Things To Treasure

Oh, brother

2012-02-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, brother! That is what the girls say about there new nephew, Shepherd. He is three weeks old and sooo cute. To me he has a look all his own.

We thought it would be easy to get a couple good shoots of him, you know like the pros do. There is a reason they are professionals. It is harder than they make it look. These are a few of my favorites.

What to do?

2012-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Where we live is about 30 min. drive from any "shopping." That means Target, a Mall, and Hobby Lobby have gone from being somewhere we could swing by, to somewhere that we go to on a planned errand day. It took a little getting use to but, I actually think it is a great way for us to live. It's great for the budget and a good discipline for us all to learn. That being said, you sometimes have to get creative with what you have at home to entertain yourself. This day plenty of sunshine, a baking tray, and some corn meal did the trick.

I need those bangs to grow out, so her hair will tuck behind her ears. The funny thing is it doesn't bother her at all.

After we drew in it a while the kitchen toys came out. Corn meal became a the perfect ingredient for them to cook up "dinner."

Listening Ears

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

These are her listening ears. She made them in church this week. What I got from her was the lesson was God wants me to listen. Makes me smile when she wears them.

Smores

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I got Jason a fire pit for Christmas. So it was a natural choice to have Smores when the family came over for dinner. Our coats still smell like smoke, but it was worth it.

She wins the award for staying the cleanest while eating a smore.

She does not. Can you see the marshmallow stuck in the side of her hair. That's going to need a good washing to get out.

My little sweet tooth was in heaven.

It's all hands on deck when you have five small children and a fire pit. Thanks Jess!

Pacy Girl

2012-01-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is my sweet pacy baby. Both of my girls LOVED there pacy. Pacy has been my friend now for over four years. I've frantically searched for my friend pacy, in my purse at the grocery store, the car, and at restaurants. I've crawled on my hands and knees in the middle of the night searching for pacy beside the crib. I've threatened to throw our trusted friend away if I see them out of bed one more time.

When they turn 18 months old they only can have pacy at night and nap time. When they turn three pacy goes away for every (yes that is way to old, but it is what it is.) Gracie sobbed in my arms when I told her we had to say goodbye to pacy. It really does break my heart.

We will be bring home a new baby about one week before this baby turns three. Hmmmm...not good timing.

That dot is marker on her arm.

If she continues to look this cute with it she might just have it until she turns 15.

Christmas in January

2012-01-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

I really don't have a ton of Christmas pictures. Sometimes you want to just soak in the moment and not worry about grabbing your camera. We had a advent calendar this year and had a lot of fun with it. I should have made a list of what we did ever day so I don't have to reinvent it next year. I was able to keep the traditions we started last year. 1. Decorate gingerbread houses with friends 2. Get a new Christmas book (this year we got "The Smells of Christmas" a scratch and sniff book) 3. Made cookies for Santa and wrote him a note.

4. Have daddy read "The Night Before Christmas."

The girls worked on there house for about an hour. It looked great when they were done.

Oh Lyla! So cute, so little, soooo much candy.

The girls and I made cookies and put out carrots for the reindeer. All I wanted was a cute picture of us. Instead Jason takes picture like these. To be honest it makes me a little annoyed. There are tons of beautiful pictures of him with the girls. The few pictures I have with the girls look like this. He feels unmanly taking pictures so he does it as fast as he can.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" So sweet.

32 Weeks and My Attempt To Be Creative

2012-01-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

My New Year's resolution is to take more pictures and practice more with my camera. I left my camera at my sisters house at Christmas time and just got it back yesterday. So today was the official first day for my resolution. This was my attempt today of learning more about my camera and trying something new.

I'm 32 weeks. Today I felt good. Two day ago I felt horrible. Isn't that the way it goes.

At the beginning of this pregnancy I felt worse than I did with the girls. It was like a had a small case of the flu for three weeks. Now that I'm approaching the end it feels pretty much the same as the girls. At the sonogram appointment he looked more like Gracie's sono picture than Lyla's. Gracie of course looks more like her daddy, so we could have another kiddo with more of the Davis genes than the Robertson.

We are working on the nursery, which for some reason makes it more real for me. I'm getting more excited to see him and more nervous to deliver him. I thought I would be less nervous, but I actually get more nervous with each delivery. This time we have some added factors in my delivery and I'm just praying everything goes smooth. I get nervous for myself, but I probably get more worried for my girls. They have never been away from me and I've never been away from them. So much about to change for them.

December

2011-12-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't gotten my camera out as much as I would like to this month. I guess that should be one on my New Year's resolutions. Here a few pictures of our December.

Jessica and John decided to throw the kiddos a Christmas Party at there house. Brave of them. The kids had a blast. Lyla probably had to much fun. You know when your kids are having so much fun they get a little out of control and no matter how much you try to calm them down they only see wild. That's my Lyla. Makes me nervous for when she turns 16.

Gracie is more of a rule follower. LOOOOVE that about her. She made her craft and decorated her cookie.

School Parties this week. The funny thing is I thought school parties were exhausting when I was the teacher. They also are exhausting when you are a parent. Running from party to party, program to program, remember teacher gifts, food, camera, and having to drag around my swollen feet and fingers...yes it is tiring. I love seeing there smiles and watching them suck down there Capri Sun's. They have a mean mommy who won't buy them.

Look at that cute little hand frosting her cookie.

She thought she looked like a million bucks in that dress.

Can you spot me LITTLE cutie in the middle? She looks so little compared to her classmates.

See my other cutie in the middle? They sang "Little Drummer Boy" during chapel time. I don't know what it is about watching them sing at school chapel, but it makes me teary eyed. It is so cute, sweet, and I just bubble over with love and pride for them.

Trip to Cabela's to see Santa. They weren't scared at all. They are fans of Jolly Old Saint Nick.

They made sure to tell Mrs. Claus what they want for Christmas. Just in case Santa couldn't remember. She could remind him.

We made gifts for there teachers. They actually turned out pretty cute. Forgot to take pictures of them. So that is just a few of our December adventures.

OCD...just a little

2011-12-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

First of all...she looks rough doesn't she? Those tatoos are killing me. I've been staring at them for about two weeks.

She also has a runny nose.

I've bought her Kleenexes.

The kind with lotion in them.

I've put them down low where she can reach them whenever she wants.

This is what she does though.

A hundred times a day.

Pinterest Scarf

2011-12-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Did you see this scarf on Pinterest? It was yellow on there website.

I actually intended to make it for myself, but it looks much better on her than me. I'm blaming it on the fact that at 27 weeks pregnant and my neck and chin are starting to look like one thing. Kind of like a chneck.

