These days

We had a busy and long week but it was good. We got all of our errands done and even had time for Thai food one day. The girls had so much fun at school and always say "today was my favorite day"! They are also both doing well at Awanas. Emmaline learns her verses quickly and is enthusiastic about it. Georgia is not as into it. She doesn't seem to understand what she is supposed to do and fights it a little. They both always leave with a sticker meaning they correctly said the verse though I think G's teachers give hints since they are the youngest class. I have been using my hour of freedom (with Hayes of course) at the grocery store which is nice. I may start walking with Leslie though. Gymnastics is a hit also! They love their coaches and practice doing rolls, cartwheels and backbends all the time. I'm glad E has a male coach, Coach Josh, because she is usually more shy around men. She seems to love him so I hope that helps her confidence. G has Coach Kelly who is strict. I don't think she realizes sometimes they are 3 and it makes me laugh. I do think it is good for G to have her.. She needs a little toughness to make her get in line, wait her turn and follow directions. Both girls ask to go all week! I'm really happy with my decision of activity for them to do!I have gotten an itch to clean out and organize all the drawers and cabinets in the house so that is pretty much taking all my free time.. It feels so good to throw out a bunch or junk and be able to see what I have. I still have a ways to go but am happy to have little projects. I also got all my Fall decor out and swapped the girls seasonal clothes. So what if it's 100 outside still.. I'll pretend Fall is here!
Friday evening we walked the neighborhood while the girls rode bikes. G did great and picked it up so fast. Dinner was yummy, we ate another helping of icecream cake with lots of cherries on top and then the kids took a shower in swimsuits. They think it is so fun and it is the easiest way to bathe 3 kids for sure! It was a good family night!Saturday Georgia and I had a 'date'. We went to breakfast, got her 3 year pictures made and shopped a bit. All she wanted from her shopping spree was a balloon! That's easy... My dad said to get her 2 because that would be the cheapest shopping trip I'll ever have with her from now on! Ha!G did so good at the picture place then all of a sudden she was d-o-n-e. The girl was trying to get G to stand up and pose by this chair. It wasn't going to happen at this point. She said to me, "could you get her to stand up?" Ummm, NO! I was like.. "I am not trying to be rude.. But I really can't force her to stand up without her completely losing it." So we were done. Georgia picked out her outfits and her hair (a braid) for the pictures..I wasn't about to force anything else!We shopped a bit and headed home quick for football funday! Reveille was on the porch and 2 flat screens were set up in the living room! We had a good time with the kids and relaxed. Bama and the Aggies played at the same time.. 2 big opponents. I was nervous! Well, the Aggies kicked ass the 1st half while Bama looked asleep. Then it pretty much flip-flopped and Bama blew them out and the Ags lost.. I was so sad for them. So close!! The McLeans came over and played, ate and drank with us til 11. Daniel even brought out his Letter Jacket if you can imagine the conversations surrounding that one.. And we may have thawed out one of my breastmilk bags and gave it to a baby who was hungry and out of food (but I'm not naming names!). It was a lot of fun...I love last minute get togethers! Ainsley spent the night so the girls were loving life! I got to sleep in Sunday AM and then I took the girls to the park to meet up with the McLeans again... We walked the trails and watched the kids fall off the merry-go-round a few times. Those things are crazy dangerous!
Finally, I got to go shopping all by my lonesome! Thanks to my mom for the idea and $$!!
It was a good week. Let's just hope the football scores look a little better this weekend.

South Padre...the rest of the story..

