Our life with 3

Undies...

2012-02-16T10:59:00.000-05:00

It happened a while ago (around Christmas), these are no longer in our house.
But these are.

And we are so proud:)

Time

2012-02-14T10:42:00.004-05:00

Lately time has gotten the better of me. I have been doing tons of at home projects that have needed to get done, but in doing those before you know it a couple of hours have flown by.

Last Monday was a bad day. I got into a car accident, my fault which makes it worse. The twins were with me and thankfully all right after the shock! I am blessed to have a husband who can step into a school pick up role and lucky to have a neighbor with a mini van who will come and pick up stranded people in need. I am fortunate. My car had to be towed and we will hopefully see it again on or before March 2nd. Until then I am borrowing my moms 4 door. It is amazing how tight things are with three car seats, but I am not complaining, just glad to have wheels to get around. Last week without a car gave me a chance to get lots of things done around the house- moving furniture, cleaning out rooms filled with junk, and just being home. It is amazing what all you get done when you do not have to leave the house in the mornings.

One thing we accomplished was getting Logan's toddler bed out of his room and the big boy bed up from the basement. He looks so tiny in this big bed.

But he is so happy.

I am sure there are more projects to come- painting Logan's room and the garage are on the list. But for today, we are doing a bit of coloring.

Birthdays Celebrated

2012-02-06T13:26:00.006-05:00

How do you celebrate two birthdays in one day? Well you do a 1/2 and 1/2 birthday...

One wants Lightening McQueen and

the other wants Ariel. Step 1: Invite your family.

Step 2: Play a game of pin the flower on Ariel.

Step 3: Play musical chairs, Lightening McQueen style- Super fast.

(everybody wins of course!)

Step 4: Blow out some candles.

Step 5: Open presents.
Happy Birthday Logan and Amelia! I know we all had a blast at your parties:)

Amelia's 3rd Birthday

2012-02-03T08:25:00.001-05:00

Logan's 3rd Birthday

2012-02-03T08:24:00.002-05:00

If you build it,

2012-01-25T01:44:00.000-05:00

They will play.

I have priced them and had a few jaw dropping $$$ signs flash in my head. Then a voice said, "You can build it!" I am not sure if this was the voice of Barbie or some other crazed voice that comes out every once in a while.

I came up with a plan and some measurements. Then the next day we went out and bought our supplies. And with the help of two cuties that love to build. After a few screws and words:)

Arrived at this.

Then another trip to the craft store to purchase the wallpaper. We had the carpet:) This is the 90% completed Barbie House. I still need to add a few detail items and my old Barbie furniture, but I am happy with the results.
So here is a breakdown:

wood: $20

wallpaper:$5

girls getting a home built barbie house: priceless.

Those of you who grew up playing barbie know that Barbie is all about the strong independent woman. So this was my attempt at being Barbie.

More skating!

2012-01-23T08:26:00.005-05:00

We thought since our group had so much fun ice skating that we would take them roller skating. They had another fun time making laps around the center of the rink, where the "slow" skaters were asked to stay.
Some of us jump right out there and skate.

And fall...

Others sit and wonder "why are these crazy things on my feet?"

After a few practice rounds...

And a $5 piece of equipment... we will skate:)

Sometimes even the non-skater get out there and help.

And the littlest one grins and laughs as people fall and skate:)

It was fun and the group wants to know "when can we do more of this skating thing?"

Bread and Party

2012-01-13T11:08:00.003-05:00

Well it is time to bake some more bread. I am trying once again to expand the bread toppings, so I thought I would share.

For this batch I added:

This pan has the cinnamon (brownish colored), Vanilla sugar and I will have one row of three that is plain, and one with the cheddar cheese. We treid the cheddar cheese ones last time and they were yummy.
The next set of toppings:

I did one row of poppy seed, one sesame seed, one onion and then the last row is an everything including a little of the sea salt. So one always wonders what do littles do while the bread is being made. Well. the answer is have a party. They have really done a great job entertaining themselves as not only bread baking goes on, but cleaning and laundry, and much much more:)

Bread Baking

2012-01-11T10:04:00.004-05:00

A friend of my mother in laws, gave us the recipe for bread starter. When we first got married she had given us the starter. We had a house fire which pretty much destroyed that starter. I have been wanting for years to get the recipe and begin again. Well 9 years later, we were successful. Around Thanksgiving the email came with a recipe. It is a sourdough starter and you keep it in the fridge. You take it out every 3- 5 days and feed it. Then it is your choice you make 3 loaves of bread or you toss the removed starter. In the beginning I was better about feeding and baking. Then we had Christmas and things slowed down a bit due to other baking things, Christmas things and a little bit of life thrown all together. After the New Year, I have decided that I would go back to consistent bread making. (Doing what is right- New Years resolution)

The only thing that I found such a struggle with the last time was the volume of bread being produced every 3-5 days. (3 loaves each time). So I have tried to become more and more creative with it. This time I found a four pan mini loaf and I tried my muffin/roll idea.

The before:

The after:

Yes, some are missing they are so yummy when they are warm. We even added some cheese to the mini rolls/muffins. Yumm-O!!!

"No snow" Snowman Day

2012-01-09T12:42:00.005-05:00

Since it is unseasonable warm here, we are having a "no snow" snowman day. How do you do that?

Well you dig out every snowman craft you can find and you do:)

Should have picked up that tub of snow cream ice cream, maybe tomorrow. We have enjoyed our "no snow" snowman day.

Got Milk?

2012-01-04T09:42:00.003-05:00

What to do when you are in Tennessee visiting the O parents???

Visit Mayfield

See a big cow
Try and milk a fake cow.