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Our "Cowboy Christmas Tree" is up! I like it. Simple. Pretty Easy. Us.

The girls didn't help to much with the tree. They were right there though. Our backdoor has a big glass window so they were putting up those sticky things and playing with the nativity.

We only own four breakable ornaments (I bought them last year...one cowboy boot for Jason and three pink cowgirl boots for me and the girls.) Gracie Rae broke Jason's cowboy boot before we even got to the car last year. She dropped the bag in the parking lot. This year Lyla put one of them on the floor and Gracie Rae came running through stepped on it and it broke. Of course, Gracie Rae got glass in her foot and then she saw blood. It's over when she see's blood. Reminds me of her daddy.

My Mima use to put out all her Christmas Southern Living books each year. My Grandpa divided them up and gave them to the granddaughters last Christmas. They made me smile when I pulled them out of the box.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

I just realized I forgot to post Halloween pictures. The girls had a little fall festival at school. Lyla is decorating her goodie bag.

She only goes to school one day a week so she thought it was her fall festival, but she was actually tagging along with big sister.

I love sisterly hugs! Probably one of my favorite things.

The girls went trick or treating over at their cousins house.

Who ever thought of the candy "pixie sticks" didn't have children.

22 Weeks

2011-11-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

22 Weeks. Feeling pretty good at 6 months along. My back and hips are my biggest complaints.

I realized that I hadn't taken one maternity picture. Probably a sign of things to come for this little guy. With Gracie I took one every month. With Lyla about one ever two to three months. With this one....So far just one.

Tame the beast

2011-11-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Wild woman got her first professional haircut this week. She loved it and sat perfectly still, almost in a little trance. She is like her momma and loves to get her hair done and get a massage. She ask me all the time will "Momma, you rub my back a little."

A few weeks ago the doctor had to check her lymph nodes behind her ears and on her neck. When he was done he looked at her and said "all done you did a great job." Her response was "you do that again."

It looks very cute on her. How could it not.

Fall Fun

2011-11-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of pictures (or good ones) of all our fall fun, but we did have some. We painted pumpkins. The girls did the little ones while I painted the big one. We went to the pumpkin patch at the farmers market. I found one close to our new home. I was so excited because the farmers market I found is right down the road and owned by the same people as the one I use to go to. Jason was not so thrilled because that means our grocery bill will climb a little.

We used the same pumpkin I have had painted for the last month to carve. Gracie Rae had a blast and Lyla was less than thrilled. Jason kept trying to make her touch "the guts." She stuck to her guns and did not. Gracie Rae helped daddy finish the project.

We cleaned and baked the seed. I actually really liked them and Jason thought they tasted like dirt. Lyla didn't love carving the pumpkin, but she did love the seeds. Between the two of us we finished them off in one evening. Gracie Rae wanted to like them because she had put so much into them. She got down about four before she said she was all done.

Random fact....pumpkin seeds have more protein in them than a hamburger.

Have I ever mentioned she can be stubborn.

It's a ????

2011-10-21T19:16:00.001-07:00

First Trip to Disney World

2011-10-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

The whole family went to Disney World. yeah! My pictures aren't great because I just brought my cheapo point and shoot. It also rained the first day so we didn't get any pictures on that day.

The sun came out. The weather was perfect. The lines were short. The smiles were BIG. Cinderella is Gracie Rae's favorite.

I'm not one to stock up on souvenirs on vacation. Most the time they are a waste of money. I couldn't resist the classic Mickey ears though. I wanted the girls to get the black ones, but they won and got pink.

Cinderella is waving right at her. Thank you Cinderella!

I called ahead of time and got reservations for us to eat with the princess at Cinderella's castle. The morning we had our reservation it rained hard! When we got there to check in they said our reservation wasn't until tomorrow. Talk about a broken heart. I looked at the girls and Lyla was crying from being drenched. Gracie Rae is loosing her patients because we had already been waiting outside for 30 minutes. I felt like I had broke my promise to them. I was holding it together, but I really wanted to cry.

The lady in charge was so nice and said she couldn't turn us away and made room for us. Yes! Totally worth it.

Besides "Small World" meeting the characters was there favorite thing.

Making a wish on her wishing star. So adorable. She wished that the rain would stop. When we had finished our breakfast we looked out the window and the sun was shining. A little Disney magic. (more like an answer to prayer)

Snow White is Lyla's favorite. She always tells her "don't eat the apple."

My princesses. Can't wait to take them back some day.

It's been awhile

2011-10-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Make over!

Well, I haven't "blogged" in awhile. Not intentional...just life. Lyla had to go to the doctor a lot. Different blood work and waiting for results. She was so brave and tough. So was mommy. She had some swollen lymph nodes that we had to get checked out. Praise the Lord the results come back good. She is on the up and up and starting to act more like her old self. Her old self means she is acting more like a wild woman and fighting me to take a nap.

When your child needs you everything stops. Volunteering, cleaning, cooking, blogging, church, or whatever it all stops. The things you have to do are just on auto pilot. Your mind clings to and you function in a state focused on faith, hope, prayer and love. God is good and make overs are fun.

My new favorite picture!

2011-09-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

My new favorite picture!

Six more weeks till we find out if it is a girl or boy. I honestly don't care either way. The only thing pulling me in the boy direction is Jason. He wants a little boy so bad. He will be fine and a great support with whatever the doctor tells us, but it is out there HE WANTS A BOY!

The thought of a little boy makes me nervous. All I know is little girls. The term "get tough" is something I don't ever see my self saying. My girls don't climb on things, karate chop me, or play "Lego's." All thing that are part of a boy world. Luke Skywalker is about as far as my "Starwar" knowledge goes.

We spin around and dance, play babies, dress up, play play dough, and watch "Olivia." We do pony tails, tutus, hair bows, and paint toe nails.

Hmmmm......we will see what happens in six weeks.

Gracie's Birthday

2011-08-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sweet Gracie Rae is turning 4. We had her birthday celebration this weekend. She is amazing and precious little girl with such wonderful qualities. At four she is full of hugs, thank you's, excited screams, and big smiles.

Nana and her little lady bug.

She still get so excited about her birthday. I love that about her.

This one LOVES cake.

Red and black icing ...make for some beautiful smiles.

She got a swing set this year. Jason put it together in the shop so she had no idea.

Ladybug pinata was a "hit."

Gracie's first day

2011-08-29T14:30:00.001-07:00

She did great! I was nervous.

She went to preschool last year, but only from 9-12 two day a week. This year we are at a new school and go from 9-2, two days a week. A new school, new teachers, and an extra four hours away from home is taking some getting use to.

