The Grace Family

They are both part fish!

2011-08-25T20:55:00.000-05:00

Everyone who sees my kids in the pool says they are part fish! Neither child has ever been afraid of the water and will just jump right in (after an adult says it is okay, of course!). We are so blessed to have great neighbors who have a pool and allow us to come over often to swim. The kids were in the pool the other night and I grabbed my camera for a few shots- of course they are usually under water, so it is hard to get a good picture!

He has mastered the back float!

Spiderman hang

Jumping right in!

Practicing strokes

"Ballerina throw" (twists in the air before splashing in)

Backwards flip

Happy Birthday Lily!

2011-08-20T14:09:00.001-05:00

Today we went to Lily's birthday party. Lily is one of Allison's very best friends, so both kids were so excited to help her celebrate her 3rd birthday, especially since it was at Funland! We had never been there, so the suspense was killing us! The kids had a fun time riding on some old school carnival type rides. Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Lily!

Allison was in her diva mode and decided to wear her sunglasses most of the time.

Check out the ponytail!

Close -up of the pony tail!

Mamas and their girls!

Allison has been saying all week that she wanted Lily to ride the carousel with her. Mission accomplished!

That driver is keeping her eyes on the road!

Kinsey and Braden hung together because they were the oldest. They look pretty dangerous on those motorcycles!

Seriously, they are both smiling and looking at the camera?? Of course, you can't exactly see what dircetion their eyes are looking...

I think Braden's favorite ride was the ferris wheel.

I let Jason ride the train. That's just the kind of wife I am.

Carter and Allie! Carter's mama is a photographer- I think he is used to the camera with that great smile!

Chocolate cupcakes!

Apparently Lily wasn't quite fast enough, so I kept catching Braden "helping" her unwrap. Luckily she didn't seem to mind.

Gone Fishin'

2011-08-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

This evening Maumelle hosted a "Fishing Derby." Seemed like a fine event for a Friday night, so we grabbed our Buzz Light Year and Disney Princess fishing poles, a few worms and stuff, and away we went!

Worms. Enough said.

She held it, but she did decide it was gross. Good girl.

The first 5 minutes of fishing, so he was still interested.

Casting his line (is that what you call it?)

Allison's turn. Concentrating on getting it right. Or making sure that worm doesn't get away.

Proof that I came along for this awesome event.

And yes! Braden caught a fish! And it weighed...wait for it....1 whole ounce!!!!!!!!

I am pretty sure that the kids would agree with me, the best part is the ice cream afterwards!

Orange sorbet and pink lemonade sorbet was Braden's choice. And he loves it. Gets it everytime. Go figure.

Officially in Kindergarten!

2011-08-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

Braden has been waiting for SO long for this day. If he could have, he would have skipped Pre-K4 and headed straight for Kindergarten. You see, in Kindergarten he switched from a school of just 3's and 4's to a BIG school with BIG kids. He has told everyone he meets that he is going into Kindergarten.
(the pics posted backwards...oops!)

Giving sister a big hug good-bye!

So excited to have a cubby!

Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Rowan

The character back pack that I am still cringing over.

The morning of Kindergarten!

Last night before Kindergarten!

Where has my baby boy gone???

His mama, on the other hand, has been contemplating where the last 5 years have gone and how on earth do I have a child in Kindergarten?! I have shed a few tears over realizing my little baby boy is growing up, but I am so proud of Braden and the big kid that he is becoming! Here's to a great Kindergarten year!

Do I Dare??

2011-07-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

I am not sure where to even start updating this blog! I have actually tried a couple of times and the first time it wouldn't accept my post and the second time it wouldn't download my pictures properly, so before I go and try to get an actual post on this blog of mine, I am going to just use this as a test post. Hopefully there will be updates to come!

Sweet Dreams...

2011-05-16T21:52:00.003-05:00

This little girl is rough and tough and not afraid to get dirty. Seriously dirty.

This little girl will sword fight and play Batman and Robin with her brother.

This little girl picked up a worm the other day -something her mother wouldn't dream of doing.

But, this is also a little girl who loves her Cinderella PJ's.

This little girl thinks it is a law to wear a hairbow outside of the house.

This little girl loves to have her fingernails painted.

And now this little girl has a new love for one of my old loves.

My babydoll.

I love this little girl!

Splish, Splash, TOO MANY BUBBLES IN THE BATH!!

2011-05-14T21:18:00.004-05:00

The kids love to take a bath in our jetted tub- super treat usually only reserved for weekend nights when I am feeling extra nice.

Guess I wasn't paying attention when I put the bubbles in the "big bathtub." Didn't really seem like a lot...until I turned the jets on! The kids thought it was absolutely hilarious- and it was kinda funny, but also a BIG MESS!
But at least the bathtub got a good scrubbing.

CAC Zoo Trip

2011-05-10T22:23:00.004-05:00

CAC Windsong Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4

Braden and his sweet teacher, Mrs. Amy

Every year the kids go on a trip to the LR Zoo. We were seriously wondering if the rain was going to cancel our trip, but although we had rain the night before, were were able to go as planned!

CAC Gymnastics Program

2011-05-10T09:55:00.005-05:00

Braden takes gymnastics at school once a week. He occasionally shows me some things he has learned, but never do I get to see all they do, except at the end of the year program. Braden did great- he has come so far from last year's program (posted April 22, 2010). They were all super cute doing all their gymnastics tricks and it is just crazy to see how big all of the kids are getting!

Super Heros!

2011-05-10T09:51:00.002-05:00

It is just so perfect that we have kids across the street that are the same ages as Braden and Allison- and they get along so well!

This day, the boys decided to be Superheros! (and check out the girls in the back- always a princess!)

A Sweet Moment....

2011-05-10T09:45:00.002-05:00

For all the times that the kids aggravate each other, there are times when I know they really love each other. This is one of those times.

Somehow, totally on their own, Braden and Allison came up with the idea that Braden was going to read Allison her bedtime story and then rock her. The reading went great, but I am not sure that Braden really took into account, before agreeing to "rock" her, that Allison is not that much smaller than he is!

Should I try to get caught up?

2011-05-10T09:35:00.003-05:00

Allison and Lily on the trampoline. Yes, Allison has on rainboots. You will have to ask her what that is about.

Lily, Allison and Karly getting some cheeto faces going

Lane, Kenzie and Braden

Joelle and baby Luke

Guys pretending to be excited about having their picture taken

Should I try to get caught up?

We'll see. I have a lot of pictures that should have been on this blog a long time ago, but just haven't made it.

A couple of people have given me a little grief about not updating in a month, so I will try to get a little caught up...

Almost a month ago, when it first started warming up, we had our Life Group from church over for a cookout. We had a great time visiting and eating and the kids had fun running around and getting dirty- we are planning to do it again soon!

Batter Up!

2011-04-10T12:47:00.003-05:00

Braden had his first T-ball game this weekend! They all look so cute in their uniforms, in addition to giving us all the number for Tommyteam Auto Dealers (not really sure what this is about, b/c I know for a fact that Tommy is not paying for Braden to play...)

Anyway, t-ball isn't really my thing, so I can't tell you much except he hit the ball and ran the bases- mission accomplished in my book!

