Friday Favorites

I haven't been around much lately partly because my kids have become extra needy but mostly because my little sister moved in and I prefer spending time with her over the computer! She has a job interview today and is babysitting this evening so I have some free time to update. 

The weather haa been great so we've been outside a lot.

I finally broke down and bought the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred DVD and thankfully my sister takes no excuses and we have successfully been at it for 4 days--only 26 more to go.  After Jillian we're starting P90x so hopefully I won't be embarrassed to wear shorts this summer!

Cory is busy studying for his Professional Engineering exam.  We could really use some prayers that he passes this time because I don't think we can go through this again in October! 

The girls are all great.  Katherine woke up the other day and instead of "Good Morning, Mom" I got "Happy School Day, Mom". She then said "I made that up but we ARE doing school today."  I also got "the look" which means I've been kind of lazy about the whole preschool thing.  Next year will be better though, I promise! I love that she wants to learn. Hopefully the other two are like their big sister in that aspect.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... it's sunny and warm...a beautiful day!






I am thinking... about nachos for dinner





I am thankful for... my husband's job even though they had to cut hours. At least he has a job he loves and they treat him (and us) very well.




From the learning rooms...Kaydence is practicing using scissors and Katherine is learning to sound out words




From the kitchen...easy simple nachos for dinner.





I am wearing... my owl pj's...I've been shampooing carpets and cleaning so I haven't gotten dressed today.





I am creating... a banner for my lil seester who will be moving in with us tomorrow for a few months!! I'm beyond excited.





I am going... to get my husband from work in about an hour so I should probably get dressed at some point.





I am reading... more blogs. Getting lots of creative ideas and learning about other homeschooling Moms.




I am hoping... my sister makes it here safely tomorrow.





I am hearing... the girls laughing





Around the house... shampooing carpets





One of my favorite things... dates with the hubby.





A few plans for the rest of the week: spending time with my seester...and laundry





Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I found The Simple Woman's Daybook through another blog I stalk and thought it seemed like a great thing for me.  So, here's my first crack at it!

Outside my window...  it's dark and drizzling. 


I am thinking... I'm ready for spring


I am thankful for... 3 healthy kids


From the learning rooms... getting ready to start homeschooling (kindergarten and preschool) August 1st! Although right now we are going through the alphabet and this week is E.  My 5 yr old loves telling me when something starts with E.  Actually she loves telling me what every word she says starts with!


From the kitchen... Today I made my husband's favorite...hamburgers! And I finally made the chocolate chip cookies I had been promising for a week!


I am wearing... my purple striped pj's


I am creating... nothing at the moment but I have several ideas floating around in my head.


I am going... to bed soon!


I am reading...  just blogs lately! It's my new escape. Plus it's great getting inspiration from so many talented ladies.


I am hoping... I kick this stomach yuckiness soon and that my girls don't get it again.


I am hearing... silence. 


Around the house... needs cleaning and organizing!


One of my favorite things... when one (or all) of my girls tell me they want snuggles.


A few plans for the rest of the week: Organizing the kitchen and playroom.


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
 

Happy Birthday, Kaydence!!!

My sweet little girl turned 3 on the 21st! I can't believe how time flies. We actually moved to Tennessee a month after she was born so we've been here almost 3 years, crazy!!

I made her a skirt and purse to wear to church for her birthday.  She looked so cute & so big...makes me all teary eyed.  I also made her a tutu which she wore the rest of the day.

She really wanted an Elmo cake so I whipped her up one! I'm pretty dang impressed with it actually.

Here are some pics! Enjoy!!!

The Birthday Girl

The skirt (my first one ever!)

The purse & skirt & bows too!

All decked out ready for church

Enjoying ice cream @ Toot's

PRESENTS!!

All tuckered out in her tutu

The birthday spread

Elmo cake!!

Make a wish!

LOVES!!

Prayers

Katherine & Kaydence are usually fighting...but sometimes they make their Mommy so proud!  I just overheard them saying a prayer over their tea party! Melt my heart! Loves these girls!!

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you all did too!  Now because I was in Arkansas so much during October we decided to spending Thanksgiving at home and Christmas in Arkansas. Our Thanksgiving meal was YUMMY! 

The Menu

• Cajun Turkey Breast (The turkey is always Cory's only job and he did an EXCELLENT job!)
• Mammaw's Chicken n Dressing
• Greenbean Casserole
• Mashed Taters
• Turkey Gravy
• Rolls
• Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Pecan Pie

While everything cooked we watched the parade and the big girls made place mats (Bee was sleeping).  I used a cereal box and traced their hands to make turkeys.  Who hasn't made the infamous hand turkey??