Wear some cool red hats and take a tour. "No pictures please of the tour."

Bundle up and sit on a cow statue.

Seeing milk being bottled and enjoying a cup of yummy ice cream. What else can we do in Tennessee?

Ice Skating

2012-01-03T07:47:00.000-05:00

Who says you can't take 3 kids ice skating.
We did it. And had a blast.
All laced up and ready to go.

We took some pictures from inside the ring but they turned out blurry and dark. They all had a grand time and are already planning their next ice skating trip.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T07:40:00.004-05:00

We took the kids outside on New Years Eve. We had some sparklers and some fun glow in the dark masks. After we came in we sipped some sparkling grape juice. What a way to ring in the new year, at um, 8:30.

Paw-Paw Visit

2011-12-31T13:45:00.003-05:00

We always love when Paw-paw come by for a visit. This time he came and stayed for a few days. It was a nice after Christmas visit and the kids were super excited. Glad that we got to spend sometime playing and talking to Paw-paw.

Thank you!

Christmas

2011-12-31T13:35:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas morning it was. Waking up in our own beds and sensing the excitement from the kids. It was great.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-31T12:50:00.003-05:00

Just a little glimps into Christmas Eve!

It was a fun and crazy evening. The kids were happy to be opening presents and the adults were happy to be around each other. What a grand evening, which began with a trip to church and ending with a flurry of paper.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas at our house

2011-12-22T12:28:00.013-05:00

We have spent the last 25 or so days...

learning and understanding,
Our Jesse Tree- this was the most exciting thing we added this year. I learned so much about the story of God and the bible. The kids looked forward to the ornaments each night. Ours were not very fancy, simple construction paper and a little bit of lamination. It was right for us.

Crafting,

reading mail,

playing Charlie Brown nativity over and over,
searching for and finding Buddy,
Making Gingerbread men

Taking "cat" naps Loosing teeth
Spending time with family.

We've seen Santa a time or two. And a parade.
We have made holiday cards...We've gone to museums

We have shed tears, laughed until our bellies hurt, watched more Christmas cartoons and shows, baked and baked some more, wrapped presents, bought presents and smiled.

I have really enjoyed preparing this year for Christmas. I have enjoyed watching the kids get the real meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate. I have loved their eyes when we read our stories at night or watched a special holiday movie. Over this season, I have learned that I am blessed beyond measure. I am thankful for all of my blessings and have really cherished this time with my family.

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends.

Parker Birthday Party

2011-12-20T12:26:00.003-05:00

The kids and I drove up to SC for the day. Why drive 6 hours in one day? Well, it was this little guys birthday...

Happy Birthday PARKER!!!!

Aunt Tip and her little guy. Just to think she is holding both her boys. Yup, she is having another boy in April:)

Uncle John and his best buddy.

I am so proud of Sara. We were at Chuck E Cheese for the party. Well they either had a toddler area or a big kid area. She hung tight with me and the little ones in the Toddler area. Never complained, never fussed. I love this girl.

Logan riding with Barney.

Amelia found this toy phone and that is really where all her tokens were spent.I am so glad that we were able to go to SC and spend time with our family. It was a fun day. I can only say that I have the most wonderful three stinkers. They really were on their best behavior, they did their best listening and loving I am so proud.

I can also say I have a wonderful nephew who had a blast at his birthday party. Kuddos to Parker:)

Somethings missing

2011-12-12T08:18:00.002-05:00

Can you see it?
Neither can we. As of December 8th at 5:22pm, Sara has lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy made her appearance that night and left our girl a little prize. Our next tune we are going to learn "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth". The one next to it is loose as well.

St. Nicholas Day

2011-12-09T01:39:00.001-05:00

St. Nicholas Day was this past week (December 6th). We put our shoes out the night before and were hoping that they would be filled with some nice prizes. Thank goodness he did not disappoint.

Christmas with Aunt Aimee

2011-12-08T01:36:00.000-05:00

Aunt Aimee was here for her annual December visit. It was a fun time. Being around family this time of year means a lot to all of us.

Getting to open presents and be around family-BONUS!!!

Parade

2011-12-07T13:33:00.001-05:00

Don't you just love a good parade? We do. The one here locally was grand as ever. A few floats,
a few singers and the big guy himself Santa.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot like...

2011-12-02T12:19:00.002-05:00

Christmas!

We have had some fun decorating these last few weeks.

Hollywild

2011-11-30T11:02:00.002-05:00

Each year we head to a special place in SC called Hollywild. It is a neat place where you can drive through a grand display of lights, go to an open field with roaming deer,cows, zebras and water buffalos, then you park your car and get to feed more animals.

Our whole Brown/Meyers/Lemon family.
Amelia feeding a horse.

Logan and Sara feeding goats.

The camel is always a huge hit with the kids, until he spits.

More goat feeding.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T09:23:00.007-05:00

We really have a lot to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving. We were surrounded by our loved ones and ate enough food for a 1000 more. It was a great weekend in SC, visiting with family and sharing a grand feast.

Brothers carving away.

Aunt Karyn making some yummy food.
Aunt Tiffany and Uncle John (with a new baby in belly)

Granny and Sara

Cousin love with new baby Heath.

24 Thankful Things

2011-11-24T01:35:00.001-05:00

Today, as we gather with our families for a quiet meal, it is a good time to reflect on all our blessings. I decided to recount mine for the past 24 days.

God and all his blessings for my family.

A wonderful husband

A shy but curious gal.

A silly boy who tries all the time.

A tenderhearted, stubborn one.

Oma and Opa finally being a lot closer.

A granny who loves being a granny.

A pawpaw who loves a great yard sale.

laughter and understanding.

Aunts and Uncles.

