Oscars.....my conclusions

Well like many households, last night Kevin and I sat down on the couch and turned on the Oscars. I LOVE watching awards shows...which is funny because I had only seen a couple of the movies that were nominated for awards. So here are my random thoughts on the 2011 show...

1. I LOVED Anne Hathaway's red Valentino...

2. I am not certain that I like Gwyneth as a country singer...

3. but I LOVE Zachary Levi even more now that I have seen him sing...he is great in Chuck...and has a great voice

4. James Franco is rather odd

5. Celine Dion DOES NOT look like she had twins 7 months ago...but she has always been on the abnormally thin side

6. I think Reese Witherspoon is precious...she seems like such a nice person...like someone I could hang out with

7. Robert Downey Jr. is funny...and charming...and arrogant...I really like him! Loved him and Jude Law on stage together...

8. Cate Blanchett dress was awful...it was a pearly beaded mess...very random

9. Oprah is great a hosting a talk-show...reading off a teleprompter...not so much

10. I wish Kevin Spacey would come out with a new movie...I had kinda forgot about him...and I like him

11. Natalie Portman is beautiful and so gracious...

12. I hope one day I get to hang out with Sandra Bullock...

Those are my random thoughts on the Oscars....Hope everyone had a great Monday :) Mine was full of laundry...SO glad it is all done!

The small things...

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We had a wonderful weekend at a friends wedding (post later) and now we are winding down watching the Oscars. The best part about being away is the coming back part...and the smiles on the kids faces!! So I will leave you with this....



I love how my boys can take a cup of water and turn it into entertainment....love these little guys! (sidenote....I don't let them eat just anything off the ground...but it was funny watching them go back and forth...and after I turned off the camera I threw out the cup!)

A Bland Welcome....

This is what greets you as you walk into my home...





blahness (pretty sure I made that up...), boredom, blankness

It is in need of a serious makeover...or just some sort of design in general. However...I keep backing off from the purchase of anything because I need to make sure functionality and design (& budget) meet. With 4 kiddos, we always have bags for all the kids just sitting by the hall closet. I want to find a "home" for all our gear.

So after looking through lots and lots of pics...I came to the conclusion that I would love to re-create the Pottery Barn look....


Love how the baskets are numbered...one for each of us! It seems slim enough to fit in my entry and it has storage, hooks and style! Oh my! It doesn't exactly fit my budget...so I am decided if I want to save save save...or if I want to do a few DIY projects to put together a similar look. Definitely want to find a great coat rack...love it! Stay tuned...

Also, something I would like to tie-in to the entry would be this fun idea (found on marthastewart.com)



I like the idea of using an object for something other than its intended purpose and this looks like a simple project and a great way to display necessary items.

I also would like to replace the overhead light fixture....possibly a chandlier?? That is a whole new can of worms...the internet is swarming with beautiful fixtures. That would probably be a post of its own!

Hopefully the entry will become more of a place that says "Hello!! Welcome!!" instead of "blah, blah, blah".

Off to Dallas for the weekend! Hope everyone has a great one!!

Re-runs and rainy days...

and here is my date :)



We plan on being the opposite of productive today...I could clean, finish laundry...or probably a thousand other things...but I chose to hang with my lil' man and kiss his chubby cheeks since the other kids are at Mother's Day Out.

We are taking in mindless television....the joy of re-runs...we have watched 3 episodes of Saved by the Bell and now are enjoying Sex in the City...the edited for television ones of course :)

I love re-runs....I love knowing the outcome. Like watching Dawson's Creek...when watching the first run episodes I would get caught up and frustrated with the Dawson v. Pacey debate...being a Pacey fan, I kept wondering when are they just going to end up together...the suspense was killing me...but now when I watch an episode...I know in my heart that Pacey is her man.

Sex in the City...all the men of Carrie...I LOVED Aidan...but was always taken back by Mr. Big...something about that guy. Now, I know who wins out...and the girls always make me laugh.

But my all time favorite show that I can watch over and over again. Friends....I watched them on TV, bought the DVD's and now watch them anytime I see them on television.

Well, I am going to get back to my cuddling with little man and enjoy this rainy day! Happy Thursday!

Just another manic....well, Tuesday...

