A day out for mommy!

Today my friend and I got to take the day off from being Mommy (or part of the day anyway). What fun we had. We've known each other for about 10 years and even though we've had spurts where we haven't been in contact, getting back together always feels like no time has passed at all. I love that girl! :)

We really didn't do anything, per say....I mean we did some shopping, had lunch, went to some antique shops, etc. But it's fun to have a day now and again when you can spend hours looking at antiques, if you want to!

As we went through the day, swapping stories and giggling about the silly things that our kids do, I thought of one of my goals for the new year....Redefining myself. It is days like today that get me back to some of the basics of who I am. Spending time with great friends with whom I can be myself totally, and then coming home to my family and realizing how much I love these knuckleheads. :) It's refreshing to feel this way.

I guess a day out is really what I needed! :)

Almost another year!

Wow I really am a bad blogger. I do try. It's one of my goals for this coming year. So be prepared to be inundated with some pretty boring day-to-day stuff. :)

Sadly, our sweet Snickers isn't with us anymore. She got out of our yard one day (I think she got out under the deck) and we haven't been able to find her. The kids took it kind of hard at first, Robby was the saddest. He still gets sad when he thinks about it. :(
I think we might try getting another dog later in the year. I don't think we'll go the puppy route again, but maybe 2-3 years old. I'd love to get a golden retriever. We could name her Biscuit (Haley has an infatuation with the name biscuit and wanted to name Snickers it too). I guess time will tell.

Christmas was a huge hit. We totally overdid it on the presents. I think next year we'll scale back down. It was just nice to splurge a little this year since I've been working. I think the biggest hits were nerf guns for the whole family and dolls that I made. I promise to get some pictures up soon!!

We've been enjoying family time since Rob doesn't go back to work until this Friday. He's been off since Christmas Eve. And since it's Georgia and cold weather is apparently unheard of, there have been lots of opportunities to play outside. We should have gone camping.

Rather than resolutions for the new year, I'm just setting goals...9 of them (to start with anyway) for 2009! Here's my list...
1. Read my scriptures...everyday. (both privately and with the family). We usually start off good, but then things happen and well that's that.
2. Journal at least weekly, if not everyday. That's where my blog comes in too.
3. Be healthier. I hate to just say "lose weight" even tho that would be the ultimate goal, but I want to eat healthier and exercise more. Which will hopefully result in losing weight! :)
4. Do more creative projects that I want to do.
5. Take more notice in the little things. I have had this real wake up call with how fast my kids are growing. Linds is entering more toddler less baby and before I know it, they will all be grown. I want to cherish this time. I want to do more of the little things with them.
6. Be more organized. Less scatterbrained. I need a system. Not sure what it is yet.
7. Be more confident.
8. Make plans with my photography
9. Redefine myself. Refocus on things that important to me. Live laugh and love. :)

What are your goals or resolutions for 2009?

do I dare?

I'm afraid to say it for fear of jinxing myself (I have too many experiences with that), but I want to shout it from the rooftops at the same time.
DAVID IS POTTY TRAINED!

I honestly thought he might actually go to college in diapers and the rate we were going. I finally gave up trying and decided I had to wait until he was ready. It's not easy tho, waiting. Thank goodness he didn't make me wait too long. :D

it's about time, right?

Sorry I was wrapped up in the world of creating a new blog and well....I'm slow. :)
So, change your links, folks, because this one will soon be obsolete. You can find me now here:
http://www.justhoweweare.blogspot.com

Meet Snickers

As if there wasn't enough fun in our lives, look who has joined our family!!


Snickers the wonder pup! LOL (ok the wonder pup isn't part of her name, but it flows so nicely, don'tcha think?


Ok, sheesh I'll just call you Snickers. :)

Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving is this week!!
I love Turkey Day! Being more consciously thankful for the many blessings in our lives. It's wonderful! And I have so much to be thankful for. I hope everyone will take the time to let those special people know how thankful you are for them.

I also love Turkey Day food. My favs are the turkey, cranberry sauce, and pecan pie. Yum! What are you favorite foods at Thanksgiving?

And lets not forget the good ol' Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Gosh I can remember watching that as a kid. I think my kids kind of get bored with it, but we watch it anyway! It's tradition!

Thanksgiving also means I can finally listen to my Christmas music.....in public. (Yes I've already been listening to it...I can't help it. It's my favorite!) Trans-Siberian Orchestra has to be my favorite. I've seen them twice in person and LOVED it. So, look them up and go see them. You know you want to. :) I don't think they're playing in Atlanta this year....ugh!