Nephews to spoil.

A new baby on the way.

friends.

phone calls from neighbors.

sister secrets.

children laughter

playing pretend.

reading, smelling and listening to a new book. (you know you smell them)

loose teeth

Veggie Tale Sundays

Angry Birds

Cats that purr

fresh bread from the oven

Christmas on the way, with the hope of a new tradition.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Card photoshoot

2011-11-23T01:11:00.001-05:00

Just a sneak peak at our family christmas shoot:) Happy Holidays!

Fernbank

2011-11-22T10:56:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we went to Fernbank museum. It was really neat. We saw several displays of various areas. Most of it revolved around life here in Georgia. What animals were discovered here and continue to live here.

Huge dinosaurs greet you when you drive up.
More big dinosaurs await you indoors.

Waiting for the IMAX Hubble movie to begin.A craft area was set up. Right now the museum is doing a Christmas around the world tree display. It just so happened the craft they were making is a German Christmas star made out of straw! How perfect.

Who doesn't love bubbles!

Operation Christmas Child

2011-11-18T10:14:00.002-05:00

It was that time of year again. Operation Christmas Child is one of my favorite things about this season. This year the kids, especially Sara, got really into it. We really enjoyed shopping and filling our boxes. Sara and I are dreaming of where in the world our package is going to land.

A special visitor

2011-11-15T01:26:00.000-05:00

While my parents are getting settled in their new house. We have a very special visitor staying with us, Cracker the cat. He used to be my cat when I was living at home- 15+ years ago. Needless to say Cracker is old. He and our cat Fritz have made buddies. They are sharing their food, nap places and love. I think they will enjoy each others company for the next few weeks.

Cracker chilling out.

Fritz making sure Cracker does not move without following him.

We have been laughin the past few days. Cracker will move from one room to another exploring and behind him he has this black shadow following him.

Mystery Reader

2011-11-14T12:23:00.002-05:00

Sara had a very special guest to read to her class on Friday. My dad, her Opa, got to be the mystery reader. I have been the class mystery reader twice now, and I thought I would let someone else have a turn. He read lots of great turkey books and even had a yumm turkey cookie snack.

Thanks Opa, come be our mystery reader again.

Turkey Crafts

2011-11-11T01:10:00.000-05:00

Sara had Tuesday off from school, they had some local elections. It was a great time for us to do a little turkey crafts. We spent the morning making these things. It was fun! It was nice to see the twins getting to do the crafts as well. They were all so happy with the activities.

Can't wait for Christmas crafts.

Amelia

2011-11-10T01:44:00.000-05:00

Sara

2011-11-09T01:30:00.000-05:00

Logan

2011-11-08T07:37:00.001-05:00

Bubbles

2011-11-07T12:24:00.006-05:00

Even on the chilliest of fall days, one still needs to venture to the outdoors. We found that moment the other day with some bubbles in hand.
Some of us are bubble blowing professionals

Others really concentrate on the task

Some go exploring to find the bubbles in the bushes

no matter what your personal style is, one always knows to turn your back to the camera, for the sake of a bubble.

Leaf Jumping

2011-11-04T11:01:00.003-04:00

A fun day, just throwing leaves...

cautiously jumping...

jumping oh so high...

seriously studing the pile...

A Bed in the Leaves
By Marian Kennedy

My yard is full of leaves today
Brown and yellow and gold
I think I'll rake them in a pile
Higher than my head

Then I'll pretend it is my bed
I'll jump in very quick
And pile their leaves up over me
For covers soft and thick

I'll just lie there so nice and warm
And look up in the sky
And watch more leaves float down for me
To rake up bye and bye

Halloween o costume

2011-11-02T12:42:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween! Yes our costumes are home made and they are thought of beginning the day after the last Halloween. Sara wanted to be a bat, Logan a 'pider'-spider and Amelia a 'paterpillar'-caterpillar.

Caterpillar
Bat

Spider

Halloween o carving

2011-11-02T12:37:00.002-04:00

After the morning of craft o rama, the afternoon was spent carving a pumpkin.
Our face came from the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. The kids laughed when Lucy used Charlie Brown's head as the model:)

Halloween o crafts

2011-11-02T12:19:00.004-04:00

We did some craftiness for Halloween. Saturday was one of those cold wind blowing days. It was a day to stay inside and role up our sleeves and paint, create and be silly.

Ghost painting.

Gluing ghost, pumpkins and bats.

Painting a pumpkin

Afternoon in Acworth

2011-10-28T10:43:00.004-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I took the kids to a small town near by. They have various book characters on display. Sara and I talk about them everyday on our way to and from school.

"Pinkalicious" one of our all time favorite books.
"where's Waldo"

"The cat in the hat"

I am not sure what this one is. I thought Goldilocks?

"Where the Wild Things are"

Another Cat in the Hat

"Little Red Riding Hood"

"Junie B. Jones"

"If you give a mouse a cookie"

"No, David!" (Amelia loves to go around the house saying- "Stop that this instant."- cuter with a 2 year old voice.

"Moo, Click, Click, Clack"It was another fun outing. The only scary part was these book characters on right on the road. Keeping all three of my litte ones together was a small act.

