Tubs of Fun!!

This morning we had our family photos done by our friend Liz. We met at Memorial Park at 9 thinking we would beat the heat. Yeah right. It was scorching!! Anyway, the kids did so well that we stopped by Target on the way home and bought 3 big tubs and a bunch of water balloons. After lunch, I filled the tubs and put a bunch of water balloons in each one. Each kiddo got in their own tub and then had a water balloon fight. After the balloons were gone they just splashed around in the water that was in their tub. Then of course we all had to have Popsicles! :) They had so much fun!

Who needs a teddy bear? I've got my bubbie!

I just had to share these photos. I was drying my hair the other day when I heard Bailey calling for me. Of course, my first thought is "Oh great! What have they gotten into now??" Anyway, Bailey had walked into the atrium and found Presley and Luke hugging and kissing each other. Luckily, Bay grabbed the camera and took these first and then came and got me.
Lately, they have become the best of friends. They have always loved each other, but now they are really enjoying each other. Little playmates. I love to watch them run around the house chasing each other, giggling, "cooking" together in their little kitchen. They are just too sweet!
Bailey said that they smooched and hugged for like 10 minutes!! So precious! I could just eat them up!

My sister is a blogger!!

Yeah! I am so excited to announce that my sister has finally started a blog!! I have been begging her to start one because her life is just hilarious. Anyway, check her out if you have time...
http://www.bre-breslife.blogspot.com/

Afraid of the Dentist?? Pffft!

A couple of weeks ago we scheduled dentist appointments for the kids. They made appointments for Bailey and Luke but suggested that we just bring Presley in to watch. They thought easing her into it would be better.
So, we get there and they call all three of them back. Bailey goes first. She did great, of course. I had Luke in my lap and was telling him what they were doing to sissy. Once he realized that Bailey was o.k. with it, he was ready for his turn. Having a chance to pick out a new toothbrush and the fact that there was a t.v. on the ceiling didn't hurt. They let him pick out his flavor of toothpaste and of course he chose bubblegum. The whole time she was polishing his teeth he kept saying "Mmmm, that tastes good!"
Anyway, as Luke is having his teeth done, I was talking to the hygienist about Presley. She said that normally when patients are that young, they usually just count their teeth and attempt to polish them on the first visit. She said most of the time, the kids don't last through the whole process.
Presley was sitting in my lap struggling to get down and growing more and more agitated. Well, because I speak "Presley" I know that she is saying "my turn, my turn!" The hygienist thought that she was scared. I translated what she was saying and explained that Presley was upset because she wanted to do what her brother and sister had done. The hygienist was really surprised and thought we should go ahead and take advantage of her willingness to be examined.
So Presley hopped up on the table and lay right down. Immediately her little legs started kicking and her body started shaking. I had to explain to them that this meant she was happy and excited. They were able to count her teeth, polish them, put the protective treatment on and the dentist was able to examine her. They were all so impressed with all of the kids but especially with Presley for being so young. I was so proud of all of them!
And if that wasn't enough to make me beam, the dentist said that none of them had any cavities!! Yeah!

Also, I would like to add that I love this dentist! The waiting room has video games, books and toys. Everyone is so good with the kids. After they see the dentist they get to go to the gumball machine and get a bouncy ball. They also get a goody bag with a new toothbrush, stickers and their "report card." The kids actually can't wait to go back!

Memorial Day at the Park

Sunday was such a busy day that we decided to devote Monday entirely to spending time together. Also, Austin had spent Sunday night with us and we usually try to do something extra fun when he is over.

I woke up early and made a big breakfast. I taught Bailey how to make homemade biscuits, which she loved doing. After we ate, everyone got dressed, packed some drinks and snacks and headed to the "Playground of Dreams" in Arlington. We'd never been there but I'd read about it online and it sounded awesome! It turned out to be even better than we'd imagined.

