Parental fears....

Ok...so this will be somewhat serious....and somewhat comical...there are many aspects of parenting that scare the you know what out of me....it started with the normal fears of bringing home a newborn...feeding schedules, lack of sleep, when to feed solids...should I give Tylenol, vaccines....eating cheerios off the floor...formula vs. breastmilk...always wondering what was best...and eventually finding out, ultimately, there was no right answer....it actually ends up being what best works for us....

I know that I have done things that some parents would cringe at...but between my "mother's intuition" and trusting my pediatrician....I have made decisions that have best worked for our family.  It still makes me laugh that I will say something that my kids are doing....and I get feedback on how I am doing it all wrong...by a complete stranger :)  Go figure...

Since having Austin (precious baby #4) just 3 years after having Katelyn (sweet baby #1) most "new baby" fears were out the window.  He just goes with the flow :)  So now that we are approaching the 1st birthday of Austin (tear...sniffle, sniffle), I am looking into the near future....and the not so near future of things that I am just not ready for....

Potty Training
This is a current battle I am having...I have two 2 year old boys that I am honestly dreading (don't judge) to potty train.  One has a little interest...one has no interest...and I am not emotionally, physically ready to start this process....this is why it is on hold.  However, I realize it is in inevitable that the boys MUST learn how to use the bathroom without a diaper :)  I think it is just the idea of getting both of them trained...and turning around and seeing that it will be time to train Austin....that is ALOT of potty training.  I still stand by the hope that Austin will magically potty train himself after watching two brothers go through the process LOL....ok...maybe not

ER Trips
With 4 kiddos....3 being boys....I can only imagine the ER trips we might take...the very fear of my children being injured scares me.  But, yes, I know it will eventually happen.  My brother's had there trips in and out from falling off four-wheelers, playing sports, etc...I had my trips with broken arms and sprained ankles....so I know it is going to happen...and man I hope I can keep my cool.  Prayer will be my best friend, I know...

Broken Hearts/Breaking Hearts
Ok...this is two-fold....first, I hate the idea of my kids heart ever being broken...whether it be by failure to achieve a goal, not making a team, not feeling included, or feeling lonely.  We have begun their little lives with teachings about Jesus...and the love they have no matter how alone they may feel.  I pray that this remains their foundation and they seek Him in time of comfort.  On the other side...I pray for my children to have kind hearts...that they do not hurt another person in any way.  I, of course, don't want to have a child that bullies, says hurtful things or decieves others.  In all honesty, I know that both of these things will happen.  I pray that these are situations that I can use as teaching tools for my kids.

Facebook
I know that, yes, I am on Facebook...but I can't imagine the day that my kids are...what if they won't be my friend!?!

Cell Phones
The bills, the texting, the inability to spell words correctly due to texting...you get my idea...I do not want to lose my kids to technology.  There will be some serious rules around this one :)

The first boyfriend/girlfriend
So...I know I got a while on this...(at least I better) but, as a parent...I am just hoping this never happens :)  Too much to ask??  Well, if it does...I am hoping that my daughter has a good head on her shoulders....and that I raise my boys in a manner that they KNOW how to treat a lady. 

Driving Cars
I did not get my license until I was 17 years old....I was in a wreck 3 months prior to turning 16 and it scared me off the road...until I was 17.  So, I am not looking forward to the kids driving off into the sunset....I might just be one of those crazy parents that puts GPS on my kids cars/phones/whatever device they have to keep track of where they are at all times.  I know this sounds like I expect the worst from my kiddos...I don't...but I just have these fears of the unknown happening.

Senior Trip
All I have to say is....my kids will not go...nothing good happens on these...people disappear...rules are broken...things get bad.  We will take a wonderful family trip instead :)

Ok...so I KNOW this is random...but these are things that I think about when I look into the eyes of my sweet little children.  I know that God has a plan for their life...I pray that I am able to give them the tools they need to seek that life. 

Happy Thursday!!

Getting Crafty with it....

I am loving something right now....Hobby Lobby....Michael's....anything crafty...some bug bit me and I just want to make things....I think it is a mix of Katelyn's birthday party/Pinterest/etsy....I started with one project and now I am looking at ways to do more!! 