Helen- Oktoberfest, Festhall

2011-10-27T01:24:00.002-04:00

Friday night, we went to the Festhall in Helen to do some serious dancing. When the chicken dance came on those three flew to the dance floor and kicked their heels up. What a grand time. Logan had a blast dancing with Granny, he wanted to go back the next night and dance some more with her, but the line and the crowds were a little too much for me.
We had a great time on this trip to Helen. Many memories were made and new traditions began. We are so thankful to have had Granny along, it is always nicer to share experiences with family.

anniversary

2011-10-26T01:21:00.000-04:00

Helen Corn Maze

2011-10-25T09:51:00.004-04:00

After leaving Cabbage Patch Land, we headed off to a corn maze. I have been wanting to do one this year and there were several to choose from. We landed (after a few twits and turns in the mountains) at the Goofy Rooster Corn Maze. There was lots to do- corn maze, playground, train ride, hay ride and movies under the stars. We began with the corn maze.Dadda was in charge of the map making sure we made all the right and left turns. Granny followed behind to make sure we didn't loose a detective along the way. While in the corn maze they had several stations to stop and complete a detective type thing. At the end of the corn maze, you discovered it had been done by the pig with the blow torch in the haystack. It was fun and certainly provided us a task.

After the corn maze, we let the kiddos- er, I mean, detectives- play on the playground. Once the hayride came back around we loaded up on that and had a nice ride through some of the fall folage. Then it was on the train ride-Logan had been begging to get on it the moment he saw it.

Weekend in Helen- Cabbage Patch Land

2011-10-25T09:45:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, we went back to Helen for our yearly trip. This time we added some new fun things that were a nice break from the usualy routine. Our first stop (other than the wal-mart, to buy a new memory card for the camera!) was Cabbage patch Land. We had been there before but thought that the girls would love it so again. Amelia was especially happy with the babies and all the clothes, bottles and diapers that were there. The kids were happy and it was fun and a tad creepy to see the mother cabbage give birth to a new baby cabbage.

A friends Birthday Party

2011-10-19T08:42:00.004-04:00

I love the excitment of our little Sara when a friend has a birthday. She gets so wrapped up in planning for the party, the presents, the decorations and all the stuff that goes with that. It was a great afternoon with Laney and crew. Sara has not seen her friends since this summer and it was nice to catch up and play away the afternoon.

Happy Birthday Laney!

Breakfast for dinner

2011-10-13T01:24:00.003-04:00

The biggest treat in our house is breakfast for dinner. I am trying out several new recipes each week and have finally found a pancake recipe that is delicious. Sara says "the best thing about breakfast for dinner is wearing your PJ's at the dinner table." Amelia says" pancakes are good wif milk". Yes she is dipping them in her milk cup. Logan says"syrup, makes me stronger!"

Gotta love a fun family memory.

A special package and a visitor

2011-10-11T08:13:00.004-04:00

The last few days in our house have been pretty crazy. Friday afternoon, we received our last special package from my parents in Germany. Only one more month until they are permanent residents of the United States. I can tell you all in the 9 years that Jason and I have been married, they have never lived on the same continent with us. I am super excited for this move.
Yummy chocolate that was in the package.
Gummy bears, a real hit for us all.
The other neat thing is that Sara is the leader of the week for her class. She got to bring home a visitor to our house, Pirate Pete. He is a big hit at the house.
The kids with Pirate Pete.

Each day this week Sara gets to do or bring something special to share with her class. Monday she brought in a poster of herself. Tuesday she is sharing her favorite book. Wednesday they bring in a bag with items to estimate. Thursday Pirate Pete returns to school. Friday she gets to bring something to show and tell and a treat for the class. She was and is super excited about this.

Costume note- I have finished Amelia and Logan Halloween costume. Sara's is 98% finished. Then I am slowly working on the dirndl for Oktoberfest. Almost finished with them. Is it November yet????

Stone Mountain

2011-10-03T08:48:00.005-04:00

Saturday we headed over to Stone Mountain. It was a windy day so we were not able to ride the sky lift to the top. We managed to fill the afternoon with train rides, a 4-D movie and the laser show. It was a very special weekend because Granny was able to join in on all the fun.

Train ride with Granny.

Laser show anticipation and trying not to freeze- BRRRR!

U-Umber Umbrella Bird Video

2011-09-30T14:46:00.002-04:00

U-Umber Umbrella Bird

2011-09-30T13:12:00.003-04:00

This morning was Sara's Zoo phonics parade at school. Her letter was U-Umber Umbrella bird. She did great. She marched down the hall and even preformed on stage with her class. So cute. This is the first of 7 costumes that I have been in the process of making.
Sara posing at home.

See the blue U on her wings. Real creative huh!

Marching down the hall.

On stage with all her friends.

Fun

2011-09-29T09:15:00.003-04:00

Fair

2011-09-26T12:27:00.005-04:00

This past weekend we went to the county fair. It was fun. The twins had a blast riding all the rides. Amelia is our dare devil and not much stopd her from riding rides, except for height. Logan once he saw the fun Amelia had followed right along, even though he looked like he might just loose it on the roller coaster. He held it in and that was a good sign. Sara on the other hand would not ride anything. The one thing she did ride, she cried the entire time. I hate how miserable she makes herself about these rides. She did get on the jumpy bungy thing and rode the horses and both times had a blast.
Jason got a big kid ride as well.

Cat nap

2011-09-21T10:00:00.002-04:00

When Sara gets home from Kindergarten she is pretty exhausted. Many days I can carry her from the car, lay her on the couch and she will continue snoozing for about 10 or so minutes. Some days she wakes up from her power nap in the car and is ready to go and get that homework done.

Amelia is a silly girl. She many days will not nap but will entertain herself with princess dolls in her room, fine with me. She is quiet and doesn't disturb Logan, the master sleeper. One day she came out from her room and for a while played downstairs. Within a few minutes it was really quiet and I didn't see her in the playroom. I looked in her room and didn't see her there either. Finally after a brief moment of panic I found her...

on the couch all tucked in.

The first picture above with both girls was taken on the same day of Amelia's clever disappearing act. I was able to move Amelia from the couch to the car and back to the couch again and she never woke up until Sara did.