The kids were so excited! When we got there, they all took off in different directions. After playing for a while, we went for a walk. There was an obstacle course set up alongside the walking trail. The kids had a blast trying each obstacle then running to the next one.

At the end of the trail there was a memorial for fallen soldiers. It was a great opportunity to talk to the kids about why we observe Memorial Day. The older two understood, the babies just thought that the flags were really cool. :)

Afterwards, we took them all to Back Yard Burger for lunch and ice cream. I think they all had a blast, but they were pooped on the way home. I love that. When my kids have so much fun and play so hard that they pass out in the car on the way home. I love to look back and see their sweet faces all flushed, their hair sweaty and stuck to their face and their little bodies covered in dirt. So carefree and content. Not much can compare to seeing my babies that happy.

Bailey, Luke, Presley and Austin at the entrance to the park.

The tire swings were Bailey's favorite.

Luke playing on the tractor.

Presley on the swings!!

Some very happy kiddos!

I had one of Bailey asleep that was so sweet but this one cracked me up!

Sweet Luke

Presley was out!

Backyard BBQ

Every year, my Mom has this great idea. "We should have a picnic and invite all of our family and friends!" I usually respond to this with something like "yeah, that sounds good..." Then we sit there in silence for a few minutes. I know what this silence means because I know my mother. When she says "we should...whatever, what she really means is that she wants me to do it. :)

So that is how I ended up with 45 people in my house on Sunday.

We decided on a backyard BBQ instead of a picnic so that we wouldn't have to cancel in case of rain. Mom and I were really excited with the turnout. We missed those who couldn't make it, but honestly I don't know where we would have put them!!

It was so great to have most of our family together and to catch up with those we haven't seen in a while.

Sunday also happened to be my Grandfather's birthday. We got him a cake and instead of all of us singing Happy Birthday, Peyton serenaded him (which was hilarious!) Papaw took me aside later and told me that this was the best birthday he's ever had (which almost made me cry!)

Except for the grill nearly blowing up (seriously), a few major spills and the house looking like a bomb had gone off in it afterwards, the party actually ran pretty smoothly.

I had these big plans to take all kinds of great pics but quickly realized that hosting a party for that many people leaves very little time for anything else. (I didn't even get to go to the potty until everyone was gone. Sorry, TMI.) Bailey did take my camera and snap a few pics but then she got right back to playing. Anyway, here are a few that she took...

Me and my JoJo. She helped me so much! By the way, I know I look sweaty and rough but hey, I was working hard! Those people were hungry and demanding!! And it doesn't help that I am standing next to my beautiful sis-in-law! :)

My handsome brother. I love this guy so much! My sweet Bubs.

Sefer! (Sweet Seth) Already handsome like his Daddy and just as lovable!

Old friends are the best! Jeff Speck, Jason Sorrell, Heather (Jason's wife) and Sue Wynne.

My aunt Carolyn, Uncle Jeff, Bry and some more guests visiting outside. (Bry worked so hard! He made us the yummiest burgers!)

Mom with one of my sweet fat babies.

Naner holding the other little chunker. Another great thing about twins... the grandmothers don't fight over who gets to hold the baby.

The man who started it all! My wonderful Papaw. Happy Birthday to you!!

Every party needs a pooper, that's why we invited....

I just had to share these pics. We went to Kroger to get some things for our backyard BBQ (that's a story for another blog, I'm too tired to write about it right now.) Anyway, I spotted this inflated pool filled with balls. I, of course, took this as an invitation to let my kids play in the pool. I mean, why else would Kroger put something so tempting right out where the kids could see it? And really, who would it hurt? They had a blast trying to bury themselves and each other underneath all of the balls. I will admit that there were balls bouncing out of the pool, but I put them back!