Speaking of Christmas, I feel so much more prepared for it this year than in previous years. It helps that I'm working part time now so the $ is a little easier to manage. But beyond that, I am really excited to see the kids' reactions with the gifts they're getting. I've got some handmade projects in the works and I'm so excited. I will post pics of some of them soon. It's really got me into a craft mood with sewing and painting and all that fun stuff. I think it's addicting...once you start you suddenly think of 20 other things you can make too. :D (Or at least I d0)

Well I better get off the computer. We're leaving tomorrow to visit Rob's parents. (Another T-day tradition). Happy Early Thanksgiving!! Don't eat too much! :)

the frustration of 2

I have the hardest time with 2. (the age). The temper tantrums and potty training and learning to speak and all of that is FRUSTRATING. I know it's frustrating for the kid too, so I try to keep that in mind but lately I feel like I have to anticipate EVERYTHING for David or else suffer a massive meltdown. And it's exhausting.
This morning we were a little on the late side (well not late, but we had to rush a little more) and David couldn't find anything to wear that matched his brother (sometimes he's insistent on that). He also insists on dressing himself. Time was running short, and although he had gotten dressed, he didn't have his shoes on or his coat. So I had to just do it for him quickly so we weren't late for school. Thus begun the meltdown. Once the coat and shoes were on, I had to carry him to the car kicking and screaming. He of course was all worked up and wouldn't put on his buckle (another thing he usually insists on doing). So when I had to do it for him, he got even more upset. He cried and screamed all the way to the school and home again. Where he got mad at me for opening the van and unbuckling him (even tho he can't unbuckle himself).
Granted I know things do usually go smoother when we're not rushed, but even then if something sets him off, he gets so mad. And it just melts down. I get so frustrated by the degree of meltdown he's been having lately.
But you know, when he wants to be sweet, he just makes me melt. He can be such a sweet caring guy. I know we'll get through this stage, but can it be today?

Reason #5260848402

Why you know you really do want a trampoline...
If you're having a really bad hair day, and all else fails...just go jump a few times an voila...it's a hairdo originale.

Oh I get it now!

I used to roll my eyes at all the "My child is an Honor Student" bumper stickers or any of the other obnixious "let-me-rub-in-your-face-how-cool-my-kid-is" stickers. (You know we have all seen them..) I would always joke that I wanted the one that says "My kid can beat up your honor student" just for grins. I thought I'd never be one of those parents. I mean puh-lease.

On Friday, Robby came home and proudly exclaimed "I GOT STUDENT OF THE MONTH!!!!" His expression was priceless. He was beaming with pride. And right in that instant, it clicked and I "got" the whole bumper sticker thing. I am so proud of my little guy. How can I not sport the sticker on my minivan? (and the eek face next to it was already there....although somehow it's suprisingly fitting.) :D

So now I'm one of those people you all roll your eyes at. But neener neener look how cool my kid is.

October already!

Holy cow, wasn't it just like March? I think the days get shorter and shorter.
We've been so busy with school and football on top of the normal day to day grind that time has just slipped away. And here we are in October.
Last month, my twin sister and I were able to take Mom out for her birthday. We went to see Les Miserables in Atlanta. It was such a fun day. I'm so glad to be close to my mom. I love spending time with her.
We also celebrated Robby's 6th birthday. I still owe him a birthday post, which I will get up very soon! (also more new pictures of all the kids to come!) He is playing football now and loves it. It's so fun to watch. I think it's really been good for him too. But maaan do they get sweaty and stinky! And I'm sure it's nothing compared to when he's older!

We're trying to figure out Halloween costumes for a trunk-r-treat at our church later this month. I'm trying to convince them to do a theme, and everyone but Haley is on board. We first thought of Peter Pan, with Lexi as tinkerbell (even tho I wanted Linds to be Tink), Haley could be Wendy, Robby as Peter Pan, and David as Hook. But those are some pretty demanding costumes. So now I'm trying to convince them that the wizard of Oz could be fun too. We already have a Dorothy costume....so that could be easy. Lexi said she could be Glenda the good witch and then the boys could pick out of the tin man, the scarecrow and the lion...
Alas, Haley wants to be a ballerina. Not sure how I can theme around THAT! I thought I'd show her some cute dorothy costumes in hopes it will get her on board. :D

It seriously doesn't seem like a whole year has gone by since having Linds. I can remember at the beginning of October last year, saying "THIS is the month I'm having the baby!!" (I believe I actually blogged it too, probably on the first of Oct), and wouldn't you know it, she came the last day. I remember the anticipation and excitement, and then the impatience and crankiness when I found out my Dr would be out of down during the week I was due. Then to have to go OVERDUE was just not something I was happy about. But she was very much worth it, my little pumpkin girl!

I'm getting ready to make a move to a new bloggy, but I will link you all once it's up and ready! :) So watch this space!

Till we meet again

After almost 5 years of battling cancer, my Dad's fight came to an end last week. We all knew the day would come, but it sure did go fast. When he was diagnosed, he was at Stage 4. We all knew what that meant. Still through it all, he remained so positive, so upbeat and so brave.

The last week of his life, things had deteriorated pretty quickly, and he remained positive and brave. Even in the moments where he was loopy, he stayed true to character, cracking jokes and just being the same old Dad that I know and love. I am in awe at his bravery through it all. Through chemo and radiation and then when things weren't working, to still know that everything would be ok. Such great faith.

He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. As his breathing became more labored, my mom held his hand and told him if he saw Emily (my sister who passed away when I was 5), to take her hand and go...that it was ok...and that we would be ok. He passed away a few moments later. We sat around him and sang songs and shared some favorite memories of him after he passed. Having the family together was such a blessing. We could rely on each other for comfort and strength.