What do you remember?

2011-09-14T00:47:00.001-04:00

It was not our typical Sunday night. It was a night to remember.

Remember what the sky looks like with daddy's remote control airplane in it.
A night to remember the joy of kicking a ball

A night to remember to walk with your favorite Strawberry shortcake

A night to remember to play with your heart

A night to remember to laugh and smile

This Sunday night was the 10th anniversary. I have been remembering various moments from that day. I was 22 at my teaching job putting up my rainbow of wonderful work wall. Another teacher came in the room and told us the news. I remember that. I remember the feeling of uncertainty and not knowing.

We all have various memories of that day in September. All those memories have gotten us to where we are today. They formed us, united us, and strengthened us. It made me think of other days that changed us- the day Jesus was born, the day of the last supper, and even the crucifiction. What do the disciples remember? Mary? Christians?

That one day united people in a way it could not have done in another way. We too are united for one cause. God has a plan. Trust, faith, believe it.

I am thankful for the memories of that day. I am thankful for the wonderful memories since then and look forward to all the ones yet to come.

Apple Picking

2011-09-12T12:27:00.005-04:00

It was time to get away. Away from the house, away from the memories of 9/11, away to see and feel family togetherness. We have been so busy the last few weekends that it was a relaxing get away that brought joy to us all.

Searching for more apples

Sweet sisters

Tellus

2011-09-09T10:32:00.005-04:00

This past weekend we went back to Tellus Science Museum. The kids had a great time exploring the various stations that are set up in the museum-panning for gems, digging for dinosaur bones and then a whole room set up for exploration. Even the big kid in the group had fun-aka Jason.
Digging for dinosaur bones

Walking on the moon

Panning for gold

BBQ Festival

2011-09-06T10:03:00.002-04:00

A couple of weekends ago we went to the local BBQ festival. It was your typical HOT day in the south. The kids had a blast on the giant jumpy things. We thought it was funny that Amelia was adament about jumping since in Myrtle Beach she was too little for their jumpy thing(the weight limit here was 20 lbs.) They had fun and that is what really matters when you are sweating on those hot August days.

Sara jumping.

Logan jumping.

Amelia jumping.

Swimming 2011

2011-09-01T15:32:00.001-04:00

Quick re-cap

2011-08-29T12:28:00.004-04:00

So I have been a little slack in the last few days. We have been busy. Last week, we had our usual things, gymnastics, school, pool time and just life. It seems like it has been a whirlwind. Sara has already been in school for two weeks. She loves it! She has cried a few times during some small transitions but gets over them real quickly, she has made a special little friend too. She came home one day talking about her new friend and told me "she is a little person" of course me being so out of it, I said "well you are a little person too". I quickly got corrected "No, mama, she is a special little person." See Kindergartners are smarter than 32 year old. They wrapped up their two week color review on Friday and Sara was happy because today it meant she could wear whatever color and outfit that pleased her, until she was reminded that it is a PE day and shorts would be the best idea. She also has her first ear infection of the year. I took her yesterday to the local clinic and they said it was red and inflamed. They did say it is not a cold it is to do with allergies. This week she is most excited about gymnastics and hoping to go to the pool this weekend.

Logan and Amelia have been busy as well. Last week, we did several color days. Here they are working on brown bear.

These are all the ones we have done so far-brown bear, yellow duck, red bird, green frog, purple cat and goldfish. Once we finish all the animals we are going to make out own brown bear book. Jason is going to help with this little chore too.

The twins have also been really busy playing. The mornings have been so nice and cool that I can not resist the urge to take them out and let them play. They have a blast just being outside and riding tricycles, talking and laughing. I have a short video clip of them outside, I need to figure out how to load it on here as well.

Logan built this tower and he wanted me to take his picture he is and was so proud of it. I was just glad the girls didn't knock it over before I could snap this picture.

I hope to take a picture of Sara here soon. We really do miss her when she is at school, most of the twins' conversations is about her and when we go get her. They love their big sister.

Bathroom Remodel

2011-08-23T00:21:00.000-04:00

Our new remodeled bathroom looks really great. Jason worked really hard to install the plumbing and the light fixture. The mirror was one heavy thing and we finally managed to hang that. The walls are the same color as the kitchen- Paprika. At first we thought it might be little dark, butonce the mirror was hung and the light reflected through the small space it worked out fine.

I dress myself

2011-08-22T13:27:00.004-04:00

Somedays you just put your hands in the air and say "ok, whatever". With Amelia those days happen more and more " I dress myself" is a phrase we hear a lot. But the outfits that come down are interesting-yellow and peach and other days stripes with more stripes and no color matchings. I guess it is all good when you are two and dress yourself.

Green and Purple

2011-08-22T09:45:00.002-04:00

We did purple day last week. We painted a purple cat and read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? I did not take any pictures:(

Today we did green day. We painted green frogs and read Brown Bear, Brown bear what do you see? (again).

My First day of school

2011-08-21T08:13:00.003-04:00

Here is my first day of school, many years ago. I guess the picture that I had in my head was a school posed picture and this is what my mom took the first day. So I was wearing a navy jumper and cute pink shirt, those red shoes are styling.

Wonder what Sara will say in 30 some years about her first day of school picture?

Yellow Day

2011-08-18T08:38:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was yellow day. Man there are a lot of yellow things- buses, flowers, big bird, bees, swim suits, cars just to name a few. Sara had fun at school making a yellow sunflower and listing all the yellow things she could. We had fun at home too with our yellow day-

Reading a Yellow book,

AND using glue and feathers. What can I say never a dull moment.

