My top 10....

I have spent quite a bit of time being sad and feeling homesick for Houston over the last couple of weeks. However, two weeks is probably an appropriate amount of time to sulk. Now it's time to beat the dust out of the curtains and open the windows...metaphorically speaking. In order to shift my perspective and focus on the positive aspects of my new home, I have made a list of the top 10 things I like about living in West Texas....and specifically Ransom Canyon, TX with Nonni and Pop.

1. The view from the front of my parents' house looking over the lake, the wrap around porch on the front of the house where Pop sits and writes everyday, and the backyard that is built into the side of the canyon (pictures don't do any of it justice, but the rim is probably at least 150 feet from the base of the backyard....no lights, no backyard neighbors). Jack sat out front with Pop last Saturday and watched a prop plane fly over the canyon.
2. The unique architecture of some of the houses in Ransom Canyon. I cannot imagine another place would grant a permit to build houses like these. Both of these houses are world famous for their unique style and were designed by Robert Bruno. The second photo is of the house made entirely from steel and suspended over the rim of the canyon on stilts. Robert Bruno ALONE designed, built, and lived in this house. It took him from 1978-2002 to complete it. He passed away this year. More photos at www.robertbruno.com
3.The playground on the rim of the canyon where Jack and James go absolutely NUTS in the gravel. Surprisingly enough, James has still yet to attempt ingesting the gravel!!
4. Jack hunting for lizards....in his underwear, no less. He ended up distracted by a massive spider web. The inquisitive face was coupled with the question, "What's he going to eat??"
5. The "rock star" in both of my children. Jack is obsessed with the keyboards, guitars, and piano. Although he really isn't allowed to play in the music studio, we sneak in there from time to time to look around. James is still a dancer....I wish these pics were videos so that you could see him jammin' down to the 101 Dalmatians rap!!
6. The undivided attention the children are now able to received from Nonni!! They both totally and completely adore her, and the feeling is very mutual. She has long awaited the opportunity to play with them freely without the pressure of time constraints and busy schedules. She and James have fun dancing and playing with toys. Jack is ever her avid reader and scholastic "project". All of the elementary teachers at her school are amazed at his level of speech, letter recognition, and geography skills!!7. Everyone's first day of school!!! John to Law School, Nonni back to literacy coordinating (Except now she's been seated on a jury that will occupy at least the next 3 weeks of her life!), Pop to the SPC sound technology department, and Jack & James to Oakwood Preschool. Jack's teacher is Miss Amber, who he affectionately refers to as Miss "Amburger". James' teacher is Miss Sharon who thinks he has the most beautiful blue eyes and curly hair she has ever seen (and he does). :)8. My Bunch!! I am hopelessly and completely crazily in love with this man. I am so proud of his efforts and dedication so far. Today was his first day of class, but he has spent the last 4 days with his nose buried in books preparing his assignments. In all of this whirlwind of adjustment that has affected every aspect of our lives, NOTHING is the same....except us. I am thankful for that. I am thankful that although his head is full of worry, doubt, and 10,000 pages of legal procedure, he still takes a lot of time to ask me about my day, help with the kids, and provide me with love, encouragement, and affection. You are my life, Bunch. I love you!!
Not to mention you look SMOKIN' in your new glasses!!!9. I love how Jack never wears pants anymore. I promise he does own lower extremity clothing....he just prefers to run around in his underwear because he doesn't like buttoning and zipping his pants. Maybe he's trying to fit in with the locals?? haha! He's doing awesome with potty training and has now gone several days without any accidents....even at school!! This picture was one of John's orientation days and Jack got up early enough to eat breakfast with Daddy before he left....so stinkin' cute!!10. Only in Lubbock, TX....enough said.