7 Facts Blog Award

2011-03-28T20:56:00.010-05:00

My highschool/now blog friend, Summer, gave me this "award" way back on March 1. I thought it was cute and it was nice that she thought of me, so I really meant to comply with the award. Then I forgot. Now it is the end of March and I am remembering. At least it is still the same month! 7 Random Facts about me- Here it goes:

1. I am an only child. Many people don't realize this, and when they find out, say things like "that explains so much." Whatever that means...

2. Since I have been married, we have lived in Colorado, California, Illinois (2houses) and now Arkansas. Following my man!

3. Laundry is my nemesis. I often wonder how the Duggars get it all done. I know the big kids help the little kids, but that doesn't mean there is any less laundry. I could do laundry 24/7 and there would still be more laundry.

4. I LOVE my family pictures. I am sure a "real decorator" would tell me I have too many pics, but my thought is, I worked hard to bring these children into the world, and I am working hard to keep them in the world, so I want to display their cute faces and my hard work!

5. I LOVE a bargain! I seriously get giddy over finding something great for an even greater price. Don't so much love to "dig" for bargains, but I could hang out in TJ Maxx for quite some time if I am in the right mood and don't have children with me.

6. I used to hate all things character like. I swore my children wouldn't wear all those goofy character shirts. EAT MY WORDS. My daughter is all things Disney princess, and to some extent I have given in. She has a t-shirt or 2. He has a Cars t-shirt or 2. But only for play. And I still can't stand Winnie the Pooh. Sorry Pooh fans, he just annoys me with his whiny voice. I get enough whiny around the house.

7. I belive smocked dresses and big hairbows are God's gift to little girls (or maybe their Mamas). Enough said.

Are They Twins??

2011-03-22T07:25:00.006-05:00

We were in a store the other day (and the children were NOT dressed alike)

and a nice MOM OF 2 asked me if the kids are twins.

"No Ma'am, they are 2 and 5."

(with a foot and 1/2 or so height difference...)(But I didn't say that...)

Guess they look somewhat alike??

Pigtails!

2011-03-19T21:02:00.003-05:00

The little girl who has been forever bald is starting to get some hair! Still not enough for an actual ponytail, but we were quite excited over little pigtails!

Just a Swingin'!

2011-03-18T12:25:00.003-05:00

Check out all the hair flying in the wind! Yay!!

It is almost spring and we are SO ready!

I have done a bunch of posts on Braden yesterday, so I figured I would give the "second child" some blog time!

Officially 5!

2011-03-14T16:25:00.003-05:00

Braden officially turned 5 last Wed. We had already had his party, but I still wanted to make his actual birthday special- you only turn 5 once!

He took donuts to school to share with his friends, and when I picked him up from school, we met our neighbors at Cupcakes on the Ridge for a huge cupcake which my kids didn't eat. Note to self: the box kind work just as well. He opened the presents we gave him that evening and opened a super cool Spiderman/Batman cape from Mrs. Linda and Mr. Bob.

The celebration continued when he opened gifts and had another cake on Saturday and Grandma and Grandpa's! Truly a week long celebration for this special Birthday boy!

Braden's 5th Birthday Party!

2011-03-09T07:24:00.005-06:00

1st time to Chuck E Cheese and not too sure...

Daddy joined in on the fun!

Allison got in a few games too- she actually hit the Jackpot on tickets!

CARS cake per Braden's request

Make a wish!

Receiving his Birthday medal

Trying to do some Birthday dance

Ticket Blaster!

We celebrated Braden's 5th Birthday last Saturday with Chuck E Cheese and about 500 of our closest friends. That place is wild on a Saturday! A bit overwhelming to me, but I think Braden had fun.

Measure of success would be this:

I asked "Braden where do you want to have your 6th Birthday?"

Braden answered "Chuck E Cheese."

-Birthday party success.

Braden's First Soccer Game!

2011-03-08T08:19:00.003-06:00

Braden had his first soccer game last week.

Practice was Thursday and the first big game was Friday. Thank goodness they don't keep score this young!

Braden would occasionally kick the ball and then stop and smile. He did start to get the hang of it towards the end of the game. His friend fell down and he stopped in the middle of the game to check on him, leaving one little boy with 3 opponents.

Most importantly, I think all the kids had fun- and for sure ran off some energy!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:13:00.004-06:00

We are celebrating with pillow pets, books, a little candy... and strep throat for Allison. Poor girl. She keeps insisting "I'm not sick, I'm happy!" Strep test proved otherwise...Meds have been started, so hopefully she will feel better soon (and not share with her brother!)

Got a couple pics before church yesterday. Operator error with the camera- had it on the wrong setting so pics are a little blurry.

Date Night!

2011-02-13T13:50:00.003-06:00

Last night was date night at our house. Jason and Allison went to the Father/Daughter banquet at church and Braden took me to Chuch E Cheese. From what I was told the banquet was very nice, and my date had a blast with the 5 million other kids at Chuck E Cheese.

Way to Go, Weatherman!

2011-02-10T08:07:00.004-06:00

4:30pm

"I'm cooooold.

Princesses in their pink snowsuits

In my many years of living, I have heard a lot of weathermen give a prediction of a "big snow" and then we get a dusting at best. Well, props to the weatherman this time! I think we got almost 7 inches by the time it was all said and done. Quite a snow for the south!

Snow "Storm" Part 2

2011-02-09T11:09:00.005-06:00

10:30 am

Allison insisted on going outside, and although Braden and I didn't exactly jump at the idea, we went outside to check out what all the hype is about. We are getting a pretty good snow!

Snow "Storm" Part 1

2011-02-09T09:28:00.002-06:00

9:30am

1st Snow "storm" indoor activity : Destroy the kitchen with beans and every truck and kitchen tool available

Little Rock is predicted to get 3-7 inches. The town is shut down (except for Jason's office!) Schools were all called off yesterday. We have been warned by the news to have plenty of flashlights and non-perishable foods and can goods. Apparently people did just that because grocery stores were swamped yesterday. I totally believe that we are getting a good snow (for the south), but at the same time, I don't think we are going to be stuck for weeks! It is supposed to be 63 degrees on Monday!

Good Friends, Good Times

2011-02-01T10:32:00.003-06:00

I flew to Houston for a long weekend with some girlfriends, Becky and Carrie. Becky is a friend from Illionis, and so is Carrie, but she lives in Houston now. I was really looking forward to seeing Meredith too, but she got news the day we were going to see her that another pancreas had been found for her. Bittersweet, because I was hoping to see her, but so glad she was able to get the pancreas she was needing.

We had lots of fun, and lots of laughs. Thank you so much, Carrie, for being a wonderful hostess!

Special thanks to Jason for keeping the kids all weekend! Also thanks to Jason's mom for keeping Allison for me on Monday. I appreciate it so much!

Because I am tired of looking at my Christmas posts...

2011-01-27T07:50:00.006-06:00

Snow angels!

Repeat picture!

"snow angel princess"(according to her)

Could not keep her from eating the snow!

Snow ball fight!

Both kids looking at the camera! It's a winter miracle!

Child labor at its best

The mom and dad

Possibly a 2 foot bank robber

4 wheeler comes out in any weather

Can you tell the gloves and boots are hand me downs?

Possibly his last snow as a 4 year old!

