How "Sweet" it is....

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

I had to post this picture of the girls "sitting" with Santa. Molly and Ruby were such big talkers before we actually saw Santa. They kept saying, Momma, I won't cry, I won't cry, but the minute we saw Santa, TOTAL meltdown. So, I conspired with Santa to sneak in from behind, and I think it turned out pretty cute!

Gosh, it's been a long time! A lot has happened since my last post...like we have now been packed like sardines in a 2 bedroom apartment for over 2 months (I say this lightly as I am truly thankful for the roof over our head), like we are STILL waiting to find out if we will get the house we made an offer on 5 months ago (short sale if you're wondering), like I am scheduled for brain surgery the first week in January (I know, right?!). It is such a true statement when someone says, your life can change in the blink of an eye.

I will share more about my "diagnosis" over the next couple of weeks. I will just say that it isn't life threatening, but rather life altering. In fact, the surgery is the scariest part of all of it, but I will also say how grateful and thankful I am that there is a surgery that will hopefully "cure" my condition.

God continues to teach me (the world's BIGGEST control freak) that everyday is really such a gift, and that amidst all of my planning and worrying about tomorrow and tomorrow's tomorrow and premeditating over what might happen...that life happens...and that life CAN'T be planned. I've quite literally put it in His hands, and He has shown me over and over that He has COMPLETE control. I'm not sure why I EVER think that I can fix things better than God can!

Now, off to finish addressing Christmas cards and start the packing for a month long excursion to Texas. This is sure to be a very eventful holiday for us : )

Hope y'all have a Merry Christmas!
Keep The Faith,

Birthday Smirthday

2011-09-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Today I celebrated 34 wonderful years on this earth.

This morning, the girls and I woke up, got ready, and drove to Fayetteville to go to one of my FAVORITE bakeries in our area, Rick's Bakery. We picked out a cake, and then stayed to enjoy some donut holes. The girls seem to attract A LOT of attention everywhere we go, and it didn't help that I (unintentionally) wore my MAROON Aggie sweatshirt (like I do every morning) on the weekend of the BIG Texas A&M vs Arkansas game. There was a table of older men sitting next to us, and they were quite taken with the girls...but they continued to give me a terrible time about my choice of attire...all in good fun!!

We continued our fun filled day with a picnic in the park.

A take out dinner from my FAVORITE restaurant, Table Mesa Bistro (YUMMMMY!!!)

AND THEN THE CAKE!!!!
(quite possibly my favorite food, EVER)

Which is what these girls were waiting for all day.

Ruby woke up from her nap saying...Maaaamaaa, Maaaamaaa, hap birtday t you.

SOOOOO excited!!!

The yummmmy cake!!!

My girls
I look horrible in this pic, I haven't put on make up or done my hair in 3 days because of moving/packing so forgive my appearance!!

AND the sugar rush!!!
I couldn't stop laughing at this.

I feel SO blessed, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this next year!

So long, farewell...

2011-09-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that we must say good-bye.....

to our most fabulous, wonderful, don't know what I'm going to do without

FEEDING TABLE!!!

2 years ago, our Papa made this AMAZING table that we have eaten almost EVERY meal at home in...not to mention has helped our Mom have a few moments to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner...and over the last year has been our primary spot for craft time...coloring...play-do, you name it. It has also been the home of some of the sweetest moments of eye-poking, hair pulling, and food stealing to name a few. Awww, sisterly love!

It's a long story, but on a seconds notice we are moving to some temporary housing, and unfortunately there is NO room for this lovely. So, it's time to part. I'm very sad, but it's also time. Don't you worry it will be re-appearing again in a few months with a new purpose and life...that's called re-purposing, right??

I know I'm biased, but that's a punkin head if I ever saw one. Picture taken on our first feeding table experience in October 2009.and another one....AND, here they are almost 2 years later.

Feeding table, you will always hold a special place in our hearts, we can't wait to see where you will pop up!

Texas - 2nd Stop

2011-07-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

THE LAKE!!

Yay for the lake!!

On our Texas trip our 2nd stop was at the lake. The girls and I arrived in the afternoon on the 4th of July. Sadly, pretty much all of Texas is experiencing drought conditions, so we didn't see ANY fireworks. Usually, we see at least a few displays but because there was a pretty hefty fine, and I think no one wanted to burn down their neighbors house, everyone was really cautious.

Even though duties never cease, even while on vacation...being at the lake house is always a nice get-a-way...I think it's just the mentality everyone has when they are at the lake...AND the sound of the water.

Here are my morning glorys with their grandma....yes, yes, I know...we will be getting rid of the pacis VERY soon! We only use them for sleeping.

Anyone remember this house?? My mother-in-law saved tons of toys from Wes's childhood and this is Aunt Stephanie's Little People house. The girls love playing with it.Getting prepped for the lake

Ella really enjoyed the water this year. I'm hoping swim lessons will be a little more of a success our next go round with all of the water fun she has had this Summer.Here is our family in the lake. These floats are THE BEST!! Molly really liked the water...Ruby really hated the water. Such an odd thing because Ruby is the dare devil in all other aspects and Molly is the super cautious girl.

Grandma picked up this scooter for $5 at the re-sale shop. Ella just loves it. It is just her size.

Yay for Daddy. His most favorite thing ever...so glad he had some fishing success. Ella wasn't all that sure about it.

Grandpa Rick works a month on and a month off in China. He bought the girls some silk pajamas on his way back and I thought the girls looked adorable in them. The girls also got to see their cousin Reese...they LOVE Reese.Here's Grandma with all her girls.

We had such a great time at the lake. It will probably be a whole year before we are back at the lake. I wonder what the girls will be like next year. If the twins are as sassy as their Sister, I'm really in for it!! Oh, bother.

We sure made some great memories and I so look forward to this tradition for many years to come!

Texas - 1st Stop

2011-07-14T07:54:00.001-07:00

We're back!!

11 days and 3 stops...phew...I'm exhausted!! Let's just say that getting home is more of a vacation than actually being on vacation. But I would leave tomorrow to do it all over again. Right now, I'm trying to tackle the laundry and get everything unpacked...my least favorite part.

We made 3 stops on our trip "home" to Texas. I dropped Wes off on the way into town in The Woodlands...then he headed out to the lake with his mom and brother. I drove into Houston to stay a few days at my grandparent's house. It was wonderful to see everyone and spend some quality time just hanging out and being silly.

Molly and Ruby climbing all over Neena

Monkeying around...I don't know what it is about new places, beds, and couches that bring out the silly monster in these girls.

Ella and Big Papa (my grandfather)

Ella and Nan (my grandmother)

Ella and Neena making burgers (Ella was the pepper sprinkler). She L-O-V-E-S to help in the kitchen. When I ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, a Baker of course. I think it's quite fitting with her last name and all : )

Do your family gatherings revolve around food?? Ours sure do. This night was a smorgasbord of all sorts of food...hamburgers, deviled eggs, chips and homemade guacamole, fresh peach pie...SOOOO good!

This was the highlight for my Pop. Ruby really took to him and talked and played with him a ton. When she wanted something she would say "Come on, come on" waving her hands. My Pop said it made his whole year.

Here's Molly pushing the baby carriage at Nan's house. I played and played with this baby carriage when I was her age. I love that! Needless to say we had a few sharing issues when it came to who got to push the carriage.

Here's Pop (my dad) feeding the ducks with the girls. They loved just watching at first...then they got really into it.

This part of the trip went by too fast! We left on July 4th to head out to the lake. I'll post about our 2nd stop in a day or two when I get caught up on everything.

It's nice to be back!

Weekend with Grandma and Uncle Jeff

2011-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Grandma and Uncle Jeff came to visit for a few days. We had such a great visit. Grandma came bearing many gifts and spoiled us rotten. Thank you, Grandma!! I was so disappointed to find that I didn't get one picture of her with the girls. We will have to make up for that in a few weeks on our Texas trip.

All three of the girls are in love with Cinderella. I bought this Cinderella dress last year and Ella didn't want to wear it because it was too itchy...but, now I can't get her to take it off. She walks around holding the edges of the dress like Cinderella in the movie...AND, now she has learned how to curtsy.

Grandma bought Ella some "glass" slippers from the Disney Store. They light up when you walk and have a "high" heel on them...Ella is in love. She tells me, "Mama, you be the Prince and put the shoes on me to see if they fit"

2 little monkeys

And, because they are such monkeys, we decided to go to Gymnastic Joe's on Friday to "release the evil"...not really, but you know what I mean...blow off some steam!!

Ella bouncin

Ruby on the running trampoline

More monkeys

Uncle Jeff and Ruby...all of the girls love their Uncle Jeff

Molly saying Cheeeese!

Eating some yummy BBQ

My Ella girl

We made a trip to the Gentry Wildlife Safari. The last trip we made, the twins were maybe 6 months and Ella was around 20 months and they weren't all that excited about it. Well, they loved this trip!! I'm so glad we went. There are walk up cages at the front of the park as you see Ruby and Uncle Jeff talking to the baby camel.

Then we got in the car and did the drive through part...with Ruby driving...

Then Ella driving, even with all of the animals to look at, this was the highlight for her...isn't that always the case??

Big hairy camel

Very pregnant Zebra

Super friendly Rhino

Super silly Emu...looking for Ella Kate. That's what I told her anyway. These Emus are everywhere in the park during the drive through section. They will be in random places, but always right by the road. We would see one and slow down, and they would walk over to look at the car and inside.

The girls on the Lion statue...it was kind of stinky by the animal cages...Ruby was holding her nose : ) saying "phewy...tinky...Mama"

Cuteness

I look at this, and truly can't believe how big all of the girls are getting...as a Mom you never want to wish away the time because it is SO precious, but I know there have been so many moments over the past three years that I didn't think we would get to this point...the point where you finally feel like you are starting to enter the human race again.

Being a Mom of multiples is such a special and unique experience that I wouldn't change for ANYTHING. I do feel like I pretty much dropped of the planet for two years...I just kind of prepared myself for it...BUT, I am so happy to be in this place...I've said it before, and will say it again and again...my cup is OVERFLOWING!!! Thank you, Jesus, for these dear, sweet, precious, gifts. Above all, I want them to know you, and love you.

Another fabulous Summer weekend with family...I can't think of anything better!

Keep The Faith,

Refill, PLEASE!!

2011-06-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Neena and Papa came for a wonderful visit over Memorial Day weekend.

I got a much needed refill...refill of quality time with my Mom and Dad. I miss them so much and wish everyday that we lived closer, BUT I'm really trying to count my blessings and just be so thankful for the time we had together.
What was even better, we had been planning this visit for a few months and they completely surprised me (which is a miracle in itself, because I usually know EVERYTHING that is going on). They ended up flying into Tulsa instead of having to drive (11+hours). It was just such a blessing to me. I was beside myself with worry about them driving through the night and just knew they would be exhausted.
When they walked in the door Saturday morning, they were fully rested and ready to start the day, AND they didn't have to leave until 4 pm on Monday to make their flight. I smiled from ear to ear all weekend. I had been praying the whole week before that God would just bless our visit and give us great weekend. I would say HE went ABOVE and BEYOND!! I'm just so glad God knows our deepest desires and delights in surprising us! Thank you, Lord!

We went to the park A TON!!! And, we played in the back yard A TON!!!
Here is Miss Ruby giving her sideways glance...

And waving at an airplane...saying, bye-bye airpwayne...she is fascinated with airplanes

Ella-Bella

I'm sure you can all relate, when the grandparents come to visit, they decide there are so many things you cannot live without...like a bean bag toss...which the girls loved...

Little Cheerleader

Then after a little bit of play, it takes on a different use of course...lounging...

Blue eyes...and a smear of peanut butter...cameras pick up everything

The furrowed brow...always a furrowed brow

Ella is getting pretty good at dribbling the ball

There is no such thing as "taking turns" in this house

Monkey-ing around

Here ya go, Sis...I'll push you

Ruby, the queen of funny faces

Molly would swing for hours if you let her

On the square, LOVING the fountain

Gettin our feet wet

Love this pic, they were giggling, and having the best time...needless to say, we had MAJOR meltdowns when we had to leave.

A weekend FULL of memories I will cherish, forever.

Keep The Faith,

Baby "Showering"

2011-04-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a MUCH anticipated, VERY special day. My best friend, Emily, and I hosted a Baby Shower for our other best friend, Elaine. I have to say, living so far from home has its difficult moments, but these two girls are my family away from home. These girls KNOW me, and I will never be able to completely express my love for them or my gratitude for their friendship.

SO, needless to say, it was SUCH a joy for Emily and I to host a shower for Elaine!

Here we are with the Guest of Honor

And, I can't forget Emily's Mom, Marilyn. She is such a delight. She helped us get everything set up. We were so thankful!!

Our theme was "Little Peanut". Elaine is one of those crazies that is choosing to be surprised at the birth to find out the sex of the baby. So was Emily!! Ahhhhh! It's killing me! Anyway, we had to come up with a fun "gender neutral" shower theme...not easy! Anyway, I had this idea to make a peanut topiary for decoration...you know when you have those ideas in your head, but your not quite sure how it's going to turn out...well, everyone assured me it turned out ok.