Rosettes...they have become my obsession...so easy to make and you can add them to anything....this is a wreath that I made for decor at KK's birthday party.  I thought it turned out so good...and I made it for a whopping $5 after hitting up Hobby Lobby with their 50% off items.  I have also made various other odds and ends for the party....I will share once the time comes though :)

So this picture isn't great, but here is a rosette bow I made for Katelyn....I have paid ridiculous money for these...and they are so easy to make :)  So glad...now when I go to craft stores I look for cheap scrap fabric :) 

I have so many other ideas that I want to put into action....all in good time though :)

I am working on gathering the supplies to make holiday wreaths for some friends and family as a gift.  I LOVE fall colors so I have already found the fabric....just waiting on wreaths to go back on 1/2 price sale.

I am also about to start Katelyn's halloween costume for the year...I have made her costume for the past two years....

2009 - Little Peacock

2010- Dalmatian

This year...we are going to be a mermaid :)  I am super excited to get started!!

Anyone working on anything fun right now???  Anyone else feel as though they could do anything thanks to Pinterest?  LOL

Lots of firsts going on 'round here....

So in the past couple of weeks we have had lots of firsts....so I figure I would gather it in one post to show you guys what has been going on.....

1.  First day of school....I am fortunate that I have found a place that my kids ADORE...the four of them went last year and they are all returning this year.  Katelyn has switched to the 3 year old preschool program and she is one of "those" kids that LOVES school...she loves the supplies, getting a new bag, school clothes, friends and activities.  She is a mini me....fo' real...It is precious....she actually would prefer going to school daily....but for now she is just there twice a week for a couple of hours and then stays for stay'n'play so it continues into the afternoon.  Carter and Bryce attend twice a week as well, and we have our same teacher for the third time....last year, this past summer and for this year....and she is amazing!!!  The boys think she is the best and even shy little Carter runs right up to her and gives her hugs...and then we have to make him leave...(insert tantrum LOL).  Austin is in the baby room once a week and the ladies just love on the babies and get in the floor and play with them....he is all over the place and loves being able to play with toys without being trampled on by three siblings. 

The three kiddos ready to go....go figure...no Austin...

Miss KK ready to go with bag in hand

KK and her teacher

This is what I got from the boys when I wanted to take their pic....they took off in opposite directions and could have cared less about capturing the moment....

2.  First day of Soccer (practice)....KK is signed up to play soccer this year through her preschool and the Y.  It is so cute....seriously...kids running up and down the field trying to kick the ball....sometimes successful...sometimes not...but they all love it!!  I have pics from her first practice...but none from her first game....boo! Kev had to work and I had a funeral to attend....fortunatley for KK her 3 sets of grandparents were there spoiling her....pretty sure she didn't even realize Kev and I weren't there.

3.  First night of dance....take two!  This is KK's second year in dance....she has been looking forward to dance starting back ALL SUMMER.  She loves to dance...she never walks through a room...she dances through it...it cracks me up.  She is super excited because this year her good friend is joining her in the class.  I am excited because now I have a friend to hang out with during dance :)  It is win/win...

 Miss KK ready to go....

Great first night of dance with a very good friend!!

4.  First stand....as in Austin!!  He is able to stand on his own!!!  He has done it a couple of times and always has the biggest smile....but also a very concentrated look...I wish I had a picture of it!!  I will catch him soon and post :)  It is SUPER CUTE!!

 

5.  First time to wear orange....for the season that is :)  College football is up and going...We are HUGE Oklahoma State fans and we are currently sitting 2-0....Yay us :)  So of course the kids have their gear to wear....so I tried to take a few photos...

 

 

 

Well, that is all I got for now :)  The kids are doing great and enjoying getting back to a routine....I hope you guys are al having a fabulous week!!

 

 

Xtreme Color...

So in my life I do not have the opportunity to be very Xtreme...so when the opportunity presented itself....I went for it :)

As in, nail color....I had walked into Walgreens to grab something and a sign caught my eye...Sally Hansen's Xtreme nail colors were 2 for $4 and they had so many shades to choose from....and at the price, I did not mind indulging myself just a little :)

I rarely buy nail polish...but I loved all the fun colors and I have a daughter that LOVES getting her nails and toes polished. So I decided on "Pacific Blue" and "Mellow Yellow" for my first two colors....



So fun :) I love KK's sweet little hands!

I have been on Sallyhansen.com this morning looking at other fun colors...they have a great orange, "Sun-Kissed" and a teal, "The Reel Teel" that are next on my list....
Then who knows what is next...

I think I have found a new obsession :)

Happy Friday!!

My little Princess....