Yes, Kaydence is usually half naked!  She lives freely!

As we ate we asked the girls what they were thankful for.  We got some cute answers but the best was Kaydence who said (with no prompting, I swear!) she was thankful for Jesus!  Too sweet!! LOVE HER!!


After we ate I made them put on the dresses I made for them!  And it lasted just long enough for me to snap a few pics before they were tearing them off and running upstairs to play.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I'm Sorry, So Sorry!

So my "blog a day" plan didn't work. Now you all know I'm perfectly imperfect. ;)  I'm apologizing now for my lack of ambition and because of that I've decided that if I just manage to blog once a week then I'm doing fabulously wonderful!

So what's been going on for the last oh, two months? 

In September I met my Mom, Seester, and my 3 sisters-in-law (J, D & B)in Memphis,Tn/Tunica, Ms for my Seester's 21st Birthday!  We called it Brittney's Boozin' Birthday (if her name had started with some other letter it wouldn't have been as great!).  There was not tons of boozin but it was her 21st so there was some drinking and tons of F.U.N. 

October nothing fabulous or wonderful happened.  My Pappaw went to be with Jesus on the 6th so the girls and I spent most of the month in Arkansas which was great.  I really miss my family but I HEART Tennessee and don't really want to leave.  For the one week we were in Tn between trips to AR I managed to be sick with strep, an ear infection and laryngitis.  Yay, ME!

In more recent news, I made a cleaning schedule and I'm sticking to it! My laundry has been getting washed and put away immediately and I start the dishwasher when I go to bed and put them away in the morning while the girls eat breakfast.  I dusted for I believe the first time since we moved into our house (March 09) too!  It has actually been a nice change and my weekends are so much better because we don't spend them putting away piles of laundry and cleaning what didn't get done during the week.  And it has actually been liberating for me.  Before, I spent most days feeling overwhelmed because I knew there was stuff that needed to be done but I just did not know where to start.  And for those you don't know, when I get in that situation I completely shut down and its difficult for me to function.  So this is quite the change and I can honestly say I enjoy cleaning now!

I started sewing last weekend.  Before Saturday I had never sewn anything but a few crooked pillows and by the end of the weekend I had made 4 pillowcase dresses!  I made a Thanksgiving dress for each of my girls and since i was having so much fun and had extra fabric I made one for my 'so-cute-you-want-to-eat her-face neice Victoria! 

We will be spending Thanksgiving in Tennessee since I spent so much of October in Arkansas so I'll be adding Thanksgiving dinner to my list of chores for next week.  I love this time of year and I have a lot to be thankful for this year. 

Until next time, LOVES!

Brittney's Boozin' Birthday!-Hard Rock Cafe Memphis

Thanksgiving 2008--Our last Thanksgiving with Pappaw

KK & Kat playing in the leaves

Bee up close

KK's dress Mommy made! It IS sideways so either tilt your head or flip your computer ;)

Katherine's 1st Day of Preschool

Katherine started Tuesday/Thursday School today. She was excited. When we got there she gave me a hug and kiss and that was it. I'm not even sure she knew-or cared-that we were gone! The first thing she said to me when she got in the van this afternoon was "I can't wait until Thursday." So, she had a great day!

Kaydence started out ok. She wanted to take her 'packpack' too but then wouldn't tell Katherine bye. When we got home she was kind of mopey and pouty. When I asked her what was wrong she would say " I miss my Katherine." (All together...Awwwwwwww!) It was pitiful. She didn't even eat her lunch. Poor thing. I think she'll get used to it and eventually will be glad to see Katherine go! Once she realizes that when Bridget naps she gets Mommy to herself she'll LOVE it!

Bridget was great today. We dropped Katherine off and went to Publix where Kay and Bee were both GREAT! When we got home Bridget went straight to bed and slept until 12:30. By the time she ate lunch it was nearly time to go get Katherine.

Overall, I had a pretty good day. I miss my big girl but it was a lot quieter around here without her making Kaydence scream all day! Yay for Tuesday/Thursday School---Bring on Kindergarten!! ;)

Updates---Finally

We've had a great summer. Just a quick catch up post and then I'll do my best to be a better blogger!

*Trip to Arkansas in June for a family reunion and my 10 year high school reunion! Good Times...

