Weekend with Grandma and Uncle Jeff

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!!

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"

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,