I have two funny stories to share-

The first day of school Jason and I thought Amelia would get upset dropping Sara off at school, she did last year for preschool. But she didn't. She lost it after lunch when she realized we were not getting in the car to pick her up until after naps. She stood at the door and howled and cried for her Sara to come home. Too cute.

Then the next morning, I went in to wake Logan up. He asked "where are we going mama?" My response was "we have to drive Sara to school, let's get dressed." He looks at me all sleepy and says "again? we did it yesterday."

Hope all have a great day. I will update on purple day later:)

Red

2011-08-16T10:24:00.005-04:00

So the first day of Kindergarten is behind us and it went GREAT! Now for day 2. The kids are looking, wearing and talking about the color red.

Red on our clothes

Red- on a car Red on a tricycle

Red on hearts

Red on Watermelon.

We also said Clifford, Elmo, apples, strawberries and stop signs are red.

Tomorrow is yellow. Wonder what all Sara did with red?

Oh- I am also painting the 1/2 bath, yup, you guessed it, red:)

!st Day of School

2011-08-15T09:02:00.002-04:00

Sara looks so cute on her first day of school. She is holding a schultute filled with glue sticks, candy, wipe of boards and a toy. I wore something very similar my first day- pink skirt, white shirt and of course big red glasses. She did great walked in the school with a teacher and found her room. I am so proud of her. I had a moment but I put all the emphasis on her and forgot about my not having a job.

I can not wait to hear about the first day.

Almost ready

2011-08-11T01:06:00.004-04:00

In a few short days, Sara begins Kindergarten. There have been lots of emotions on my end. In my head I am sad because I am not going back to teaching with Sara. It was my dream to go back with her, but the reality is the economy stinks. So next week, I will be sad letting go of my dream. I will be happy because my oldest is going to Kindergarten. What a special time this is for her-making friends, learning new things, and being with others. I am so happy and proud for her! We have been getting prepared-

Buying school supplies-which included 30 glue sticks, 4 boxes of crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors, wipes, folders, tissues, ziploc bags, erasers, and much more.

Buying a backpack,

Getting haircuts,

front

back (Amelia did this like a 100 times, I thought she was going to get whiplash)

So I guess we are getting ready. Today we go to meet her teacher and then we have the weekend and before you know it Monday. I know we will be ready, at least Sara will be, mommy not so much.

Cousins in the House

2011-08-10T01:39:00.004-04:00

This last weekend we had our Cousin Parker in town. He is a little ball of energy. He is on the go from the moment his little feet hit the floor. The kids had a great time with him around. Playing, laughing. Thanks Aunt Tip and Unlce John for driving to spend a weekend with us. We really enjoyed the weekend.

Cousin to cousin
we'll always be,
special friends
from the same family tree.

A Friend

2011-08-08T07:27:00.002-04:00

Five kids+ One house+ Two moms=great times

Amy having a little dress up time with the kids.

My friend Amy visited last week. It was a great couple of days. Amy and I met in our Freshman English class and in that moment I knew I made a friend for life. We have been in each others weddings and seen each other every year since then. We want our kids to know the power of friendship. I am so grateful that Amy has been my friend all these years. She is an amazing woman, wife and mom. Thanks Amy for making a trip with two kids to see us, we think you rock!

"It's so much more friendly with two"~Winnie The Pooh

Go Fly a Kite

2011-07-29T02:15:00.002-04:00

Sara has been begging to fly her kite. She got it for her birthday. So where is a better place than at the beach. With its incredible breeze it was a snap to get it up in the air. I took this picture from the 17th floor of our hotel. Dada and Granny took the kids to fly the kite, while I got dinner started.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

From: Mary Poppins
Written by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring

Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite
Let's go fly a kite!

Inscription For A Garden Gate

2011-07-28T02:06:00.003-04:00

Inscription For a Garden Gate

Pause friend and read before you enter here.
This vine clad wall encloses Holy ground.
Herein a mellowed garden dreams away the years.
Steeped in serene, sweet light, and muted sound.
Herein tranquility and peace abide.
For God walks here at cool of evening tide.
Pause friend, and strip out from your heart,
All vanity, all bitterness, all hate.
Quench for this hour the fever of your fears.
Then, treading softly, pass within this gate.
There, where the ancient trees wait, hushed and dim,
May you find God and walk awhile with him.

~Pearl C. Hiatt

A Garden visit

2011-07-27T01:27:00.003-04:00

While in Myrtle Beach, we decided to head over to some local gardens. These gardens also had a zoo and a butterfly museum. It would have been a great day except the heat. It seemed to be hotter than hot that day, I guess it did not help that we went in the afternoon.

This was at the beginning of the garden tour, they already look hot.

Butterflies.
Cows.

Alligator.

Otter.

Birds.

A fox between the trees.

Two bald eagles.

A swan.

Goats.

It was a grand visit, but extremely hot.

A beach stroll

2011-07-26T07:13:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite things to do while at the beach is take an evening stroll. One night after dinner, Granny and I decided to take the kids out to the beach for a walk. It got off to a rocky start but thankfully all joined in.

Amelia loves the night time walk especially holding hands.

Logan was not a fan of the evening stroll, he was not a fan of the beach either though. There were big tears and much talking about the water and not getting too close.

Sara was ok with it, just not wanting to get her skirt wet.

Granny enjoyed her evening stroll. We both commented that Sara and Logan were not going to be our romantic beach strollers in the future. WHEW!

Beach Week

2011-07-25T07:18:00.009-04:00

We had debated for several months about where to go on this years vacation. In the end, we decided to head back to Myrtle Beach. I was glad that we did. Since it was so last minute I knew exactly what to expect, pack and plan. I had food packed for the week which made it much easier.

On our first full day, we headed out to the beach and pool immediately.