I realized as I go through my older posts...I don't dedicate alot of time to my firstborn...Miss KK. She is such a blessing and I smile everytime I see her dancing around and singing. I can't believe how quickly she is growing up...since she is the oldest of 4 kiddos, I think I sometimes believe she should act older than she actually is. Kev has to remind me that she is just 3 years old and still growing up and learning so many lessons.

Honestly, my relationship with her is what really keeps me thinking about my relationship with God. How she is my child, and she sometimes has a hard time focusing on what is important and listening to the plan I have for her day...just like I struggle with being self-reliant and getting side-tracked by things that do not need to take me off the path, the perfect plan, that God has for my life. As i learn more about my relationship with the Lord, Katelyn is learning about her relationship as well.

One of my favorite times of the day is when we sit down to read her devotional Bible.



I bought this for her because I thought it looked precious. Now as she and I work through the book, I realize it is such an amazing book of lessons that allows her and I time to have fellowship together. She really enjoys hearing the stories and the application to her life...and it is amazing how it speaks to me. I definitley recommend this book to anyone with little girls. It has verses, and then applications that a small child can understand and even parts where you can role play stories.

(For the boys I have found the following Bible that I would like to start with them soon.)


Back to my Princess....I love that she is all girl...lip gloss, bows, frills and sassiness...but I am also glad that she is learning that beauty is from within...and that I hope that as we continue our study of the Word together she will have a firm foundation of strength in God that she will face this world and be ready to love and give.

She, of course is typical 3 year old that enjoys a good dramatic fit, and a I have frustrated moments that I feel as though I don't know what to do next...but fortunately we both have HOPE in our hearts and know that we have somewhere to turn to for help...for the One that will always listen.

Happy Tuesday!!

Come up...and see me sometime...

So it has been a LONG time since I have written a real post...due to the fact that my computer has been at the computer doctor getting fixed....so I have not been able to upload photos or update on what has been going on....so here goes...

Katelyn's Dance recital....May 22nd...can I just say it was one of those proud parent moments that brought tears to my eyes. The family came out to see her in her first production...but the recital day started way before showtime...she was so excited about getting ready for the recital...I am pretty sure she was more excited about lip gloss and mascara than wearing a tutu and tapping...

The outfit....



Prep time....

 

She had so much fun getting ready...and I had so much getting her all dolled up...of course we had to have a small little photo shoot at home...



I think all the excitement got to her...because she fell asleep in the car :) But once we got there, she was ready to go! We went backstage and found her friends...they all looked so cute!



Once we got her settled down, it was showtime...it was an amazing show watching all the dancers...but it was absolutely precious watching Katelyn on stage. She had such a good time. I was half worried that she would just stand there and stare out into the audience like a deer in headlights...but I was so wrong...she smiled and danced and had a blast. She had two dances...first was her tap...which is her favorite. Second, was the ballet dance...which ended with a little dance with their dads. It was super cute and Kev had a great time with his little girl! These pictures aren't the best...I obviously need a better zoom lense!



Even Austin was having a good time...



After the recital, KK was covered with love, flowers and presents from the family and she enjoyed every minute of seeing her grandparents and cousins!

Her and her cousin Miriel....



Grandparents....



It was such a good evening with our little girl! It was so fun watching her enjoy herself and dance on a big stage. She is starting a summer dance camp tomorrow....we might have a tiny dancer on our hands :) Or not...either way, I am glad she enjoys life and I enjoy watching her!!

Daddy's Little Girl

Tonight I was cleaning the living room....I picked up a frame of my father and I on my wedding day....

KK: (Big smile on face) "Is that a picture of you and Papa?"

Me: "Yep....it is from mine and daddy's wedding day...Papa gave me away to daddy that day....one day you will get married and daddy will give you away"

KK: (with look of fear as she turns to her father)"......but I don't want to go away Daddy....."

I slightly giggle under my breath and look at Kev....who has a big smile on his face...

Kev: "You don't have to EVER go away....you can just stay with me"

KK: (relieved) "GOOD!"

I hope he realizes she will change her mind ;)

Regardless....it was super sweet to see....she is such a daddy's girl...I love it!

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!

Good Friday Highlights...

Well, it has been a wonderful and busy day...a few highlights before starting the busy Easter weekend...