I will go ahead and update my blog with some January pics. I planned to get some of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on here, but I think those pics are on my mom's camera.

We had Christmas, it was fun, made cookies, presents, food, etc.

Fast forward to January (since it is about over) and SNOW!!!

Snow is wonderful and terrible all at the same time- so pretty to see, so exciting for the kids to be able to play in, but it takes SO LONG to get them dressed to go outside in the snow and play! Having lived in Colorado and St. Louis, I know how to dress for being outside in the snow, and it takes about 50 layers, and by the time it is all done, usually a child has to take a bathroom break so it starts all over again!!

The Rest of 2010 - CAC Christmas Program

2011-01-04T22:08:00.000-06:00

Way back in 2010, on December 17, Braden's school had their Christmas program. They had chapel and then sang a few Christmas songs. The classes had made t-shirts with their handprints in the shape of a wreath. I am thinking for next year Braden may need a Santa hat that is about 1/2 the size of the one he had on- it didn't help that he decided to wear it so far back on his head! I actually didn't realize it was so big until I saw the other kids with smaller ones- guess I thought Santa hats were "one size fits all." Not so, I tell you.

After the program, the class headed to Chuck E Cheese for the Christmas party. The kids had a blast and their was no work or clean up to do for parents. Yea! Of course, now Braden has decided he must have his 5th birthday at Chuck E Cheese - 5th birthday! How are we even talking about this?!!?

Do YOU think they look alike?

2010-12-16T07:53:00.000-06:00

I noticed the other day that my kids happened to be dressed similarly. (this wasn't the case all day, Allison just happened to be wearing an old shirt of Braden's after she got her original shirt messed up)(we weren't going anywhere, I promise)(If we had been going somewhere, she would at least have had a bow in her hair) ANYWAY...People are always telling me that my kids look alike. Here they are, dressed similarly and no hairbow, so what do you think? Do they look alike?

Jason went to Braden's school last Friday because the Dad's were invited to make gingerbread houses with the kids. Here is the finished product- after a couple of kids snacked on the house a little...

Dance Class and MMM Christmas Party!

2010-12-12T22:17:00.000-06:00

Getting started- it was cold in there at first, hence the sweatshirt!

Starting to get her groove on!

oh no, I put a picture in twice!

A great smile for Braden! He REALLY wants some presents!

Allison would only sit in Santa's lap long enough to tell him she wants a "Tinkerbell dress."

All the kids got books- best buddies lined up checking all of the books out.

Last week Stella invited Allison to "Bring a Friend to Dance Class." Allison LOVED it! I was able to watch for a little bit and take a couple of pics at the door, but usually the door is closed to prevent distraction.

She had to borrow a leotard from Stella, so she didn't have the big pink tutu that the other girls had, but she still loved it!

We went today to the Maumelle Mommy and Me Christmas Party- the kids had fun making crafts, eating snacks, seeing friends, and sitting on Santa's lap!

My Girly Girl

2010-11-30T22:02:00.000-06:00

check out the hat/crown combo- if one is good, two is much much better!

Pretty sure she has on at least 2 skirts as well.

Loves to have her best friend, Stella, over to play dress up with her!

Even loved to dress up as a baby 6/2009

Trying to hold all her bracelets on and stay balanced, since she had just started walking

okay, maybe her hair has grown a little, but goodness, it should have - this was a year and a half ago!

Allison has had a thing for jewelry from a very young age, but in the last few months, she has developed an OBSESSION for dressing up! Usually the first thing out of her mouth in the morning is what dress she would like to put on first. She is very conflicted which princess dress she wants Santa to bring her the most! We totally have a diva on our hands!

Merry Christmas Season!

2010-11-29T07:36:00.000-06:00

The tree is up!

The lights are on!

The Christmas dresses have made their first appearance!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

- Or at least the craziest!!!

Allison got a WHAT??

2010-11-24T14:57:00.001-06:00

Oh yes, my bald baby got her first "HAIRCUT!"

Was it necessary because it has grown all the way down her back? Not so much, but since I was going, I decided she could use a little trim on the bangs and the "rattail" in the back could go.

She did just fine!

Since it is almost Thanksgiving...

2010-11-23T14:01:00.000-06:00

Allison and her ADORABLE friend, Lily

Enough already, Mom.

Allison LOVES to sort things and put them in rows, so she sorted Halloween candy for a good 30 minutes when we got home from Trick-or-treating.

I thought I should post the Halloween pics, seeing as though they are almost a month late. I give myself credit, knowing that I got them posted before the next official holiday of the season. And, not to worry, the Halloween decor has long since been taken down at our house. All that is left is fall decor- NOT Christmas. Braden is very concerned that people are skipping Thanksgiving and moving straight to Christmas, so this family will have to wait till Thanksgiving is officially over to get the tree up!

ANYWAY, we had Halloween parties and activities galore this year! Braden was stuck on being Mr. Incredible, although he has never seen the full movie and has nothing Incrediblish, but he never wavered in his costume decision. Allison ON THE OTHER HAND, was something different everytime we went anywhere. Didn't capture a pic of the cat costume, but she was also 2 different princess people and on Halloween was a butterfly. She LOVES to dress up, and wears a "pretty princess" dress multiple times a day. Good thing Santa knows the princess dresses were on sale at Target and stocked up!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-22T21:18:00.001-05:00

Today Allison and I tagged along with Braden and his class at school to go to a Pumpkin Patch. Kids had a good time, got a pumpkin, etc. Typical pumpkin patch stuff. There were a lot of kids there, and since I was trying to keep up with 2 kids, it was a little bit nerve wrecking. We had a beautiful day and best of all, BOTH kids took a nap- rare these days!

Woo Pig Sooie!!!

2010-10-09T20:37:00.001-05:00

What has my son learned in school this week? He has learned to "call the HOGS!" This week at school has been Arkansas week, and apparently, according to Central Arkansas Christian schools, the most important thing in Arkansas is the RAZORBACKS! Okay, not really, they also went duck hunting, and hunting for diamonds and other not so important nature-ish things, but what has he taken from this week?? "WOO PIG SOOIE!!," With a little Arkansas song here and there as well. Friday his class had a "tailgate party" complete with HOG shirts and HOG races! I had to miss b/c I was at home having a major garage sale, while chasing a 2 year old and dealing with the termite inspection man(no, we don't have termites, just a yearly deal). Not important, I know, but that is my reasoning for missing my son's first RAZORBACK tailgate party!

"Veggie Tales" as sung by Braden and Allison

2010-09-28T21:30:00.000-05:00

Braden and Allison had so much fun playing together this afternoon! Any idea that Braden comes up with, Allison usually will go along with. We saw the Veggie Tales last week, and since then that is all they have listened to in the car. Braden decided to do a Veggie Tales "show" that I caught on video. When he says "that's your name, Allison!," it is because he named her Lima Bean- and yes, she agreed to it.

Pinnacle Mountain

2010-09-27T13:03:00.001-05:00

looking through the telescope

Bradley and Braden

The best of the 4 of us we could get that day

Daddy and daughter

First date??

Catch up, Allison!