After finding out Schlitterbahn was closed we were bummed, but our plan B was just as exciting...we checked in to the hotel, changed into our suits and headed to the beach! HB was adorable to watch as he would crawl super fast towards the water and then when the waves came in he would get scared and turn around and crawl even faster trying to get away! It was hilarious as he did this over and over again. Emmaline wanted to go way out and liked the waves. Georgia preferred to stay on shore barely getting her toes in the water. We did coax her out after a while.HB really liked it at first but he tumbled a few times under the water and swallowed a lot and his little eyes were burning too! He was over it, so we went to the shower.We ran straight for the pool! Once again, Emmaline jumped right in and G was on the side not so sure. Hayes liked splashing and kicking. They almost all 3 fell asleep at the pool so we went to the room for naps. It was great! By the time we woke up everyone else had shown up and it was dinner time. We ate at a little run down place with great food. HB had a blow-out diaper and I was unprepared without a change of clothes. SHOCKER! The night ended with the kids in bed and the adults outside the room, drinking wine, chatting about the full moon & listening to the waves only yards away!Sunday, after my parents kept the girls in their room for the night, we beached it up one more time, followed by the pool and lunch before me and the kids and my mom left for SA. The men stayed for another round of hunting with Gauge!! They hit their limit and loved it. We had a long drive home and got ready for our 1st MOPS meeting the next morning. Thank goodness my mom was there to help me out! I was tired!!
Overall it was a great weekend and I do hope the tradition continues.

South Padre Birthday Party

For our big birthday weekend, the family headed to SPI to celebrate. It was a blast and great to have all the grandparents together.Our little family headed down early Friday morning with our sights set on Schlitterbahn. We pulled up and realized it was closed until the following day..boo! Natalie was SOOO sweet to give us tickets to the Bahn so we were really motivated to check it out! Saturday morning was the big PAR-TAY! We got all gussied up, took pictures, ate a big breakfast and sang Happy Birthday! The kids were so excited to see their cousins and open presents.The cupcakes were all over the place, but isn't that the point?!?Hayes had a rough night before and was soooo tired during the party..I didn't get many smiles from him. As soon as the party was over, we secured Grandmas & Pop as sitters for Hayes so he could nap..and nap he did..for 3 hours!Me, Daniel, the girls, Shelly and Ashley (Daniel's sister & daughter) went to Schlitterbahn. It took a while to secure our double tubes with bottoms so the girls don't fall through, but once we did it was so much fun!! I love how all the rides are off the lazy river, so you seriously never have to get off your tube..it was great..it would have been a disaster with HB there..we got lucky, that is for sure! I am so sad I have no pictures of the day..should have bought a waterproof camera!! After 4 hours of tubing, in which the girls yelled "I wanna go again" and gave Hi-5s, we went to eat a bite and nap. But Daniel was off with Gauge to dove hunt so he was exhausted with no nap! I wish I had a picture of him in his camo..he looked so cute!! The kids opened more presents and then we ate a long and windy dinner overlooking the Bay at Steamers. The night was low-key with more chatting outside the hotel room and heading to bed early.

Are you ready for some football??