• I had a playdate with three wonderful women and their sweet kiddos....plus I brought ALL four of mine. This was a first for me...I have never taken all 4 kiddos with me anywhere and done all the loading and unloading (which takes master skill LOL). I am fortunate to have my husband with me on most occassions. It is tough for two eyes to keep track of six moving little legs and a baby but overall it went really well!! I am SO THANKFUL for the wonderful friends I had that helped me keep up with my crew. I will say that it wore me out :) We all went to see daddy after and grab lunch...and then we headed home for naps :)


• While on the playground I recieved the best.compliment.ever....I had rounded up the three older kids to a bench to take a 5 minute break and grab a drink of water, where an older woman sat there and smiled at me. My first thought, she thinks I am crazy and probably is thinking I need a good talk about where babies come from...(I get this often). However, she surprised me with simply saying, "My twins are 35 years old now, you are going to have so much fun"....I sighed with relief, as if I just realized I was talking to an old friend (something I love about meeting other twin moms) and laughed and responded, "So you are a survivor..."and we both laughed. She then said something that caught me off guard, "You look great out there...no matter how much you are running around, you are doing it with a smile." I know that I look frantic when keeping up with all 4 kiddos, and I have always assumed I looked, well, crazy...defeated...overwhelmed...but a woman I did not know paid me a huge compliment and said I did it with a smile. She also gave me many more words of encouragement and I felt SO GOOD after talking to her.


• After naptime, Kev got home and me and Katelyn were out the door...we had to run to the mall and exchange a couple of things. We strolled around the mall for a little bit, tried on pretty necklaces and looked at pretty clothes. Her favorite are shiny belts right now :)


• Then, off to dinner with my girl...which was a blast! She LOVES going out to eat at restaurants...always a special occassion....and her and I rarely get this opportunity. So we decided a special dinner needed a cupcake. We sat there and chatted...and she looked at me and said, "We are going to be friends forever Mom..." Loved it...and love her!


• Then we headed to watch my niece, Kyleigh, in her FIRST dance competition. It was so fun to see her on stage and dancing so well! She did great! KK was in awe the whole time. To top things off, her team won GOLD....Yay!


• Now I am home, kids in bed and the hubs and I are going to finish the day with a movie. So many wonderful things to be thankful for on the Good Friday. Blessed that Jesus died for my sins...for all our sins....I am looking forward to an amazing and uplifting Easter weekend.

Have a great weekend!

Can I get a "Go Pokes!" ?

Well...as an Oklahoma State Alum, I am somewhat of an OSU fan...okay...I am a MAJOR OSU fan. I love my Cowboys...good, bad, winning or losing...I just love the way that watching college sports takes me back to my college experience, which was AMAZING!!

So hands down, my favorite college town is Stillwater. So when I recieved an e-mail on Monday letting me know that OSU v. Harvard tickets were on sale for the first round of the NIT tournament...and for only $10 bucks....I thought to myself, perfect time to take the family to Stillwater :)

However, Tuesday rolled around and unfortunately, Carter decided to have a spike in fever...and my little Austin man had a fever....and Bryce's other ear started to drain...and so when I have three men down...I must make the ultimate sacrifice and hand the tickets over to Kev and send him and KK on their way...without the rest of their team.



You can just see the disappointment in their eyes.....well...maybe I am just imagining that :)

Katelyn was so excited...she wanted to wear her outfit...bring her pom poms...and she must have practiced her "OOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUU.....Cowboys!" and "Go Pokes" at least 100 times before hitting the road.



It was funny...as she practiced her cheers...I asked her if she was going to be a cheerleader when she grew up...and she looked at me and with the most serious look in her eyes...she said, "Mom....I am going to be a doctor..." as though she was insulted...crazy girl!

Well, I got a call when they got to the game and situated and apparently my overzealous cheerleader that left the house ready to bring down the house....crawled in her shell and hugged her dad's leg the whole game...well, that and ate ALOT of popcorn. She told me this morning she had a stomachache because of all the "junk" she ate at the game!

Regardless of her cheering effort...she must have enjoyed her time in Stillwater as much as I used too....because that girl did not roll out of bed until 11am this morning....Definitely not a morning person :)

Well, as a side note I will say, that Oklahoma State came out victorious and will play again on Monday in Washington.

Don't you fox me.....

Is one of the many lines you will hear in my household on a daily basis...let me explain...KK is 2 1/2 years old and has been developing quite a "diva-like" personality. She is testing waters and boundaries and we are quickly developing the rights and wrongs, while choosing our battles carefully.