The shower took place at one of Elaine's favorite restaurants Table Mesa Bistro. I have to admit it's one of my favorites as well, but they created a menu of 5 fabulous meals to choose from and guacamole and chips, of course, THEN the piece de resistance, Emily's HOMEMADE cupcakes...that were TO DIE FOR!!

My ever so talented friend, Robin, created the amazingly fabulous cookies...that once again were works of art!!! I sent her the invitations and some of the other paper goods we used, and she matched them perfectly. I was speechless when I picked up the cookies from her. Just amazing! Thanks again, Robin!!

I created cookie bouquets for centerpieces. I found a fabulous seller on Etsy called PinkadotShop. Stacy worked with me to create custom paper goods like a menu, labels, tags, and a banner that matched the shower PERFECTLY!! She did a fabulous job! Thanks, Stacy!

Now for a close up of the absolutely delicious cupcakes. Emily's cupcakes are just AWESOME!! She ALWAYS thinks outside of the box, and instead of the usual flavors, she made Pomegranate, Pistachio, and Chocolate with Peanut Butter frosting. Total yumminess!
We had so much fun watching Elaine open gifts. She was extremely blessed with an outpouring of gifts from everyone. I'm sure Emily is so happy I put this picture up...I didn't get many, but it really portrays her true personality...she's so much fun! I also can't forget to mention that Elaine is a fabulous photographer...like crazy gifted...anyway, most of these photos came from her...the good ones, anyway. It's hard when the photographer is the guest of honor...

I have to add that I am SO thankful for a wonderful husband that watched 3 precious little girls so their mommy could be away for a few hours. Thanks, Wes! Love you.

It was such a special day, and one that makes me reflect on all of the good, great, wonderful people and things God has blessed me with. I can't think of any greater joy than to "shower" those you love.....with love : ).

Keep The Faith,

Praying....

2011-04-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

My heart and prayers are with everyone whose lives have been ravaged, devastated, by the absolutely horrific storms and tornadoes that hit the South HARD. Those that have lost loved ones, friends, neighbors, their homes, their lively-hood, their everything....my prayers are with you all.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late, but wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! I hope your day was wonderful!

We started our day off a little earlier than usual in efforts to make the early service at church. We made it by the hair of our chinny, chin, chin....I'm pretty sure you could hear our tires squealing. However, it was an AMAZING service. Dr. Junior Hill, has preached the Easter service at our church for many years now, and we've missed the last two Easter services because of little ones being sick, so it was so nice to go today...and even better, truly such a blessing to see so many people saved today. I'm just SOOOO thankful to be apart of a church, a body of believers, that does not seek to water down the truth....the truth that Jesus is THE ONLY WAY. In fact, God sent His son to this earth, solely to die for OUR SINS, MY SINS, to cleanse me and you, to REDEEM us, so that we would not be eternally separated from Him. AND THE BEST PART IS, HE LIVES!!! I serve a RISEN Savior!! May I NEVER forget or EVER apologize for my faith.

I don't know what we would do without grandparents, but both sets of grandparents sent tons of fun stuff for Easter baskets, so the girls really enjoyed looking through all of their goodies this morning.

Then we got everyone dressed and headed to church.
Our Easter outfits, a la Zulily
Ta Dah!!
Apologies for the laundry basket in the background. It has become a permanent addition to our living room since the twins discovered Ella's dresser drawers and how much giggle inducing fun it is to empty them, and pile them on the floor, and lay all over them...I think I picked up and folded the contents of her drawers probably 20 times before I decided I wouldn't waste my time anymore. I need some "twin-proofing"
Molly is good at the cheeese!Ruby does her own thing...can you tell??

After church, we had a fabulous brunch of bagels and muffins at Panera for our Easter feast.

I wanted to get a picture of all the girls in their Easter attire, and boy, it's just near impossible to get a good pic of all of them together...you will see the effort below...

Ok, now for Molly..."Molly, where are you???"

"Ok, now Ruby, sit down with your sissies...can you sit down here, Ruby?"

"No, no, no...sit down please, Ruby"

"Ok, if you can't sit down, at least look at Daddy, can you look at Daddy, Ruby??"

"Ok, Ella, look at Daddy, too"

"Girls, look here"

Something funny happened...lots of giggles

Well, I guess that will have to do

HAPPY EASTER, Y'all!!

Easter Fun!!!

2011-04-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

In preparation for egg hunting today, I had to figure out a cute something for the girls to gather their eggs in. I LOVE all of the adorably cute personalized Easter baskets and buckets out there, and it took everything in me not to order one for each of the girls, but I couldn't bring myself to spend $60+ for three of them. It's no longer possible to just buy for Ella as the twins are now old enough to have MAJOR envy. So, although I really wanted to get them special baskets, my compromise didn't turn out half bad....and cost me a total of $9 for all three. I bought the buckets for $1 a piece from Wal-Mart. I got the stick on letters at Hobby Lobby, I spent $6 for 2 packages because I needed double "L's" because of Ella and Molly. I had the ribbon already. The girls LOVED them, and I figure, that's all that matters, right??
NOW for the completely, totally, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, Easter Bash, put together by my friend Tracy. She hosted an Easter play group for a group of ladies that meet from our Church.

AND, here is the food table at Tracy's!!! Unbelievable!! Every detail! Unfortunately, I didn't get to eat any of this delicious looking food as I was chasing after 3 little girls the entire time, BUT I am a girl that appreciates this type of shindig....I know how much work goes into it, and it was really SOOOO special! Thank you so much, Tracy!!

I have to say that as much as I love getting together with friends, we don't make it to play group frequently. To put it simply, it's just exhausting...I don't ever get to eat lunch or visit with the other mothers more than a "Hi, how are you?" because I'm literally torn 3 different directions keeping up with the girls (AND I'm not saying that for pity, just stating my reality). BUT I felt like I was going to totally lose "good mom" points today if we didn't make the effort to go. The girls had SO much fun...and that's what it's really all about.

There isn't anything my friend Robin can't do when it comes to cookies. These were just beautiful...truly works of art!

Adorable cupcakes tucked inside little nests

Sack lunches for the kiddos...pb&j or turkey and cheese...with cheesy poofs as Ella was saying all afternoon.

AND, not only were there live bunnies for petting, but the Easter Bunny showed up for photos!!

Ella was SO excited about the Easter Bunny! It was so funny tonight when we were skyping Neena, we were talking about our day, and Ella was so animated when she was explaining to Neena that the she saw the Easter Bunny. This was definitely a highlight!

Molly and Ruby totally stand-off-ish looking at the real, live, bunnies

Hunting for eggs...they figured it out very quickly

Ella hunting

My silly Ruby-girl...she was rolling her eyes saying "Cheeeeese"Molly...cheeeese!

Now, to check out all the loot!

Such a fun day!

Keep The Faith,

I'm SO Excited, and I just can't hide it!

2011-04-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

I'm SO excited

AND I just can't hide it

My Momma cut my bangs

and I think I like it, I like it!!!

We were looking a little on the shaggadaggy side for the last two weeks...needing a major bang cutting. I usually trim them myself, and ALL of the girls did so good today! I LOVE seeing their beautiful eyes again...I'm sure they love being able to see : ). Of course Ruby was saying "NO picture" above...hence the "deer in headlights" look on her face.

Hope you're having a great week!

Can I Share Something??

2011-04-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

I've debated in my head over and over about sharing this with everyone as it is personal for me and an on-going struggle, but I thought if there is one person out there that is going through the same thing I wanted to offer some encouragement.

Can I share something with you?

I'm really struggling right now.

Over the past year Wes and I have made a lot of decisions regarding our future. Some decisions have caused me some sadness (selling our home of 5 yrs that I will forever hold some of the dearest and fondest memories in my heart), and some decisions have caused excitement in my heart (the possibility of pursuing a move to be near family).

Our home sold this past September and we still weren't quite sure what our next move was. OR, I should say, Wes wasn't sure what our next move should be. Because of this, we made a commitment to wait on the Lord, seeking His guidance through His word and LOTS of prayer. In the mean time, we also committed to rent for a year.

It's been six months, and living in limbo has proven to be a HUGE test for me. However, it has caused both Wes and I to pray a lot and talk a lot.

Well, it probably wouldn't be any surprise that my heart has been very hopeful we would try to pursue moving back to Texas. That my heart was hanging on every word Wes could or would say about this possibility. Well, the other day, he came home and told me as we sat down to dinner, that he really felt strongly...deep in his heart we needed to stay put for the time being. That right now, where we are is the BEST place for our family. That as much as we love the idea, as much as I love the idea of being near family, his priority, our priority should be OUR family...he and I, and the girls.

I've been holding onto this possibility for 10 years now (since we moved here). 10 YEARS!!! And, honestly, I'm heart-broken. Not rolling on the floor, pitching a fit and screaming...but, just a hurting heart. Believe me, I've been here before over the past 10 years as this wasn't our first discussion about the subject. I guess you might call it a "thorn in my flesh" so to speak, as there really hasn't been a day, week, year, that I haven't hoped for, hurt for, prayed for God to move us back to Texas so we could be near family. AND-HE-HASN'T. HELLO AMY!!! So, after a good cry, some quiet time in prayer, I read a few pages of my favorite devotional "Jesus Calling". Honestly, I read MANY pages as I've fallen behind lately in reading it every day, and SO many of days applied to the feelings I was and am having, but I thought I would share the one that pricked my heart in a BIG way.

March 23

LET THANKFULNESS TEMPER ALL YOUR THOUGHTS. A thankful mind set keeps you in touch with Me. I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising My sovereignty. Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin. Furthermore, a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which you perceive life. Gratitude enables you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances. Cultivate a thankful heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy.

I have SOOOOO much to be thankful for, PERIOD.

How dare I grumble casually at HIS almighty sovereignty over EVERYTHING, including MY life. Wow, that hit me hard. I HAVE to trust that even though it hurts my heart...that even though I want to move back home so bad I can taste it and see it, I HAVE to trust and know that HIS plan is SO much better than my plan. SO MUCH BETTER.

I also realized that although I truly am SO thankful for EVERYTHING (I really am), my inward spirit is telling God that He isn't enough. I'm telling God that ALL he has blessed me with and provided is not enough. I'm telling Wes that he isn't enough...what he works so hard to provide every day isn't enough. Is that the message I wish to send?? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

So, as much as I have the "head knowledge" that God should be enough for me. Just Him. I don't have that heart knowledge right now...I'm just being honest. AND my prayer is that He would help me just rest in Him. REST-IN-HIM.

Thanks for letting me share~

I'll keep you updated along this journey of mine : )

Keep The Faith,

Molly and Ruby's Shindig

2011-04-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

We had a party for Molly and Ruby last Saturday at a place called Gymnastic Joe's in our area. We go to Gymnastic Joe's frequently for open gym, and the girls love it!! We were able to get the whole gymnastic area for a private party, which was really nice. The gymnastic room has two in- ground trampolines, a running trampoline with foam pit to jump into, and springy gymnastic floor to run and play on. We really had a great time, and are SO thankful for all those that were able to come and play. It really made for a special day. Thanks everyone!

I ordered the cake from Shelby Lynne Bakery in our area. I wanted a "cupcake" cake and asked them to put the alphabet on it, because the twins love to sing their ABC's.

I was SO pleased at how the cake turned out. AND it was DELICIOUS!! I was so glad there was a little left over for a late night snack!

AND of course, fabulous sugar cookies from my friend Robin...I'm just amazed by her...that's all I have to say! Check out her blog It's All About The Cookies, you will be amazed too!

Refreshing beverages for the little ones

Take home favor from the party was a twirly lolli pop, I'm sure all the parents were really glad ; ). But seriously, I ALWAYS wanted one of these when I was little, but never got to have one.

Fun balloonsIt was so nice to have the common area in front of Gymnastic Joe's for our party...that way we weren't cramped in a small party room.

Popcorn and sodas for all the party guests...loved this!! FYI, Gymnastic Joe's is located in an old movie theatre...hence, the popcorn and soda fountain.My Rubster
My Mollster

Blowing out the candles
Neena flew in from Houston for a visit, and I was so happy to have her help and we were so blessed by our visit. We love you, Neena!

Excitement after blowing out the candles

Cake, or cak, as Ruby likes to say, need I say more

Who needs a fork people??

Some of our party guests. My dear friend Emily, or Ms.Emimiwy as the twins like to say, and her precious, adorable, baby boy, Jay. My other dear friend, Elaine, or Ms.Ewaine, was behind the camera, because that's one of the things she does and I am so totally fortunate that I have an AMAZING photographer as one of my best friends. I was so glad she caught a few candids for me, because as much as I love pictures, my hands are always too full to catch any. You can check out her blog here. Thanks, Elaine!!

John Michael

Kaitlin

The "BIG" girls as Ella likes to say : )

Our group of lovely friends that were so kind to include us in the day, we were so grateful!

And, the pinnacle of the WHOLE event, Ella Kate got to have the LONG awaited lollipop. I ordered the lollipops online, and they arrived 3 days before the party and it was KILLING Ella. She pretty much ate all-of-it...guess I shouldn't have underestimated her...she R-E-A-L-L-Y wanted that lollipop!!!