*4th of July weekend we attended the Hall Family Reunion in Kansas City. The girls finally got to meet their Grandpa Gerald (Cory's Dad) and Great-Grandpa Roy and tons of other relatives Cory hadn't seen in 20+ years.

*On our way to Kansas City we stayed over in St Louis and went to the Arch. Katherine was FREAKED out, especially in the elevator. Kaydence was a little hesitant to look out the windows but Bridget screamed when we tried to take her away from the windows! LOL She was mesmerized at the views apparently.

*We finally took Kaydence's pacifier away at the end of July. She cried the first couple of days but she's fine now. The Paci Fairy came and took all her pacies and left her the biggest monkey I've ever seen and some sidewalk chalk.

*We bought Katherine and Kaydence bunk beds and they love 'em!

*Katherine started fall soccer with One Goal Sports. She had her first game August 29th and she was too cute! She just needs to stop trying to touch the ball with her hands.

*Katherine is starting preschool tomorrow! She is so excited. She already has her lunches planned for the week.

*Bridget is my bravest child! She is definitely into more stuff than her sisters ever were, of course THEY are the ones teaching her all of their tricks (good and bad). She flung herself out of the crib the other night and was trying to climb to the top bunk with Katherine. I don't know what to do with her!


I think that's it for now. I promise to try and update more often than every 4 months. Scouts Honor!

Mothers Day Weekend & Other Updates

***THIS POST WAS SUPPOSE TO SHOW UP A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND DIDN'T. SORRY! And I'm not sure why that pic refuses to rotate but I've tried several times and it won't save it...I think its time for a new computer!!***

We had a fabulous weekend. First, Friday night we got a sitter (so glad we bought this house...the sitter lives right next door!!) and we had dinner and did some shopping without the girls! Its amazing how relaxing going out to eat can be when you don't have 3 little ones tugging at you. Plus, we got to eat our dinner while it was still HOT!!

Saturday I made a Nutter Butter Banana Pudding-FROM SCRATCH-for Cory's work cookout. We feel really blessed to be part of this company. They take great care of their employees and their families!

Sunday we missed church because we over-slept. Kaydence got in bed with me around 1 am and I got no sleep because she likes to dig herself into your back and its extremely uncomfortable. But it turned into a pretty awesome day. We had lunch and then Cory and the girls took me shopping--for MYSELF! I rarely get to do that so it was a real treat. Plus, the girls were amazingly good until right before we were ready to head home. I got a couple of new outfits and some SHOES (big surprise there, right?)!

Yesterday we registered Katherine for preschool! She is so excited and wanted to stay right then. I can't believe my girl is ready for preschool already. Just one more short year and she'll be registering for Kindergarten.

Now some pics---then I really have to get some laundry done (The bane of my existence, I tell ya!)

My Growing Babies

Bridget's 1st Birthday was Friday (the 17th)and we had a ladybug cake! She promptly knocked her cake in the floor (carpet of course). She's a mess but we love her! I can't believe how fast this year flew by! She is already walking and trying so hard to talk. The doorbell rang the other day and I swear she said "who is it?"! She is very laid back and mellow and likes to watch her big sisters play. But she'll also get into everything so we have to keep a sharp eye on her.

Bridget went to the doctor on Monday (the 20th) and she weighs 19 lbs 5.9 oz and is 28.25 inches tall. She is almost back on her growth curve after falling way off just 6 months ago. She had to get 4 shots but, as always, she was back to her smiley self within seconds. She's my little ray of sunshine!

Kaydence had her 2 year check up Wednesday,the 22nd (yes, 2 months late!). She weighs 28.2 lbs and is 35.25 inches tall. Apparently she's tall and skinny compared to other kids her age. She had to have 2 shots and have her hemoglobin (sp?)and lead checked. She went around the rest of the day saying "I got shot." LOL She is talking nonstop these days and has a huge vocabulary but we are a little concerned about her articulation so she's having her speech evaluated.

Kaydence is our little monkey. She loves to climb and run and jump. Her favorite 'indoor' activity is coloring--on my walls and doors! No more unsupervised coloring--Mommy now knows better!

Katherine is doing great. She's going to start a pre-K/Mothers Day Out in the fall. She so excited about going to school!

The new house is great. I'll post pics soon. We are almost completely unpacked and settled--can you believe it?!

Cory and I are doing well. He's still working at a job site in Winchester and I think he's enjoyed it. Mary Kay is going great too. I've had a few set-backs and some hurdles but overall it has been an amazing experience.

I'm really trying to be a better blogger! I think I still have some work to do!