Yes, I do get more done. I also miss her like crazy and can't wait to pick her up each day.

Hopscotch + Disney Princess = FUN

2011-08-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Summer stuff is on clearance just about everywhere. Works well for us because it will be hot here for about two more months. Picked up this Princess Hopscotch and Walgreens for $5. Well worth 45 min. of fun.

Hmmm....we are getting bored

2011-08-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

Being a stay at home mom takes such a game of mental endurance. I love it, nothing I would rather do, but we are bored...I'm bored. Yes, there are things to do, always things to do. Laundry, cleaning, making breakfast, cleaning breakfast, playing, teaching, disciplining, making lunch, cleaning lunch and so on and so on. Bottom line....we need to play outside!! Please cool of soon, please rain soon...please...please...please.

Until then we will stay inside during the day and find things to do that put a smile of our faces.

I started working with Gracie this summer on her letters. She can recognize most of them and with some help she is at the very early stages of writing. The best thing about it is that she loves to learn! Loves it! She ask me everyday to start teaching her to read. I keep telling her that I am teaching her to read we just have to start slow. She doesn't believe me. She will be so excited when she can read.

Someone else had to have a turn.

The early stages of writing are so cute.

First Snow Cone of the Summer

2011-07-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know how we made it this far into the summer with out getting a snow cone. Lyla is counting down until she gets her snowcone. We told her it would take about 10 seconds.

Lyla choose Pink Bubble gum, but spilled it with in the first few seconds. Dad had to half his Watermelon.

Gracie Rae got "Barbie" flavor. I got banana cream. I think we are going back today for more:)

Ahhhh!!!I love it.

2011-07-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

No words need to be said. Beautiful!

Gracie's former Sunday School teacher ask me if she would like to be in a photo shoot. She loved it and it made her feel special to do something just for her.

Another Before and After

2011-07-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Before (found this at a retail shop for 60 bucks)

After

More Jam, Please!

2011-07-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Strawberries were on sale this week for a dollar a cart at Kroger's. I bought about ten carts and decided that I would make some jam with the girls. This was a project that would have been rather easy if I didn't have two little set of hands helping me. Making the jam was somewhat time consuming for them, but the best part was delivering it to our neighbors. They were so proud of what they accomplished and that they got to share it.

Child safety knife. She can't cut herself.

I thought I cleaned the chair the pretty good......Evidently not. This chair was COVERED with ants in the morning.

Ok, I wish she had some clothing on in the picture! That's how we roll in the summer time.

This picture reminds me about the "peanut butter and jelly song."

You pick it......

You smoosh it...

You spread it....

You EAT it!

Easy project.

2011-07-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Made this for Bridget for her birthday. Hope she likes it. Soooo easy!!! I plan on making one for myself sometime this week.

Let's Pretend!

2011-07-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Beaux turned 5 in June and she decided to take some of her "BFF's" for dress up and tea.

So excited to go inside and check it out.

Hostess with the mostess.

Rock'n a purple crown and glitter microphone. Kind of gross to think how many other children have probably made out with that microphone.

She looks a little "Toddlers and Tiaras." Next we are going to get a spray tan, her eyebrows waxed, extensions, and start working on her "dance" routine.

They had a Tinker Bell outfit for a large preteen available.

Let's just say I'm glad this isn't a full body shot.

Happy Birthday Beaux!

4th of July

2011-07-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

Gracie Rae watching fireworks LAST year.

Gracie Rae watching fireworks THIS year. Too funny.

Glow sticks..always fun. They were pretending to be dogs and fetching the glow stick after Uncle John would throw it.

More Before and Afters

2011-07-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

I actually have room at our new house to having a sewing table. Yeah! I hated at the old house dragging it out and putting it up every time I wanted to use it. I found this desk at a resale shop for $50 bucks. I like the way it turned out. I'm not crazy about the curtains and blinds. I think of something though.

Before

After

Super fun for just $2 dollars!

2011-06-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

she makes me laugh! yes, she knows what she was doing and that it would make me laugh.

Pretend the rest of the pictures are in reverse order. I forgot to upload them backwards.

We had some summer fun. It is hot here so we only go outside in the morning and evening. I picked up some bottles of dollar shaving cream, gave a couple warnings, and away they went.

washing it off

They got me.

They got him.

They had a blast!

Father's Day

2011-06-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

You should get to sleep in on Father's Day and have breakfast in bed.

Sorry about that Jason.

This is what happens when they think you hung the moon!

BEFORE and AFTER

2011-06-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

I pretty much do a "home" project every week. When we first got married we went with a western theme. I don't hate the couches I'm just tired of looking at cow print. I covered the couches and made some pillows to match.

BEFORE

I'm bad about remembering to take before pictures. This is the only before of the couch I could find.

AFTER - I finished both couches but only got a picture of one.

Home Sweet Home

2011-06-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

We have been working on the house to make it feel more like home and more like us. I still have a lot of work to do. Many projects, a lot of painting, and much sewing is still in my future. I like the sewing more than the painting.

Dinning Room Before.....

Dinning Room After....

Sun Kissed

2011-06-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our nice neighbor going out of town and letting us use their pool we are all a little sun kissed.

Here is Gracie Rae going under the water. Yep....that is it! She is "under" the water. She is so funny about the pool. She is usually pretty easy going unless it is something she is unsure of. She is unsure of the water. Don't cross her...or try to make her do it a certain way....she will lose it.

Lyla going under

I showed these to Jason and all he could say is "man I'm getting bald!"

Trip to Nana and Popa's (continued)

2011-06-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Some more pictures of our summer trip to Nana's house. The kids have such a good time and Nana's house! I have such wonderful memories of hanging out with my cousin's at my grandparents house. I love that my kiddos will get to make their own memories with their cousins. I just need to make sure that down the road they don't tell my kids about Santa Claus (thanks cousin Keith :)

Movie night! This night they watched "Alice and Wonderland." Bridget just finished reading the books to her kiddos so they were watching the movie. The Davis girls (including myself) didn't even know it was a book and thought the movie was a little weird.

The man of the group. Eli is the only boy in the group. He is such a trooper. Always holding the doors open and having to watch "My Little Ponies" when he really wants to watch "Star Wars" .

Glow in the dark chalk. Very cool!

I blogged about my kids love of kid make-up. They have shared the love with their cousins. Nana was a great sport and got a make over.

Slumber party. The girls "reading" books.