In serious conversation

Peeking through the playground equipment

We have passed Pinnacle Mountain 100's of times since we have lived in Little Rock, but it took friends visiting for us to actually see what all the hype was about! Our friends from Illinois, Mike, Wendy, Bradley and Zachary came to visit over Labor Day. We had great weather and decided to become one with nature (as much as that term and Angela Grace go together.)

Pinnacle Mountain was really fun! We went to the visitor's center and to the look out, had a picnic lunch, went on a short hike and then to the playground. That was A LOT for one day for 2 4 year olds, 2 2 year olds and the parents that were keeping up with all those kids!

First day of Pre-K 4!

2010-08-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

not quite ready for the 6:30 am wake up call...unless it was Saturday, then he would already be bouncing off the walls...

Pretending to be asleep

Trying to get a "natural" smile from a 4 year old- not going to happen from this one

Mrs. Amy and Braden- and the red, yellow and green light system in the background. Staying on green is Braden's #1 goal in life right now (mine too, for that matter)

Braden's first day was actually August 13 - at least we are still in the same month (for another 10 hours or so!)

So far things are going well with Braden at school- still loving CAC!

Sweet Little Baby...

2010-08-31T13:24:00.000-05:00

"sleeping"

Yes, she did this all by herself- I found her this way - bib, bottle and all.

2010-08-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

We went to the Wonder Place this morning with our neighbors to have some fun and beat the heat! The kids had a blast and played for a solid 3 hours! Fun way to spend the morning!

Ice Cream Truck!

2010-07-25T13:31:00.000-05:00

We were getting ready to leave for the grocery store on Friday, when what did we hear??

The ice cream truck! As far as I know he has never been in our neighborhood, so my kids HAD to have ice cream! I had to take pics because it was the first time they had gotten a treat from the ice cream man- and of course, our best buddies across the street joined us for the melting, sticky mess!

College Roommate Playdate!

2010-07-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

Eating donuts that Melissa brought
Yes, Allison is in dress up clothes, and has been all day. Ashley was calling her "
Princess Gilligan," with that awesome hat!

Kayden had fun with Allison b/c she thought she was a baby! Allison didn't care!

Burke checking out that crazy kid outside!

WATER FUN!!!!

Hooked up the hose (with duct tape, non the less) so it was a water slide and that was quite a hit!

Caught some air on that slide!

3 out of 4 roomies- our other roomie is now a Texan!

Today 2 of my college roommates, Ashley and Melissa, and their kids and Melissa's sister, Terri, came over to play! Melissa lives in Georgia so we don't get to see her much, and although Ashley lives not far away, we don't get to see her much either.

Melissa has 2 girls, Kayden and Brecken, who are 4 and almost 2, and Ashley, has one little girl, Burke, who is one. Fun times! The kids played very well together for the most part. They had fun eating donuts and playing inside, but the real fun was outside in the HEAT!

Glad you girls got to come over! Love you!

The Karate Kid!

2010-07-16T11:28:00.000-05:00

Braden and his good friend, Rowan, are taking a Karate class this summer. I wasn't sure if Braden would like it or not, but decided to try and he really enjoys it! I am not exactly sure what he is learning (self defense, or as Braden says, how to fight the bad guys!), but it is good for his coordination and following instructions. A fun class for the summer! Even Allison has learned to associate the word Karate with "HI-YA!"

Beach 2010

2010-06-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

WARNING: Yes, there are a lot of pictures.
We went to Destin, Fl at the beginning of June with my parents. No we didn't have oil, and no it didn't smell. We were lucky! The water could have been calmer and clearer, but the kids really preferred the pool anyway. We had a condo in a great location, so close to the pool! It wasn't exactly a relaxing beach vaca, seeing as how we have a almost 2 year old and a 4 year old, but lots of fun was had by all!
Oh, I will also add, we (I) decided it would be a good thing to drive home through the night. I wouldn't recommend it.

Khaki and white beach pic- Not an easy shot to capture!

All ready to go crab hunting - and they caught several!

Trying to get a good shot of the two of them is near impossible!

Captured a good Braden smile! He is at the age that when we tell him to smile, he tries to hard and gets a very awkward posed smile on his face. Not so cute.

Sweet kiddos!

Another good one of my little boy!

LOVE the expression on Allison's face. She is SO not sure about her brother behind the wheel!

They both think Mimi and Papa hung the moon!

The girl loves her Mimi!

Do you think they look like me?

Neither of my kids had ever had a donut, so we decided to get Krispy Kreme one morning. Braden wanted a sprinkle donut, and even though it had chocolate on it, which he doesn't like (crazy, I know), he liked his sprinkle donut!

At The Track, Braden go to drive a go-cart all by himself! He was a little cautious - at one point he stopped in the middle of the track and told the operator he was just thought he was going to hit the wall- um, no where near it, kid

Both kids liked riding the train and Braden thought he was super cool when he go to sit in the engine!

Both kids LOVED the pool and were total water babies all week! The pool was right outside our condo which was PERFECT!

Yes, I took this shot.

The only picture of the 4 of us! We went to Fudpuckers to check out all the alligators. They had a ton! Allison was more interested than Braden was. Go figure.

Sweet (almost bald) little girl.

Braden went from not wanting to get his head in the water, to jumping off doing "tornado cannon balls," and coming back up to Jason. Yea, Braden!

Say "Cheese!"

2010-06-14T15:46:00.001-05:00

Poor girl is tired of all the pictures! She has started saying "No!" and running from my camera! Braden is always running anyway, but if I get him to sit still long enough for a picture, he has this horrible trying to cooperate, but it's just not working out, posed smile. We got pics made Sunday for the church bulletin and my instructions to the photographer were "just try to get them both looking." She was just sure she could get them both looking AND smiling. After a few tries, she agreed with me- Just get them looking in the same direction. After all, it is just going on the church picture board for all to see!

Yes, Allison does wear clothes, but they were outside drying after she dumped a cup of water all over herself.

CAC Pre-K3 Graduation

2010-06-10T13:48:00.001-05:00

Standing on 2 feet is overrated anyway.

Some song about "I'm a little star." They have now become glasses that he uses when he is not wearing his "contax" (can you tell he lives in a house with blind parents...?)

Very happy to accept his certificate!

His sweet Pre-K teacher, Mrs. Lelah

Principal of CAC elementary, Mrs. Cruz

Braden graduated from Pre-K 3 on May 25! I was SUPER nervous that he would get a little silly and show off in some way in front everyone, but for the most part, he did well! That is, with the exception of the shirt tucked out! He was all put together when I dropped him off and when he went up on stage, he looked slightly rag-bagish. Where on earth is that child's mother??

Didn't get the best pictures, partly because we were in the back due to an almost 2 year old that tags along with me, and partly because this woman kept shoving her big head in my pictures ( you can see her in the 1st three pics!)

Pretty Pretty Princess!

2010-06-08T16:00:00.001-05:00

With Every New Hair that Grows...

2010-05-24T09:39:00.001-05:00

THE BOWS WILL GET BIGGER!!!

Peek-a-Boo!

2010-05-14T12:32:00.001-05:00

Pigtails!!!

2010-05-11T13:42:00.001-05:00

Okay, not really, but kind of! Allison has graduated into bigger hairbows, but she found some of the baby ones and I decided to try to get some pigtails going! Needless to say, they didn't last long. I dream of a day...

