Red, Blue - GO EAGLES!

Janai started cheerleading in the Pearland Football League this summer. She really enjoys it, even though she is the youngest person on her squad and often has a hard time focusing. Here is a shot of her at the first game. The cheerleaders were in tanks/shorts because the people who made the uniforms did a pretty poor job, so they all were sent back and are in the process of being made by a different vendor.




Anyway, the Eagles won this game. Lady Long Legs then trotted around in the boyshorts and tank for the rest of the day. It's hard to tell here, but the tank has a megaphone on it and reads "Go Eagles". The funny thing is, we went to James' game later that evening (Reminder: Janai still dressed as shown above), where his Hightower Hurricanes were taking on the Eisenhower (you guessed it) Eagles. Way to cheer for the other team Janai!

School Dayz

We are two weeks into the school year here in TX. Janai started the first grade, and in case you need to be reminded ... first graders don't take naps! What has mommy learned over the last two weeks? Well, I've learned that first grade costs too much! Reality check... they use real books... lots of real books... reading books and work books that cost up to $300! (Is this college?) Oh, and a Spanish book ($10)... and a dictionary from Scholastic ($10), and a supply fee ($100). Oh, and lest I forget the tuition!!

Jay started in Toddler I. If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I was a little shocked that my little 22-month old has to wear a uniform to school. But as the last few weeks have gone by, I must admit that it makes my life so much easier. Nana has complained that we haven't posted pictures of the kiddos in their uniforms. So, here's a shot of mini-me and mini-him finishing up breakfast this morning at school.

Talking Head

Earlier this year, the pediatrician was in a bit of a panic because Jay wasn't clearly saying any words. I was never concerned because I could tell that he was communicating, but simply choosing not to do so verbally. The pediatrician ordered a home visit by a speech therapist - and she reached the same conclusion that I did. Well we were both right. In his own timing, Jay has started to become more vocal and is quite the talking head. It is pretty entertaining. Here is an excerpt from the Jay Dictionary:

WOO WOO WOO - is what the dog says - and the sheep, goats, elephants, birds. You name it, it says WOO WOO WOO

BAAAHH- it's not what the sheep says. When you do something that he doesn't like, you're BAAAHH (BAD).

DOWN - This one is pretty clear.

AHPANE- Airplane.

INOPLAY - means I WANT TO PLAY... say it fast enough, and it makes perfect sense.

NOMO- means NO MORE.

OUT - This one is pretty clear.

BIRRRR- Nope, it's 100 degrees in TX, so this one doesn't mean that it's cold. Instead, its a BIRD.

HOT- Pretty clear, except it doesn't matter whether it's really hot, room temperature, or cold. (and you have to see the hand signals that go with this one)

BOO - Why are you scared? He's just pointing out the color BLUE.

OUTSHY - means OUTSIDE.

NYENYE - This has dual meaning. He could be saying GOOD NIGHT, or calling his big sister NAI NAI

More to come...

A New Gig

It seems that I have yet again been a disappointment to my blog followers. I didn't find time to post a single blog in the month of June. I could blame it (as I have in previous blogs) on Facebook... or the 10-day vacation... or downright laziness. But there's something else that has me tied up these days. I have accepted a new role at Dow as the R&D Leader for Strategic Recruitment and the Research Assignments Program. For me, this is a great opportunity to work in an area where I have true passion. For you, it means perhaps less frequent postings and updates on the Williams Family happenings ( I know... you're probably devastated :-). The good news is that the blog is here to stay. And I promise you that as I can get to it, the updates will come. Keep holding me accountable.

The Graduate

My... how time flies! Janai recently graduated from kindergarten at Silverline Montessori School. Now the real work begins in the first grade. Here are a few shots from the big day.

Janai during the pomp and circumstance (check out the hair!)

Janai and classmates after the ceremony (remember Princess Hilary?)

Janai at home after the ceremony posing with tulips from daddy.

Lights... Camera... Wait!

As many of you know, I have been traveling quite a bit over the last month. I've spent the weeks in Midland, MI and Spring House, PA only to come home for 36-48 hours, unpack, repack, and head back out. As much as I hate to admit it, Mr. Mom has done quite well without me. The kids seem to have enjoyed "daddy time". There was only one minor issue while I was gone. The school randomly decided to schedule pictures. I came in on a Friday night, was scheduled to head out on a Sunday, and pictures were for Tuesday. Grrrreaat! Rather than rely on James to make sure the pictures were decent, I simply negotiated with Janai to not take the pictures (like all of other friends at school) and promised to take her for pictures once I returned. Or so I thought...

At least the pictures were not hideous, but clearly Daddy forgot to rehearse the diva smile before dropping Janai off at school. And... where's the little sweater that matches that dress? Argh! At least one of the teachers brushed down the fuzz so that her 10-day old braids looked presentable.

Then there's Jay with a winning smile! But, nobody thought to brush his little beeddy balls on top. If the photographer was smart, he would have ducked! A big cunning smile and a throwable object in hand??? Uh Oh!

Travel Season

Hello to my friends in the blogosphere. My apologies for the delays in blogging. I've tried to make up for it tonight by posting a few updates. It is quite a busy season for me. On April 1st, Dow officially closed on its acquisition of Rohm and Haas Company to become the world's largest specialty materials company. That has set into motion quite a bit of travel. Please pray for traveling grace. I'm heading to Michigan for the week on Monday. Back for a day and a half, and then out to Philly for the following week. I'll see you on the other side!

Toodles.