Just feel SOOOO blessed to be celebrating.

It feels like a long time coming...and a blink of an eye all at the same time. The last two years have been full of overwhelming joy, countless milestones, lots of giggles, lots of tears, sheer exhaustion that I cannot quite put into words, and I look back on all of it, ALL OF IT, and find myself completely, totally, GRATEFUL. I AM JUST SO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF IT. I have not only learned SO much about myself, BUT I know SO much more, and have become SO much closer to my Creator...who has gotten be through everyday...sustained me...and given me IMMEASURABLE joy. Thank-You-Lord. Thank you for life's little celebrations.

Keep The Faith,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY AND RUBY!!!!

2011-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT I'M SAYING THESE WORDS TODAY....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOLLY AND RUBY!!!!

2 YEARS OLD!!!

You're my Honeybunch, Sugarplum

Pumpy-umpy-umpkin, You're my Sweetie Pie

You're my Cuppycake, Gumdrop

Snoogums-Boogums, You're the Apple of my Eye

And I love you SO and I want you to know

That I'll always be right here

And I love to sing sweet songs to you

Because you are SO dear

My precious lovies, you are my sunshine.

I have to pinch myself somedays when I realize the overwhelming blessing God gave your Daddy and I. He has filled our cup to OVERFLOWING.

I DELIGHT in you both everyday.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Jesus, thank you for these two precious gifts. As you entrust them in our care, may they come to know you and profess you as their Lord and Savior. May they know your infinite love. May your hands guide and protect them all the days of their lives on this earth. May they seek to love, honor, and serve you in all of their ways.
In your most precious heavenly name,
AMEN

NO MORE SINGING!!!

2011-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

I had to share this video with you.

I LOVE to sing...love music...always have...always will. So, as one might imagine, I sing all the time around the girls. In the shower, getting ready, eating breakfast, in the car, etc...etc. Lately, when I'm singing to the girls, one or both will say "NO MORE SINGING!!" I get the biggest kick out of it and it makes me laugh and laugh.

The other day while eating breakfast we were singing our ABC's and then Molly started telling me "no more singing!!" very adamantly. Almost like she was in pain from my singing. Hahahaha!

Happy Monday, Y'all!!
Keep The Faith,

Life:Beautiful

2011-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am a TOTAL magazine fanatic.

I have stacks and stacks and stacks of magazines by my bedside table, in book shelves, in storage. I am an information junky. I love to read. I love to find tips and ideas that make my life easier. I like to attempt to keep an eye on fashion so I stay somewhat relevant. I like to know more about how things work, why things are the way they are...

I don't have the "free" moments I used to with the girls keeping me on my toes constantly, but I love to end my day perusing a magazine before I turn in at night. I love ALL sorts of magazines, in fact, I could spend hours at Barnes and Noble looking at all of the different options. When I was working, my favorites were InStyle and Vogue, to keep up with the fashions, accessories, etc. I still LOVE them, but I find that I get the serious "I wants" when I read them these days, so I refrain from fueling the fire.

My current favorites are Real Simple, Cottage Living, Southern Living...and a new one called Life:Beautiful. I came across it a year ago when I passed by it at Wal-Mart. Honestly, it caught my attention because it was sweltering hot outside and there was a picture of some very yummy looking ice cream...well, I picked it up, and within a few minutes realized it was a Christian/Faith based magazine. VERY REFRESHING in every sense of the word.

Many of you have probably seen it...or picked it up, but if you haven't, YOU MUST! It is a FABULOUS magazine and truthfully SO encouraging, honestly faith strengthening, and just all around feeds the soul. It includes monthly contributions from Dr. Gary Smalley about marriage and relationships and Joyce Meyer concerning growing as a Christian, just to name a few. It also has all sorts of stuff you would find in other great magazines like recipes, projects, entertaining, fashion, etc. BUT, you are not bombarded with ANY advertisements...every page is meaningful. Another thing that is great, it is a quarterly magazine, and comes out 4 times a year. In the front of the magazine, there are calendars for the next 3 months with scripture for each day. I've been really convicted lately that I am a "babe" in the Word, and these calendars have made something overwhelming, like reading the whole Bible, into something very do-able.

This is the issue you can pick up in the store, and I just received my Spring copy yesterday in the mail. If you see it, pick it up, I promise you won't be sorry!

Keep The Faith,

AH-CHOO!!!

2011-03-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

This tree or rather every tree, everywhere, is causing lots of trouble in our household. This is the W-O-R-S-T allergy season I've ever experienced. It started two weeks ago. After many phone calls to our Allergy Doc, and 4 sinus/ear infections later (including mom), I think we are on the mend and hopefully have the right preventative meds to help us through the "blooming" season.

AND, let me just say that as I am praying non-stop and have such a heavy heart for those that are fighting for their lives, I'm constantly reminded how thankful I should be that we are only treating measly allergies and not something serious. I thought about this a lot the last few days as I functioned on little sleep and some doozie headaches...I thought, seriously, Amy, get over yourself! Just trying to be thankful for even the rough days...as it's clear to me, my "rough" days are NOTHING to what others are enduring.
My cough has been unbearable at night...so, I've slept on the couch a few nights. The girls loved having a place to lounge when they got up the next morning. I was turning on some morning cartoons and turned around. I tip-toed to find the camera because I HAD to catch this.
Grandma and Grandpa came for a Spring Break visit, and we played outside in the sunshine. Here's Ruby in her favorite spot. We had such a GREAT time during their visit.

Ella riding her bike

Bucket-o-rice is so much more fun if I can climb in and feel it on my toes : )

Grandpa reading to Ruby

We made a trip to Gymnastic Joe's for open gym. We've been going to open gym there for a while now, and the girls love it. Grandma finally got Molly on the trampoline. She is VERY cautious, but by the end of our time she was really enjoying herself.

Ella on the wheel of cheese

Molly in the foam pit

Ella having a blast

Ruby bouncin

Balance beam

Parachute time!

I love this...isn't it the best when you see your kiddos do things for the first time...that they just LOVE! Plus, she looks like such a big girl to me here.

Hope you're having a great weekend!
Keep The Faith,

Pretending

2011-03-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else out there feel like they are pretending??? Like your days are full of trying to keep up with others perceptions of who you are supposed to be...who you think you are supposed to be??

Light heartedly, these thoughts crossed my mind yesterday as I was feverishly trying to tidy the d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r that is our home before our in-laws come to visit this weekend. No worries, they know full well how quickly our house can go from tidy to hurricane "Sweet Girls". BUT still, there I was cleaning house, organizing toys, tackling "mount" laundry so that I can at least "PRETEND" to look like a good wife...mother...daughter-in-law.

I thought about this yesterday, too, as I was sitting in bible study listening to some pretty amazing women share about trials they've been through...and how God brought them through it. I was sitting there listening with a million thoughts/words that I would love to share, but sometimes just can't muster the courage to speak...because sharing my thoughts, insecurities, past mistakes...and daily mistakes, trials, only shows my weakness, right?? It shows that I'm not perfect, which I already know VEEERRRRY well.

Well today, I kept thinking of this verse....

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Ladies/Friends/Fellow Moms...whoever finds the time to read this blog, I just want to say to you, being as "real" as I can, that I am a MESS! I try, and I struggle EVERYDAY. I constantly worry about what others think of me...if I'm a good wife, mother, friend, if I outwardly look as desheveled as I feel on the inside. Our house is RARELY clean to my standards (which are VERY low after 3 little ones). Most days, there are dishes sitting in the sink and a ring around the bath tub. There are days, many days, that our dinner is prepared in the microwave. Gasp, I know! ALL days, there is a pile...no...a mountain of laundry stuffed behind the laundry room door. Sometimes, I literally have to roll out of bed. Not because I don't LOVE the life God has given me...but, because I AM WEAK, and I need HIS goodness, HIS power, HIS strength to rest on me. I need Him to go before me each day, and orchestrate my day.

I say all of this, because I just want to be real. I don't want to pretend. Let me be clear, I don't want to sulk either. I just want to encourage one another! I am going to make every effort to encourage all of the women I come across with an effort to be as real and genuine as possible, knowing that HE is made stronger when I confess my weaknesses.

I would post pictures but, we are experiencing some pretty bad allergy attacks with pink eye. Yuck! It is a LOVELY day in our neck of the woods, however, due to allergies, I'm not sure if we will make it out today, but I hope everyone else does!

Happy Thursday, Y'all!!
Keep The Faith,

9 Years

2011-03-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Wes and I are celebrating 9 years of marriage today! What a blessing it is to say that.

The pic below is one of the only pictures I could find of us on our wedding day. All of the others are in storage. I remember that day so vividly. One, because it was the happiest day of my life to that point, but the other because it was the coldest day EVER in Houston. We planned an outdoor wedding in March thinking that the temperature would be mild...but a cold front blew through 2 hours before the wedding, and it was 19 degrees!! Needless to say, the outdoor festivities had to be moved inside at the last minute. It was a VERY cozy wedding. It was actually so much fun, because everyone HAD to mingle. We laughed A LOT!!

This is the chorus from one of my favorite "love" songs by Watermark.

Remember I promised forever

Life brings change

But my promise is the same

And through these years we've been together

Life has made us grow

But through it all I know

No matter what may come

My heart was made for you forever

Wes, I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. And, although this marriage thing is work...when we're good at it...and we make the effort....we're REALLY good!

I love you!

Single Mom

2011-02-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hats off to all of the military moms/dads, single moms/dads out there that handle the day to day without a spouse or partner. Wes was gone for 6 days last week and let's just say we were SOOOO happy to have him back this week.

We don't live near family, and there's always a little anxiety when he has to travel. I prayed for God to give me peace and calm my anxieties, and I think Wes was praying the same thing, because the minute he tells me he has to travel, he knows I get myself pretty worked up about it. I mean, it's nothing major, I handle most of the day to day as it is because he's at work all day, but he's just 5 minutes away if I need him...you know what I mean?? Anyway, I TOTALLY felt God's peace last week, there were so many times that I stopped and thought to myself, everything is good, we're having fun, I can do this, just a few more days. I say all this, because, it was so clear to me that God DOES care about the small stuff. I'm so thankful for that.
Molly is our sleeper, she's always the one to linger in bed in the morning and after naps...I found this the other day when I went to get Ruby from her crib...Molly was SUPER comfortable and snoozing away.

I mentioned a few blogs ago about a dvd called Eebee Baby. It shows babies exploring and playing with all sorts of toys and household items. My girls LOVE it. So, I thought I would throw together one of the "toys" they use in the dvd. It's a large storage bin filled with rice. Kind of an inside sand box. We have all sorts of little pots and pans, bowls, etc that the girls use to pour and fill up...and we love to hide things and dig for them.
It can get a little messy, especially with 3 little ones, but I put down a blanket, and when they're done I just fold it up and pour any rice back in the bin. AND, just in case someone decides to walk off with a pot of rice to "play" with in the other room, it cleans up very easily with a vacuum. BUT, I promise, they have SO much fun with this and it keeps them busy for such a long time that this mom doesn't mind the mess....I know, I know, I don't know what's happening to me...I guess I'm realizing more and more that I want to have a fun, loving, home...rather than a "perfect" home.

Praying for some more Spring weather to head our way. I need some sunshine! I've heard from 3 people in the last two days that the the Farmer's Almanac is calling for another BIG snow storm right around Spring Break. Deeeeeep breath.

Have a fabulous weekend!
Keep the Faith!

I am not ashamed...

2011-02-15T10:20:00.001-08:00

I am so completely not ashamed that when I had 30 minutes to spare before picking up the girls from MDO yesterday, that I went to a new cupcake shop in our area and bought these delicious, lovely, cupcakes to share with my Valentines. I am also completely not ashamed that I drove to their school, parked the car, and continued to devour one of these cupcakes in complete solitude while googling the calories in a cupcake on my iphone. So what if my morning workout and cupcake binge were about a wash. That just meant I didn't have to feel completely awful when I had a second one after dinner.

There were MANY choices, but I got vanilla with vanilla buttercream, and chocolate with peanut butter buttercream. Both of them were TO-DIE-FOR!!! The hubby loved them too, and the girls, well, do you have to ask? If you know me well, you know that cake and cupcakes are my absolute weakness. If you ask me, it's the perfect food.

When I traveled for work, one of my favorite things to do was search out and try cupcakes from the local cupcake shops, like Sprinkles Cupcakes in LA, Magnolia Bakery in NYC, Cupcake Cafe NYC, Crave Cupcakes in Houston, just to name a few. Well, I say all of that, so that you will understand that when I say that these cupcakes were D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S, I am not putting it lightly. If you live in the NWA area, you MUST try Kirby's Kupcakes in downtown Rogers. You can also find them on Facebook. This Mother-Daughter team makes their cupcakes and icing fresh daily, yes, homemade...and you can tell. The cake is SUPER moist, and the icing is AWESOME!!! PERFECTION! I promise, you will not be disappointed. AND, due to their popularity on Facebook, they are having DOLLAR CUPCAKE DAY this Saturday, Feb 19th. Treat yourself!