Today we have just been "hanging out" as Braden says. Playing on the swingset and then taking a long walk around the subdivision to look at all the construction trucks- and there are a lot!

Under My Umbrella

2010-05-01T08:49:00.001-05:00

**Disclaimers**

1. My daughter is wearing boy pj's. She does have girl ones, but the boy ones fit too, so what's wrong with a little pj hand me downs? USUALLY no one sees them anyway!

2. I realize that I will not win Mom of the Year award for this post. Normally I do not let my child play in the rain, but it had slacked off some, wasn't lightening, and it was only about 5 minutes. She did get dry clothes when she came in. Girl clothes at that.

After all the disclaimers, really the pics are self explanatory! I let her loose with an umbrella, that although small, was as big as she was! She thought she was totally big stuff! Going to be a rainy day, so maybe it will help our new grass, which is currently in a very sad state of affairs..

Weekend Projects

2010-04-26T19:32:00.000-05:00

Braden waited IMpatiently until Daddy let him help him paint (the wall behind the door where no one could see...)

I bought him new "big boy" bedding from PBK and I love it! Especially love the monagramming on the pillow! All about it!

The artwork on the wall is Braden originals.

Hoping to get a few veggies!

No, I do not run a daycare center...

We were busy and actually productive (as much as you can be with 2 toddlers) last weekend!

I decided a few weeks ago that I could no longer stand the bland color on the childrens' walls, which thrilled Jason b/c it meant doing one of his favorite things- PAINTING! He hates it! He managed to get Braden's room painted, but we decided with 2 kids it is better if he can paint Allison's room when we go to my parents. Saturday was chaotic at best, but I am very happy with Braden's room.

Sunday after church we went to Home Depot and got some cucumber and tomato plants. My good friend and former neighbor used to bring us fresh tomatoes from her huge garden all the time, and so I decided we need to try to get the fresh veggies ourselves. That, and it saved us from having to do more landscaping...I am hoping to at least have 1 burger with a fresh tomato this summer!

Last project was spur of the moment. We have been fighting with the garage to keep it arranged. Between having to put the contents of a garage and a basement into just a garage, it has been nearly impossible, even with an extra garage. I had Jason move some shelves, and it is looking pretty good, for the moment, until the children step outside...

CAC Gymnastics Rocks!

2010-04-22T09:24:00.000-05:00

That is what the T-shirts said that the kids were wearing for their gymnastics program at school. The kids did a great job! This is an extra program that the school offers, but almost all the kids take it, and I am so glad we got Braden in the program. He has low muscle tone which has given him some delays, so this is a great activity for him. The teachers said he has improved so much since he started, which made me feel good. The end of the school year is coming fast!

Happy Belated Easter!

2010-04-11T16:12:00.001-05:00

Allison was getting over being sick last week, so we didn't all make it to church and we didn't get any Easter pics. We tried to get a couple shots this week, but the kiddos weren't cooperating all that well. Braden had a cute vest on, but it got ink on it in Sunday school, so it is soaking in oxy clean, and will be for a while. Am I the only mom who CONSTANTLY has something soaking?

Easter Egg Hunt #2

2010-04-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

The class made tie-dye t-shirts on Monday to look like easter eggs!

We met Braden's CAC class over at a park for a Easter Egg Hunt/ picnic. He doesn't usually go to school on Thursday, but he could come as long as I stayed with him -so Allison comes too!

Easter Egg Hunt #1

2010-03-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

MOPS had an Easter egg hunt today, and since Braden is in school and doesn't come to MOPS, it was all about Allison! She hadn't forgotten what to do! She was doing great till she saw the play equipment and then became more interested in a the slides. Baby goats made an appearance, and since she is total animal lover, she had to pet and hug the baby goats.

The rest of Branson

2010-03-30T14:28:00.001-05:00

Braden LOVES volcanoes, so he easily smiled for a pic with one.

Playing glow in the dark putt-putt

So nice that they can play games without the money in them- it's coming, I know!

Feeding fish at the fish hatchery

First date?

Look this way!

We went to a restaurant where the waiters sing- Braden was totally smitten with this cute girl!

No way, everyone is looking???

Fun times!

Silver Dollar City

2010-03-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

We met our good friends from Illinois, the Rosborgs, in Branson, MO for a weekend of fun with 4 kids! We really had a great time and the kids had so much fun together. Braden and Bradley are still best buds! We miss this family SO much and are glad we got to meet up with them!

Little Rock Zoo

2010-03-24T15:15:00.001-05:00

They held hands the majority of the time!

Look at the camera is the same as telling a 4 year old to look AWAY from the camera!

"Okay kids, make sure everyone looks in different directions, but NOT at me!"

Miss "up in the middle of everything!"

Really Braden? What is this face?

Since today's weather is so nice, we decided to make our first trip to the Little Rock Zoo. We went with my neighbor, Jamie, and her 3 kiddos. The kids, especially the boys, get along so well together- LOVE having them right across the street!

The zoo was CRAZY! I wish I had taken a pic of the line when we left just to get into the zoo! Thankfully, we have passes, so we didn't have to wait at all! Yea!

After the zoo we went to Chic-fil-a with the rest of Little Rock that wasn't at the zoo.

Love trying to get pics of 5 kids when they are all going in different directions!

Swingset!

2010-03-24T14:50:00.001-05:00

Braden got a swingset for his birthday and the kids LOVE it! So fun! Come on over and play with us!

It is still missing one see saw thingy- had to have some extra somethings to get it up and Lowe's is 20 minutes away!

Ridin' Along in my Automobile

2010-03-20T21:51:00.001-05:00

Friday was ABSOLUTELY perfect weather in Arkansas- or at least the part we live in! We LOVE having such fun neighbors across the street that are the same ages as our kids, and that have super fun riding toys! Braden had a blast driving everyone around the court!

Angelina Jolie wanna be?

2010-03-15T13:29:00.001-05:00

I just thought this was too funny not to grab the camera! This is actually a bed that goes in a dollhouse for a small plastic fairy to lay on, but when Allison decided to put it in her mouth (like she does everything) it looked to me like huge lips and a tongue in the middle!

Happy 4th Birthday Braden!!

2010-03-11T13:41:00.000-06:00

The birthday set up at home

Allison figuring out how to blow on one if those "blow things."

Birthday cinnamon roll!

The only thing he asked for- a fishing rod from Mimi- and of course he got it!

So he went fishing in the back yard.

Construction cake

Allison had as much fun as the big kids!

He takes gymnastics at school and then we go on Thursdays to the community center for gymnastics, so the kids are familiar with the equipment. He loves to do flips on the bars.

Waiting for the air track to air up. See Allison sitting in the middle?

Balance beam with his friend Samuel

Blowing out the candles! He thought at that moment he was officially 4! We didn't tell him any different.

Lots of kiddos!

Tried to get a group pic, but didn't exactly happen...

We have had Birthday mania around here! The Saturday before last we had a morning birthday party and an afternoon party for friends, this coming Saturday we have a birthday party for a friend, but our big party was last weekend- BRADEN TURNED 4!!!

He automatically thought because he had his 3 year old party and the Little Gym, that his 4 year party should be there too- fine by me! We had friends from school, church, Mommy and Me, neighbors, and even a college roommate! It was chaotic but fun! Afterwards, Jason's family and my family came over and Braden opened a couple more presents and we grilled burgers.