Mr. PartyPooper, aka my hubby, was about to have a heart attack. He couldn't believe that I was allowing our children to *GASP* act like children! I tried to explain to him that the good people at Kroger had practically given us an invitation to play. I'm sure that it didn't help his blood pressure any that he was having to round up most of the balls while I snapped about a hundred pictures. But hey, he never minded running after balls when he played softball the first 10 or so years of our marriage. Did I ever mention that he played 4-6 days of the week? or that I went to almost every game, rain or shine? Anniversaries and birthdays included? I didn't complain about that, but he turned purple from embarrassment, anxiety, anger, whatever because I was having a "silly" moment with my kiddos.

I guess one of us has to be mature. I'm still trying to figure out which one of us that is though. :)

Oh well, at least I got some cute pictures out of it...

Am I really the mother of a 3rd grader??

Bailey's last day of 2nd grade was Wednesday. The school had End of the Year parties on Monday. On Tuesday, they cleaned the classroom and their desks. Finally, on Wednesday there was the Awards Ceremony.

I always look forward to the end of the year party. After having snacks and playing a few games in the classroom, the kids go outside for more games, moon bounces and yummy treats.I don't remember ever having anything close to that when I was in school.

On Tuesday, everyone basically cleans out their desks and then helps the teacher take stuff off the walls, etc. It is a half day and they get to dress casual, which of course they love. I, being the doofus that I have become in the past few years, forgot that it was a half day. I realized while I was putting the babies down for their nap and just about had a heart attack. I was already 30 minutes past pickup time when it hit me. Luckily, one of Bay's best friends stays at the school with her Mom who works in the office. When I got there (in tears), Bay said "Don't worry Mommy! I'm glad you forgot! I had fun with Emma. Precious child.

Anyway on Wednesday, Bay got all dressed up for Awards Day. It's mostly for the 5th graders but Bay did receive an award for Bible Verse Memory and she was recognized for having her poem placed in a book. We also received her final report card (all A's) and her achievement test results (she exceeded or met all of the required scores. Can she really be my daughter? :) I am so proud of my girl!

I can't believe how time flies! I feel like she just started preschool! Only 2 more years and she'll be moving to the big campus. I don't know if I can take it!

Anyway, here are a few pics of her fun filled week. Enjoy!

The PE teachers launched water balloons at the kids using a huge slingshot. It was so funny and the kids loved it!

There was a huge moon bounce and also a slide for the kids to play on.

Bailey taking her turn trying to dunk her Computer teacher, Mr. Todd. He was a very good sport. Don't you love his dunking outfit??

Bay cooling off with a sno-cone after all that fun in the sun.

Bay and two of her closest friends, Emma and Carson. The kids had plenty of sugar that day!

As you can see, my child is not thrilled about being on the stage. Like Mother, like Daughter!

Bay's teacher, Mrs. Short and her teacher's assistant, Mrs. Garrett. They are two of the sweetest ladies that I've met. Bay loves them.

Fire and Rice

I love how my kids aren't afraid to try new things, especially when it comes to food. When I was little, there was a short list of foods that I would go near. Those being hamburgers, pizza, spaghetti and bbq. :)

Anyway, we have always tried to introduce the kids to all different kinds of foods. One of the places that we have been taking the kids to since they were eating solid foods is hibachi grills.

I remember taking Bailey there when she was a toddler and how everyone at the table always commented on how good she was. She loved watching the little show that the chef put on and trying new foods, even her Daddy's sushi (blek). She's also drinking hot green tea now. (again, blek.)

And of course, this is one of the few places that we have been able to take Luke (and Presley) and know that we are going to be able to enjoy our meal. They are being entertained by the chefs the whole time so we are actually able to eat and just enjoy our babies. Luke loves the chopsticks. He alternates between using them to pick up everything within reach to using them as drumsticks.

They all love fried rice but I think Presley loves it the most. She cracks us up everytime we go to Stix, our current favorite Japanese Steakhouse. They all love the fire but as soon as the chef puts the rice on the grill, Presley picks up her spoon and starts squeeling, shaking and kicking her legs. She is so cute and gets so excited that a lot of the chefs remember her now when we come in. She does not take her eyes off of that rice until it hits her plate. It's like she's in a zone. Then she digs in and doesn't stop until it's gone. It's so funny.