Three of the cutest beach bums ever.

Pool time "where is Logan?"

Focusing on her pool task.

Want some?

Happy Birthday Dada!

2011-07-15T01:59:00.001-04:00

I’m Happy You’re My Dad

I feel safe when you are with me;
You show me fun things to do;
You make my life much better;
The best father I know is you.

I’m happy you’re my Dad
And so I want to say
I love you, Dad, and wish you
A Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dada!

Love,

Mama, Sara, Logan and Amelia

Fishing, feeding geese and wildlife

2011-07-14T01:22:00.004-04:00

The kids have been begging to go fishing since our RV days of last summer. This past Saturday was our first day with not much to do. We went to the lake/pond/water area at the entrance to our neighborhood and honestly figured it would not have any fish, but boy were we pleasantly surprised:)

Sara and her catch.
Logan not too sure about what to do with his fish.Amelia caught the "hugest" fish ever:)Before we went to catch the fish we stopped and fed the "gooses".

Can you see the frog?

There he is...

Turtle in the water(it is in the middle of the picture, weird little blur)

And a deer.

What a wonderful way to explore our habitats around us.

Lake

2011-07-12T01:57:00.000-04:00

On July 4th we went out on Aunt Tip and Uncle John's boat. We had a great time until we got caught in a down pour:)

Captain Sara

Amelia navigator

Logan is checking things out.

Cousin Pool time

2011-07-11T07:52:00.000-04:00

Uncle Justin has a HUGE backyard. This past weekend he splurged and put in a pool, well splash pool, but with the heat it will do.

Cousins can figure out how to have fun in the heat.

Another grand afternoon.

A Weekend Gataway

2011-07-10T07:42:00.001-04:00

Fourth of July weekend we went to South Carolina to visit the fam. It was a fun filled weekend, beginning with the meeting of a new cousin, Heath.

Visiting with Ma-maw and pa-paw from Lousiana, visiting with Aunt Tip, Uncle John, cousin Parker, Aunt Karyn, Uncle Justin, cousin Heath and Granny. It was a grand weekend with lots of fun moments. Glad I captured most of them on camera.

Cousins

Aunt Tip and Uncle John

Ma-maw, Karyn, Uncle Justin and dada.

Granny and Pa-paw.

Check back tomorrow for some pool time fun:)

Real Birthday

2011-07-09T07:37:00.003-04:00

Sara's real birthday is July 1st. I heard everyday before then, is it my real birthday? So when here real birthday rolled around she was pumped! She was up and ready to open some presents. She had a grand day, last day of art camp, going out to dinner with the family and of course ice cream.

Opening the cards.

Presents...

Happy REAL Birthday Sara!

Art Camp

2011-07-08T07:29:00.004-04:00

The week of Sara's birthday, she went to an Art camp. She had a blast! I was really impressed with the creations that came home on Friday. Enjoy!

Fresh

2011-07-03T01:18:00.003-04:00

Have you ever tasted something so fresh that it made you drool with excitement to get it again? We have. This is the reward for all the labor and dedication it takes to have a small garden. A fresh tomato or cucumber here or there. It is enough to make your mouth water for more of this fresh taste.
This cabbage, these carrots, these potatoes,
these onions ... will soon become me.
Such a tasty fact!
- Mike Garofalo

Happy 5th Birthday Sara!

2011-07-01T02:21:00.005-04:00

Birthday Party

2011-06-30T07:10:00.004-04:00

Tuesday was not just an ordinary Tuesday. It was Birthday party day. From the moment her feet hit the floor until the party it was non stop discussion of the party, who was coming, and wearing our PJ's to the party. I think this is the most excited I have seen the girl, well this month at least. In the morning she fortunately had Art Camp, so I got to run the last of my errands and get the house decorated for the party- she was uber surprised when she came home and saw the house done with her decorations and the balloons.

All ready with pajamas on.
Decorating pillow cases with our friends.

The girls with nails painted and make up on. (Trust me people this was hard for me, make up and 5 year olds-yikes!)

Cake!

Party with friends is fun.

Sara had a grand time at her party, she almost fell asleep at 6 in the afternoon. She gets up every morning and gives us the daily countdown- Thankfully we are in the last 24 hours:)

Oma and Opa visit

2011-06-29T07:22:00.005-04:00

My parents were here for two weeks and we had a grand visit. They did a lot of work on their house in Tennessee and visited my grandparents. After all that was done, they spent a week here with us. In that week, we had a lot of laughs and made a lot of memories. It is hard to believe that in a few short months they will be moving into their house and being just a few hours down the road.

When the O parents are here there are a few things that are guaranteed- date night, outdoor adventures and giggles.

Smelling the flowers at the gardens.

The next time they come it will be to stay, the kids and I are beyond excited for this.

Thanks Oma and Opa for a great visit.

A pawpaw visit

2011-06-24T07:26:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday, Pawpaw came to town for a few hours visit. It was a great time and nice for him to travel out of his way to spend a little time with us. We love you Pawpaw.

A New Cousin

2011-06-22T07:19:00.003-04:00

Proud parents Justin and Karyn.
Jason's brother Justin recently had his first baby. The kids are so excited to have another baby cousin. We can not wait to see Heath in a couple of weeks.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:59:00.003-04:00

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

We love our dada! Hope you have a wonderful father's day!

A few less

2011-06-16T07:20:00.005-04:00

When you have twins you use a lot of these...

But in the last few weeks we have been using less of them. Amelia has been in pull ups for a few weeks. Logan on the other hand showed no interest, until this last week "it's coming out, it's coming out"

"Laughter is like changing a baby's diaper. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.”

