What a week....

Well it has been quite a week for us, so I figured I would just summarize by doing a post with a little of this and a little of that.....here goes...

1. Last I posted was on my 5 year anniversary....it ended up being such a great evening...we saw two movies...Something Borrowed, which I wad a little disappointed in after reading the book, and Bridesmaids....which was hilarious. We ate too much popcorn and candy...it was perfect.

2. Last Sunday was KK's first dance recital....I plan on doing a post on just the recital, when I actually upload my pics....so I will just say that it was WONDERFUL,

3. Tornadoes.....boo....living in Oklahoma, you get used to the endless watches and warnings...the constant weather updates and the faces of all our meteorologists this time of year....and on Tuesday...what they all predicted proved to be true. I endlessly watched the radar at work....kept calling Kevin about being nervous about the weather and we ended up being told to leave work early so we could all get home. My mom was at my house with all 4 kiddos and I was so happy to get home to them. We walked in the door and begin to prep us all....sleeves and hoods on the kids, as well as shoes and their blankies. We do not have an underground shelter, so our plan was to take cover in our master bathroom closet. It is tiny, especially for six people, but it was the safest choice. Kev kept watching the TV screen and the kids played in the bathroom....and then the electricity went out. This is the first thing that made the kids antsy...all we could hear were the loud beeps of the weather radio...then they announced it was over 206...which is down the street from us...Kev rushed out again to look out the window...as he came back in he brought in with a second matress and looked at me and said it was coming straight at us. I have never been so scared in my life...not for me, my house, but for my kids...at this time Kev told me to cover the three kids with my body and the boys freaked out and begin screaming and sobbing....KK sat so calmly and reassured her brother's that " Sissy is right here...don't cry" and sang them the ABC's over and over. It brought tears to my eyes. My mom held Austin tight who was covered in a coat with a hood and my mom wrapped her and him in a foam eggshell thing that you use on beds. He was upset at first and my mom sat there and prayed and he fell fast asleep and slept for the following two hours. We were so blessed...it got loud and scary but we were just outside of the path. it missed us by less than 1/2 a mile. The neighborhood that was diagonally behind us was leveled. Please keep those in your prayers that lost homes, people and animals in the storms. Our town will be cleaning up for awhile, but it is amazing to see how many people have stepped in to help.

4. On a happy note....when I went to work on Wednesday (late....very late) I got to sit down with our CEO. I had missed a morning meeting so she caught me up...and then thanked me for my hard work. Now this might seem odd because if you read my blog, you probably are like, "you only work like a day a week" or even " you work?" ....so I will explain. I work at an advertising agency....I started working for this company right out of college...it was my first Big Girl job....and I loved it...I worked there for 5 years...due to some circumstances outside of my control, I left (on good terms) for 4 months to work somewhere else...but after finding out I was pregnant with #4....I ended up leaving that job knowing daycare for 4 would be impossible. However, I LOVE to work...so my old job welcomed me back with open arms to work a couple of days a week to help out...and I consider it my Mother's Day Out....but back to my convo with the CEO...I felt so happy that they were still happy about me being part of the team....that I was overwhelmed when she handed me my "thank you" gift....a new I PAD 2....I couldn't believe it...I am blogging from it now;) I love it...and so do the kids...lotsmof fun activities

5. Anyone have big Memorial day plans? Not us....I am hoping to find some great sales though....Carter's feet decided to have a growth spurt...so all the shoes I just got him for summer...are ALL TOO SMALL....at least I can pass them down to Austin.

6. I finally decided it was time to get real....with my clothes...I cleaned out my closet to get rid of all the "this will fit one day" and "I will find SOMETHING to wear this with" items. So far I have 5 huge bags to donate to Goodwill. I love purging....

7. I signed up for Pinterest...and I have know idea what I am doing...sorry to those who are following me...I will figure it out ;)

8. I am in desperate need of grocery shopping....since we lost electricity everything in our fridge and freezer is ruined....but Kev is working like crazy right now and I haven't worked up the nerve to go with all four kids...sad, huh?

9. I love the movie Independence Day......random I know. But I am watching it right now :)

10. I ordered outdoor furniture and had it delivered to my parents house....and someone stole it off their porch last night....isn't that crazy...we were all there when it got stolen too. The box was huge! It had to have taken at least 2 people....still not sure how we missed that happening....


Well....like I said...random...but feels good to be blogging again! Have a great long weekend!

I "still" do....

It has been 5 years....today....since Kevin and I said "I Do".