Everytime we go I think, this is one of those memories that I will keep with me. When they are teenagers and I am no longer cool, I will find myself eating rice and I just know that my mind will flash back to these precious moments.

Isn't it funny how when you are a Mom even rice can make you sentimental?

Our 14th Anniversary!

14 years ago today I walked down a soggy aisle in my Grandparent's backyard and married my best friend. Those who were there know that it rained that morning. We didn't know what we were going to do. I remember my Papaw coming into the room and trying to cheer me up. He said, in that sweet and wise way of his "Sweetheart, if you can't handle a little rain, you don't need to get married in the first place." The truth of that statement calmed me and has replayed in my head so many times throughout the last 14 years. Miraculously, right before the ceremony started the sky cleared and the sun came out and gave us a beautiful setting for our wedding. Afterward, as we drove away toward our honeymoon suite, the sky opened up again. I think that you could describe the last 14 years of our lives that way. Beautiful shining moments, with a little rain in between.

When I look back at the couple in our wedding photos I think "Oh my gosh! We were babies!!" We had no idea what we were in for! We had this fairy tale picture in our head of what our lives would be like and when I look back now, I have to laugh.

Honestly, we barely knew each other. Compared to now, we didn't know each other at all. What we did know was that we loved each other and were committed to making it work.

I remember our first date, looking over at him and thinking "Wow, I want to marry someone just like this." It really surprised me because the date was so spur of the moment, just two friends going out. I had just ended a long, serious relationship and he was newly divorced. He swore he would never get married again. But I noticed that when I talked, he really listened. I felt like I could be myself and he would like me anyway. I remember him putting his hand on the small of my back when we were walking downtown and it made me feel safe. I remember when he kissed me for the first time, my heart raced.

I sometimes wonder if we'd known then, what we know now, would we do it the same? If we knew about all the hard times we would go through- silly arguments, huge fights, car accidents, deaths in our family, infertility, health issues, financial troubles, etc.- would we still choose to get married so quickly, so young and to each other?

My answer is always the same- absolutely! Because at the end of the day, Bry is still the man who really listens to me, he still lets me be who I am, still makes me feel safe and cherished and he still makes my heart race when he kisses me.

Happy Anniversary babe! I look forward to many more years with you! I love you!!

I thought it would be funny to include some pics of our last 14 years together. Try not to laugh to hard...

Our first "professional picture" together. Bry bought me an Alabama sweatshirt soon after our first date. He started the brainwashing early. (Sorry about the quality of the pics. I didn't have time to scan them all so I just took pics of them instead so they are a little fuzzy.)

This was our first New Year's Eve as a married couple. Bry grew his goatee shortly before this and I loved it. He is not allowed to shave it off now. :)

Being silly together. We loved going to arcades together. (Don't ya love the scrunchie?)

One of our first vacations together. Spring Break in Hot Springs.

Ha! Don't hate. You know you have an old time photo at home too!

Bry's company sent us to San Fransico for a convention. My first time in California. We had so much fun! (Let the weight gain begin.)

I love this picture. I think I was ticked off at him about something. hehe.

We love photo booths.

After many heartbreaking years of trying to start our family, our first little miracle was on the way!

Bryan was so excited to be a Daddy!

It has to be love to let something this large sit on your lap!!

Our first family photo with our precious Bailey!

After seeing the first family photo I got off my butt and lost the weight! Yeah!

We wanted some pictures of us for our room. Jo came over and we had a little photo shoot. These are my favorite pics of us ever.


All dressed up for Bry's office Christmas party.


The last professional photo of us before our family expanded again... and again. :)

Surprise, surprise. We are better at making babies than we thought. :) Our precious family!

Here we are now, 14 years later. A little older, a lot more tired, but still hanging in there together!