workforce

Well it is official I have joined the work force. I am going to check it out, hopefully it will allow me to work and Taeya to go to school. You may ask what is it. Well it is UPS I applied before we left for Texas in the middle of July. I am only working in the mornings, loading and unloading. It should be different, but I could use the manual labor. Were was I going with that thought is I don't get a cool brown suit. Oh well only the drivers do, it looks like from the other workers I get basketball shorts and a T-shirt, and work boots.
Before we left our home in Sandpoint, ID Ameila would call the drivers PS's. We weren't sure what she was talking about at first. We inquired a little more and then she called the driver "the brown dude". Oh Amelia you make me laugh every day. I guess in a round about way I am now a PS's.

Our little cookie girl

For a quick treat I gave Amelia a, single, one, uno cookie. It was a Oreo golden with chocolate center. Come to think I know two girls that like those, anyway beside the point. I handed the cookie to her and went and picked up Aliza from a nap. I came back and found that she had consumed the the cookie and smeared it on her shirt, all over her face, and arms. In amazement of that feat I asked how she did it. "Um I just ate it" gave her a kiss, and pointed out the mess and she told me she would wash it off. It was very cute. I didn't have time to take a picture, she is just too fast.
It reminds me of when I was younger about eighteen or so. I was at a activity at a lake with friends, and smeared a normal Oreo all over my mouth and proceed to tell everyone how sociable Oreo's are in crowds, because they turn your teeth black. I did have a picture of it but can't find it (wink, wink). Anyway, nothing huge happening so hope all is well. Jason

Coooool

Amazingly the last couple of days it has cooled down. During the day, it has only reached mid 60's. It has rained those days but we will take it, since we are in a terrible drought. After living nearly sixty days here most of those were 100+, so sixties feels very cool. It will return to the high 90's this week, but oddly enough it feels bearable from 100+.
On another note this morning I had a Hostess Zinger, that I bought last night on sale(curse you Zinger) . It made me miss Sandpoint, ID. When Amelia was younger about eighteen months I'd say. Every so often I would go to the dump in the truck, and with my trusty dog Ella. I would stop at the Pack River store. To buy a drink, or a treat. I bought A Zinger to help me keep Amelia awake, so that she didn't fall asleep in the car seat, If she even did for a half second she would not lay down again any where else. She was a big fan ever since.
Now every thing has changed, for a moment It made me very home sick. In fact this does not help writing about it.
During my motorcycle rides I would try to cherish every moment, take in every sight and smell, as if I would not see it again. I do miss very much my time there. I am grateful for my friends and some times family that I miss the most. I haven't missed the snow yet.
I am enjoying my experience here in Austin, meeting new people and places. Renewing relationships with my family. For Taeya to be able to follow her dreams. I am proud, yes I said proud, of her accomplishments.
For all those friends, that I consider family of Sandpoint, ID I say thank you for the memories. Jason

Amelia at 3 1/2 Years Old

Amelia will be three and a half years old this week, and it is amazing to think how grown up she has become.

She has grown from this...............to this, but so many things are still the same.

Amelia has had a busy 6 months. First, she became a big Sister!

Amelia seems to enjoy being a big sister, and likes to have some one to keep her company in the backseat of the car. She sometimes makes up songs to sing to Aliza, and she tries to keep her entertained.

While we were in Sandpoint, she spent lots of time with Grandma and Grandpa Howell when they came to visit, and with her friends, Nora and Jenna.

She also passed some pretty big milestones...getting a new bike and water tubing for the first time!

She also got to spend some time this summer with her cousins. Amelia absolutely loves her cousins and asks Grandma and Grandpa about them all the time.

Amelia has adjusted really well to living in Austin. She doesn't seem to mind the small apartment, mainly because there is a playground close to the building and a really big park nearby. She also still seems to find plenty of room to play with her sister and her new legos.

We sure love you Amelia!! Thanks for being such a great kid!

"Super Cool"

I have to put this in before I forget. While driving around doing errands Amelia noticed a parking garage, and asked me if it was an Airport. or maybe asked me where the planes were at. I am already forgetting. I told her it was for a Hospital. "Ohhh" She says, "do they help get babies out". Yes, Amelia. She responded, "that is super cool". love you Amelia

Quick note

Today while I was "discussing" with Amelia about spreading her sandwich all over the table, and on her at lunch time. I had gotten to a point of the "discussion" where there was a pause, and which I heard a little girl say. "If Jesus loves me will He be yelling too". I informed her that I was not yelling, but felt significantly smaller by that moment. It is amazing how a little brain works. I always tell her that I love her after I try to change her course. I love you Amelia, Dad

Aliza--4 Months

Aliza has passed her four month mark, shots and all!! She weighed in at 13 lbs, 10 oz (55th percentile), measured in at 23 1/4" long (50th percentile), and her head measured in at 16 3/4" long (75th percentile).

So what is Aliza like these days? Well, she loves to get her clothes changed.

She loves to talk to Mom and Dad and to stick out her tongue. We love her great blue eyes, and we think that they may be turning green.

She loves to suck on her fingers, and yes, watch TV. When we turn her the other way so that she can't see the screen, she will wiggle her way around so that she can see it.

She loves to suck on her blanket, and just recently, her binky.

She loves to hang out and try to stay cool.

And of course, she loves her big Sister!
All and all, she is such a great baby. She is trying to roll over, and she is very close to making it! She cries when she is tired, but most of the time, she is pretty happy. She is still working on sleeping through the night, and we all pray that she will figure that one out soon! We love you Aliza!