I still remember the day like yesterday....waking up at my parents house after a slumber party with my closest friends...getting all dolled up for the man I love....the hair, the make-up and the big white dress. I still love that dress....Arriving at the church to see so many people there to support our journey into marriage...it was amazing.

Not to mention the fact that my brother, Brandon, stood before everyone and married us. He was so geniune with words of wisdom from verses from the Bible, stories of my childhood and from knowing Kevin for many years, and the love that only a big brother can have as he married his little sister off. Thinking of it now still brings tears to my eyes....it was perfect. Then the wedding was over and we headed off to an amazing reception and a trip to St. Lucia. Then we arrived home as husband and wife.

I honestly can say that there are days that it doesn't seem possible that we have been married for 5 years....time flies when your having fun, right? But to be completely honest...which is what I try to be....there are days that I am sure that it has been much longer...when anything he says or does annoys me :) Isn't marriage funny like that??

In our 5 years together...we have sold a house, bought a house, lived with my parents on 3 different occassions for as short as a couple of weeks to as long as a couple of months. We have put together 3 different nurseries and stayed by each others side on the birth of our four children. We have stuck out being apart during long work weeks, leaving a job and starting a new job. We have cried with each other and yelled at each other. We have broke each others trust and rebuilt it up again through Christ. There has been joy, broken hearts, funny stories, sleepless nights and lots of kisses and hugs. Regardless of the day though, we ended it together.

I am so blessed to have Kevin in my life. He is incredible....I have seen him grow as a husband and a father. He is the most amazing man...and he is a man of God. We went to a marriage seminar last weekend at our church. It was great to sit down and take time for us. With four kids we don't get to do that often....we took in alot of information...but I think what I walked away with the most was the importance to take time together and to actually talk and verbalize your wants and needs. It sounds so, DUH!, but I think with marriage, most people enter in with expectations...maybe expectations they don't even realize they have of their spouse. At the end of the seminar, with about 125 other couples, we took each others hands and renewed our vows. No frills...dress....flowers....just him and I looking in each others eyes saying, "I still do".

Marriage is much harder than I thought it would be...you have to intentionally take part in your own marriage because it is easy to become complacent. So I am taking the time to say, not only I love you, but alsoplease, thank you and I believe in you.

I could go on and on about things I love about Kevin (patience, watching sports...any sports...together on TV...his smile, dishwashing abilities, cuddling, taking care of all 4 kids because I just need to get away, lots and lots more)...and probably put together a pretty good list of things that annoy me LOL (laundry everywhere, shoes in the living room, leaving pens on his shirt and me washing them...ok ok...I will stop :)...but I will just say that I am proud that, I love him, respect him and trust him more than I did on this day 5 years ago and know that we will still have valleys and peaks but I trust that with God we will get through it.

I love my man...and I am looking forward to a much needed date night tonight. I am super pumped....we are going to TWO movies...woot woot!! We are going to go see "Something Borrowed" (although I read the book...I still want to see it) and "Bridesmaids" which I have heard is hilarious. Then grab food without having to ask for a single high chair :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!!

Confessions of a Swingset

We purchased a swingset last month. We had a date set for May 1st to put together said swingset....of course it was postponed...it ended up pouring down rain that day...so we decided May 15th would be the day. We knew it would be an all day project...which means explaining to a 3 year old and two almost 2 year olds that yes...it was a swingset...and no they could not play on it...for an entire day...and of course they wanted to help. So needless to say it was interesting...

At first, the kids went outside and acted as though they would make due with what they had...of course they ended up bored after a few minutes.



This is what they stared at for a LONG time...sometimes outside...sometimes from the dining room window. They ate lunch...napped...snack...dinner...and still no swingset...



They were all in bed when the finished product was finally presented by a very tired dad....and two very tired grandpas. (I will add that my father gave up the opportunity to go to Game 7, Thunder v. Grizzlies, to put this together...good man!)



Right before Katelyn went to bed, her Papa told her after breakfast she could play on the swingset and it would be ready to go. So, as soon as she opened her eyes the next morning, she reminded me of what he said...so I told her as soon as she ate breakfast, we would get everyone dressed and head outside. She ate breakfast FAST....and the kids went out and enjoyed their newest toy!!



Katelyn is an ol' pro at swinging and sliding...however, the boys only play on a swingset when we have been down at my parents house. It is funny to see how playing on a swingset shows the boys differences.