Trip to Nana and Popa's

2011-06-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to Nana and Popa's house this week. We had a great visit and lots of fun in the sun. Here are a few pictures of Gracie with the family. I would have love to get Lyla in the pictures too, but she REALLY needed a nap.

Make Over

2011-06-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

make-over! Typing that makes me think of "Clueless." A move no matter how old I get I will always love. So many classic lines..."I know, I feel like such a fatty...I had like a whole handful of peanut M&M's today."

Grammy got the girls some kid make-up and finger nail polish last time she came for a visit. They LOOOOOOVE it! Mommy had been made over enough for one day, so I brought out some plastic baby dolls. They played with these for about an hour. I'm not one to brag, but that was a great idea.

Memorial Day

2011-06-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Great Memorial Day Weekend. I love when Jason doesn't have to go to work! It nice to have someone besides toddlers to talk to, he helps with the work load, and I can blow dry my hair with out someone telling me they need something.

We had a family get together on Sunday, which is always fun. We broke out the blow up pool, put the sprinkler under the trampling, at some hot dogs and ice cream, played pin the nose on Elmo, had some foot race challenges, and had the American flag flying in the back ground. Have a mentioned lately I LOVE AMERICA!

Random

2011-05-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Gracie Rae's teacher told me just in casual conversation one day that she wishes she would have wrote down somewhere the funny things that her children said when they were little. I thought that was a good idea. So forgive the randomness of this, but these are thoughts and conversations of my week...

We go to Home Depot a lot....Gracie Rae always calls it the "Homo Depot." I think it is too cute to correct her.

We pulled weeds in the front yard this weekend. I looked at the dog and saw she was eating a dead baby bunny. I didn't want the kids to see her so a yelled at Jason to come over because the dog had a (I spelled this part so they wouldn't know) d-e-a-d b-u-n-n-y. Gracie runs over and asked "what does Okie have?" Lyla answered her by saying, "Okie, has a q-r-s-t."

Lyla has told me many times today about a dream she had where she was playing with "Snuffy" (from Seasame Street) outside. It must have made a big impact on her.

Other Random thoughts of the week:

I felt old all this week. My arms have started to jiggle where a tricep muscle should be.

Dr. Oz is my new favorite person and show. Which also makes me realize I'm getting old. It use to be people like Justin Timberlake and shows like "One Tree Hill."

Took the kids to the zoo this week. If you are a grown adult and decide to go to the zoo with out any children (I don't know why you would) please stand in the back so the kiddos can see.

We also went to the water park. It is much easier to take the girls to the water park this year than last year. Not easy...just easier.

Very Random thought I know.

Hey, Hey, jealousy

2011-05-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

When Lyla was born Gracie was 17 months old. She was basically indifferent about having a new baby in the house. She never showed any signs of jealousy. The biggest struggle for her was that I couldn't meet her needs as quickly as did before. She adjusted to that over time and we found our grove as a family of four. This week jealousy has reared it ugly head. Gracie has been so bossy and sensitive to Lyla. Jason asked her tonight "way can't you just be nice to her?" She replied "because I don't want to." He said, "that not good enough, why have you been so mean to her lately?" She said, "because I don't like having to share her with MY mommy and daddy!"

I have to say Lyla is pretty funny so she gets a lot of laughs around her, which understandably can make a sibling a little jealous. We tried to reassured her that we love her so much and God made her special. We told her that having Lyla, for a sister, is a wonderful gift that God gave her.

Did are talk work? For about one hour. "Be nice to your sister" training camp continues tomorrow. I wish I could just sit back and let them work it out, but most of the time I can't. I feel like if I don't stop them I'm silently saying "it's ok to act that way." So I guess the question is, "Am I training them, or are they training me?"

Summer Fun

2011-05-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

Water Hose - $10

Barbie Jeep - $0 (free from neighbors)

Water Table - $ (free from sister)

Playing with the water hose for the first time this summer - PRICE LESS!

Gracie's First Hair Cut

2011-05-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Gracie Rae went for her first professional hair cut. I've blogged about her hair before. It's a little out of my league when it comes to cutting. I would usually just go after myself with a pair of scissors, but it is starting to intimidate me. Before my mother gets to upset I should tell you that I just let the lady nip the ends and shape it up a bit. Gracie thought it was awesome and the best part was at the end she got a glitter heart on her check. I'll have to post an after picture later (it doesn't really look that different.) I took an after picture with my phone to send to Jason, but forgot to get one with my camera. They gave me a few of her locks to save. I will cherish that little baggy with little white curls in it.

4 wheeler fun!

2011-05-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is my girls new favorite thing. Daddy has to take both of them at the same time or the one who is not riding just stands on the porch and cries for daddy. I'm usually standing on the porch yelling at him "hold on to her!" I'm talking about Lyla, of course. You can see in the top picture that Gracie Rae will hold on for dear life while Lyla is saying "I got it, I got it, I got it" I'm a big fan of our new back yard. Can't wait tell next spring when I can have a little garden and plant some sunflower again. I'm still a little disappointed I can't have chickens, but I will just have to get over it.

Jason had the four wheeler when we were dating. We gave it to his parents for a while when we ran out of room in our old house. I'm glad we have room for it now.

Is it to late for Easter Pics?

2011-05-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

Easter has come and gone, but I'm just getting around to posting pictures. The family drove out to the country again this year for Easter. We had a great time and beautiful weather. We had a kid egg hunt and a adult egg hunt.

A few pictures from the "big kid" egg hunt

Silly string and confetti filled eggs. I don't think a kid could ask for a better time. The funny thing is they had a hard time pushing the button down by themselves so they needed a little help.

What a good uncle.

I know she is mine, but man is she cute.

Where did she get this hair?

2011-05-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

My hair is fine and very straight. So I had no idea how to fix Gracie's hair. Gracie's hair is????? Curly, straight, fine, and coarse. The front is straight and fine the back is coarse and curly. It has been a big learning curve, but I have figure out her two best friends.

Curls rock from Catwalk and a squirt bottle. They work miracles on her hair every morning.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2011-04-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

When you turn 33 it is very exciting.

You get lots of help opening your presents.

You get to make a birthday hat.

You get a case of Dr. Pepper's from your little ones. They will draw picture on it of things you really like.

You get a cake that is totally against health code.

Totally Against!

You get a Dr. Pepper cake that is so yummy their are no pictures to show what it looked liked. We ate it fast. It was good! Happy Birthday Jason.