So, today has been a crazy one...up and out the door to work...work...work...work....then home to eat dinner and hang with the kiddos for a few before it was time for bedtime ritual.

All of a sudden....I look up and it is 9:00 pm...what!?! Where did the time go???

Well, the kids are in bed...and I am hanging in front of the computer and catching up on my Monday night DVR'd shows, and I can't help but think of randomness...such as..

1. How is it that every season I say, "I will NOT watch the Bachelor ever again..." yet, I find myself fast forwarding through commercials to see what happens next...

2. How can I STILL watch shows on the CW? I am pretty sure they are all geared for kids aged 13-18....I am 29...enough said...

3. Why is my laundry never done? I would give anything for someone to come over and fold and put it away...I will wash and dry it...but I am done after that

4. Why do radio stations play the same 5 songs all day...and 3 of them are by Lady Gaga...?

5. How is it that I chase kids around all day...and I am still out of shape?

6. What did we do before cell phones? and laptops? and the internet? These things have not been around forever...yet I feel as though I would be lost without them

7. Why do we get 4 different phone books???

8. How is it possible that my mom is such a great cook...and I am not...I am working on this however!

Anyway...these are things that were on my mind for whatever reason this evening...I think my brain is fried right now....so I am going to go to sleep :)

Happy Tuesday!

A new kind of makeover...

Okay...I have briefly discussed my clothing issues here. Things are not getting any better...with a new season around the corner, I find myself browsing he internet at my favorite stores to see what is out and about. I have of course found about 499 things that I would like to add to my wardrobe...honestly, I would throw out everything I have and just start new...(hopefully "What Not to Wear" is listening...I am ready and willing!!! I am sure if I was followed by a secret camera right now, Stacy and Clinton would find PLENTY of things wrong with my outfits!!)

Anyway...in order to do this though, I would need cash, moolah...funds if you will, and I do not have that readily available. Our extra cash flow seems to go to things that go directly to the trash...diapers, wipes, etc. Then followed by making sure our kids are clothed and part of outside activity, not to mention our actual bills (i.e. mortgage, car, insurance) all the non-fun stuff...oh, and medical bills. Apparently, 4 kids in 3 years cost money....lots of it, even with insurance.

So, for now I will settle for my new past time, faux shopping. This is what I do....go to my website of choice...this includes Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Nordstrom's, Nine West, Piperlime, etc. I usually am directed there via e-mail that I have recieved regarding their next BIG sale...and I start browsing and fill my basket with a few items that I love. Then, I proceed, as if to check-out, and enter in my code and look at how much money I would save if I were to make this purchase. Ahhh....the fun...I know this seems ridiculous but it fills my "shopping" void.

Also, I have found that in reality...I truly don't "need" half the things that seem necessary at the time...they are just "wants" that are fleeting and disappear as soon as the next round of merchandise comes out. This has taught me alot....

1) self-control...I have always had the tendency to make purchases on a whim...and usually would have buyers remorse....now I find that if I find something that I truly like and I can say I want it for longer than a few days...I will actually take the time to save the money to make this special purchase.

2) Filling a void....takes more than a new shirt or great pair of shoes...I have truly tried to find what moves me spiritually...purpose...and it can only be temporaryily be filled with a new item.

3) What is really important...saving money...I have lots to save for...4 sweet kiddos to be exact :) They have futures ahead of them that I would like to help them prepare for and family trips that I would like take them on...so I can do without the trendiest piece of clothing if it means it is going to help me make memories

4) Labels cannot define me....I struggle with this often...as much as I would like to say I am comfortable in my own skin at all times...it just isn't true. I find that I would mask this by buying expensive items to feel worthy in a certain setting...or feel "prettier" or more accepted. Now, I feel like I am finding the meaning of true beauty.

So, I kinda just realized I typed more than intended...trust me...I LOVE shopping...and finding beautiful pieces...but it seems at this time in my life...as much as my closet needs a makeover...so do I. I will however, take advantage of great sales when possible...a girl needs a new shirt every once in awhile :)

Back to the grind....

All the snow is gone....and the sun was out! So we finally got back to our regularly schedule Thursday program :) The kids finally got to go back to Mother's Day Out and Katelyn FINALLY was able to go to dance...YAY...YAY...and YAY!