Bryce = no fear...he is up and down ladders, slides and swinging on his tummy and just ready to jump on or in anything. He just gets in there and is ready to play...smile on face when he is out there...tears and tantrums when time to go in though LOL

Carter = apprehensive...for the first day, he would only try to climb if you were right behind him...but he would only go up a couple of steps without getting scared. You would have to pick him up and put him at the top of the slides. He has come out of his shell though...he is climbing up ladders and sliding by himself without fear.

We are so excited to have the swingset and know that the kids are going to get many years of playtime on this set. I still cannot believe it took 12 hours in all to put together....but it was worth it.

I see playdates in my future!!

My Publisher

Anyone else a fan?

Well, if not, you should be.

My Publisher is software that is free to download to make books full of memories. I have been using My Publisher for about 4 years now and have made books full of pictures to remember births, birthdays and vacations. It is super user-friendly and affordable.

Back in the day, I used to think I was creative. During the beginning of the scrapbook craze (that is still very much a craze), I thought, when I have kids I will scrapbook and have these beautiful, elaborate and brag-worthy books that they will cherish for years....I was SO WRONG.

I can hardly keep up with a baby book. I would use the excuse of 4 kids but it just isn't true...even when I just had Katelyn I had a hard time keeping up with milestones. Hopefully I will never get quizzed one day on all her "firsts" because I honestly don't know. I can tell you a time frame, but as far as day, it would be a shot in the dark. Sad, huh? (Another reason for me to blog...it is the closest I will come to keeping up with what is going on)

Another downfall of mine...actually printing out hardcopies of photos. I have so many pictures on my computer....and probably only 0.0001% printed out. When I do print them out, they usually end up in a box completely unorganized or forgot about. If they do make it out of the box and into a frame it is a small miracle. Problem with frames though, there are only so many frames you can put out before it looks like TOO MUCH.

So these amazing books that have been able to fix my problems. I can build a book (or they can do an autobuild if you like)and TADA! Instant memories captured in a great coffee table book or a small mini book. You can do picture only or you have the option to tell your own story. I have made 3 books and Katelyn loves to sit down with them and read about her story.


I spent the better part of yesterday catching up on books. I was able to do the book for the twins birth (only 2 years behind LOL), their first birthday party and Austin's birth. I have two more on my list right now that I want to get done by the end of the week.

They aren't only great for me to have at my home, but we have also made books and given them as gifts at Christmas for the grandparents. We did mini books last year of our family pictures and it turned out great. My Publisher almost ALWAYS is having a deal for a percentage off or a BOGO offer.

Right now, if you go to their website you can enter your e-mail and you get a code for buy one, get one (if you are a new customer). If you have ever used them they are offering up to 75% for Father's Day.

Just so you know...this is purely my opinion and I have never had any contact with them to push their product. It just makes my life a little easier when I am trying to keep my life organized and I thought I would share.

What do you use to capture your memories?? Do you scrapbook? Are you great with photo albums? Do you know another website that makes great products with photos? I would love to hear!

Orlando....Vacation 2011

So I figured I could probably do multiple posts on Orlando...the fun nights at dinner with family, the daily trips to Universal, pool time with the kids, but I figured a few brief words and PICTURE OVERLOAD would do our trip justice :)

So we left May 8th and flew out with 12 other family members. 10 other adults and 2 of Katelyn's cousins. It was so fun to be able to interact with our family that we do not get to see as often as we would like. We started the first night with a group dinner and then hung out at Citywalk.

We started the first full day at Isle of Adventure where Katelyn had a BLAST at Seuss Land. She road the "One fish, Two fish" ride and then we road the train through Seuss Land. We also hit the crazy Seuss carousel and ended up at the play area with spraying water and jumping in puddles. KK is 39 1/2 inches tall, so she just fell short of the height for most rides, but we definitely made the most of it! She did end up making the cut for the Spiderman ride...but was not one of her favorites!

Day number one ended with some pool time and then Katelyn taking a 4 HOUR NAP!! Between the day of travel and then a day full of sun, she was wiped!! So needless to say we had a late dinner and then Kev and I ended up staying up watching the Thunder 3OT game.

Something I did find out on vacation was that Katelyn IS NOT a morning person!! She slept in everyday that we were there...which in return meant, so did I :) It was wonderful!