Moving Day (long over due)

2011-04-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

We have been in our new home for about a month now. The dust is just beginning to settle from our whirl wind of selling, buying, and moving into our new home. I'm really enjoying our new home, but still have days that I miss "Danube Court" and all our neighbors. I'm miss the familiar and knowing the people around us. We sold and moved our home so quickly I really didn't have time to tell our old house goodbye. It is funny how I miss something that has no attachment to me. I have so many memories in our old home. Jason and I met, dated, fell in love, and came home as husband and wife in that house. I found out about our first surprise and second surprise there. I brought home two of the sweetest baby and walked the halls with them at 3 in the morning. I still have those memories, but moving makes them seem further removed. We will make new memories and I'm enjoying taking our new home and making it feel like home.

I'm proud of Jason and me. We were a crazy packing team. His muscles and my organization skills got our entire house moved in eleven days.

The last night we spent in our home it looked liked this.

I Love Teachers

2011-04-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

One of Lyla's great teachers!

I love my kiddos teachers. Gracie goes to school two days a week for 3 hrs and Lyla goes one day a week for 3 hrs. The perfect amount of time for me. Enough time for me to gain a little sanity and run a few hours, but not to long were I miss them terribly. For someone to love my child and teach them about God's love is probably on of the most precious gifts you could give a parent.

I hope I was the kind of teacher that the parents loved and appreciated. I really tried to be. It's funny I appreciate teachers more now than when I was a school teacher. I get asked a lot if I miss teaching. The answer..nope, not at all. I'm teaching everyday! This time I get to teach my most precious investments the lessons that I want them to learn.

On the flip side, I told Jason that I'm fearful that as they grow I'm going to be one of those crazy moms who is in the principals office complaining about things. I'll have to find a balance somewhere.

As for now, I love their teachers and the job they do. The girls painted flower pots for them this week. I love watching them give other people gifts.

Isn't she lovely

2011-04-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

At this moment I wish I was gifted with the ability to be a good writer. That way I could convey how wonder this little girl is. She has always been a good little girl, but as she grows I'm so proud of who she is becoming. She was the candle lighter today at school and I found a lump in my throat as I watched her sing "God our Father" and walk on stage. The best part was how proud she was of herself and how special she felt.

*Jason blow dried her hair. It makes me laugh to look at her with out her curls.

She has always been very inqesitive. She like to know how things work. She asked questions all day long and don't think you can get by with a blah answer. You have to give her a real answer. Just today this was our conversation.

"Where does pee-pee come from?

Well, the water we drink travels though our bodies and comes out a pee-pee

"What about poop?"

Well, the food that we eat our body uses as energy and whatever it doesn't use as energy is poop.

"What is energy?"

Well, when we move our bodies that is using energy.

"How does God make our bodies?"

Ummm..we don't really know we just have faith that He does.

"What is faith?"

Believing in things we can't always see or understand

"What can't we see?"

Would you like to watch T.V.

La La La Elmo's World

2011-03-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

"The Babies" as we call them were born six days apart. Their actual due dates were three weeks apart, but Eden decided to let Bridget enjoy the pleasure of being 10 months pregnant. We enjoyed a nice family Elmo birthday party. We flew kites, played some soccer, ate some Elmo cake, and a good time was had by all.

God made her this cute because she is sooo naughty. It's a survival technique.

It is very difficult to get a good picture of all five of them. At least everybody is smiling and somewhat looking in the right direction.

John Deere

2011-03-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Lyla got a John Deere Power Wheel for her birthday. I think the pictures say it all. FYI watch out she is a crazy driver. She will run anything in her path over.

Birthday Girl

2011-03-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Lyla turned two this week. She is funny, talkative, and always by my side. She still loves to be held (A LOT!), she loves to spin around and dance (A LOT!), she loves to dress up and be a princess all day long.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Chucky Cheese

2011-03-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have wonderful memories of going to a place called "Showbiz Pizza" when I was little. My cousin Keith could always convince my grandparents to take us. There are no "Showbiz Pizza's" around here, but we do have "Chucky Cheese." We took Lyla for her birthday. Gracie and Lyla had a great time. Lyla looks like she is going to punch Chucky in the face in the first picture. Look out Chucky.....she just might do it.

Guess what child wouldn't have their picture taken with Chucky?

Puzzles Please

2011-02-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

Day Four! We are on day four of being iced in. We have done a lot but my creative juices are running thin. The girls have been doing a great job with being stuck inside. They could play princess, puzzles, or tea party all day long. I'm the one going a little crazy. As much as I would like to go to the mall, target, or anywhere my hubby is doing ten times worse. He is stuck in the house with out Dr. Pepper. He is having withdraw.

Getting Involved

2011-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

Getting you kids involved is suppose to get them excited about dinner. With that thought in mind here is Gracie cutting our green beans for dinner. She had a lot more fun preparing them than eating them.

Oh, so sweet baby!

2011-02-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

My dear friend welcomed her little girl into the world last week. Gracie Rae and I went to the hospital to visit the new parents and love on sweet baby Alice. Gracie was full of questions after our visit. That child's wheels are always turning. My favorite question from her and our visit was "Mommy what was my name when I was a baby?" She started crying in the car when I told her that baby Alice would grow up and be a little girl just like her someday. She cried "please mommy, I don't want her to grow up, I want her to stay a baby."

Precious!

Look at this full head of hair. Oh the bows she will wear. Every time I look at this picture I want to kiss her head. Kind of weird...I know.

Love her!

P..P..P..P

2011-01-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Potty training, Painting, Putty, and Pictures. That has been my life for the last two weeks. I'm potty training Lyla, painting all the trim and doors in the house, puttying all door frames from the floors Jason put down, and taking lots and lots of pictures for my digital photograph class.

Because all that other stuff isn't fun to look at here is some of my favorite pictures for my class so far. I still have a lot to learn.

A little bit of sewing

2011-01-26T19:13:00.000-08:00

Sewed Gracie Rae these pants. I like the fact that she is so proud to wear the stuff I make her. She told her teacher "can you believe it my mommy made these just for me." Some day she will be so embarrassed if I even suggest what she should wear.

Rodeo Day

2011-01-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

The girls had Rodeo Day last week at school. I love the girls school. They have great teachers that teach them and show them about the love of Christ. Sorry the pictures are poor. I was trying to run a booth at the rodeo, calm down my one year old who wanted her momma after she was me, and give Gracie some attention.

Yes, Lyla is crying and ticked off.

Happy Birthday Pa!

2011-01-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

My grandpa Goodman turned 80 last week. So this is for him.

Pa,

The girls decorated these cupcakes for you. Gracie Rae said she can't wait till the next time she sees you and can give you your cupcake. We love you and hope you had a great birthday!

Lyla is dancing. She is always dancing.