It is really nice for the kids to get to spend the day with kids there age, playing in a kid-friendly environment around someone other than good ol' mom. However, the logistics of getting everyone there is a little crazy! So in order to get to mother's day out, we have to actually have everything together...which takes lots of gathering and packing. So we end up walking out of the house with 3 bags, 3 blankets, 3 lunch boxes, 6 sippie cups, 8 diapers, spare undies and a change of clothes per child...not to mention the four children. Today we also took valentine's card for each classroom. I am not going to lie...sometimes getting it all together makes me wonder if it is all worth it. But at the end of the day, when I show up to 3 smiling, dirty faces, that can't stop talking about what they have done that day....I know it is!

After they were all dropped off...Austin and I took off for me to take a yoga/pilates/ballet class at barre3 here in Oklahoma City. Kick.My.Butt....I am going to be so sore tomorrow...I am sore today! This is something I am wanting to make a habit...the whole working out thing...but we will see. As I sit here tonight, all I want is a cookie and my bed :) (maybe a couple of Tylenol).

Then...a few errands, and BOOM...time to pick up the kids and head home...and keep it outside. What a BEAUTIFUL day!! So the kids ran...I ran after them...took pics...Katelyn attempted to ride her bike...and then we headed in to get ready for dance.

Dance was a success, as usual, and my ballerina came home super tired after such a long day...one that we have not had in a while! So...it was a wonderful day filled with fun and got us back on track! Time for bed...

However, as I mentioned...Austin rolled over on Tuesday...so I thought you might want to enjoy the experience as I did...so check out the wonderful work of Kristen from Son Kissed Photography She is amazing...she is so kind, EXTREMELY talented and I love how she captures my little guy!



Precious...Good Night!!

Another one on the move...

MILESTONE ALERT!! MILESTONE ALERT!!

So it is official....Austin rolled over from his belly to his back today!!

Such a big boy...he might be #4 in the Guy Crew, but he is the first to roll over this early...Katelyn rolled over when she was 4 months old, the boys were about 5 months old...so this kid is the expedited route through his first year!!

He also had his pics taken today and he was precious...Katelyn came with us and then we went and hung out at Chick-fil-a with our friends Allison, Finley, Emily and Cate. We had such a good time getting out of the city for a few hours.

The best part was coming home to the boys and the excited looks on their face for us all to be reunited. They miss us when we are gone :)

Well, I am off to hang out with the hubs. Good night!

Monday Ramblings...

So, still my life seems to just be going going going...and I keep forgetting to post (bad blogger!!) but I figured I would jot down a few things today as I approach a new week!

1. It is Valentine's day...so, I am not a big celebrater of this holiday...It is not as though I am against it, but honestly I normally forget that it is around the corner! So, today when I rolled over and tossed and turned because I couldn't sleep although the kids were STILL sleeping...I announced, "I am already grumpy today!" as Kev rolled over, gave me a kiss and said "well, happy Valentine's Day to you too," with his sweet boyish grin...OOPS! Good thing we took those vows of for better or worse...looks like I will be digging for construction paper and markers today for a homemade gift! I LOVE YOU KEVIN!

2. Austin's 3 month pictures are this week, and I am SO EXCITED!! We will be heading to Tulsa tomorrow...I will post some pics as soon as possible, as he has grown like a weed and I cannot believe how quickly he first year is already going!

3. Another plus to #2 is that I get to see two fabulous friends tomorrow and their beautiful daughters :)

4. Katelyn spent the weekend in Houston with my parents at my nephews soccer tournament, so I have not seen her since Friday morning...and I miss her...I am waiting on her to get home and I CANNOT wait to see her!

5. I went to Affair of the Heart yesterday with my sister-in-law, my nephew and a mutual friend...it was so fun to walk around with these ladies and I am pretty sure I didn't really see anything there...it was more for the opportunity to hang out with people I care about...however, the bling did catch my eye here and there :)

6. We tried out Life Church for the first time yesterday and I loved it! We will be attending again this weekend!

7. I will leave with a little video of the boys...this is how they spent their morning...Disney introduced Disney Junior and there was a new show on with pirates, and THEY LOVED IT! They are best buds :) (and no, promise the TV doesn't always babysit, but I had gone to make their lunch and this is how I found them LOL)

Sorry it is a little long...

hmmmm....