Braden's (and Allison's) big present is still in the box. He got a swingset from grandparents! It will be so fun when it is assembled, but we have to have a nice sunny couple of days to get it up.

My mom took a couple of days off work to stay with me and it was a HUGE help. I scheduled 5 appointments in the 2 days she was here. You girls that have Mamas in the same town are SO lucky!!!

Thanks Mom! We miss you!

4th Birthday Party for Braden- CHECK!!

Just Can't Keep those Baby Blues Open!

2010-02-23T13:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Baby Burke!!

2010-02-22T12:25:00.000-06:00

Adorable decorations (all pink!) everywhere!

Burke's "smash" cake!

Ashley and Burke

Trying to get a good pic with both babies!

Allison check out all of Burke's presents!

Still checking things out...

Allison laughing as Burke was trying to give her kisses.

Allison kept calling Burke "deedee"(baby) not realizing that Burke is almost as big as she is!

Braden was not impressed with all the pink! He refused to eat a cupcake because he said they were "girl colors." He missed out because they were yummy!

So excited about her new teaset from her mommy!

Allison (and Braden too, sorry Jason if you ever read this) had fun at Burke's new vanity set!

Cute pic, but we are missing our 4th roomie- Hope to see you soon Melis!

My kids had their own personal table! We left plenty of crumb evidence to show we were there!

Saturday we went to a party for a sweet 1 year old little girl! My college roommate's baby, Burke, had her first birthday and it was SO cute! Ash really went all out with the pink and cute decor!

I didn't think we would be able to stay long, but my kids actually behaved somewhat well, so we were able to stay for a while, while they amused themselves with Burke's baby toys and new vanity- Jason was not impressed that Braden knows all to well how to use a hairdryer and a curling iron! Later Braden used the hairdryer to "warm up" the "tea" he made us with Burke's new teaset.

Happy Birthday Burke- you are growing up fast!

Bubbles, Bubbles EVERYWHERE!!

2010-02-15T20:03:00.000-06:00

Braden has been dying to take a bath in our "big bathtub," so I decided to let them get in tonight. This is not the first time they have been in there, so they know it is a lot of fun with the jets making bubbles and all. It never occured to me that when I put a little bubble bath in the tub and turned the jets on that all the sudden we would have bubbles to the ceiling! Not literally, but I did jump in, partially clothed and all, to play lifeguard! The kids had a blast and and not only did they get clean, but the walls did too!

It's Her Turn Now!

2010-02-10T11:04:00.000-06:00

Jason had 1, I had 2, Braden is on his 3rd, so it was time for Allison to join the family history and get her 1st (and hopefully only) set of ear tubes. Everything went fine, and we knew what to expect, since we have done this 3 other times with Braden, 2 of those times adding adenoids and tonsils out.

Tried to post video I took of her after she had "goofy juice." She was super out of it, and yes, it was funny! She was more out of it than when Braden had the stuff. She just kind of randomly laughed and bobbed her head around. I love this stuff b/c they say it makes it so where they don't remember anything about going back to the OR.

Surgery took less than 10 minutes and the worst part was when she was coming off the anesthesia- not a happy little girl. I promised her a dog from the gift shop- we went to get one and she wanted them all!

We are home now and she is back to normal- getting into everything in the desk drawer as I type! That's my girl!

My Baby LOVES her Babies!

2010-02-04T07:50:00.000-06:00

Allison loves her babies! Anywhere she goes- our house, friends house, church nursery, wherever- the girl spots out the babies and hangs on to one. She is quite the girly girl which is fine by me!

And yes, she is rocking a Mickey Mouse figurine wrapped up in a blanket!

We Got an Ice Day!

2010-01-30T12:53:00.000-06:00

Not too sure...

Daddy is determined to make a snowball.

Don't have a sled, so the kids too turn riding around in the dump truck!

Braden was so bundled up he could hardly see!

Sweet girl attempting to help shovel the driveway.

Daddy threw an snow ball at Allison!

Braden referred to the weather that closed all schools as an "ice day" as opposed to a "snow day." He was right- hardly any snow, but enough ice to shut down the south.

Bowling!!

2010-01-28T14:44:00.000-06:00

Last night we went bowling with our life group from church. The kids had a ton of fun! Braden bowled, and Allison was just the resident "ball girl," making sure to point out to everyone where they were and making sure they stayed on the ball rack. Braden had a little trouble at first with taking turns, but got used to it. By the end, most of the kids were making laps around the back part of the bowling alley (thank goodness we were at the end of the building)! Fun time with a fun group of people! We are blessed to be apart of such a great group!

19 Months Went by too Fast!!

2010-01-27T13:36:00.000-06:00

If you notice a baby's pants in the corner of her bed, Allison just won't leave them on! She strips that baby's clothes every time! Loves this kitty- in fact, I bought 2 replacements, just in case!

The baby girl that has completed our family is already 19 months! Time has flown since she was born- even more so than Braden's first 19 months. Guess that is the difference when I am chasing 2 around!

She is my kid, so I probably shouldn't say it, but this is my blog, so I can say anything I want- SHE IS SO CUTE!! She is hard to discipline because she has such funny reactions. If she does something wrong she is already trying to spank her hand herself. If she dumps her plate of food on the floor she opens her mouth in suprise as if to say "How did that happen?" I know Mom and Dad, I have to get a hold of her, and I do my best, but she is so funny!

At 19 months, she is still what I consider mostly bald. She just got off the bottle and is still eating fruits and veggies in baby food. I mean, she will get off of it eventually, right? I don't plan to pack jars of baby food in her school lunch. She is my last baby- I'm just takin' it slow.

She has quite a few words and knows what she wants. She is slow to wake up in the morning, but goes down for naps and night time great. She loves her brother, but hates it when he annoys her(which is often). She is pretty much a Mama's girl (until she gets around her Papa), and I love it.

We unfortunately are going to be scheduling surgery for her to have tubes ASAP. With her family history of tubes, guess it was inevitable.

Stats:

24 lbs 14 oz - 54%

head 18 in - 23 % - not cause she is isn't smart- she's just bald!

length - 32 in - 51%

Love this sweet BABY! And yes, she is a baby- she will always be my Baby Girl!

1st Day of School, Take 3

2010-01-25T10:47:00.000-06:00

Braden had his first day of school today. AGAIN. He started a mother's day out in Searcy in the fall, then when we moved he began a new school, and last week I made the decision to switch him yet again! I went in to put him on the list for next year, but between talking to his speech therapist, occupational therapist and checking out the school and meeting his very sweet teacher, we decided to go ahead and switch him mid-year. Everyone thinks that more structure in school would be good to help prepare him for next year -Pre-K 4!! He is going 3 days a week 8-3, which is a long day- longer than I would like, but there was no other option.
Here he is with Mrs. Lela (or as Braden says, Mrs. Wewa- can't say L's yet). She seems like she will be a great teacher- and she has 2 little boys of her own, so hopefully she can handle mine!
I can't believe he is growing up so fast!

p.s. NOT an easy task to find SOLID color LONG sleeve POLOS at this time of year- It's all summer now!