Baby Swing

2011-01-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors borrowed our baby swing for the last year. The brought it back this week and the girls have been playing with it. I actually think they enjoy it more now than when they were babies.

Poncho

2011-01-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

They are having a contest at our local Hancock's Fabric called fabulous fleece. I wanted to enter, but what besides a blanket can I make with fleece???? How about a cute poncho for my cutie daughter. I let you know if I win anything.

What can I do now?

2011-01-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

"What can I do now?" This is my oldest new favorite saying and quickly become my most less favorite saying. I usually say play outside or play with your sister. Well, at this moment sister was sleeping and it was about 22 degrees outside. So "magic noodles" can hopefully help me out for awhile.

Pioneer Woman Has Nothing On Me

2011-01-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

With some of my Christmas money I decided to buy a wheat mill. Milled wheat is suppose to be tons better for you then the store bought stuff and I enjoy making breads so a win win. I could of got an electric mill, but I'm cheap and I wanted to make sure that I liked it before I made a big investment. It actually is pretty easy to use. It took about 3 min. to mill a little over a cup. I made some whole wheat banana nut bread and it was delicious.

As I was posting this I realized that there is a bag of Oreos behind me as a mill my wheat...ironic. Yes, I do like me some Oreos every once in a while but those belong to Jason. He is addicted. I'm not kidding. He needs to go to some kind of support group.

Looking Back

2011-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

I never been much on New Year's resolutions. They start the year off leaving me with the feeling that I lack the discipline. Who wants to feel like that? not me. Yes, it is important to reflect and to always be trying to better yourself, but also to celebrate the good things you did and the blessings you received.

Good things.....

Didn't add unwanted stress to our lives. Jason and I decided that we want our schedules to be as light as we can make them. We don't want to be going from one scheduled event to the next.

Laughed a lot. How can you not with a three year old and a one year old in the house?

Ate healthy.(this applies to the girls in the house not the man in the house) We found a healthy balance between eating healthy and not being to crazy about it.

Learned a lot. Colors, shapes, ABC's, and our address to name a few. Oh, and how to talk...Lyla is going to be just as big of a talker as Gracie.

Loved a lot. Lots of hugs, kisses, and quality time together as a family.

Took lots of pictures. I just love pictures.

Trip to N.Y. (that was fun)

Spent quality time with family and friends.

Tried to show the love of God to those around us.

Blessing....

Jason's job

Found a preschool that I love for Gracie Rae.

Great report at Lyla's heart check up. She was released from their care with no worries.

Good health

Safety and provision

Two little bundles of joy to tuck in ever night

Good friends

Of course the list could go on and on......................God is good.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T20:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas with the girls was wonderful. Cookies for Santa, "The Night Before Christmas," and big smiles on Christmas morning. Lyla tried to feed her cookie to Santa.

One of Gracie's favorite gifts was Strawberry Shortcake fingernail polish. She loves to give manicures and pedicures. If she convinces you to let her paint your nails considered this picture as your warning of what the outcome will be.

The big hit of the morning. Pillow pet

Gingerbread House - Yummy

2010-12-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

We made Gingerbread houses today with our friend Addison. Gracie Rae did a very "Gracie Rae" job on hers.

Lyla did a very "Lyla" job on hers. Two M&M's made it on the house the rest of the candy was gone in about 5 minutes. She might not of gotten the point, but she had a lot of fun and candy.

We tease that Lyla and Addison must some how be related because they are very similar in personalities. Instead of the candy Addison went straight for the frosting...too funny!

Christmas Month 2010

2010-12-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

We've been busy celebrating "the most wonderful time of the year." I took some time to think about what I want Christmas to be like for my children. I've thought of a few traditions that I would like for us to do through the years and a "gift" that I want to give them every year.

Traditions:

*Gingerbread Houses

*Picking out a new Christmas book every year(this year Gracie Rae picked "Bear Stays Up for Christmas." A very cute book. Lyla, with a little help from mom, decided on "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

*Help making cookies for Santa and writing him a letter(just because it is fun)

*Have the kids take part in the fun of giving to others.

Gift:

The gift of TIME. Time to enjoy December and all the wonderful things it has to offer. A mommy who isn't rushed or to busy to make Christmas crafts, watch Christmas movies (Christmas Eve on Seasame Street and Mrs. Patty Cake are the favorites this year), sing Christmas songs, read Christmas books, and take you to look at fun decorations.

Here are just a few pics of what we have been doing in December.

Gracie Rae wrapped Daddy's present all by herself.

We made homemade gifts for teachers and neighbors this year. Sugar scrub and a fun Christmas CD.

Christmas party at school. Isn't she so brave? This never would have happened last year.

We went to the Gaylord to look at the decorations. They made these there.

We try to take a picture every year at Christmas time for Jason to take to his office. This year I sat the tripod up in the backyard. Hope he likes it.

Away in a Manger

2010-12-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

The nativity set is by far the favorite of all the Christmas decorations. Gracie Rae loves to reorganize all the characters at least once a day. Here she stands proudly as she has finally got it just the way she likes it.

Because Gracie Rae likes it so does Lyla. She is telling me "baby e us." Which of course means baby Jesus.

Look at Lyla's face. So ticked off the Gracie is moving the sheep away from where she had just put it.

None of the pieces have broken yet. I did say, yet!

Another Side Note- Head is still fine. We just really love band aids.

"Tangled"

2010-12-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

Over Thanksgiving break we took Gracie Rae to her first movie. She had a blast and did a great job. It was a perfect movie for her because it wasn't scary or intense. Two things that she doesn't like.

She is at a really fun stage right now and such a good girl. I'm thankful for her servant heart (like her daddy) and gentle spirit. Everything about her personality so is unique. I see God's hand at work as I watch her grow. I feel so blessed that He has trusted me with the job of being her mommy. I pray all the time for wisdom on how to help her grow into a Godly young woman with integrity and strong moral character. I pray that she will live a life full of Godly decisions. Oh.......I just love her!

Side note- Nope, her head is not hurt she is just really into bandaids.

Thanksgiving at the Davis'

2010-12-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

The student.

I actually hit the target! I couldn't believe it either.

The teacher.

My girls and grammy "just a swinging" on the back porch as their daddy loads another round. So country it makes me smile.

No big secret Gracie Rae doesn't like loud noises. The gun wasn't loud she just thought they were fun to wear.

Besides shooting guns we got to go to a birthday party. Look at Jason's skills. I have to say I'm impressed.

2010-11-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

Where to start? This lock of beautiful white blond hair has been growing from Gracie Rae's head for three years and two months. It took her sister about 5 minutes to place the toy hamster on her head leaving me no option but to cut her hair at the root. The best part is the warning sticker says "keep hair away from wheels."