We decided (last minute) to have a birthday party at home with our friends for HB and Georgia. I knew I wanted to do something football/cheerleader related so I made an executive decision on Wednesday that we would have one this Sunday. That way next weekend is free if we want to head to Aggieland for the game. It has been raining here for the last 3 days (at least a hard rain each day) and there is lightning and thunder tonight..the power went out and the girls and dogs are freaking a bit..Gauge is sweet and won't leave the girls' bedside! Dixie is practically up my rear whenever I go anywhere..noone knows what this wet stuff is falling from the sky!
I sent out an evite (I know it's kindof tacky but I didn't have time to do invites and we only invited a few people who knew about the party) and sent one to Daniel so he knew what I had on my mind. When he got home, I had to make him read it..he was game of course..he always is for a party! So I put him in charge of chili, hotdogs & football!Well, I have a tendency to get all these ideas in my head and then have a hard time deciding which ones I want to do! Finally, after lots of thought and searches for the perfect party props, I found what I wanted. I chose: decorate and make your own megaphone (out of construction paper), decorate pennants, football toss game, pom-poms and some other cute goodies like bubble gum tape and candy mouth pieces! We also used our fun cups from the Padre weekend..love the lids and straws!!I also was most excited about making an icecream cake! It was SOOO yummy..and really pretty easy and just a little more exciting then cupcakes & icecream!(in process, layering the icecream between cake) I did a chocolate devil's food cake, vanilla icecream layered in the middle and a fondue chocolate sauce on top, then topped off with whipped cream and cherries!! My kids were licking the plate, but I'm sure noone is surprised there! I can't wait to try other flavors...like sherbert & vanilla icecream (thanks to Katie)..they are so expensive in the store, but pretty easy to make! Mine is just not as pretty, but I am not too proud to serve it! Of course, I brought out the glitter glue and that makes things crazy but kids love it..it is worth the .99 to see their expressions! So the megaphones didn't go over so well, but they loved making them..and they love yelling threw them too! The pennants were really cute..we hotglued a stick to them and let them put whatever on them they wanted. They were marching through the house waving their pennants! It was WILD with 8 kids and HB couldn't keep up and kept getting trampled but he survived!(the only boys of 9 playing sweet together)HB got some sweet little animals and a puzzle. I asked people to only bring 1 present..so the running joke was "Who is my favorite kid?"Georgia never put on her cheerleader outfit or let me put her hair up but she had a blast. She received a baby Rapunzel doll, Dr. Puppy kit, a horsey nightgown & a hand-me-down BIKE..She had no idea it was not new...she loves it and is still getting the hang of it- it seriously fits her perfectly!!! We are letting her pick out her own helmet tomorrow! Emmaline is a bit jealous which makes perfect sense and I feel for her, but she is getting to play with plenty of fun stuff. (someone has perfected the cheerleader pose, maybe..I don't really know..it looks like something they do)I think the excitement of birthday month H**L is over, finally. I, personally, am looking forward to nothing for a while! Thank you very much! (Can you tell here that G is saying, Hands Off Sista!)
So it was a success and the kids had so much fun!G has been really sweet hugging me saying how much fun she had! I love how it all turned out and had fun getting all my football things out! I think this may be my fall decorations for the season! So thankful to all my sweet friends for coming on a Sunday evening..it was a long weekend but fun! THANK GOD for all this rain & great friends to hug on!!

Check-Up Day & Caught!

So today was a day I was dreading. I am not really a fan of having to go through the hoopla of paperwork/insurance/crying that I know is going to happen at some point.

Today, I had scheduled HB & G's well checks at the dr. and Emmaline's dental check-up. I decided to add Georgia to the dentist cause I didn't want to have to go back in less than 6 months. I wasn't excited to say the least and had bad mojo feelings about it all.
We started with HB crying in the middle of the night for no apparent reason other than teething and what is a Mom going to do but try and ignore him after awhile (yes, I checked on him. Please don't call me..). So I slept in cause I was tired from hearing him cry. We rushed out the door and made it to the dr. on time. We get called back quickly and start the measuring..
Georgia's 3 yr. old stats: 36 inches (50th%) and 30 pounds (50th%)..so she is hanging out in the middle! We will just have to wait in see how she fairs when she is a teen!Hayes' 1 year old stats: 32.6 inches (off the charts %) and 22.8 pounds (50th%)..the nurse actually wrote down his height as 33.6 inches and the dr. was like "that is the average size of a 2 year old..it can't be right..I will have her recheck." But that never happened so I did it myself there..and he was closer to my measurements.The kids both look great and perfect and cute..that may not have been exactly what the dr. said but you get the idea! Georgia only had 1 shot and said "Owwie" and then I said it's over..and she was fine..though she claimed she wasn't brave! The girls both got the flu mists and Hayes had to do the flu shot.
Hayes was last with his shots..He had 4 total..he was not a happy camper with big tears but was over it once I was able to hold him. So all in all we got out of there with no real drama! YEA!

Next, was Chick-fil-A on our way to the dentist..the dreaded dentist. Our pedi dentist is a referral and it was the closest one that our insurance will pay. Have I mentioned how much I despise the whole insurance fiasco. So we drive 20 minutes away to downtown, enter the parking garage and pay to park. Really..it annoys me. I love the people there and I love the dentist. My kids feel pretty comfortable there. But the waiting room could use some updating not to mention that I feel like I am across the border when I am there. I am pretty sure our blondies are the only ones they see every 6 months! OK, anyway, so I like it because they only take the kids back and the parents are asked to wait. SCORE for me! So me and HB said a little prayer for no cavities and what do you know...It worked!! Both girls are good to go for another 6 months! Yea! G got a behavior score of 3-4 out of 5 and E got a 4/5, so not too bad.