Just wanted to share my moment of happiness in hopes that someone else might find a moment of happiness as well...in a cupcake, none-the-less. Hey, it's really all about the small stuff!

Happy Tuesday, Ya'll!
Keep The Faith,

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T10:30:00.001-08:00

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day from the Sweet girls. I made this Valentine's Day card to send to family, and was SOOOO bummed that our mail didn't get picked up until Friday due to the bad weather. SO, it's not going to make it in time....but, I still thought it turned out cute.

Then a few fun photos from the last few days.

Grandma came for a visit last week, to celebrate Ella's birthday again, and she COMPLETELY spoiled us with all sorts of activities and toys for the girls. One of Ella's favorites, is the play-do cake factory. We spent a good hour creating cupcakes and cakes the other day...even Mommy got into it.

We made lemon, blueberry, and vanilla cupcakes. I pulled out some "fake" money and we played bakery. When I asked Ella how much her cupcakes were, she said "that'll be $50 please"...those are some good cupcakes : ).

Loved this, the twins sitting together playing with their farm animals.

Molly giving a big smile.

I had to post this, as I was getting everyone ready for baths yesterday, Ella walked in the bathroom with this clear bucket on her head. She said, "look Mommy, it's my Astronaut hat"...hahahahahaha! This child has an imagination that AMAZES me. Don't turn me into child protective services...this easily comes off of her head, I promise.

AND, Molly "pretending" to go potty...she even said "potty, potty, potty" to me when she was sitting there. Hmmmm, I think Molly and Ruby might be potty trained before Ella girl.

Happy "LOVE" Day!
Keep The Faith,

Snow Week Randomness...

2011-02-11T07:50:00.001-08:00

SO, what do you do when there is 2 ft of snow outside??

Make snow angels of course!

Pretty good, I thought

Look cute in our snow gear

Cry in our snow gear

Measure the snow

Have a pet parade

Try on our new rain boots

Hide fruit loops in Mommy's boots...

And, then fish them out to eat them of course! I know it's gross, but Mommy doesn't wear these boots a lot and always wears clean socks when she does, so, don't gasp...a snack is a snack.

Watch Eebee over and over again.

I highly recommend these eebee baby videos if you are looking for something. In fact, there are so many great ideas in these videos for promoting cognitive and motor skills development. Next week, I plan on putting together a few activities seen in this video that I know will keep the girls busy for hours.

A bedroom makeover...

I've never had a "complete" master bedroom. In every home we've lived in, I've always put all of my budget into the other rooms of the house. That means, I've pretty much always hated our master bedroom. I'm not a dark color person, and I've found it hard to find lighter fabrics and such without spending a fortune. My Mom came to visit a few weeks ago, and brought me a lime green/white lattice print comforter that she found on sale for $60. The other side is a pretty ugly floral print, but I do LOVE the lattice print, so I have it folded at the foot of our bed. I have a white quilted comforter already on the bed and we use the larger comforter when we get cold...which is every night. I found the paisley print pillows at TJ Maxx for $14 a piece and I bought the turquoise lamps from Pier 1 Imports - they were the most expensive part of the makeover...lamps are expensive : (...but, I REALLY like these.
I also ordered this handmade pillow from Etsy to put in front of the paisley pillows...with the letter "S" of course. I'm excited, I can't wait to get it!
I also went to a local flea market and bought a few assorted mirrors...each of these was $5 or cheaper. I'm going to spray paint each of the frames white and hang them on the wall above our bed...I was sitting on the floor in our bedroom trying to find an arrangement I like. I'll post a picture when I get it all finished.

That's what we've been up to. I C-A-N-N-O-T wait for next week. It's supposed to be beautiful here with temps in the 50's and 60's!! HALLELUJAH!!!! Seriously, I'm DONE with Winter!!

Happy Friday, Y'all!
Keep The Faith,

CSN Stores - Review

2011-02-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

As one might imagine with 3 little ones running crazy (all-the-time), over the past two years I have done a TON of my shopping online. I mean a TON!! One of the sites that I visit often is CSN Stores. I recently bought a new dining room chandelier from one of their stores that I LOVE! CSN Stores is an online retailer that has grown to encompass 200+ online stores where you can find pretty much ANYTHING you might be looking for, from swingsets to fabulous cookware and furniture to shoes, there is a store for you. AND one of the things I LOVE about CSN Stores is that for MOST items, even huge, bulky furniture, SHIPPING IS FREE!! That's a huge savings!

Anyway, I was contacted by CSN Stores and given the opportunity to review a product of my choice within a certain price range. I was completely shocked, and super excited! So, I browsed a few of the stores, while at the same time thinking about something that would make my life easier everyday. I think I found it! AND as totally unexciting as it is, if you have ever been in my house, or if you can at least imagine visiting my house, you would see the HUGE amount of little messes created everywhere...like for example, a good portion of EVERY meal ends up on the floor, and sometimes this Mommy allows her 3 precious, adorable, kiddos to walk around with a cup of Cheerios or Fruit Loops. Yes, I do. Needless to say, there are days they could eat dinner off of the carpet. Yes, I know, not an appealing picture, but none-the-less true.

So, I've decided on a cordless hand held vacuum, like the one below. I'm not quite sure what brand yet, or if I want a wet/dry combo, BUT as soon as I decide and receive it, I will put it to the test and give a quick review on my blog.
Hope you are having a fabulous day!
Keep The Faith,

Snow Day...Take 4

2011-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yep, yet another day of being snowed in...however, I did make it to Wal-Mart last night for a few groceries and "activities" for the girls. The roads are pretty bad. I think I spent more on play-dough and coloring books than I did on groceries. You know, we needed necessities like oreos, nilla wafers, and powdered sugar donuts to get us through the weekend : ). Probably not the best choice of foods for 3 little snowed in girls, but this Mom has to create excitement and happiness at some point throughout the day, since we've about exhausted our play-time choices. (No worries, they eat their weight in fruits and veggies everyday).

Here are the twins after their bath last night. For the most part, they all play really well together. Thank you, Jesus.

I will spend most of my day cleaning the "drop zone" that is our house...you know, after a tornado goes away...the place where all the debris is dropped...that is our house. Wes's Mom is coming for a visit tomorrow, and I ALWAYS love her visits, but this one will be especially wonderful as I'm starting to go a teensy weensy bit postal.No, the side ways lamp shade is not for effect, I really do live with 3 little monkeys : ).

Not sure if any other ladies out there experience the same thing, but when the weather gets bad like this, it's like my husband MUST make it to the office, no questions asked. Seriously, it's like he can't make it out the door quick enough in the morning. I KNOW why. Wes says it's because he has to work. Yes, Yes, I know this, but I think the other reason is an unspoken competition between all men on who's the manliest man. Anyone else agree with me?? I asked Wes if the tornado siren was going off would you drive into work, and he said "probably not". So good to know : ). I am apparently married to the manliest man.

In all seriousness, I LOVE my life...couldn't be happier!!! If you know me well, you know that about 95% of what I say is pure sarcasm and kidding. I am SOOOO thankful to have heat, running water, food, health, I could go on and on.

STAY WARM!!!
Keep The Faith,

Twinkle Twinkle...

2011-02-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

Ella L-O-V-E-S music. I know, I know, most children love music. But, I like to think all that singing I did when I was pregnant with her made a difference : ). She is fascinated with instruments, pretty much all of them. Right now, she is especially loving violins. My Mom and Dad were visiting a few weeks ago and she was putting on a show. She found two curtain rods and started to play the violin. I couldn't resist posting this video. It's a little shaky at first because I was trying to catch her incognito.

We had LOTS of snow yesterday. Well, lots for our area anyway. I'm without a vehicle again today, and we are experiencing single digit temps so I think we will be indoors again today. I think I may have...no, I know I have a weeeeeee bit of cabin fever as trying to entertain 3 small children is a challenge when you've done every puzzle in the house, read tons of books, had MANY tea parties, play-doughed, colored every piece of furniture and wall in the house, watched Eebee baby video OVER and OVER again...I apparently should have stock piled some toys when I went to the store Sunday to get some food for our Winter BLAST. Note to self : ).

We will be lounging in our jammies again today. No sense in making more laundry for myself.

Princess Ella

Molly enjoying a cinnamon roll

Horsing around...

Happy Snow Day!!!
Keep the Faith,

Ella Kate's Birthday

2011-01-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

We had a fabulous birthday weekend for Ella Kate last weekend. Her Neena and Papa came to visit and ended up being here for 4 days, which is really special. We had so much fun with them. On Saturday, we had a big birthday bash at JumpZone. She had the BEST day!! Thank you to everyone that came to help us celebrate!!

Opening presents from Neena and Papa.

A polka dot tea set...so much fun!!

And a Roby bouncy horse...glad Neena thought ahead and bought a second one so we didn't have super-duper meltdown...because....the twins happen to love it too....can you tell???

Such a big girl. Can't believe she is 3 yrs old!!

And of course, the cake. Barney was a must. I ordered a Barney cake topper off of Etsy, and failed to read all of the fine print, like the fact that it would be shipping from Italy...and could take a month to get here. Well, it didn't make it (still haven't received it). So, I created my own cake topper similar to the one I purchased with modeling clay from Hobby Lobby. It passed as Barney, so major catastrophe prevented.
ADORABLE cookies made by my friend Robin...check out her other amazing creations here.

Jumping...jumping...and more jumping!!

Ruby going down the slide! I was so proud of her. She is definitely the adventurous twin. Molly didn't want to have ANYTHING to do with jumping or sliding.

Ella went down the big slide all by herself!! I went with her a few times and Wes did too, and then she tried herself...after that...she was all about the big slides.

All of the kiddos. I was so glad so many could come. Ella had SO much fun!!

Blowing out the candles...we've practiced this MANY times!! She couldn't wait!

Now down to business!! She is her Mother's daughter for sure...loves her some cake!!

I had to show these Barney themed favor bags. I bought them from Jettabees on Etsy. They turned out SOOO cute!!

I worked on a slide show of the last 3 years to post on my blog, and I can't get it to work. Ella and I have watched it MANY times over the last few days. Ella told me on the way home from school today that she wanted to watch her "movie"...I got so tickled. I added music to the slide show, and she said, "Momma, this is our song??".

Ella, you are 3 yrs old. Just saying that is amazing to me. You are HAPPINESS and JOY for your Dad and I. You are a gift to us each day. We constantly ask ourselves what we did to deserve such a beautiful, precious, little girl. We know that having and holding you is just a glimpse of God's goodness and love. I can't express to you the excitement we felt in our hearts the night we drove to the hospital, knowing we would be meeting you soon. Our lives changed in a split second. It was instantly full because of you.

I say this to you all the time. "You are the apple of my eye, and the spring in my step"

We love you SOOOOO much, Ella girl!!!

Christmas Road Trip

2011-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share a few pics from our Christmas road trip "home".

Even 10 years later, I still refer to Texas as "home". I don't think that will ever change for me. As funny as it sounds, it's like my heart is at rest the minute we drive over the Texas state line. Anyone else feel that way about their hometown or state?? Don't get me wrong. I feel enormously blessed where we live now, BUT there is just something that makes me overwhelmingly content and calm being so close to our family and loved ones. Maybe it's just the extra set of hands (or many hands) to help with the chaos that is my life : ). Very well could be it.

We've arrived!! This was after our first 8 hour leg of the trip. We stopped to see my Dad's parents, the girls' Great-Grandparents, Bobo and Pop. They were clearly happy to get out of the car.
My heart was really overjoyed that at least one of the twins warmed up quickly to Bobo and Pop. We were there for one night, and I know it was so special to Bobo that Ruby brought a book to her and climbed up in her lap.

This about sums it up...they are EVERYWHERE...on EVERYTHING!!!

This was our 2nd leg of the trip, visiting my parents, Neena and Papa, and my Mom's parents, Nan and Big Papa. All of the girls love their grandparents so much. AND, as you can see, Papa is quite partial to them as well.

Reading a story

Christmas morning...first sight of all the goodies. Many probably know, but these babies, babble and jump up and down when they sense movement. The girls loved them until.....

They saw Ella's baby, that eats and drinks, and talks....note to self....buy three next time.

Oh, presents make the perfect step to climb on everything and DESTROY!!

New Mama, Molly, trying to figure this baby-thing out...

Fun with Neena and Papa

One of eight pairs of "fancy" shoes for Ella.

3rd leg of the trip visiting Grandma Diane, Grandpa Rick (who was out of the country for work), Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Jeff, and Cousin Reese. Magnetic paper dolls from Aunt Stephanie.

Getting the hang of it!!!

Pink Kitty Kat clock (with pearl necklace, of course) for Ella's bedroom. SO cute!

Potty Elmo

Finger painting on one of our many outings. This outing was to The Woodlands Children's Museum.

Decorating the gingerbread house with Grandma Diane and Reese. Wes and I snuck out this night to get some coffee. Apparently, Ella ate her weight in icing and put on a pretty good show. Hee hee!

I was amazed how pretty it turned out...with Grandma and Aunt Stephanie's help of course!

Seriously, one of the prettiest gingerbread houses I've ever seen.

One of our many trips to the park. Ella LOVES to swing on the "big-girl" swing.