LOVES!!

Busy

So, its been over a month since I last posted and in that month we decided we were ready to buy a house (no more throwing our money away on rent!). We found a house and we'll be closing on March 16th!! So much to do and not much time to do it in. Our lease is up at the end of the month so we'll have two weeks to move. My Mom and sister are coming up March 2oth and staying until the 24th. My Mom and sis are going to help me paint and my Mom will watch the girls while us young folk do the heavy lifting!

Prayers and fingers crossed all things go smoothly. Our inspection is tomorrow (well, today since its after midnight...I should be in bed!) and if that goes well then we'll get the appraisal set up. We don't see any reason this all won't go very smoothly and without hesitation but you really never know. I'll post pics as soon as we are in. There will be lots of before and after pics because I have big plans in my head! We'll see how much Cory is on board once we get in there...LOL!

Kaydence also had her 2nd birthday. I made her a monkey cake. No party...she's not that into groups of people anyway. We did take her to Red Robin and they sang to her. I don't think she really knew what to think of that situation!

LOVES!!

New house!

Catching Up

Since I haven't been around for a while I thought I'd catch everyone up! We had a wonderful Christmas. We stayed home and it was so relaxing! I really missed my family but it was nice not having to pack and travel.

We got a puppy!!!!! He's a black & white border collie and we named him MacGyver. We're working on housetraining...he peed on my foot yesterday so I'm not sure how well its going!

We are taking Kaydence's paci...that isn't going too well either. She goes around saying "paaaaci, paaaaci!" She only gets it when she's sleeping and she gets really ticked when she wakes up and can't keep it. We also think potty training is riiiight around the corner. She tells me after right after she pees or poops. I hope it happens soon! Two in diapers is expensive.

Bridget is doing well. She's up to 14 lbs 14 oz. She goes back to the doctor in April for her 12 month check up. She is sleeping through the night and is learning to use a sippy cup! She makes a mess with it but likes whats in it (we always use diluted juice to help with the learning process).

Katherine is little miss sassy! I don't know how my Mom put up with me and my sister's smart mouths. One minute I want to hug her she's so sweet and the next I want to send her off to boarding school in Switzerland. Seriously...She'll be starting Mothers Day Out in the fall...maybe I'll get some of my sanity back!

Cory and I are doing fine. He has been back out in the garage building furniture...yay!! He's building me two coffee tables/storage cubes/ottomans. We designed them and they are going to be awesome...I can't wait. I've been working on my MK business and trying to keep from pulling my hair out during these cold winter months.

I'll post pics soon!

LOVES!!!

Fun Weekend

We had a Mom's Group meet up on Friday and the girls had so much fun! They played dress up, beat up on each other and had a good time! Kaydence & Katherine dressed up as Elmo & Cookie Monster. After the play date we went to McDonald's for lunch with Jennifer and her kids. We left our house @ 9:45 and didn't get home until 3. The girls were all worn out. The little ones took naps and Katherine watched Wizard of Oz (her new fave).











Friday night we had to call the cops. We were driving behind an erratic driver. Then, as we were almost home, they threw a bottle of water out the window AT A CAR! So Cory called 911 and we gave them the license number, but that wasn't enough. We had to FOLLOW said car. As we followed them they kept turning off all the lights and driving in the dark. Turns out it was a bunch of teenagers (explains the stupidity). The driver dropped his friends off and headed back toward town where the trooper pulled him over. He admitted that they had thrown the bottle out the window. They couldn't really charge him with anything (unless the car they threw the bottle at were to call and report) but they were calling his parents.

My issue is this, what if the car they threw the bottle at had panicked and lost control of their car and hit us? What if while they were being ignorant they had lost control of their car and hurt someone? When will people learn that their stupidity doesn't only effect themselves? It could also negatively effect someone else as well. I hope my nephew, who turns 16 next month, is a little more responsible. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

I had a Holiday Sale with two other ladies who have at home businesses. We had Mary Kay, Tupperware, Creative Memories & Thirtyone bags there. It was pretty much a bust but at least I got out of the house and got to chat with adults for a while! If you need any of these services let me know and I'll get you the information.

We had church today but nothing exciting happened.

We have a busy week ahead. We have MOPS tomorrow and I have two MK meetings this week. We're heading to Arkansas on Wednesday night when Cory gets home. Again, not looking forward to the drive there and back but I'm ready to see my family!

I'll post pics later. Blogger doesn't seem to like my pictures right now!

LOVES!!!