days, our house is filled with Tarzan calls, hysteria, mayhem, and giggles. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

There's nothing a good scoop of ice cream can't fix especially when the folks let you choose your toppings.

The Monkey Brothers

And the Oscar goes to...

Ethan was the owl in his first grade Thanksgiving play. Brian and I couldn't be prouder of him. He memorized all of his lines and didn't freak out in front of the crowd of parents in the least.The costume? Yeah, I made it. I am the least crafty person I know. And friends, I freaked out the second I got his part with the attached note that said he needed to provide his own costume. My kid WOULD be given the part with a costume that would happen to be the most difficult to find. I looked on Etsy ($98 for a handmade PURPLE one- ew.), I looked on eBay (Harry Potter owl costumes or the Tootsie Roll owl, or a mascot owl costume for $2k--um triple no.), and had no luck whatsoever. I finally gave in and went into Jo-Ann Fabric and $45 later, I emerged and started on my 3 day quest. Here is the final product:


I had a vision, did some research, and came up with this costume. I'm pretty danged proud of it. If you think it sucks, humor me. Don't look at the imperfections, please. Just know that this was one of those "stepping outside of my comfort zone" things and I did it. I did it and survived it. And, I think mah boy looks pretty smashing.
He performed wonderfully, the costume held up, and Super Turkey got away. I totally love me some him. And, I know it sounds smarmy and all that but---I still cannot believe that this intelligent, wonderful, big-hearted, polite, and talented little boy is actually mine. He and his brother truly are our gifts.




Ethan and his class got to decorate their cupcake Super Turkeys after their program. Did I mention I LOVE being a co-room mom?




Check it out: Ethan and his crew. That girl hugging him? Yeah, that's his "girlfriend" and yeah, she's super smart and super sweet.

I'd totally want these if I were a kid...

This is one of the cutest backpacks I've ever seen. Caden loves Yo Gabba Gabba so, this is his gift from "HoHo Claus"- I cannot wait to see his face when he sees it. Mad props to any show that features Jack Black in an orange unitard dancing around.



Taro Gomi is the bomb! These books have been started but you get to finish the illustrations. I can tell you that I've done something similar with my students and they love it, even at 10 years old. These make excellent travel books especially if you're flying.



I found these on Etsy. Etsy and I have a tumultuous relationship. I love shopping from Etsy but I also can get into a lot of trouble doing so. I find a TON of stuff for the kids, the house, and me in one place. It's like being able to go to Canton in your underwear and without having to worry about the motocart people running you over. This is a sidewalk paint set. These make great party favors OR end of the year gifts for students. I'm ordering these for my students this year. I'd like some for myself.



How cool is this? This woman on Etsy or "El Diablo" as I like to call it, made these number crayons from recycled crayons.




Williams-Sonoma has this lunch set. It comes with sandwich cutters and a retro tin lunchbox. I want it. Brian wants it. Ethan wants it. You know YOU want it.




It's a placemat that your kids can decorate to make their own masterpiece. I totally want this!!




Food Face. Kids use their food to complete the face. They have one for boys and another for girls.

Ya Heard?!

Ethan is very science-minded. He loves is obsessed with anything to do with nature, science, etc. I think I knew he would be our mad scientist when everything became "But, why?" when we answered one of his bazillion questions. No matter. He is who he is and we appreciate every bit of it.
We decided to have his 7th birthday party at the Heard Museum in McKinney. Best. Idea. Ever. We were given a party room, a facilitator, and entrance into the museum for 25 people. First, let me say that our facilitator was phenomenal. She is a mother of two and is back in school to get her degree in education. Her patience made me want to stick her on a pedestal and make her ride home on our dashboard. Total saint. She was very knowledgeable and guided the kids (ages 3-11) while answering their questions.
Ethan got to pick out two animals that he and his friends would get to interact with and learn about. He, of course, picked a bearded dragon aaaaand...a corn snake (Ew.)
After the animal encounter, we took the nature trail around to look at the dinosaurs. Caden had give-up halfway around. I have decided that should we ever have another kid, we're investing in a jogging stroller. No fake.
We came back to the party room and had the kids wash up. I had ordered a tea sandwich tray from Tom Thumb as well as the cake. Another, Best. Idea. Ever. The sandwiches were triangle sized which were perfect for little hands. I had individual bags of chips, juice, and water ready as well. Ethan picked out his own decorations and cake. I dig the cupcake cakes. No cutting, no mess, happy adults, and happy kids. LOVE 'EM!
Ethan received a ton of gifts. We are beyond blessed to have such generous friends and family. Apparently everyone knows E well because his gifts were science-oriented. We ended up sticking around the museum for awhile after the party ended because E and his friends were digging the bug exhibit and Animals of the World exhibit, as well.
Now? I need a few zzz's on the couch and possibly a martini. :)