Aunt Stephanie, Jack, and Ella. I love this picture.

About to go down the "big" slide

This visit was truly special for me. My Uncle Tom, who 6 months ago was diagnosed with what they thought was Pancreatic cancer and given the grimmest of outlooks, is ALIVE and doing better every day. Each report seems to get better, baffling Doctors, as tumors are "shrinking to shadows". It doesn't baffle me one bit. I sing on-going praises to my Heavenly Father who DOES hear my prayers, our prayers, and is still in the business of miracles. Thank you, Jesus

Every trip home is a little bitter-sweet for us. So happy to be with our family, and at the same time, sad, knowing it has to come to an end and we have to head back to the "real" life. We do our best to soak up as much of our family as we can while we are home. I find myself in a different mind set this year as many years in the past I felt sorry for myself that we didn't live near family. It seems I'm bombarded with stories of heartache and loss everywhere I turn, everyday. I am just SOOOO thankful to have had one more opportunity to spend our holiday with family, SOOOO thankful for my husband and 3 precious girls, and SOOOO thankful for my health and health of those I hold so dear, as it is clear to me it can all change in a split second.

Here's to starting this year with a glad, thankful heart...giving ALL the credit to my Lord and Saviour.

Happy New Year, Y'all!!
Keep the Faith,

Merry Christmas

2010-12-21T06:37:00.001-08:00

I'm not making near the progress I should with packing for us to leave tomorrow morning, but it's just and unspoken understanding that pretty much anything and everything in this house has to be done during nap time or when "everyone" (read the girls) go to bed. I did tackle all the laundry yesterday, and was able to put together the girls clothes, but I know I will be burning the midnight oil tonight to get everything else situated.

As I know there will be no more posting until we return from our trip, I wanted to post a few pics of this and that...some from Ella's school program, some of the few decorations I put up this year (and they are NOTHING like my extremely talented friends, who are AMAZING decorators, so be forewarned), and then our Christmas card (which I love this year, because it really portrays the true tone of our family).

Ella as an angel. She's smack dab in the middle with the BIG white bow (thanks again, Kelly, for the bows...this one was perfect!).
One little, two little, three little angels....VERY cute!! We practiced our songs everyday...she did SO good!

Ruby, climbing and running on the pew

The Mantle

The Buffet

Chandelier

Christmas Tree

So, yes, I know, totally un-impressive. The bottom of the tree is completely disheveled, but what do you expect?? Our tree is a combination of my childhood ornaments and Wes's childhood ornaments...and now all of the lovelies the girls make for us at school and such, but as un-exciting as it is...I love it, because every ornament is special and means something to our family. I like to imagine that one day the girls will be as excited as I was when I would help my Mom decorate the tree...each year she would tell me about the ornaments she had collected when I was younger, and she would have a new ornament for each of us kids for that year.

This is Ruby as we were waiting for the train at the mall

Molly as we were riding the train, she LOVED it!

Ruby was a little more cautious...she wanted to stay seated the whole time

Ella and Daddy

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SWEET FAMILY!!!

I hope and pray that your Christmas is truly "warm" with the closeness of being near loved ones, friends, and family...and "bright" with the hope and joy of the season. Each Christmas, I am simply reminded that God keeps His promises. A promise that was realized in the birth of His son, a gift...to ALL people.

Luke 2:8-12
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!!

Keep the Faith,

What's been goin on??

2010-12-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why I thought as the twins got older, things would get easier to manage. It's quite the opposite. Isn't that always the case?? Anyway, I was telling Wes earlier today, that I don't think I will ever have a clean house again. He made the comment, that a maid would be pointless. Very true! So, I've always said that Miss Ella can create a path of destruction in less than 10 seconds. Well, lucky me, now I have 3 masters of destruction. Oh, brother. Days that we spend at home, I find myself anxious all day because it's just a HUGE mess. I just need to roll with it, because it won't be changing anytime soon : ). Anyway, I say all of this so that you won't gasp at the mess that is our house in the following pictures. Thought I would just share some pics from the last few weeks....warning there are quite a few!Thanksgiving lunch with Grandma Diane, Grandpa Rick, and Cousin Reese

Reese LOVES Pumpkin Pie, and she made this one...even pinched the crust to make it pretty. Way to go, Reese!

Reese and Ella. Ella SO enjoyed having Reese to play with.

Ruby

Molly

Reese and Ella making Christmas cookies

She's a natural, makes her momma proud!

And of course, what fun is icing if I can't just reach in the bowl for a taste??The beautiful masterpieces

Grandma and her cuddle-buddy. I don't think Ruby left her side the whole visit.

Double-trouble is all I have to say...

I'll say it again, double-trouble...I mean really, what fun is our new picnic table if we can't stand on it?? And yes, those are bottles, I know, I know, but it's the only way they drink milk. I'm sure we'll give them up before Kindergarten ; ).

Love to play in boxes...and laundry baskets...
I got an iphone (early Christmas present) and Ella is a pro at the ABC/Shapes/Color game. Wes was leaning over her shoulder the other day, and she said " Go away, Daddy!"

And of course, sisterly love. They are so funny...lovin on each other, kissing, tickling, and even feeding each other. Ruby is our "Mikey", meaning she eats well. Molly can sometimes take it or leave it...so when she's done...she just feeds sissy.

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving! I'm hoping to post again before Christmas, but if I don't...Merry Christmas, y'all!

Keep the Faith,

Halloween and such...

2010-11-04T11:54:00.001-07:00

I haven't had a moment to post a few pics of the girls from Halloween.

Ella was Goldilocks, with the three bears tucked neatly into her apron. The minute the costume arrived, we HAD to play with the bears, and sleep with the bears, and feed the bears....I was glad to find them all right as I was loading everyone in the car for our Fall Fest at church.

The twins went as their cute little selves. I did find two cute tees at Target that had a fairy costume on it that said " Cute Costume" so that is what they wore. I'm thinking I might need to do my costume shopping now for next year, so I can save a little money : ).

On a side note regarding our living situation, we are all moved into our new "rent" home. We are semi-settled. I painted Ella's room and Molly and Ruby's room and still need to finish up the kitchen and intend to paint the girls' bathroom as well. I am truly thankful to have such a great landlord that was basically like...do whatever you like. I hope to get some pictures on the wall and such to make it feel more "finished".

One thing I have realized is that this is do-able. I was so concerned how we would manage in a smaller home, and it's really quite funny how quickly you can adjust to things. I find that I'm not as stressed to be "doing" all the time, because there is less to manage, and the girls love being able to play in their rooms all day. Before, we would go upstairs a few times a day to play, but I was always so nervous someone was going to hurt themselves on the stairs. Their are downsides as well, but I'm finding that is true about everything in life, and learning to accept things just as they are (instead of wishing and dreaming about when things will be different) has been quite freeing.

One OTHER side note, not something I usually talk a lot about, but over the last few months I have been feeling horrible. I've been having horrible headaches, and just completely exhausted and run down. So, I finally went to see the Doctor and had a bunch of test run. I went yesterday for my follow up and found out that I am very anemic (I was during both pregnancies, but thought it would go away), and I don't know how you say it...but, I have hypothyroidism. When I researched this condition and looked at the symptoms, I was shocked that I was experiencing about 80% of the symptoms...I had NO idea. Anyway, I am SO thankful that these are not serious conditions and can be treated. So, I am praying that I will get the spring back in my step very soon! Thank you, Lord!

We had a cold front blow through last night, and it is rather chilly here....and windy. Can't believe it is already time turn our clocks back this weekend. Don't forget!!

Keep The Faith,

Fall is here!!

2010-10-04T13:47:00.001-07:00

FALL IS HERE!!!

This past weekend our Sunday School class met up at a local pumpkin patch. It was so fun, but definitely a cool, crisp day...and a little windy.

Miss Ruby

Molly and Ruby wondering about in the pumpkin patch - I couldn't get any good shots because of the wind.

And here is Ella in her bandanna hat. A friend of mine gave the each of the girls a little picnic basket with some animal crackers, juice, and jello...and a bandanna. As you can see, she just loved it!!

So, other than the weather turning cooler...that we are SO excited about, we are in the process of closing on our house. We are supposed to be out by Oct 18th. We put a deposit down on a rent house close to Wes's office. I get lots of questions about our current situation and never have enough time to go into detail, so I thought I would share just a little....

About 6 months ago, Wes and I both felt a real prompting (that we feel was from God) to put our house up for sale. We talked about a lot of different options and scenarios that could be possibilities, but knew we couldn't pursue anything until our house sold. The home we live in right now is a historical home or let's just say over 100 years old. It has been completely renovated, but still a little unique, so we just felt it would take a while to sell because it would take a specific buyer. WE LOVE THIS HOUSE!! We started a family in this house. We have SO many wonderful memories in this house. So, this whole process has been a little bittersweet. Another, really big deciding factor for us was the fact that when we bought this house, I was working AND we didn't have children. WELL, now I am a stay at home mom (thank you,Lord and Wes!), and we have been blessed with three children in less than 2 years. We are making it just fine by the goodness and sufficiency the Lord provides, but we just realized, we could do with less...less to maintain...and less of a house payment : )...because one thing has become VERY clear to us over the last few months, we should be saving for these 3 precious gifts we have been given and their futures....near and far.

So, that's where we are right now. We are going to rent for a year (maybe longer), place our trust in God's perfect plan for our lives, and wait to see what's in store. I keep telling myself...a house is a house, it's the family that makes it a home. So, my prayer is that where ever we may be, no matter the size or location of our house, it will always be a warm, joyful, loving HOME where God is honored, loved, and worshipped.

Happy Fall, Y'all!!

Keep the Faith,

Emily's Baby Shower - Welcome Baby Brannon!!!

2010-09-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday my Mom and dear friend Elaine and I hosted a baby shower at my house for our best friend, Emily. Here we are with the guest of honor. She is due Nov 2nd, and chose not to find out what she is having. So in a few short weeks we will be welcoming a Baby Jay or Baby Lily. CAN'T WAIT!!! I thought I would share some pictures of the shower. We had SO much fun putting this together! I live for this stuff. I also had to share pictures, because this will officially be the last party I host in my house (tear).

Here is Emily with (from left) her Sister, Niece, Mom, and Mother-In-Law

Buffet Table - Roast Beef Sandwiches w/Mustard Horseradish Sauce, Salad w/Apples, Candied Pecans, and Goat Cheese, Gazpacho w/Shrimp, Parmesan Breadsticks, Strawberries w/Chocolate or Cream Cheese Dip

Iced Tea, Cranberry Lemon-Lime Punch, and Water

Place Setting w/Sugar Cookie Favor made by friend Robin (who I am amazed by!!!) She free hand decorated these cookies! They were just BEAUTIFUL!! I had her make a boy outfit...

and a girl outfit

Baby tree with vintage baby cards, pacifiers, ribbon, and initials for Jay and Lily

The weather turned out to be PERFECT Saturday (Thank you, Lord). We sat outside on the porch. It was so nice!

Wes's Aunt Debra made a quilt for each of the girls when they were born. She is so gifted. I thought they would work perfect as decoration on the table - because they were so pretty and she used all sorts of soft beautiful fabrics that worked great for a gender neutral shower.

Some of the flowers - I found some vintage baby flower vases on ebay, and bought the flowers from Sam's Club

I also found these wire baby carriages online

Dessert Table

More BEAUTIFUL cookies from Robin. She made baby carriages, monogram cookies, and baby bottles in addition to the outfits.

Diaper Cake on the dessert table

Baby Lily Cake

Baby Jay Cake

And, then I had to share this picture...couldn't resist. Wednesday is the girl's Mother's Day Out day, and they are ALWAYS so tired when they come home. I usually feed the twins dinner before Wes and I eat because they usually can't wait until he gets home. So, when we eat dinner, they sit in their exersaucer for a few minutes and watch a video. Well, Ella loves to treat the twins like her little babies, and she apparently gave Molly a pillow...this is what I found. My Molly sweetness....tired baby.

Hope you had a wonderful FALL weekend!!

Keep the Faith,

Amy

Accidents Happen Even On Good Days

2010-09-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend in our house! The weather couldn't have been nicer and my parents came to visit. The girls usually go to MDO on Wednesday, but I was able to take the twins on Friday because there were some openings due to the holiday weekend. Ella got to tag along with me and Neena. We had lunch and then went to Gap Kids to look for some new shoes...and of course left with more than we came for : ). I bought Ella two pairs of sneakers for the Summer in hot pink and white and we wore them out, but they were great because they were slip ons and looked cute with about anything. So, I was looking for something similar in Fall colors - these are the shoes we bought...

I thought these would be perfect for everyday Fall

And these were just the CUTEST shoes I've ever seen! When I put them on Ella, she said "Momma, these are so cute!!". Uh-oh!! I think I'm creating a monster much like myself : ). They also had them in Hot Pink and Purple which were REALLY REALLY cute, but for practical reasons, I thought she would be able to wear these with more...thanks Neena!