Day number two we headed to Universal, and we hit up Barney Land. KK loved it! We went and saw the show and she sang all the songs and this is where we made our first purchases. Barney had a great play area and was age appropriate. We then headed to a water area that was based on Curious George. Let's just say, her and I ended up soaked! It was a lot of fun and felt great on that HOT day....it was so fun watching her run and giggle. We spent the majority of our time there, but we did hit up the Woody Woodpecker rollercoaster, and we wandered around and had lunch with the group. KK also got to meet Dora and Diego in the Nick area. This is where we made our next set of purchases. We saw Spongebob from afar, but she was a little too shy to actually approach him...not that I blamed her...a huge yellow plastic sponge...probably a little scary to a 3 year old :)

Our 3rd day, we asked Katelyn what she wanted to do and she wanted to head back to Seuss land...so we did a mini repeat of day one and then she was ready for the pool. We spend 4 hours at the pool...in the effort to keep her up until dinner time because a nap was not exactly working in...however, she ended up crashing on her dad's shoulder for a while before dinner...it was precious.

We loaded the water taxi (which was our main mode of transportation for the trip) and I couldn't have been happier to have those days with Kevin and Katelyn. We had an amazing time and I was able to just hang out with my princess. Don't get me wrong, I missed the boys like crazy!!!! But it was nice to be able to give my full attention to Katelyn for a few days...I hope as she gets older we are able to go on little Mother/Daughter getaways!

So...here you go...picture overload of our trip to Orlando!

Good times! Orlando was a blast! Have a great Monday!

Home sweet Home...

Well, folks...I am home from Orlando....I can't believe it has already come and gone! It seems like yesterday we recieved the phone call that my sweet brother-in-law wanted to take the entire family (15 in all) to Orlando to explore Universal Studios and Isle of Adventure and sit around leisurely around the pool. It was a blast, but I am SO glad to be back home with my boys (it was just Kev, KK and myself that went on the trip since the boys are a little to little to really enjoy the whole theme park aspect).

So, I have bags to unpack, clothes to wash, a schedule to get back to and grocery shopping to do...however, I am going to simply spend the days with my boys and then Kev and I are headed to a marriage seminar at our church tonight and in the morning.

Hope everyone is great and I will get together a couple of Orlando posts filled with lots of pics :)

Oh, although I was gone, it did not mean that I did not take in 2 amazing Thunder games and I am looking forward to game 6 tonight, and hopefullly the last game of the series!! Thunder Up!

Happy Friday!

6 months

Well, little man.....our Cinco de Mayo was extra special because on that day you hit the 6 month point....1/2 a year....180 or so days...unbelievable. We started a day with a trip to the doctor and got your stats.

Height - 26.25 inches long
Weight - 16lbs 7oz

You spent the rest of the day sleeping. Apparently your shots made you sleepy! Sister was with you at her 3 year appointment and she held you hands during shots. It was very sweet.

The whole family absolutely adores you. The boys love to lay on their belly with you each morning when they get up. They talk to you you and hug you. Kisses are in abundance as well.



You are getting stronger and stronger each day. This past month you have been getting up on all fours and have begun rocking a little bit. You also can sit up by yourself for moments and if you have a toy in front of you, you sit up for a lot longer.






You are an eating anything we give you. You love all veggie/fruit/meat or any combination of the three. You are still nursing and do so a few times throughout the day. We are going to start you on cereal next week and you will be on 3 meals a day. We are also going to start introducing the sippy cup so we can transition you off the bottle by 9 months or so.



You started sleeping later in the morning...you got up this at 9am! You like your sleep time :)

You are such a joy to be around. You smile, coo and giggle all the time. Strangers love to talk to you, friends love to hold you and momma loves to lay down and cuddle with you. I want to to press pause on you...you just keep getting SO BIG and before long I know I won't be able to cuddle as much because you will be on the go! So I am trying to take in each moment with you and enjoy all the small things as much as possible.



We have left you places for a night, however, today we are dropping you off at Granny and Papa's for FIVE NIGHTS!! You will stay with them while Mom, Dad and KK are in Orlando. I am excited about our vacation but sad to be away from you (and Carter and Bryce) for such a long period of time. However, I know you are in good hands and you will have a good bonding time with your grandparents.



I love you little man...you make me so happy! You have truly taught me to enjoy the little things and to not live in such a rush. Sometimes 24 hours a day just isn't enough time to enjoy all your smiles and love. You are such a blessing!

Happy 6 months!

The Fed Ex man....my new best friend

Well...I finally broke down and decided it was time for some shopping. Little man is almost 6 months old and I feel like I am the size I am going to be from this point on, so I hit the Internet and found a few sales at my favorite stores and made a few purchases.