New Neighbor Friends

2010-01-24T13:54:00.000-06:00

Jamie and baby Liam

The boys, Rowan and Braden, probably already up to no good!

Sweet Stella - aren't her glasses ADORABLE?

Allison and Stella having a snack

Allison delightedly saying "Dog!!"

Braden, on the other hand, wasn't too sure.

There isn't much she can't do! Enjoying their swingset.

Although we miss our Illinois neighbors VERY much, we are so thankful to have great new neighbors! Friday we went to a fun indoor play area at one of the many massive churches here (we're in the Bible belt now!) and then we went to the neighbors to play.

Jeff and Jamie have 3 kids, Rowan is just a couple weeks older than Braden, Stella is almost 3 and baby Liam. The kids played great together!

Bonus for Allison - our dog lover - they have 2 big dogs!

Everything's More Fun at Mimi's!

2010-01-22T13:07:00.000-06:00

From baking (and eating!) cookies, to raking leaves and convincing my dad to get a (pretend) haircut, it's all more fun at Mimi's! The kids even got along so well at one point that I caught them holding hands while watching Dora! (It didn't last long).

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for putting up with the chaos that 2 toddlers bring to a home! They always have the best times!

My Big Backyard

2010-01-21T14:13:00.000-06:00

I'm not talking about my big backyard where we live, I'm talking about the My Big Backyard at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. If you have kids, and you haven't been to see My Big Backyard, GO!! It is a super fun place for kids to run around and have fun! Exploring different "treehouses" with different themes in them, climbing up into a big treehouse, running across bridges and much more! The only problem is if you have more than one child who can run, you really need 2 adults to be able to keep up!

The Memphis Botanic Gardens is not only fun to take the kiddos, but brings back fun memories for me. Jason and I had our wedding reception at the Botanic Gardens almost 7 and a half years ago, and it was so pretty- I want to do it all again!

We had a beautiful morning to go to Big Backyard and then ate at Yummy Chic-fil-A! The big cow was at Chic-fil-A, so all the way home we heard Allison in the back going "Moooo!"

Fun at the Zoo!

2010-01-19T12:20:00.001-06:00

Jason was in meetings all weekend, so the kids and I went to Memphis to visit Mimi and Papa! Between all the new toys waiting for them each time they go, and all the fun kid friendly things to do in Memphis, the kids are always excited to make the trip.

We weren't sure if the rain was going to hold out for us to go to the zoo, but my parents have a membership anyway, so we decided to try it. Turned out great- wasn't too busy, weather wasn't too cold and we stayed right up until it started to sprinkle which turned into rain shortly after we left. The Memphis Zoo is a great place, not only to see animals, but to let kids run! One of the highlights of the zoo is walking on the big logs. Braden is quite proud that he can do this without help! Little Allison ran just as hard as her big brother did, so by the time we left, she was totally spent!

Also, thanks to my friend Leigh Ann for telling me how to get more than 5 pics on 1 post!

2010-01-14T22:27:00.000-06:00

She puts up with a lot from her big brother! Allison is becoming a pretty tough little girl, and as you can see, she has to be! The kiddos have a love/hate relationship. I never can tell - one minute they are playing great together, and the next minute Allison will let out a blood curdling scream letting me know that Braden has most likely done something to "push her buttons." Just like a man. All she really wants to do is rock her babies. All I really want is for her to stay my baby! They are just growing up way too fast! Thinking Braden will be 4 soon is hard to wrap my mind around!

Little Miss Hollywood

2010-01-13T19:42:00.001-06:00

My Kitchen is Messier than Yours!

2010-01-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

Because this morning it was full of beans! Occasionally I let the kiddos play with a tub full of uncooked beans. Beans are super fun for filling containers, driving trucks in or using with random kitchen gadgets and tools. This morning they took it too a whole new level and had them all over the floor, but they were having fun and it is an easy clean up with a broom and a dust pan. They played with uncooked beans for almost an hour- so what do we buy all these toys for?

Now for the disclaimers:

The bottle Allison is holding was empty to start with! She did not down any women's vitamins!

Yes, those are Braden's pj's and no, he does not usually wear a different top and bottom, but we had had a slight accident earlier.

Yes, I do have coupons strewn out all over the kitchen floor- the kids were occupied, so I chose to try (mostly unsuccessfully) to multi-task!

Snow's a little different in the South...

2010-01-04T14:09:00.000-06:00

Not exactly what we are used to, but non the less, Braden insisted on trying to play in the snow. We went out for a few minutes, but he quickly realized that this was not exactly Illinois snow. Jason and I laughed because of all of the closings in Arkansas due to weather, but I am guessing that all of the neighbors were probably laughing at us in our big snow suits trying to get a tast of "real winter!"

The first picture is from one of last year's big snows in Illinois, and the others are from what is apparently a big snow in Arkansas. Oh, the picture of the two kids in it is what happens when I ask them to pose together...Nice.

Good thing we went out this morning, because it is all melted this afternoon!

And yes, Allison is wearing her brother's hand me down boots.

More Christmas Card Picture Outtakes

2009-12-01T12:19:00.000-06:00

Long Time, No Post- I know!

2009-11-29T14:10:00.000-06:00

My excuse? We only had our laptop while we were in our temporary house and it was hard to upload pics off of it. For a while after moving things were just too crazy and honestly, I have forgotten to take pics at all!

Now I am realizing that the Christmas season is here and I need to get the Christmas cards done! Trying to get pics, professional or otherwise, of a 1 and a half year old and a 3 and a half year old is just not easy! We did manage to get, with a camera timer no less, a decent one with Jason's family on Thanksgiving. Oh, and what does Braden remember from our yummy thanksgiving lunch? That he got to eat ramen noodles for dinner that evening.

There Are No Words...

2009-09-11T16:15:00.001-05:00

I happened to catch the girl "accessorizing." Oh, what a diva! Love the new way to wear the shades!

A Girl and Her Pearls

2009-09-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

She may not be able to wear big bows yet, but she can put on the jewelry! Allison LOVES to wear bracelets and necklaces- as many as she can find- the girl can never have too many! Usually she puts them all on one arm, so bracelets can easily go from her wrist to her elbow- she is all about the accessories!

She is showing that she can be very diverse in her interests. If Braden is playing cars or trucks or tools, she wants to be right in the middle, which causes screaming, fighting and usually tears. If he is not around, she is happy playing with jewelry or dolls. Seriously, girl!

Also, notice Allison is now walking! Took a while, but she is finally getting the hang of it, and now prefers to walk over crawl. About time, kiddo! Everyone says I will be sorry, but I don't think so- I am tired of watching her get caught crawling in dresses!

Sorry for the red eye- working off Jason's old laptop (for only about 6 more weeks!), but I don't know how to edit on this computer.

Preschool Take 1

2009-08-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, really it is Mother's Day Out for right now, but Braden doesn't know the difference! Braden started today and was so excited! He had trouble falling asleep and then he got up earlier than normal. He was ready! He will be going here for a couple of months, and then when we move, he will go to a new Preschool that has a spot already reserved for him.

I dropped him off just over an hour ago and I already miss him! Funny how kids can totally drive you crazy, but the minute you are away from them, you miss them!