Another highlight of our weekend was the JUMP-O-LENE. I bought the jump-o-lene to take on our trip to Texas this Summer. It came in very handy while staying at my grandparent's house that isn't so kid friendly. We put it up when we got home from our trip, and pulled it out this weekend because the weather was so nice. Since the girls, especially Ella, hadn't seen it in like 3 months, it was like a brand new toy to her. Have I ever mentioned that I am a big advocate of hiding or rotating toys : ). Anyway, all of the girls had such a fun time jumping, playing in the sand box, and swinging in the back yard.

And then, as if we needed any more excitement, we had yet ANOTHER accident in our house. While I was cleaning up after dinner and Wes was literally 2 feet away tending to Molly and Ruby, Ella took a tumble of some sort and smacked into a piece of furniture in the foyer. I heard a LARGE thud, and then 2 seconds later, the sound no mother EVER wants to here...horrible screaming. I ran to see what happened and there was blood gushing from her mouth. As you can imagine, I suffered a mini heart attack, because at that moment I didn't know exactly what occurred...if she had knocked a tooth out, etc, etc. So as I was assessing the damage and she is gushing blood, I'm thinking, I need to take her to the hospital. BUT, my "eagle scout" husband who manages to remain calm in about EVERY situation, convinced me that there was no need for stitches, and that she just split her lip, yadda, yadda. So, we have survived yet another "boo-boo". However, she looks rather rough with a purple lip and bruised chin...

Pictures taken 2 hours after traumatic event - subject seems to be in good spirits ; ).

So, it was a rather eventful ending to a rather eventful LONG wonderful weekend...I'm coming to realize that anything but, is just out of the ordinary!

Hope you had a great Labor Day!

Keep the Faith,

Pony Ride, Headband, and Dessert

2010-09-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to something called the Frisco Fest where we live. They have it every August and it's kind of like a mini fair that takes place downtown. There are lots of activities for children, live music, food, and merchant booths...and I was surprised how much bigger and better it was this year. We walked there Saturday morning and did a round, it was a little warm so we came back home. After dinner, we normally always take a walk, and we decided to do another round and I am so glad we did. It was much cooler and we were able to enjoy the sights. As we were heading back to come home, we happened upon a pony corral, and I asked Ella if she wanted to ride a pony. Well, she did, and she LOVED it. We kind of had a mini-meltdown when we had to leave. Her pony's name was Banjo.

We had a full day Saturday with two trips to the Frisco Fest, a side walk coloring extravaganza, and a trip to the Academy that just opened in our area. Wes was really happy to hear we were getting an Academy. I have a feeling that it will become one of our weekend outings.

I have to share a funny from Ella. A couple weeks ago, she scratched her finger doing something, and ran to me crying that she had a boo-boo. So, of course I kissed it to make it better and this was our conversation

Ella - "Mama, I need a headband"

Me - "A headband?, I don't think a headband will make it feel better"

Ella - "Yes, Mama!!! I NEED a headband!!!"

I'm a little puzzled at this point, so I go to the medicine cabinet and pull out a band-aid.

Ella - "YES, YES, YES, a headband!!!"

Me - "Ooookkkkk, a headband" with a big smile on my face I wrapped her finger in a band-aid

About 5 minutes later Ella came to me and said "Mama, thank you so much for the headband, I feel sooooo much better!!"

GOTTA LOVE IT!!!

Yesterday as I was cooking dinner, I had just finished feeding the twins and as "dessert" I usually give them pudding or yogurt....it also buys me a few minutes because they love "eating" with their spoons and love pudding or yogurt. Not long after I got them all set up, I hear "Ahhhhh, ahhhh, ahhhh!!!" from Molly (yep, by now I can decipher the crying and whining). So I go to check on them and I find the problem. Ruby has decided she would eat BOTH bowls of dessert. This is becoming a common problem. So, I think I will be separating them from now on. : )

Hope you have a wonderful LONG weekend!

Keep the Faith,

Don't turn your back!!!

2010-08-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

I seriously C-A-N-N-O-T turn my back. If I do, this is what I find. Hahahahaha!!!! Oh, Brother am I in for it!!!

Sooooo much fun!!!

They were giggling and having the best time. I was changing Ella's diaper while this was happening behind me. I had to quickly intervene so the whole roll wasn't gone...AND Ella really wanted to play with them, too.

Ella - "Mama, I wan't to color with markers."

Me - "Ok, but we only color on the paper, right?"

Ella - "Yep, only on the paper!"

We tried this once before a month or so again while I was cooking dinner. I let Ella use her big coloring pad on the floor, and when I turned around, there was a beautiful mural on the refrigerator. Really, it was quite impressive. I cleaned it before I realized I should have taken a picture. Something tells me that I will have MANY opportunities to catch these kinds of photos. : ) Thank goodness for washable crayons, markers, paint, etc, etc!!!!

Forgive the unkempt appearance, she did have shorts on...but, if you read my earlier post, we are back and forth in training pants and diapers. Joy, joy, joy!!!

AND, here is "bruiser" Molly...I turned my back for ONE second and she tipped over from the bowl (yes, plastic bowl, also in previous post) she was sitting in and scraped her nose really good on the edge of a door. One MAJOR traumatic crying episode later, we decided she would live.

To compound the issue of my NOT clean house and the complete chaos that ensues (as you could gather from above). We are trying to sell our house, and although we've had no showings in almost 4 months, this week we had 2 very impromptu showings...in the midst of all the FUN you see above. I know that's just part of it, but WOW, it's really been keeping me on my toes!!

Thought you might enjoy these funnies from our household!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Keep the Faith,

Miscellaneous

2010-08-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

This will be a rather miscellaneous post. I wanted to post a few pics for the grandparents to see. I hope everyone is transitioning well getting back into the swing of things with school starting. We, or should I say, I, am SOOOOO excited Mother's Day Out is in full swing. I take the girls on Wednesday, and today was their first "official" day back. I really can't complain, because where the girls go to MDO, they offer a Summer program. So, we were able to continue going through the Summer with week breaks before and after the program. Let me just say that this has been like God shining light on me from above, because I would be bald if I had to get through the Summer without it. I am truly SO grateful that God has provided the means for the girls to attend MDO. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

So, I caught a pic of Ella this morning...she runs when I get the camera. Then I had to take a picture of the girls' new lunch boxes. Ella's old lunch box was pretty gross, and the zipper broke, so I splurged to get her a new one as well. This is the twins "first" lunch box. They are getting to be such big girls.

She looks like she is in pain...she wasn't...just refusing to stand still and smile

Lunch boxes

The twins new favorite thing - this is a green plastic bowl I keep Ella's play food in her kitchen. Well, when we go upstairs to play, this is the FIRST thing Ruby does. She goes and dumps the food out, and then sits in the bowl. Wes and I will spin them. They LOVE it. However, the totally fight over who gets to sit in it. It's pretty funny to see them both try to sit in it at the same time.

Ruby being a dare-devil

Molly lovin on her Peter Cottontail. This was a gift from grandma at Easter. He sings Peter Cottontail and hops. She LOVES it...and even though she can't say the words, she babbles and hums the tune.

When you have 3 little ones roaming around, you never know what you will happen upon. I think I noticed that Molly had gone missing, and this is where I found her.

The trail of DESTRUCTION from Hurricane Ella and her two spin off tornadoes Molly and Ruby. This is WHY I would go bald without a day of MDO. : )

My Mom and Dad came for a REALLY quick visit a few weeks ago. Here is Neena "pre-tend" sleeping. Ella loves to cover you with a blanket and pat your back.

Here she is checking on Neena

Papa and Ruby

Papa and Ella

Papa and Molly

This is for you, Aunt Vicki. Ella's Great Aunt Vicki lives in Hawaii and brought the girls some adorable Hawaiian dresses. I thought this looked cute on Ella. The other dresses are still a little big, but I know we will wear them next year.

Ella and her "Emma" doll...and Molly playing with her stuffed animals.

Emma was a gift from grandma that we hoped would help fuel her interest in using the big girl potty. She loves the doll and even praises Emma for tinkling in the potty, but when you ask Ella if she wants to go in the big girl potty she says "No, I'm good". She's had success before, but is REALLY being difficult about it lately. I REFUSE to fight with her over it, and having to chase after two other little ones while attempting potty training, SUPER FUN!! So we will be waiting a little longer. I have a feeling that seeing all of her friends use the "big girl" potty at school might coax her.

Yes, I know you feel all the more enlightened hearing about our potty escapades. That's just what happens in THIS exciting house. I KNOW you're jealous! ; )

We are experiencing some REALLY great weather here. It's supposed to continue into the weekend. I am SO excited to get back outdoors.

Hope the rest of your week is great!

Keep the Faith,

The "Dog Days" of Summer

2010-08-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, first things first. Hi, how are ya?? I know it's been a while. I've had many friends tell me, "enough of the donut post already". So, here I am just doing a random post. Honestly, because too much has transpired in the last two months to even attempt at catching everyone up...and, because you have lives of your own to lead. : )

So, I found myself asking...what do the "dog days" of Summer really mean?? Being the information junky that I am...I looked it up...AND...the "dog days" of Summer are the hottest, most sultry days of Summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, they usually fall between July and September. It can also define a time period or event that is very HOT or stagnant or marked by dull lack of progress. YEP, that about SUMS-IT-UP!! We are in fact enduring the "DOG DAYS" of Summer!!

It is SOOOOOOOOOO HOT here and I can TOTALLY relate to the "stagnant" feeling as well. We've gone about two weeks now without our morning or evening walks - something this Mom looks forward to being home with 3 kiddos 2 and under, but it's JUST TOO HOT! I need some new ideas for fun indoor activities. I think the girls have watched more Baby Einstein, Mickey Mouse Club, Special Agent OSO in the last two weeks than we have in the last two years. I KNOW, I KNOW this makes me a terrible Mom, but you can just keep those comments to yourself, OK?

So, what has been going on?? Well, we took a long road trip to Texas that started off with my older Brother, Jim, getting married. It was fabulous! I don't have pictures yet, but I did order some from the photographer. I was a Bridesmaid, and Ella was a Flower Girl. So, when I get them, hopefully I can figure out a way to share a few. It was such a fun wedding and was so evident that my Brother, Jim, and his new wife, Lisa, love each other very much. It's so fun to be apart of a wedding where you can FEEL the love, you know?

Our visit continued with spending time with my family for a few days and then heading to Wes's family lakehouse. We really enjoyed our time in Texas. We miss Texas.

Papa and Ella waiting for Nan's grandfather clock to chime

Neena playing with Molly and Ruby

Molly

Ruby

At the lake, going for a walk - that's Uncle Jeff and cousin Reese

Molly and Ruby playing in the water

Right now, we are eagerly awaiting our weekly activities resuming, like bible study, and MDO starts next week - the girls are graduating to their next class, and it's hard for me to grasp that the twins will be moving to the "big kid" class at school and Church. So, I am working on a few things with the twins...we are working on mastering the sippy cup, and learning how to use a spoon. They LOVE trying to use a spoon, they smile every time I give one to them.

Ruby

Molly

Tuesday was Wes's birthday. ELLA L-O-V-E-S anything to do with birthdays - so she was SO excited that she got to sing Happy Birthday, and help blow out the candles...and eat cake...her favorite!

Wes's parents were here for a few days, and we had a WONDERFUL visit. It was so nice to have them here. Wes and his Dad did guy stuff, and the girls hung out around the house and played a ton. I was able to get a sitter Saturday night, and we had a nice "adult" dinner out. That is VERY rare for us. So, it was a real treat!!

AND...this coming weekend we have another special visit, this time with my parents. Turns out my Dad has a delivery in Missouri and will be spending the weekend with us, and Continental had a special this weekend, so my Mom is going to fly in Saturday and go home Monday. Truly a special occurrence, seeing that we usually get to see our family only a few times a year.

Well, I hope ya'll are staying cool (figuratively and realistically) ; )!!

Happy "DOG DAYS" of Summer, Ya'll!!

Keep the Faith,

Good Times

2010-06-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just a blog about some of our good times lately...

Yummy donuts for breakfast. I know I shouldn't be encouraging a sweet tooth, but donuts are one of my FAVORITE foods (if you could call it a food)...especially sprinkle donuts. It's one of those childhood loves and memories. My Dad LOVES donuts, and it's one of those things we bonded over years ago...and I will never forget it. I think Ella has this bond with her Papa, too. As you might be able to tell from the face below. Growing up, after a week full of hum-drum cereal, many Saturdays or Sundays we would wake up to the treat of donuts for breakfast...or my favorite was getting my OWN bag of donut holes on the way to church on Sunday. It's REALLY all about the little things : )!

Lovin the sprinkles!

On Saturday, Wes took Ella to a local water park that is perfect for children. There is no pool, but a large area with buckets that fill up and spill over in the air, and sprinklers, and such. She just loves it. I stayed home with the twins, but when they got back she still wanted to play in the water, so we got out this topsy-turvy flower that you connect to the hose and it sprays water everywhere. The blue bucket you see is our version of a swimming pool (ha-ha!), no really, I need to make a trip to Wal-Mart for a baby pool. I'm thinking that will be our upcoming weekend outing.

Wes caught this the other day while Ella was watching Elmo Goes Potty. I hope she was taking notes...at least it looks like she was.