I normally do not shop online...actually, I never shop online. Shopping was always a fun activity for me...trying on various things, lunch with mom, more shopping, etc. However, these days, with 4 kids, a trip to the mall is actually quite crazy! I understand though, the last thing a 3 year old, 2 one year olds and a 5 month old want to do is sit in strollers for hours while mommy tries on clothes....so hitting the computer keys was the next best thing :)

And the best part of all, the knock on the door and the package on your doorstep :) So fun! I have always loved getting a present...and this week I have recieved a 3 packages!! So I figured, I would post a few of my purchases that I will be wearing this spring...I tried to build on a few items and want to add in a few accessories. I am going to make a SERIOUS donation here in the next couple of weeks of pretty much 90% of my current closet. My new rule is that for every one thing coming in, two things must go out. I am ready to downsize on things...

Drumroll......

Denim Shorts - Old Navy
I am not always a huge denim shorts person, but I figured I could use one affordable pair. I really like the length on these and that they can be dressed up or down. I am a little concerned with how they will wash...definitely will not dry them!



Colored shorts - J.Crew
So...I have become OBSESSED with peacock blue...I want it everywhere...my house, my wardrobe...so when I saw these on-line I knew that I had to have them. I actually was good though and waited until a sale hit :)



Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

I love a skirt I can dress up or down. This is a great neutral color and I can't wait to add in pops of color. I can see it with heels or flats and it is super comfortable.



Casual Top - J.Crew

So this is my one of my favorite purchases. I love the stripe and the warmth of the color. It is super comfortable and is a flattering cut. The cutest part to me is that it buttons down the back.



Dressy Top (for me) - Gap

So I don't often have a reason to "dress up". I stay in my mom gear (aka pajamas for me LOL) most days, but I figured for a date night with the hubs I could break out something that was a little girly and cute. I love this top because of the cut. I am looking forward to wearing it!



The White Jean - Gap

So I have jumped out of my comfort zone and went with something trendy this year...the white skinny jean. Crazy? Yes, but I couldn't help it. I have seen it worn in such great ways, I figured I would try. I will definitley not be wearing these around the boys....but again a date night with the hubs or an outing with friends, I think these would be perfect!



So there you have it...I have some basic tees and capris and flip flops that I will spend most of my time in, but a few new pieces felt great to add to the closet. I am excited to clean out the old and downsize. Ready for the sun so I can get some use out of these items...good thing I will be in Orlando in 4 days :)

Off to watch my DVR'd shows :)

Absolute Randomness....

So it is Tuesday....and honestly, I have not been up to much worth a full post, so I figured I would throw together a little of this and a little of that and a few pics. Since the kids are napping, I got to play with picnik :)

Last night I had the joy to go to a Women's Bible Study at my church and I met some amazing women. I feel that I am being led into new friendships and I am excited. I still think it is funny being almost 30 and trying to make new friends...I was nervous before going inside :)

My DVR is on absolute overload....I can't believe that on Monday's I record 5 different shows...that is a little much...and then I spend more time staying up to catch up on television than going to bed to get any rest....

Carter woke up this morning happy as can be and then BAM...fever...only slight...but he went down for a nap 2 hours ago and has not moved an inch...little man must have an ear infection

I am 1 load away from being DONE with laundry....however, I still need to hang up ALOT of clothing...however, I will look at this as my glass is half full :)

I went grocery shopping and saved $26....so I am no Extreme Couponer...yet...but it is fun to save $$$$

Friday night we went to a cookout and I got to see girls I went to high school with and hang out with their families...it was ALOT of fun...but it did wear Kevin and I out....keeping up with all four is challenging

I am getting excited for the Thunder game tonight, 2nd game in round 2...we are down 0-1 in the series...so it is a MUST WIN, as my husband would say :) Thunder Up!

I am obsessed with budgeting...Dave Ramsey spoke at our church Sunday...(via video) and he has inspired me to go full force!! Bring it on Excel!!

Last but certainly not least....today is my sweet mom's birthday...and I got to spend the whole day with her :) So thankful for her and her ability to love and give

So that is ALL over the place...but that is ok...Hope you are having a GREAT Tuesday!!

Took the plunge....

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" Romans 6:4

This morning I watched my husband make the best decision in his life....to announce in front of everyone that he is a believer. I feel so blessed to be apart of his life. He was baptized and renewed and it brought tears to my eyes.

Happy Sunday!!