She has begun to "talk back" at times, and usually we can nip it in the bud without much fuss, however, when she is feeling especially feisty she makes this odd noise (and face for that matter) in order to "talk back" without "talking about". The first time this happened...I wanted to giggle because it is quite funny, however, once you laugh as a parent you have lost all leverage. So I looked at her and asked what she was doing and as serious as can be, she told me she was being a fox. Still not really sure where this came from....but now it is apart of our lives.

However, now when she says it...I do not feel like laughing...it actually bothers me because I know she is trying to sass me, so therefore, out of my mouth comes "Don't you fox me...." as serious as can be. Ahh...parenting...cracks me up sometimes.

My life as a Mommy....

Becoming a Mommy changes everything....and yet nothing at all. Prior to having a baby, my life consisted of hubby, work and my friends. The hubs and I were quite social. We enjoyed going out and eating at a great steak (The Ranch...yummy!), going to have wings and beer to watch a good game and staying up late and sleeping in late whenever possible. I also cherished my girl time with my best friends. We spent each and everything Thursday at a biker bar listening to friends of ours play music while we ate chips & queso while having a beer.

I LOVED my time out...my plans, my time schedule, my way....until that Thursday night that I took the test....and it showed two lines instead of just one. I was pregnant....and from that point on it wasn't about me. I then dove into any .com that mentioned pregnancy and baby, books that contained millions of names, and shopped on-line for anything that was little and cute. I broke the news to my closest girlfriends by an e-mail letting them know that I would not be on our annual girls trip because I would be 7 1/2 months pregnant....this was followed by many congratulatory e-mails and excitement! It made my heart swell to have such love and support!

But of course life happens and the excitement wears off...well for everyone except me because this was my first pregnancy...I was having a BABY! At first I was sad when I heard all the girls were going out...and I wouldn't be going...I would get the invite and have the best intentions, but by the time I got off work, I was so sleepy....bedtime was 8pm to me....and then as I got bigger, I didn't want to be the prego girl in the bar :) But then I realized...that I really didn't care...not that I didn't miss my girl time, but I knew that I would rather be home or with family talking about plans for the baby. Sitting on the couch and feeling the movement of my baby girl (which I found out on my 26th birthday....that was followed with a surprise party from my hubs and BF). Kev and I would just stare at my stomach...it never got old...after I had KK, it still never got old. We spent hours watching her sleep and watching her breathe in and out. Then seeing her smiles, and her tummy time turn to crawl time...which quickly turned into pulling up and walking. Now she entertains me with stories of her day and a vivid imagination.

My second pregnancy, I knew what was to come...and two of my girlfriends were pregnant for the first time. It was fun to tell stories and lean on each other for questions and concerns. It funny how things changed...they looked to me for answers!

I now enjoy my time home and the short hours I have with my kiddos at night before cooking dinner, doing laundry and washing clothes takes over. Sometimes I just let the house go crazy because I would rather have fun with my smiling and giggly children then do chores....and I have to tell myself that it is okay. My big evening out that I look forward too is loading up the kiddos and walking the mall or heading outside to run in the backyard.

So all and all....I still get to do what I want...but this time I get to share it with my kids. It is funny how priorities change from one part of life to the next....I felt content and fulfilled prior to kids with a great husband and family and friends....and then I had children, which all of a sudden filled me up even more...and has challenged me in a way that keeps me learning everyday. I love being a mom....I never knew I would this much. I have a new found respect for my mom and the love she had for all of us. It is such a protective love. I am so blessed.

My March Resolutions....

So resolutions are supposed to happen in January...however, since I have fallen off the face of the earth since then (at least in blog world) I figured I would start now. My whole reason of starting a blog was to document my life....and become an famous blogger...okay...scratch that...:) Really....just to have a daily entry of what is going on, and how my kids and well, family are growing. With 8-month old twin boys and a 2 year old daughter....something new seems to happen each day. I have realized that I am horrible at keeping up a baby book (I want to apologize NOW to my kiddos) and although I take lots of photos...it is now only in spurts....I will take 100 pictures in a matter of two days....and then break for 1 month....so back to the resolution part....I am taking the vow to blog at least 3-4 times a week. This is actually very relaxing, banging on the keys of my laptop and letting my thoughts be put into print in the world wide web.