Bridget and her oldest two went on a cruise with my mom and grandparents this week. I was invited to go but decided Lyla was a still to young for an adventure like that. I started to feel a little guilty that my kids were home coloring, eating cheese sticks, and watching Fresh Beat Band while everyone else was having fun. To help myself feel better I tried to think of fun things they could do at home. Bucket+Bubbles=Loads of Fun.

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

2010-11-09T13:05:00.001-08:00

Gracie Rae and Lyla have made a sweet little friend name Addyson. She invite us over for the most adorable little tea party. Heart shaped sandwiches, dress up, flowers, and tea cups being a girl is so fun.

Loving Knit Jersey

2010-11-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

So I found a new crafting love. Knit jersey. It doesn't unravel and most of the clothes I own are made out of it. I can just cut up my old clothes that I don't like anymore. Weird I know, but I love to cut up clothes. So thus far I have made "Little Red Riding Hoods" cape out of it, many hair bows, and this little shirt for our neighbor down the street.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture from the night. Lyla ate sooooo much candy. I don't know how it happen she just kept finding it. She is crying because she has shoved so many suckers in her mouth she can't get them out. I hope it doesn't make me a bad mother that I laugh at this and that I let her eat so much candy.

Big Bad Wolf. Eating candy all night. She had a cute tail, but I forgot to get a picture of her whole outfit.

Little Red Riding Hood was so excited. Beyond excited! She loved passing out candy.

Yes, this is the best picture we could get of all of them together.

My niece and nephew LOVE "Star Wars." That is an understatement. They are obsessed!

Yoda, like Lyla, has a sweet tooth.

We had a great Halloween. The night started off with a pumpkin decorating in the backyard, then a little chilli supper, and then candy, candy, candy!!!!

A little adventure

2010-10-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

We found a few trails close to our house and took the girls out exploring. Here are a few pics from our adventure. Have I mentioned lately that I love my camera. Thanks again to my mother and father in law for such an awesome gift.

I'm always asking Jason to take pictures of me and the girls. It's not that I want to be in all the pictures I would just like some documentation that I was there. He took about five pics and with some photo shopping this one is ok to share. Some day I'll have to get enough courage to post all the horrible pictures of me he took. As I looked at all the bad pictures of myself it made me think of what my dad says when you don't like your picture, "it looks just like ya."

We found some cougar tracks on our walk. Jason gave the girls sticks to "protect" themselves. Honestly it did make me a little nervous. Jason said he could kill a cougar with his pocket knife. Fortunately we didn't see a cougar.

My Funny girl

2010-10-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Been trying to take some more pics of Lyla. She is growing so fast. No longer a baby and all toddler. I understand most of what she is trying to tell me and she is the funniest little thing. I really mean that she is funny. She is very interested in the potty. She doesn't get the concept, but she likes to be like her big sister. Found her like this today. If you will notice all the toilet paper is off the roll. Yep, it's in the toilet.

Crafting Week (continue)

2010-10-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Crafting week continue....

This is a must for anyone with a baby in diapers. They sale these in baby stores, but I think they are to small in size. I sew mine a little bigger. I love it because when I drop Lyla off at church I can just hand them this or when I don't have her I can take it out and my purse isn't so heavy.

Crafting Week

2010-10-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have been staying home more lately. Maybe because the go to school from 9-noon on Wed. so I feel I can get a little more done. Whatever the reason I kind of like it. Yes, some days I look at the clock and it says 10 and I was thinking it had to be more like noon, but staying home has its perks. No buckling in and out of car seats, no worries about behavior in public, and I have some time to get projects done. I've always liked "crafty" projects. It helps with my sanity. It's got to be in my blood my mother is the crafting queen.

So first project. Did this one a while ago but I do like it. It was one of those stickers so we had to paint and cut the board.

Happy Birthday Eli....May the Force Be With You

2010-10-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Eli! You are the first little one to join this crazy crew and the first baby I held and fell immediately in LOVE with. I can't believe how fast you have grown and what an amazing little boy you have become. Jason and I are so proud of you!

The crew dressed up in Star Wars gear.

Forgive me for my lack of Star Wars knowledge, but I believe these are Jedi's.

Hans Solo and Princess Leila (forgive my spelling ..lack of star wars info.)

Yoda looks so cute

2010-09-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Time for fall crafts. I made the first one and it looked like I toilet seat cover. My second one came out better. It actually was a pretty easy craft, just took about two hours to finish.

Love the Etsy!

2010-09-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

How cute is this hat. Bridget got it for Gracie Rae for her Birthday. She found it on etsy. I want one in my size.

This is my new favorite picture of her.

Dog days of Summer!

2010-09-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Gracie Rae has been wanting to have a birthday party for Okie for a while. We finally agreed.

Jason and the girls went to the pet store and got her a bag full of treats and a new toy.

Lyla was excited to feed Okie her new dog treats.

Okie enjoyed them even though Lyla was trying to shove a new one in her mouth ever 5 seconds.

A party at our house is never complete without tea.

*Side note, the girls feed her all the treat in about 30 minutes. I've been cleaning up dog poop for two days.

Time for a Tea Party!

2010-09-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

We had a tea party for Gracie's birthday in Longview. The weather was perfect for an outside tea. A great time was had by all.

Lyla loves hats!

Hand made cake by momma. No, it's not perfect but it tasted good.

Turning 3

2010-09-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Gracie turned three last week and yes it seems like yesterday she was a little baby.

She was a baby and I was a nervous wreck that I had a little baby that was all mine to take care of. I'll never forget my mom leaving at the end of her week stay and I was all alone with my daughter for the first time. I felt completely incompetent for the job of mothering this very little baby. Physically I was still a wreck from having her, emotionally I was exhausted from loving this new being so much. I worried about her every feeding, every dirty diaper, her every turn in the middle of the night always checking to make sure she was still breathing. Those days went by slow, very slow......but as she grew so did I. I grew more comfortable, more confident, and I realized that God had in trusted me with this little baby. I can do this and I can do a good job at this.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

Here are a few things about you at age three

1. You are obsessed with changing baby diapers

2. You are a great big sister

3. You woke up this morning and said "I have a song stuck in my head" - that makes me laugh

4. All week you have pretended that my name is Emily, Daddy is Achel, Lyla is Jackson, and you are Squeaky.

5. You favorite show is Berstein Bears and Fresh Beat Band

6. You are very cautious and slow

7. You are smart (you have the voc. of a five year old)

8. You are a delight to whom ever you are around

9. Your favorite people to be around is your family

10. Because of you I'm a kinder and more patient person

Dumb and Dumber

2010-08-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Remember Llyod from Dumb and Dumber? That has been Lyla's nickname around here for a while. Her hair is crazy!