AND...here are my munchkins. I don't think they ever sit down. They are SO busy, all-the-time!! We were getting ready for baths in this picture, and for whatever reason, our girls are all fascinated with the bathroom. I'm sure we're not the only ones. We have TWO toilet bandits on our hands...flushing the toilet, playing in the trash, playing with toilet paper- really loads of fun : ). Of course, I had to get out the toilet lock so that no one falls in...but they just think it's the best thing ever.

We started giving the twins their bath together. Ruby was not so fond of the water at first, but she is starting to really like it now. I must say it's not the easiest thing, doing two at once...I know it will get easier as they get older (or maybe I shouldn't make that statement), but I would not attempt if Wes was not present - for safety reasons. BUT, they both really enjoy playing with the bath toys and splashing around.

Ella LOVES taking a bath. It's pretty much a fight to get her OUT of the tub every time. We used to give her a bath first, and then I have started doing her last so that she would have more time to play. However, she is always saying..."My turn...my turn, Momma" when I am giving the twins a bath.

A little side note of randomness....

I just finished reading Bringing Up Girls by James Dobson. If you have a daughter, or know someone who does or if you are a grandparent or involved in a precious girls life in some way...YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!! I read it in a week...but could have read it in a day if given the time and privacy. Since bringing our daughters into this world, I have found my heart SO heavy and burdened for their safety and well-being with the world we live in today. This book arms parents (or those acting as a guardian) with the tools to insure your daughters grow to be lovely, God-fearing, Christ-centered, women. Aside from pointing out the ultimate fact that our daughters need a relationship with Christ...Dobson drives home the reality, the absoluteness, that WE, the parents, are THE DIFFERENCE in our daughters' lives. This is a MUST read.

Well, I hope you and your families are enjoying a little R&R, even if just being able to put your feet up for a few minutes while enjoying a nice Summer evening.

Happy Summer, Ya'll!

Keep the Faith,

Special Weekend

2010-06-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful weekend and Memorial Day. It was extra special because the girls' "Neena" (my Mom), came for a visit. We spent A LOT of time outside playing and also made two trips to the park....which was very special!! It's rather difficult for us to make it to the park when it's just me and the girls. Things that I used to NOT think twice about with just Ella (trips to the grocery store, running errands, eating out, going to the park, etc) have become a planned event. I REALLY hate this, but it is what it is. So, needless to say, it was SOOO nice to have some help AND the ability to get out of the house for some fun outings.

Ella and Neena building a sand castle

Molly just a swingin'

As you might imagine having two new "adventurous" walkers is quite a challenge. Ella LOVES to play outside, but it's hard to play with Ella and watch the twins. They seem to like playing on a blanket in the grass...and they DO NOT like touching the grass...so it kind of solves the dilemma of them wondering off...atleast for the moment : )!

Ruby, rocking

Ruby, rocking again

Molly, swinging - Molly LOVES to swing, Ruby hates it!!!

Lovin this park and the play equipment - almost completely shaded by beautiful trees

On Memorial Day we headed out to a wonderful farm to pick fresh strawberries. It was SO much fun and it actually turned out to be a perfect day for it because it wasn't too hot.

SOOOO YUMMY!!! Puts the strawberries in the grocery store to COMPLETE shame!!

Neena and Ella before we had to head to the airport

We love you, Neena! Thank you for coming to stay a few days.

Our Sunday church service was dedicated to all of the men and woman that have served or are currently serving our WONDERFUL country. I am OVERWHELMED with gratitude for their sacrifice. I whole-heartedly understand that EVERY freedom I enjoy was and is bought at a price. That my salvation, my soul, was bought at the price of Jesus Christ suffering and dying for me, and that the free country I live in was bought at the price of countless men and woman giving their lives so that I...and my girls could experience freedom. I'll get off my soap box in a second, but many of our freedoms are being squandered. PLEASE, PLEASE appreciate and defend these freedoms that we have been given. Show respect and teach your children how to respect. Honor our servicemen and woman. Honor our country.

Here's to a wonderful Summer!!

Keep the Faith,

Springtime

2010-05-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Lots has happened in our house over the last few weeks...or months, rather. I don't know who was kidding when I decided to start a blog. Not that I am any busier than all of the other mothers out there...I just can't seem to post as often as I would like.

Molly and Ruby turned one at the end of March and my parents (Neena and Papa) came in town for a few days around their birthday. I had a small gathering to celebrate. It was actually Easter weekend...so everything was Easter themed of course.

I had little cupcake toppers personalized with their names with a little bunny or Easter egg. They were so cute!

The girls weren't all too excited about the cake. They had a few bites and then moved on to better things...

I made the cupcakes and their little "smash" cakes. It reminded me of baking little cakes in a mini bake oven when I was young...so fun. I had big plans to make another "big" cake like Ella's, but I decided to keep it simple.

Opening gifts, so fun!

Ella girl doing her favorite thing...eating a "special surprise" she calls it.

We are spending pretty much every pretty day outside playing in the sandbox. Thanks, Grandma Diane! Ella could REALLY live outside. She just L-O-V-E-S it!

AND...my munchkins..,are walking!! GASP...I know. Of course they are a little wobbly, but getting better everyday. I'm not sure how I thought it would get easier after the first year. One Mom + 3 curious WALKING kiddos = TOTAL CHAOS!!! BUT as you might be able to gather seeing the above photos...I wouldn't give it up for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!!!

Hope ya'll are having a fun-filled Spring!!

Keep the Faith,

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!!!

Lord, I lift your name on high

Lord, I love to sing your praises

I'm so glad you're in my life

I'm so glad you came to save us

You came from heaven to earth, to show the way

From the earth to the cross, MY debt to pay

From the cross to the grave

From the grave to the sky

LORD, I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH

I hope you and yours have a blessed day!

Happy Sunday, Ya'll!!

Keep the Faith,

Cool Rider

2010-03-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Have you guys seen the Grease movies?? I have to tell you, I have loved those movies for years. My favorite growing up was Grease 2. Come to find out as I hit adulthood, these are not the best movies for a youngster to be watching (who would have thought??). Although I will say they are extremely tame compared to today's standards. ANYWAY, one of my favorite songs when I was young was Cool Rider. That is what I have been calling Ella lately. She's a C-O-O-O-O-L RIDER, C-O-O-O-O-L Rider...

My Mom (Ella's Neena) bought a tri-cycle about 6 months ago for Ella, and she couldn't reach the pedals at the time. Well, she can reach them now...WHOA NELLY, WATCH OUT!!! As if I didn't have enough craziness already!! She just L-O-V-E-S it! As you can see, we have been using it indoors because it has been so cold outside. Well, not to disappoint, Ella's Grandma came to visit for Spring Break last week and brought up a REAL bicycle from Ella's cousin Reese (with training wheels of course) and she had a blast with this as well. Thank you, Reese!! It was VERY apparent we needed a helmet, and I am so surprised she loves to wear it too.

Grandma treated us to lots of fun stuff, but one thing worth mentioning is this two-seater wagon that we found at a resale shop...and we LOVE it!! Thanks, Grandma! We were able to sneak in a ride the day before the Spring snow storm arrived.

Molly enjoying the ride

Ella had to be apart of the action, until Molly and Ruby started pulling her hair

And the sweetest pic of Ruby having her night-time bottle. She was SO tired, but hungry too!

Hope you are having a GREAT week!

Happy Monday, Ya'll!

Keep the Faith,

Quote to ponder...

2010-03-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

On my way to the store yesterday I saw this on the marquee in front of one of the churches I pass. I thought I would share.

JOY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF DIFFICULTIES, BUT THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

It's been a while since I posted. The twins are mobile. They are crawling and cruising everywhere. I'm pretty sure they will be walking in a few weeks. Needless to say, I am even busier than I was before...now chasing after 3 mobile little people. I hope everyone is doing great! I can actually see blue sky outside, so I'm thinking we will be outdoors today.

Happy Thursday, Ya'll!

Keep the Faith,

Show Us Your Life - My Typical Day

2010-03-05T06:58:00.001-08:00

Today at Kelly's Korner it is "Show Us Your Life - What is your Typical Day Like?" I have so enjoyed reading about everyone's daily happenings and routines. I am sure this is a TOTAL bore, but I thought I would join in....

If you can't tell, I am a creature of ROUTINE ; )!!! I find there is no other way to get through a day with 3 little ones (2 yr old and 11 month old twins).

5:00-7:00 WAKE-UP

Depends on the day, but normally one of the twins starts calling out around 6:00ish. I get up and make bottles and then bring them both downstairs to eat (If only one is awake, I wake the other so they will be on the same schedule for the day). If one wakes at 5:00, I usually just grab the one awake and bring her to bed with me for an hour. Sometimes they fall back asleep, sometimes they just lay and talk to me. It's funny that they sometimes switch off who is the early bird, but I look at it as my one-on-one cuddle time that is so hard to come by when you have multiples. Ella normally wakes around 6:30-7:00ish. She will lay and cuddle with her baby-doll for a while...I watch the monitor for when she sits up and then I usually go and get her. I bring her downstairs and she has a cup of milk while she watches Mickey Mouse Playhouse. While everyone is having their morning drink, I take 10-15 minutes to get dressed and put on some make-up.

7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST

We have breakfast. While the twins sit in their bouncy seats with a few puffs, I normally fix Ella and I breakfast (oatmeal, cheese toast, yogurt, cereal, etc). When Ella is done, she will usually play or color while I feed the twins. Monday and Friday are our stay at home days, so the girls usually stay in their pajamas and we play after breakfast. On Tuesday-Thursday, I get the girls dressed one at a time and usually get the twins loaded in their carseats. I load the car with bags and then make a few trips to get everyone loaded and in their carseats (this process usually takes about 10-15 minutes)

9:00-11:00 PLAYTIME/NAPTIME

On Monday and Friday, this is play time. The twins usually go down for their morning nap around 9 or 9:30 and if I'm lucky will sleep for an hour. This play time with Ella. We read books, play with toys, color. Lately on Monday and Friday, I am able to grab a quick shower while Ella watches Sesame Street. I also start some of my chores for the day. I have specific chores slotted for each day, so depending on the day I will start laundry, etc. I save time intensive chores for Wednesday when the girls are at MDO or for the weekend when Wes is home.

10:30-12:00 LUNCH

The twins usually wake up from their nap about this time and have a bottle. While they are having their bottle, I usually fix Ella's lunch. Most days we are lucky to see Daddy at lunch time and when he gets home I will make a quick lunch for us. After my lunch, I will then feed the twins their lunch.

12:00 PLAYTIME

After lunch, we usually play for an hour or so before afternoon naptime.

1:00-3:00 NAPTIME

This is afternoon naptime. If we've had a morning out, I try my hardest to make it home in time for naptime. Our household does not function without this naptime. Ella normally falls fast asleep and the twins normally talk, play, and sometimes cry in their cribs for about 30 minutes before going to sleep. If my day had an "early" start, I may lay down myself. This is also when I get a few moments to pay bills, do my bible study, look at the computer, etc.

3:00-5:00 PLAYTIME/SNACK

The twins almost always wake up before Ella. They have an afternoon bottle and when Ella wakes up, I bring her downstairs for some juice and a snack. We then play until about 4:45-5:00 ish when I start thinking about starting dinner.

5:00-6:30 DINNER

I get dinner started and around 5:30 I will feed the twins their dinner. Some days, Ella is hungry for dinner before Wes makes it home from work, so I will feed her dinner. Most days we are eating dinner at 6-6:30 ish.

6:30-7:00 BATH TIME

After dinner, Wes and I take all of the girls upstairs for baths. After bath, we normally play for a little bit before coming back downstairs for the twins night time bottle and Ella's story time. We usually read a few books, play, cuddle and most nights we will Skype grandparents.

8:00 BEDTIME

I put Ella down for the night. We sit and rock for a few minute and say our prayers. The twins have usually finished their bottles and fallen asleep and get taken upstairs for the night.

8:00-10:00 DOWN TIME

After the girls are down for the night, I do the dishes, and Wes and I do a quick tidy of the downstairs area. If I haven't had the chance during the day, I will finish folding any laundry and put it away. This is also when I get things prepared for the next day. Some nights, I get to sit down and prop my feet up with a glass of milk and few oreos while watching DVR'd Barefoot Contessa, CakeBoss, or a new guilty pleasure Housewives of whatever. I then take a shower and am usually in bed by 9:30 ish. I may read a few pages of a magazine and then turn my light off by 10:00.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:55:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I hope you and your family are having a wonderful "LOVE" filled Valentine's weekend.

Wes and I had a few hours to ourselves on Friday, thanks to Parent's Night Out at Church. Needless to say, we LIVE for these nights. We are SO grateful and thankful to be apart of a Church that ministers to us in this way. We got to have dinner at one of our favorite places, Doe's Eat Place (yummy steak and homemade french fries), and then "browsed" the isles at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. Truly a romantic evening. All kidding aside, it REALLY was a wonderful evening. My heart is so happy when I get to spend time with my husband. I love you, Wes.

Then, to top it all off, I got to wake up to these 3 sweet faces this morning. I can't think of anything better! I have a little quote on my vanity in my bedroom that says " Children are LOVE made visible"...couldn't be more true.