New House

2009-08-14T12:24:00.001-05:00

I have had lots of people ask how the house is coming along, so here are a couple of pics so you can see. Coming right along, but still a ways to go. We are super ready for it to be done so we can move in and actually get settled!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

Don't try this at Home!

2009-07-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

Speaking from personal experience:
It is not a good idea to drop a full glass jar of orange baby food (mixed vegetables) on a tile floor.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Allison!

2009-06-24T14:10:00.000-05:00

She has no clue what a big day today is!!! This time last year my sweet little girl was just a few hours old- what a difference a year makes! Now this baby is all over the place!
Allison didn't really crawl on hands and knees till almost 11 months- she was content to watch her seriously hyper brother.
Allison hasn't quite figured out baby dolls yet, although she does have some super cute ones (thanks mom and dad), but she totally knows how to make a truck go and talk on a phone.
Allison is very attached right now to a play stethoscope and 2 plastic shovels- Always wears the stethoscope (makes Braden very mad) and always carries the 2 shovels.
Still loves her taggie blanket, especially at night. Never took a paci
Still gets 3-4 bottles a day. Eats almost everything, but still very much eats fruits and veggies baby food- mostly my doing b/c I know she is getting some good stuff that way.
Can stand alone for quite a few seconds, but hasn't taken first steps yet.
Don't know how much she weighs (we go for her 1 year appt. tomorrow) but she has to outweigh her brother judging on how MUCH she eats and how LITTLE he eats.
Kinda going through a Mommy phase right now, but smiles and waves to everyone.
Still almost bald, but has just enough hair to get a TINY bow in (only a specific kind) but if she finds out it is up there, she rips it out.
Has a love/not so much love, relationship with Braden- they play happily together till he wacks her or takes something from her, then she screams (literally), he screams (literally) and the fun is over.
RARELY cries- can't really remember the last time she let a good cry out
Love her to pieces! Sweet, happy baby and her first year has gone by too fast!

The first couple of pictures are of her and her birthday cake. We had a small family party (just my parents and Jason's parents and siblings). We let the kiddos swim and we grilled out and had cake and presents. Allison puts EVERYTHING in her mouth- except cake apparently! Once I finally put a piece in her mouth, she was all about it, but I had to get her started.
The last picture is at our old house when her room was packed. We are now officially no longer in Illinois and we miss our friends so much! We are still in transit, renting till we find the right house.

Fun in the Tunnel

2009-05-16T13:30:00.001-05:00

Here we go!

2009-05-13T20:54:00.001-05:00

Yes, it has been a while since I have posted. Seriously, does anyone read this anyway?
For the few of you that do read this, you probably already know all this but, here it goes.
We put our house on the market exactly 3 weeks ago on Monday. Monday we signed the contract to sell it.
We are very thankful, since we didn't have an option to sell it, seeing as Jason's new job is in Little Rock, but it is going to be very hard to leave our life here. We have so many good friends here and have started and completed our family here- kid wise I mean.
We close June 5, just a little over 3 weeks away, so it is going to be totally crazy around here!
Hopefully I will get back to post picts soon! Allison never mastered crawling any way except on her belly, but she has almost given it up for cruising and oh yes, she is standing alone for a few seconds. Dad said he thinks she will be walking by June 1 and I totally disagreed, but now I am not so sure...
Braden is just Braden. Probably shouldn't admit this, but addition to his obsession with tools and yard equipment he has now decided he likes to play "Sports Clips" as he calls it and "cut" and "blow dry" hair. I got tired of having my hair yanked on so I gave him an old doll (yes, Jason would kill me for this.) I went in the other room and came back and he was telling the doll he was giving her a hair cut - with a toy chain saw! He is still totally boy!

2009-04-16T13:32:00.001-05:00

Thought this picture was cute and it didn't make it in the last post. Can anyone tell me how to get blogger to take more pictures in one post? Mimi (Mom) thanks for all your hard work while you were here!

Easter

2009-04-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

Easter post is a little late, but we have had a lot going on around here! We had a fun Easter weekend! Mimi was able to come up to visit, but Papa had to stay and work since April 15 was right around the corner.

Saturday we went to an Easter Egg hunt in a park that was great- tons of eggs to hunt. Braden grabbed a few and then wanted to just play on the playground. Oh well, we at least we went! We also colored Easter eggs, but Braden got a little crazy and had more fun splashing the eggs in the color- needless to say, most of the eggs ended up cracked.

We are about to have some major changes around here so keep us in your prayers. Jason has taken a new job in Little Rock, AR and the kids and I will be here until the house sells. We are glad he has a job, but it will be very sad to pack up our life here and leave our friends. It will also be hard to have our family separated until things are finalized here. It will be nice to be closer to both our families though!

3 Year, 9 Month and a Family Picture

2009-04-01T15:14:00.001-05:00

The Lean Mean Mowin' Machines

2009-03-31T13:28:00.000-05:00

Jason has a t-shirt that says "The Lean Mean Mowin' Machine" that my parents had picked up for him somewhere. This describes him perfectly b/c he is TOTALLY anal about our yard! Now look who is following (literally) in his footsteps!

Braden has decided that the lawnmower is too loud so he wears "earmuffs," as he calls them.

They actually mowed the lawn last Thursday before the 2+ inch snow on Sunday- go figure- That's Illinois weather for ya!

Allison's Crazy Faces

2009-03-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

Allison has this crazy face that she makes where she squinches up her eyes very tight - sometimes if she is objecting to something and sometimes I think just to be silly! Excuse the sweet potatoes all over her face- she doesn't like the "orange" vegetables so it is all I can do to get it in her mouth without her swatting the spoon away. Some of you may know that Braden recently had to have his tongue clipped b/c he was tongue tied. I feel pretty safe in saying that this baby won't have to have that surgery- she can lick the bottom of her chin if she tries! And no, she doesn't have more than 2 teeth- the first picture looks like she has some in the back, but just two teeth- AND STILL NO HAIR!

cont'd picts from last post

2009-03-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

Obviously I am not the best blogger, so I couldn't figure out how to get all the picts on one post. This is continued from last post!

Yea for warmer weather!!!!!

2009-03-16T13:31:00.001-05:00

We are finally starting to have warmer weather and we are SO THANKFUL for it!!! It is so nice to be able to get out of the house. I never realized how much I liked warm weather until I had a little boy who needed to run (outside the house)!

We met one of Braden's best buddies at the park today (with his mom, who is one of my best buddies, and has a little boy the same age as Allison) and the boys had a great time playing together and just enjoying the sunshine!

Most of you that read this may already know that Jason has a couple of interviews this week, but in case you are just finding out- please keep him in your prayers!

2 Teeth and a 3 Year Old Birthday Party!

2009-03-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

So I have decided to start a blog - AGAIN! We'll see how long I make it! This may be boring to most, but a few will find our daily life and the SUPER CUTE picts of our kids intersting.

My kiddos are growing fast- Braden just had his 3rd Birthday! We had his party at the Little Gym (thanks to Mom and Dad) and he loved it! We had 15 kids and I am so glad they were not at my house- it was great- we just arrived, had a birthday party and left- no set up, no mess, and no clean up!

Sweet baby Allison is struggling with teeth- she officially has 2 (click on the picture if you don't see them)! Now if she could just get some hair for all the bows that are waiting...