See I told ya. This is not staged photo, this is how her hair looks 90% of the time. With Jason blessing I had to help my poor girl out.

So, mom don't be mad. I had to do it. Doesn't she look so much better? The funny thing is it looks like I cut a lot but I didn't.

So beautiful~

Here comes trouble

2010-08-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case I agree.

Situation: Both girls wanted to dance on the top of the indoor slide.

Problem: There is only room for one of them.

Solution: Little sister will bother you until she wins.

Gracie Rae exits out gracefully as Lyla celebrates her triumph.

She has trouble written all over her.

Life With Two

2010-08-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last week Gracie Rae chipped her tooth on the bathtub. She didn't fall or anything just bent down to pick something up hit the edge of the tub and her front tooth was chipped. I have to say that for vanity reasons I was really upset that she would have a chipped tooth for the next three to four years. My cute little girl with a snaggle tooth. As I'm checking out the damage her crying changes for hurt to a more panic cry. I look and Lyla has pooped all in the bathtub. Oh my, this is not starting off as a good morning. Took her to the dentist and they filed down her tooth and it does look a little better. Hopefully the "Vampire" crazy will be popular for a little bit longer. Her fang teeth look really big now.

Then this week rashes and runny noses. Lyla has the runny nose and Gracie Rae the rash. Doctor says that it probably is viral and I pray so. If not we start talking food allergies.

It doesn't seem to bother her much.

Some of this is ketchup.

Poor Baby

2010-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

*Our sunflowers bloomed in the backyard last month.

*They got about 6 feet tall.

*They make me smile.

Down Town

2010-07-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

Jason took off on Friday and we had a little "stay-cation." We took the train to downtown Fort Worth and then explored. We had a great time and it was much need. It has been a very long week with very short naps. I wish Jason never had to go to work, but still got a paycheck. Is that to much to ask?

My little rule follower loved the train, but stayed seated for safety.

My little wild child, loved that she could stand up. She thought it was great when the train stopped and Jason caught her with his arm. I also noticed in these pictures that she is starting to get a mullet.

Have a mentioned that Lyla loves Seasame Street characters. She carried these guys around for about 30 min.

To top the trip off we stopped at the chocolate factory. The got to pick out a piece for the road. Sprinkles always win!

I wish a had video of these. She was standing at the glass saying. Ummmm!

Look at her little hands. This is the sign for more.

There's a Party in My Tummy

2010-07-30T11:47:00.001-07:00

A favorite treat around here frozen chocolate bananas. Yes they are a big mess, but nothing the water hose can't fix. So Yummy, So Yummy.

You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl!

2010-07-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

The girls and I had VBS this week. We had so much fun. I taught 5th and 6th grade and it was great to be back in the teaching saddle again. The theme was Western wear, cows, horses, and ranching. My cowgirls loved it.

She rode this horse like a pro. I thought she might be scared, but she loved it. She told Jason she wants a horse for Christmas.

Light Bulb moment when she realized milk comes from cows. In her own words, "you squeeze the cows bottom like this shhh, shhh and milk comes out."

Getting Older

2010-07-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I turned 30 last week. Oh, it's weird to even write that. My family sent me thirty text on my birthday on why I'm wonderful. Oh, I loved it. Let's be honest who doesn't want to hear good stuff about themselves. It helped soften the blow that I'm know an old lady. So what do you do on your 30th birthday? You go to the grocery store, do laundry, and have some birthday cake with my two favorite gals.....You only wish you could party that hard. :) Here's a pic of my birthday guest. One of my guest pooped her pants and the other one spit on my cake when she blew out the candles. Like I said....PARTY TIME.

Jason and the girls got me a sewing box to keep all my sewing stuff in. I love it! It kind of just seals the deal that I'm an old lady.

So sad...So sad

2010-07-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

I was robbed today. Yep, robbed! In broad daylight! Someone, busted my windshield out of my car and stole my purse and the kids DVD players. I really don't know what to say about it except it makes me sick. My stomach turns at it ever detail. The money gone, the work that now has to be done, a lost since of security, and my kiddos that close to someone that would do that. Yuck, Yuck, Yuck.....I feel sick. Oh and to top it all of the took my adorable purse that I got in NYC. I can't even write about it without my pulse racing. It makes you feel so helpless. My wallet was stolen from the mall about a month ago and now this. I beginning to think I live in the ghetto.

"Footloose" is on TV. I'm hoping that will make me feel better. It usually does.

Firecracker

2010-07-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

More July 4th pics later, but these are two of my favorites. Oh, how I love this little girl and her sensitive ears. She actually loved the big firework show, "sprinkles in the sky", it was the little one in the street she didn't care for. The thing that makes me smile the most about these pictures is she is trying so hard to be brave.

Watermelon

2010-06-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

First taste of watermelon.

To say she loved it is an understatement.

Ate five huge pieces before bed time.

Woke up with a very wet diaper.

I guess that is why they call it WATER-melon.

Getting Creative

2010-06-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been doing. Playing with our sister.

Art Projects

Finding simple pleasures. Turning the fan on high.

Loving Popsicles

Fort Worth Children's Museum...It is pretty great and both of my kids are still free.

Rocking birthday party!

Loving Popsicles...a lot.

It is 100 degrees outside, we don't have a pool, we are on a budget, I have two toddlers and ALL DAY to think of something to do. You might be thinking, as I use to, I would love to have all day to do whatever I need to do.

Nope, that's not how it works. You have all day, but not for whatever you need to do. It's whatever you can do with two small children. There is a lot of good qualities about my girls, but playing independently is not one of there strong suits. I'm using all of my creative juices to fill the summer.

Sister, Sister

2010-06-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Lyla learned to say Gracie this week. She walks around saying "Gr - shhhh." Gracie Rae has a book about two sisters who were very different in many ways, but alike in one very important way.... they loved each other very much. It so reminds me of them.

Lyla loves to be outside...it usually is to hot for Gracie

Lyla eats like a horse....Gracie eats like a bird

Lyla loves to swing....Gracie loves to push the swing

Lyla is always on the move.....Gracie moves very slowly

Lyla loves loud music....Gracie doesn't like anything loud

Lyla loves to be funny....Gracie loves to laugh

They both like....

Chocolate Frozen Bananas

To be Held

Elmo

Yo Gabba Gabba

To Dance

Each other