Then we headed home for naps. The girls have AWANA on Wednesday night. They are memorizing Bible verses and having so much fun. I really love this program. Emmaline's had done really well and picked up on it so fast. Georgia doesn't seem to really understand it much, but got the verse at least! Their 1st verse was: God is love. I John 4:8 I have a video of E reciting it and will add eventually. The highlight of the day was when I went to pick up E..she couldn't see me..her teachers were holding a bear and were talking about how someone gets to take it home for the week..the someone who obeys, listens, show manners, know your verse, etc....and they announced Emmaline!! I was so proud of her and loved watching her sweet face. She was shy about it and put her hands near her mouth, smiling, and nodded her head when asked if she was excited. It was priceless and I'm so happy for her. G was not so happy for her, and said she forgot to use her manners! HA! She even went to sleep with Cubbie Bear tonight! I just hope he makes it through the week!
SO overall it was a great and really productive day! I even made it to the grocery store while they were at church.
Thank you Lord, prayer works and today was a good day!

Georgia is 3 years old!!

My little Georgie is 3 years old! It doesn't seem like she should be three but it seems like she is older most of the time..kindof, or not really, I don't really know. You know what I mean?? OK, so either way she is definitely 3 (trust me, I remember that blessed event of her birth pretty well)
..so my top 3 things about G:
1. She is loved by everyone - kids, adults, strangers. They want to be around her, ask where she is, laugh with her, smile at her...so I guess I'm saying she and her smile are contagious..in a good way!2. She is spunky and a go-getter and full of life. I hope she channels that determination into something wonderful..I guess that is where me as her parent comes in. She makes things happen the way she wants them to and otherwise it doesn't go so well for those around her!
3. She is super cute..her voice goes from soft and sweet to loud and demanding in 2 seconds flat. She doesn't talk much but when she does she expects you to listen. Kindof the same way she goes through life..she takes her time and watches what is going on before she jumps into whatever activity is going on, but when she decides to get going..watch out, she is full force!!Georgia, we love you so much and have been thrilled watching you every step of the way in this life. You are FUN and remind me to not take things too seriously. You love for me to hold you like a baby and sing to you..do it again, Mommy! is a phrase I am sure I will miss terribly. You are a Daddy's girl and ask for him often and have become quite the girly girl when playing with Emmaline. You have been giving sweet kisses all over people lately and Hayes-ma'am smiles when you gently give him some! You are too funny, you know and you use it to your advantage! I just hope you know how loved and beautiful you are inside your little petite body and outside! Right now, you demand to wear the clothes you pick out and want to have freedom to change them when you want. You prefer your shoes on the wrong feet and don't like wearing your hair up for long. You love to pray, count, sing songs and not use your manners, but I catch a thank you or please so I know you are listening! You still love your nap and your blankies! You don't really care about tv but will put on the Wiggles if Emmaline lets you and dance around. You are a pretty picky eater and have a flair for the dramatic! Lately, you tell me God tells you that Emmaline needs a spanking or that God made your tummy hurt, etc..and your many facial expressions are priceless!! It takes a lot for me not to laugh at you when you are so serious. Daddy and I are excited about watching you grow up to see just where your personality takes you! Happy Birthday, God Bless YOU, my Georgie!

Hayes Bryant is 12 months!!