That is how I feel tonight...I have had a blah day so not much to share....except to say that I am glad that my kiddos are back home. They stayed with my mom for three days/two nights...and I was missing them!!

I am settling in to watch American Idol (YAY...HOLLYWOOD WEEK!!!) and hang out with my husband. We like to think we have an ear for talented singers...however, I am not sure why because neither of us can carry a tune, or anything in the vicinity of a tune....I think I just like to state my opinion. We always end up rooting for a different person...and in the end I have always picked the one that wins :) Not to brag or anything....

Well...with nothing exciting to share, I will leave you all with cute pics of my kids...always makes me smile







Good night!!

3 months old

Slow down little man....you are growing too fast!!

So...I can't believe another month has passed. You have grown so much...everytime I look at you, I swear that your cheeks get chubbier :) The best thing about this month is how much you smile and giggle now. Whether its when I am passing you over to your dad or your brothers and sister are sitting down talking to you, you always have a huge grin on your face and a giggle to follow. It is amazing how you just
know who Katelyn, Carter and Bryce are when they approach you. It is such a loving feeling...even when they are "playing" with you (aka hitting you on the head with a toy LOL).

You are constantly cooing...you are definitely trying to make sure your presence in known and I love it. In a family of 6, everyone is going to have to stand there ground to get a word in edgewise :)

I am not sure of how much you weigh or how tall you are...I will update that next month after your 4 month appointment, but you are definitely in 3-6 month clothing. You are still in a size 1 diaper but I bet that changes very soon!

You are still the easiest baby...this, I believe is a result of your easy going demeanor as well as the fact that you are baby #4, so I am much more at ease with everything. You eat about every 3 1/2 to 4 hours during the day. You are awake alot now and you doze off into naps. I haven't worked you into set nap times but you are doing great at night. You take your last bottle between 8:30-9:00 at night and then you sleep all night and wake up between 5a-7a. You are doing awesome!

I love every little sweet thing about you and cherish our feeding times and our play times that we get during the day. I sit back and smile when I see your siblings react to you and how you all end up smiling and laughing. They are so proud of you and so am I. You are my lil' Buddy! I love you Austin!

These are a few of my favorite....

MOVIES!!

I always love to see a new movie....I like drama and romantic comedies mostly...not a big scary movie fan and anything with blood guts, well you can count me out. However, there are the movies that I will stop and watch when flipping the channel no matter what part it is at....they are the movies that I will watch over and over again...usually it is because of a feel good storyline...sometimes it is because of a cute actor...cheesy I know...



I know, right? Am I a teenager or what!?! But I think it is funny and I like Zac Efron...there I said it...



Oldie but a goodie....plus I always wished I knew how to figure skate


Ryan Reynolds....enough said


Great clothes, great actresses....fashion in this movie is amazing....I love a good makeover movie



This movie still makes me so happy in the end...and I love the dancing and the feeling of falling in love...ahhh....and Patrick Swayze...


Tears every time...always made me think of me and my dad...now it makes me think of Katelyn and Kevin...sigh...(and tear)



So I know Tom Cruise is a little out there...but his older work...I love! This is one of my favorite movies...and Jack Nicholson...ahhh...so good! Love it!

Ok...so I could go on and on...so here are just pics of the others...







Since the snow has held me and the kids captive...I have been able to watch some of these...during a nap time or in the background of what ever is going on...Do you have "go-to" movies?

So.... So.... SO.... lazy.....

Snow day numero dos....

and just as lazy as yesterday! Well...lazy as far as being productive...(launry, cleaning, organizing....)just did not happen...

however, we did stay in our jammies and look at the pretty snow outside


(this was as close as we got to the snow....the negative windchill just in't sound like a good idea to play in....does this make me a super UNfun mom?? Hope not!)

have a fun picnic lunch of PB & J's and fruit









We played with "toys" that we don't usually get too...





Made some yummy cupcakes....and made a mess eating them (that is the best part!)








All in all it was a wonderful day....playing with the kiddos...naps...but my favorite was walking in to see this...



Does not get better than this....I mean...Princess and her Princess Daddy :)

Now...today, I will sit here while the kids nap and watch Definitely, Maybe...because I LOVE me some Ryan Reynolds :)