I hope you are able to see "love" in something today.

Have a GREAT week!

Keep the Faith,

Ella Kate's Birthday Week

2010-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

Has it really been THAT long since I've posted?? Yep, I guess it has. We traveled to Texas for Christmas break and spent 14 days visiting my family and Wes's family (yes, 14). I will have to do a "catch up" post about Christmas in the next day or so, but I MUST do a post about Ella Kate's Birthday week. She is "two yers ode" in her own words...or rather 2 years old!!

Our Birthday week started out with a visit from our Grandma Diane (Ella calls her "Magaw", which sounds like grandma backwards...not sure why she gets it mixed up, but I've come to find it rather adorable). Anyway, Grandma flew in from Texas to visit for a few days and as always completely spoiled all of us. Of course, Ella received some wonderful gifts, and she treated us to take out every night so I didn't have to cook (a welcome reprieve) and she helped me around the house, and with the girls. Needless to say, I am always happy to have an extra set of hands...for the wonderful company and the extra help.

Presents from Grandma

pretend ice cream...she walks around saying "mum mum" or yum-yum

Ella's new kitchen - LOVES IT!! Can you tell??

We celebrated with pizza (Ella's favorite) and birthday cake.

Then on Ella's "real" birthday, I took some adorable petit fours to MDO for sharing with the other kiddos...and they were SUPER yummy!! Ella REALLY enjoyed them!

To end the Birthday week, my parents (Neena and Papa) flew in from Texas. They were scheduled to fly in Thursday evening, and we were receiving news of impending winter weather all day Thursday and Friday. I was REALLY concerned they were not going to make it and that their flight would be cancelled...BUT, God worked a miracle...or at least in my eyes He did. Southwest Airlines called my Mom Wednesday afternoon and said they needed to re-book their flight due to the weather. They said they didn't have a flight for sure until Friday evening...my mom said what about tonight (Wednesday) and the representative had room on the latest flight Wednesday....SO....they got to our house about 12:30 am on Thursday morning. PRAISE THE LORD!!! Ummm, you could say I was rather happy...over-joyed is more like it!

Anyway, we stayed indoors most of their visit because the weather DID come, and my mom helped me tackle mountains of laundry (it NEVER ends!!!). They thoroughly enjoyed EVERY second of their time with the girls.

The Birthday week ended with a party at The Little Gym (or The Wittle Bim in Ella's words). She had a BLAST!!! The weather and roads did keep many of the guests from coming, but I think all that were able to make it had a good time. Thanks to all of you that braved the nasty road conditions

The Party Room

Birthday Cake

5 hrs and 4 double recipes of icing...I think it turned out ok, but I'm not opening a bakery anytime soon.

The cutest, most fun, smartest, sweetest 2 year old in the world...remember this is her Mom talking...

Ella climbing the rock wall

Sarah Kate on the balance beam

Ella Kate on the balance beam

Parachute time

Jumping time

Cake time...yay!!!

My sweet Ella girl...you are the spring in my step and the twinkle in my eye...I LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

So, I finally have a second to post pictures of the VERY few Christmas decorations I put up. I am not putting myself on any blog tour or such as I am pretty embarrassed with my skills compared to all of the other crafty ladies out there. I considered not decorating this year because we leave this coming Saturday for a 15 day road trip, but I'm glad I went ahead and decorated some...Ella loved helping me decorate the tree (only one ornament down) and when I finished the stairs, she said "so pwetty!!". I didn't think she would really notice that much, but I was mistaken.

Our household has been plagued with one sick baby after the other and right now ALL three at the same time, so I decorated a little here and there over the past two weeks. I know from reading other blogs that so many other families are experiencing the same thing and all I have to say is it REALLY stinks! Oh well, I guess it just comes with the territory! I guess I'm telling you this so you won't make fun of my efforts!

The Christmas Tree - I don't really have a theme, the ornaments are from our childhood, a few others I've purchased through the years, and now ornaments for the girls. I guess the only thing I could say regarding themes is that I always use red ribbon or beads on the tree every year...the same ribbon, just used differently each year.

Wreath hanging on the mirror in the Entry - same thing goes here - I've had this wreath for many years, I add other ornaments and ribbon each year to do something different.

Mini Christmas Tree and Ella's first picture with Santa from last year

Nativity from Wes's godmother, given to him when he was a child

Garland on the stairs - I've had these decorations for many years, this year I decided to do a candy cane - red/white garland on the stairs. In past years, I've used them over the fireplace or on the Buffet.

Wreath over the window in the kitchen

This is the garland over the fireplace in our Dining Room - I usually decorate this with ornaments and such, it's also where I hang the stockings, but this year we will be taking them with us on our trip.

This will probably be my last post until 2010, we'll see (I may have to post a few pics from Ella's school play on Thursday). Either way, we want to wish your family a VERY Merry Christmas!! Our friends and family will be receiving this Christmas card. We are SO "JOY-ful" of all God has blessed us with this year. It has been an eventful year in our house and we want to thank everyone for their much needed prayers and helping hands - the Lord knows we've needed every single kind gesture you have extended to us. We are FOREVER grateful!

Merry Christmas, Ya'll!

Keep the Faith,

Thanksgiving and Ruby's Surgery

2009-12-04T10:57:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm a little behind (surprised?) in posting pics from our trip to Texas. Ruby had surgery on her foot the day after we returned. I will share a little bit about that experience below. We took a road trip to Tenaha, Texas where my Dad's parents live, my Bobo and Pop, and the girls great-grandparents. We had a wonderful time!

This is a picture of "The Farm". That is what the grand-kids have called it since my Bobo and Pop moved there. This house has many additions that were added over the years. All of the work was done by my grandfather, dad, uncle, cousins, and brothers.

This is my Bobo and Ella playing with Ella's house. This time, Ella took right to her Bobo and Pop. On our last visit, she was a little bashful.

This is Lisa, my brother's fiance (7 months to go). She is kind of learning her way around the kitchen. She made the pecan pies and they were SOOO good! I am so glad my brother is marrying Lisa. She is so much fun and so down-to-earth...she really fits perfectly in the mix.

Soooo, my project was the turkey for Thanksgiving, 2 of them. I've never prepared a raw turkey. I've always ordered one from Honey Baked Ham or last year I ordered a fried turkey from a local Cajun restaurant. I'd just watched a Barefoot Contessa episode a few days before, and modified her technique (if I had used truffle butter like hers I might have had an uprising). Anyway, I rubbed TONS of butter under the skin and on the outside and salted and peppered liberally, cooked at 325 for 2 1/2 hours. It was SOOOO good! No bragging, just really proud it didn't turn out like Christmas Vacation...you know the scene..."If this tastes as good as it looks, we're in for a REAL treat!!" and then the turkey burst open dry to the bone.

Ella all ready for some outside time. If she could stay outside ALL day, she would be a happy girl!

Just a swing-in'

4-wheel-in it

Uncle Jim and Ella at the pond

Uncle Jim and Ella on the tractor

Papa and Ella sitting by the fire, looking at the stars

Ever tried to transport 3 babies?? Well, it's not easy. We encountered a dilemma as the twins are getting too heavy in their carseats to lift them in and out of the car. However, I have Schwarzenegger shoulder muscles, now. So, I did some searching on Craigslist and found this triple jogger and another front-to-back 3 seater and I think we might be set for a while. They are used, but I don't care!! In fact, I don't think I will EVER buy brand new baby gear EVER again! My parents ended up springing for this stroller and my in-laws gifted the other...what a BLESSING!

Molly and Ruby sitting up like big girls. They are doing pretty good sitting up, but still fall over from time to time. The Boppy pillows seem to give them the support they need.

Nana and Aunt Susan feeding Molly and Ruby

Where you find Papa, you also find Ella...all-the-time!

Papa and Ruby

Uncle Jim and Molly

Uncle Grant and Molly

Our Thanksgiving past-time, puzzles!!

more puzzles...

So, clearly we had a good time and I got a little bit of hands free time...which was much needed and appreciated!!! I also got to take a 3 HOUR NAP one day. Holy Cow was that amazing!! I NEVER get to take a nap. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

RUBY'S SURGERY

When we returned, Ruby had surgery at 6:30 the next morning. She was born with an extra digit (toe) on her left foot (bone and all). So, to ensure she would be able to wear cute flip-flops and sandals one day and prevent trouble walking we had the extra toe removed. She has the CUTEST itty-bitty cast on her foot right now. You can see the before picture. I had to take one so that we could show her someday. I will show you the after picture once it heals. She did really well. I could tell she was in pain the first few days, but she seems to be doing just fine now.

Quick story about that day. I was a little nervous about the surgery to say the least. They had to put her under and the procedure was quite invasive because they had to remove bone. I was praying on the way to the hospital that God would surround her with protection. When we checked in, we were shown to our waiting area within 5 minutes and a Chaplain was waiting for us with a teddy bear. He asked if he could have a word of prayer with me. My eyes welled up with tears. He covered her with prayer. We waited about an hour and then they took us to pre-op where we met with the Doctor. After we finished meeting, he asked if he could pray with me before they took Ruby back for the surgery. Ok, can you say answered prayer!! It was like God was standing next to me. Why do I EVER doubt if hears me?? Anyway, what I thought would be a nerve racking few hours, turned out to be yet another moment where God clearly revealed His love to me. God is good ALL the time!!

Happy Friday, Ya'll!!

Keep the Faith,

2009-11-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

The car is in the driveway bursting at the seams (literally). We will soon be embarking on our 7-8 hour drive to Tenaha, Texas to visit my grandparents (Bobo and Pop). The rest of my family will trickle in as the week progresses. I am SUPER excited to hit the road, and more than anything looking forward to spending some quality time with those dear to me. I can honestly say that nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family. Our days will involve grocery shopping tomorrow (prayers, please!), cooking (non-stop), eating (non-stop), puzzles, dominoes, college football (Gig'em Aggies!!), and LOTS of laughing!!

I wanted to leave you with some pictures of what I am MOST thankful for...now and forever! My three punkin heads, Ella, Molly, and Ruby...AND of course, I can't forget Daddy...I didn't catch a pic when he came home from lunch.

Ella, in her 'punkin' pie onesie, a la Nana

CHEESY FACE!

Molly in turkey tee - a la Nana

Ruby in pumpkin tee, a la Nana

Now that you've seen first hand the joy of my life, what are you most thankful for?? You don't have tell me (however, I'd love to hear)...but, please take the time to tell them this holiday, whoever it may be. It's unfortunate that many times we don't tell those we cherish that we love them until they move away, or worse. It just takes a second, and can last a lifetime.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Ya'll!!!

Keep the Faith,

Stop and Listen

2009-11-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I guess my Monday Marquee posts have become Tuesday Marquee posts lately. It's been crazy in our house lately, come to think of it, I can't recall when it hasn't been crazy in the last 7+ months (thanks to 2 precious adorable twins and their BUSY sister). Anyway, here you go....

I have to say, it was like this was meant for me...like the picture of Uncle Sam pointing his finger at me...but, with God replacing Uncle Sam. How often am I able to give without first thinking about myself? I wish I could say all the time, but I'm ashamed to say I can't. Lord, please give me the heart to give unselfishly.

Something else on my heart....

On Monday, I dropped the girls off at Mother's Day Out and hit the ground running...to Wal-Mart, the gym, ran errands, made phone calls, did laundry, cleaned the bathroom (needed it REALLY bad!)....and stopped at the Christian bookstore on my way to pick up the girls to buy a cd I've been wanting for a few months. One of my favorite singer/songwriter artist, Bethany Dillon, came out with a new album in September. I found her music 5 years ago and have LOVED her ever since. Well, her new album is WONDERFUL! Before I started the car, I peeled into the plastic wrapper and opened the cd, and started listening. Ohhhh, how God wanted me to hear all of these songs...but, especially Stop and Listen. As I was driving and listening...I had to pull over. I've attached an imovie with the song and lyrics listed below.

I wake up

Start the rush and pour some coffee

Things to do pile up

Oh so quickly

Too many days I feel like

I run on empty

Does anyone else out there feel like me

But I’d be a fool to forfeit

The chance to take a moment

For You to rise like the dawn

Over my cold, tired heart

What I thought I had lost

Finds me when I stop

Stop and listen

It’s the same slowing down lesson we all learn

But I don’t pay much attention

Till I crash and burn

So all together

Let’s stop and sit at His feet

My sisters and brothers

It's an upbeat song...not sad at all. But, I must admit that lately I get so caught up in the events of my day and caring for 3 babies and a household that I haven't taken the time to stop and listen to God (at all!). Does your mind ever race with everything you have to do (much like a computer with 15 screens open at the same time)? It hurts to think that I could ever let my heart become cold and tired, but oh how I can relate to that statement sometimes. Satan manifests himself in ANY and EVERY weakness. I've said to myself, "Nothing could be more important than getting this or that done today"...WRONG! NOTHING is more important than a moment with God. NOTE TO SELF! Learn from my mistakes and take that moment with God. Whatever and whenever it may be.

Happy Tuesday, Ya'll!

Keep the Faith,