My Baby Boy is 1.. is it just too fast! I really can't believe a year ago today my water broke as I was heading to Carrie's to watch football and now that boy doesn't look like a baby so much anymore. We celebrated in South Padre Island with family and the party is going to continue with more parties with friends. He has been such a fun treat for our family. I honestly don't know who is more smitten with him..it is a close call for all of us who know his smile. He is so sweet and snuggly. He loves to be squeezed and tickled and gets in a trance-like state when you rub his head or pat his little leg. We go this week for dr check so will update with all that then.. He has slimmed up so much so I'm guessing 23 pounds and I am completely lost on height.. Maybe in 75th%??
*He is so close to walking but right now prefers the Bear (Bryant) crawl - knees off the ground!
*He is really fast when he crawls too. He loves to climb on things and can get on the couches now and is SO proud of himself!
*HB is sleeping well 8-8 usually and will nap 1-2 times a day, one long and one short.
*He eats a lot and loves meat and fruit most. He is over me feeding him from a spoon and likes to do it himself. You can imagine how that goes. He can eat 2 hotdogs and is usually the last one to be done at our table.
*He also finishes the Plum Baby food pouches in 10 seconds.. Those are the best invention ever!!*Hayes is wearing size 3 diapers, but probably not for long and 12-24 months clothes/shoes.
*He darts to any open door, bangs on ones that are closed.. Especially if his sissies are playing in their room without him.
*This boy Loves his Daddy.. If I say his name he will go searching for him and he cries if he leaves his sight. I love that an know they will have so much fun in the future with football, hunting, golfing, etc. It's sweet for sure!
*Hayes finally has his bottom 2 teeth and is getting his top middle now.. I hate teething... For all my kids the first few teeth are painful for them but then it seems like it's ok later.. Well see!
*He has already mastered the art of pouting and fake crying..he will stick his lip out and stare at me with his big blue eyes then let out this pitiful 'Waaa'. He also does this when I tell him NO. He's already trying to use his charm on me. He also flirts with people and gets shy and turns away smiling when people talk to him.We love you Hayes Bryant! You are an incredible gift from God and I am so thankful I get to hold you and teach you and love you here on earth! Your sugar pies are so sweet that it makes me think occasionally I may be satisfied with my 3 babies and not anymore.. Occasionally!
Your sisters love you unconditionally and are quite protective of you. They also like that you play with them now.. They include you in their 'boat rides' and in their 'birthday parties' they throw.. They serve you up a plate and help you sit at the table... You don't quite understand the food isn't real and you get mad and start whining when you can't have a 'bite'! - one of your favorite words for sure!

Campbell Joy's Sprinkle

Carrie, Erica, Hayley, Pauline & mom-to-be AutumnEmmaline and I headed to CS to throw a shower for my long long time friend Autumn and her soon to be little girl, Campbell Joy. She is due on Halloween and it was lots of fun getting together with the girls to see some adorable pink, frilly things and eat lots of good food. Hayley hosted the shower at her 'farm'..they have expanded since I was there last with a barn, horse arena, pool and basically another house. It looks amazing. Emmaline had so much fun traipsing around the land with Tristin and Tai and eventually talked me into letting her swim. They played with the baby chicks and Emmaline really wants one.."she wants to carry it in her carseat and name it Baby Chick..or maybe Rainbow or Blue Firework"??????
She is doing so good with swimming and really needs little help. I like someone in the water with her, but she does great on her own! I am proud she is so brave! I need some of that to rub off on Georgia. Georgia and Hayes got to stay in SA with my inlaws and Daddy. It was a nice break and I know they had fun. I have to say I loved jumping in the car with a 4 year old, throwing a few clothes in one bag and not worrying about all the extra items you need with the little ones. I liked having a break from undoing the carseat and lugging almost 25 pounds around on my hip. Emmaline was a sweet girl and I am pretty sure she loved the attention from me and my parents. She even got makeup, her nails done and did some shopping with her money for her siblings birthdays coming up.
Autumn received some cute things..most from our friend Kristi, who seriously should open up her own shop/Etsy store. She is so talented. I also loved getting to hang out with my highschool girlfriends, just talk, remember the old days and get and give advice about our kids. We discussed reinstating an annual vacation and I hope we can make it happen soon. I love those girls! And I can't wait to meet Miss Campbell soon!the girls got Hoyt a Big Brother book and some stickers! He is a cutie!