The services were beautiful, and just as he would have wanted them. It still seems so surreal. I miss him so much. How grateful I am to have the gospel in my life, and to know the plan of salvation. To know that I will get to see him again one day. How sweet that reunion will be.

God be with you till we meet again.

summer memories

Last month we bought a pop up camper. We've had enough of tent camping in the south. It's just too hot, and well, there's nothing worse than waking up wet. We decided we wanted to go on a family vacation to the beach before the kids went back to school. Here's our "baby" LOL



How fun is this!?! Not only did we stay dry (and it was such a blessing...considering it rained EVERY afternoon we were there), but the first night we were actually COLD thanks to the a/c! HAH!
Some random camping pictures...not the best..i kept forgetting about taking pics. :D





















The best part was the beach. Ah the beach. I could live on the beach. There's just something so serene and wonderful about the sound, sights and smells. We were so glad that it wasn't really a very busy beach either. The kids love the beach too. This was Lind's first trip and she was fascinated with the sand. She kept trying to eat it. :D David wasn't too impressed with the water at first, but he loooooved diggin in the sand. The older three all loved the waves as they came crashing in.













We had such fun. And the best part is that now we have a pop up, we plan on doing MUCH more camping! :)

what happened to the summer?

Time has once again slipped by. It's already August. Where has this whole year gone? School started last week and this year I have 3 in school. That's just weird. David isn't used to it and gets kinda lonely. But on the other hand, he's loving the extra attention he gets. :) Alexis had her 7th birthday last Friday. Holy moly she's SEVEN. When did that happen again? Seems like just yesteday I brought her home from the hospital. Next year she gets baptized. It is all happening too fast. She is very mature for her age (I guess it comes partly from being the oldest of many too). She is a big helper, and a great little mommy. She loves anything Hannah Montana and High School Musical. She is easy going and just a lot of fun.
Robby will be 6 next month. He is in Kindergarten this year and so far has been enjoying it. He's already had to miss 2 days because of illness. Gotta love the germs you get from school. :D Football starts next week for him also, and he is beyond excited to play. He is obsessed with transformers and batman currently, but still like Spiderman and tho he probably wouldn't admit it, he still will watch some good ol' buzz lightyear. He is still very much a momma's boy. I can always count on a snuggle from him.

Haley is 4 and in preK this year. She LOVES school and has looked forward to going for quite some time. She is very much into the barbies and princess stuff, although she will play cars and dinosaurs with her brothers just as easily. She is very independent, and will be off in her own little world at times. I like watching her when she doesn't know that I am. It's fun to see how she plays on her own.

David is, well 2. I must admit I think this is the hardest age (to date) for me. I'll give my little man credit tho, the tantrums are getting fewer, and we have made small progress in the potty training deparment. And when he wants to be, he is the sweetest funniest little guy. He has an infectious laugh and says the funniest stuff. He's had to adjust with the older 3 in school but it hasn't been too bad. He still gets to play with Linds.

Linds is 9 months old now. She is taking lots of steps now and is growing so fast. She waves and says mama and dah-dah and loves to babble and blow raspberries. She is overall a very happy baby, but she has horrible sleep habits (which are in part my own fault....or all my fault LOL). She is a momma's girl too, but does on occasion let other people hold her. Although now that she's walking, she wants down to run after her siblings.

And so I'll leave you all with pictures on the first day of school. I know I'm falling very behind in posting here, and I'll try to be better. I need to get Lexi's birthday pictures up too. There are just never enough hours in a day. :)

New pics!!

So I know it's been a while, I am that slack. Life just is BUSY! But it's a good busy.
So here are some new pictures of the littlest midget. I'm going to get some new pictures of each kid this weekend so I can share new ones!

Grow things!

Want to feel accomplished???? Plant a garden!! Seriously my black thumb is turning a tad green!! This morning I went to weed my garden and much to my excitement, I had green beans to be picked!!! Then looking around I noticed little green 'maters!! It's really fun to plant something and now to be able to enjoy it.

So here's my garden. It's a little crowded...but hey, I'm a beginner. :)


My little green maters!




And my beans!


And this was the first pick! There's enough for the family for dinner tonight! YAY!

Party Time!

Yesterday we were able to celebrate Haley's birthday at my parents house. It was fun having Uncle Jym there too.

the face of FOUR

Four years ago yesterday, Haley entered our lives...chia pet hair and all....


The pregnancy and delivery were both a breeze and we were instantly in love.



All that chia pet hair didn't quite keep up as your noggin grew. But eventually it all worked out. You've always had dreamy eyes in a striking shade of blue.


You have always been a little strong willed. You know what you want and what you don't!


You are easy to please and generally happy go lucky!



When did you get to be so big!? Slow down, baby girl. I'm not ready!



Soon you'll be starting school and the time we get one on one while the littles nap each day will be gone. So if I squeeze you a little tighter each day, don't complain, mmkay?

Happy Birthday, my bug-a-boo. I love you.