Sara's first flight

2011-06-08T01:56:00.002-04:00

Jason loves flying. Anything airplane related he will do and see. So it is no surprise that he has been excited to take Sara on her first flight. In our house, we have been talking about it for months- when your five you get to go fly with dada. Even though she is not 5 yet, gulp. She went and flew with daddy this weekend.

I drove the kids to the Cartersville airport to meet Jason there. Once he got there, we got Sara all loaded up in the co-pilot seat and they were ready for take off. Sara had a blast. She saw smoke stacks, cows (on the ground that is) and swimming pools.

All three waiting for dada to land the plane.

Daddy and Sara before their first flight.

Co-pilot Sara.

Waiting for Sara to come back- yup we found some popcorn.

Sara said she wants to go again. I was nervous for her to do this. I had all these thoughts going through my head in the morning, even though I know Jason has been flying for 12 years, I was nervous. I am glad she loved it and I am happy that she will have something else to do with daddy, mama will still get nervous every time they go though.

Air Museum

2011-06-06T05:46:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, Jason was left with the three kids for the day. I went to Aunt Karyn's baby shower in South Carolina. He decided to take the kids to Chik-fil-a and then to the local air museum.

I think they all had a great time, I am already being asked when I am leaving again.

Sparklers

2011-06-01T07:40:00.004-04:00

We have come a long way in our house. Sara used to cry, scream and throw a grand fit with any kind of fireworks. This Memorial day, she was actually holding a sparkler and dare I say, she smiled.

Sara's new do. Cute and Sassy. (I promise I will take a better pic of her hair soon.)

Stand back.

Watching it closely.

Ahhh, Summer!

2011-05-30T07:45:00.003-04:00

The kids and I headed to a local garden this past week. We were going to head into the "big city" and go to the Botanical Garden, but on a whim I said let's stay local and get some "simple" garden. Boy was I wrong on the simple part. It was awesome. There were trails, fish, flowers galore, and best of all we had the place to ourselves- no crowds!

Beautiful flowers.

Waterfall

Wonder what the kids are looking at?

Fish-

Heave hoe, heave hoe!

Taking a break for a sister chat. These are very important. Also it gave some of us time to count our flowers.

More flower pickin'.

Look at this!

Smelling some flowers.

It was a great morning, we even had a great picnic:)

Thanks, Granny!

2011-05-25T07:23:00.003-04:00

We had a great weekend with our Granny. Thank you Granny for driving down to spend a special weekend with the kids. We really appreciate the time we got to spend with you. Can't wait for next time.

Graduation

2011-05-23T07:19:00.003-04:00

Well we all survived the Pre K graduation. Sara did great! I am so proud of her. She stood up there and sang her songs and walked across the church to get her "diploma". It was a cute fun time. I sure got teary a few times, especially when they kept saying "for the last time". We were so lucky to have Granny intown for the special occasion too. It is nice to share special moments with family.

Sara is third one on the front row- green bow in hair. I love the kid two over from her is picking his nose.

Sara and her teacher, Ms. Vicki.

Sara's little friend Catherine.

Cake!!!

End of year party

2011-05-20T07:06:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, was Sara's end of year party. I can not even believe my little girl has completed a year of preschool and is on her way to Kindergarten. Until yesterday, I had been doing ok. But that all changed at the party. The teachers had made this wonderful book of her year in preschool with these great pictures for every season and even that they had. It got me, it really got me. I had to put the book away and look at it later. I have no idea what or how I am going to do at graduation today, but I will try to keep it together.

Dear Sara,
We are so very proud of you for all that you have accomplished this year. We are proud to say you are our daughter, sister and we are constantly amazed by what you do and say. We love your spirit and you. You are our schatzie and stinker.
We love you Sara Elisabeth.

Your mama, dada Logan and Amelia

These are her teachers from this year, Miss Vicky and Miss Jean.

Tennessee

2011-05-17T07:03:00.004-04:00

We spent this past weekend in Tennessee. My parents are building a house there and due to time of travel, Jason and I were asked to do the electrical with the builder and eletrician. We decided to make an overnight trip of this. We found a great hotel with an indoor pool. It worked out perfect because it was a little chilly this past weekend.

The back of the rents house in Tennessee.
Indoor pool at hotel.

Logan figured out his swim floaty.

Sara swimming with her tube.

Amelia and her death grip on dada.

Wedding Obsessed

2011-05-12T01:16:00.000-04:00

I,_____, LOVE weddings. I am an admitted romantic who will get suckered into any wedding show that is out there. From the dress to the location, from the flowers to the food, I love it all. It is no surprise that I got sucked into the wedding of the year- Kate and William that is. I got up early, 5 am, and began the royal wedding watch. When it came time for the bride to make her big entrance, my oldest princess was hoisted out of bed to see a "real" princess. We oohed and aahed. That dress let me tell you was to die for, the lace, the fabric, the details.
I think the greatest thing about a wedding is for a brief moment you see two people in a happy place. You see them smiling and enjoying their moment. I love weddings that is no lie.

Spring Fling

2011-05-11T01:45:00.002-04:00

Sara's preschool had a huge Spring Fling. I didn't understand the magnitude of the Spring Fling. It was best comparrison like field day without the competition. It was a fun filled day with various activities and stations. They had hula hoops, ring toss, soccer beach ball, jumpies, bean bag toss, and much much more. The weather was perfect, a light breeze and cooler temps-about 70. It was a perfect day.
Sara and the parachute activity.

Ring toss.

Soccer beach volleyball.

Hula hoop and posing for a picture.

More basket toss.

Over all it was a grand day. The twins did great, they had to sit and watch the fun from their stroller and then at the end they were allowed to join and do all the activities too. Everyone took a great nap that day.