So, to make a long story short from last post to current.....here are a few things:

Carter - He is now weighing in at almost 20 pounds. He is my round lil' man and has so much dark hair!! He also has crazy hairy eyebrows (which I noticed tonight before bathtime) and I think we are going to have to attack him with wax as he gets older if he continues to grow hair as he does now. He has the best set of cheeks...they are big and kissable. He is, well, cotent to just sit in one spot and play with a toy forever. He can get to tummy position from sitting and roll to get anywhere, but he will not crawl. He started sitting up at a week past 7 months and has wonderful posture...but when it comes to moving, it just isn't happening. Cracks me up really....when he gets on his tummy he moves his arms and legs like crazy and smiles so big....I swear he is wondering to himself "Why am I not going anywhere?". At least this is what me and my mom think. He hates formula....I had nursed up to 8 months and due to circumstances, I had to quit nursing....so the switch has not been a good one for him. He eats three meals a day and refuses bottles. However, we have started sippy cups with milk (the real deal) and he really seems excited about that. He is such a little bear...I just love him! Oh, he did start clapping first and waving hello....it is not done on command yet, but he loves to talk and wave...and clap for himself! He still hasn't got down the art of self-feed, but he sure does like to grab lots of snacks in each hand and play with them. He is such a sweet kid, without a mischevious side to him. Just this honest, loving and kind-hearted face. Oh, and he has various names that we all refer to him....Carter Man, Carter Barter (said best by KK), lil' man....I am sure there will be more...

Bryce....oh my little Bryce....he is EVERYWHERE!! When he turned 7 months old he sat up on his own....3 days later, he leaned forward and started rocking on all fours....6 days later he started crawling and hasn't stopped....he is afraid of nothing. You can walk out of a room and he follows right behind...he will go down a dark hall by himself without a second thought. He loves to crawl to Sutton's (our dog) bowl. He won't self feed his yummy puffy snacks, however, a little kibble and bits go straight for the mouth. I don't get it :) He is now pulling up on various things and I give hime about another 6-8 weeks before he is walking...he is so determined to get somewhere, anywhere. He takes advantage of bubba not crawling too. He will go and steal a toy and just crawl off....you would think, "How mean?", but then you look at his sweet, little face with a huge smile and runny nose (always) and you just want to kiss him. He is my mischevious one....you can just see it, but then the eyes get you and you forget that he is up to something. He is weighing in at about 18 pounds....he is long and skinny....but he eats TWICE as much as his brother. Still haven't figured this out....he did not care at all when he was switched to formula...if it is in a bottle or on a spoon, he says "Yes, please!".

Both boys are so amazing together....they are so aware of each other....when they go to bed at night, first let me say, they are AMAZING sleepers...7:30p-7:00a....they know each other is there. They talk to each other and sooth each other from their own crib. Carter usually does most of the talking, and Bryce will lay there and pull the covers close and just listen and chime in on occassion. Bryce is usually the first to rise...and he will now greet you by sitting on his knees and holding on to the crib. They keep each other company as I am getting KK ready for bed. Carter is still my patient one and Bryce is more demanding. The personalities are so amazing to me. I love seeing how they come out more and more everyday.

Little Miss Katelyn....aka....KK....she is my princess. Perfect....no....huge heart and sweetest smile....yep! She has her days, like us all, and she acts her age at times, but for the most part, she really surprises me everyday with her love and understanding. She LOVES school....Fruit Loop Friday, all the art projects, the instruments and games. Her Montessori school is such a blessing. She is so self-sufficient in so many ways....and she is developing such great habits. She is also developing her brain. She loves letters, numbers and puzzles. She sings...but not only that, she performs. She has such confidence. I swear she is going to be on stage one day :) She tries to sound so grownup sometimes....I have to remind myself that she too is still so little. She loves clothes and shoes. We have fun every morning getting ready. She LOVES a pair of brown shoes she has from Striderite and she wants to wear them almost everyday. Sometimes I hide them from her when I want her to wear another pair...tehehehe. She is still a huge help with her brothers and never pitches a fit when it comes to me having to get the boys bathed and fed and ready for bed. She will just get a coloring book and hang out while I am taking care of things and she will show the boys and I what she is doing and then we make the most of our time together after the boys go down. The biggest thing in her life right now is.....the potty!! She has been doing great!! She is in panties during the day and pull ups at night. She rarely has accidents and is actually starting to tell me when she needs to go and not me ask her 1,000 times...This is crazy to me that my little girl is potty-training....this is such a HUGE step. I am so proud of her...she loves being a big girl! Not to mention the M&m she gets each time she goes. The best part of potty training that I hope I always remember is that instead of going #2 she tells me she needs to make a dinosaur....now that is a memory...that I can't wait to share with one of her boyfriends....okay...that would be cruel (but funny)...and I would never do that....but I can't say her father won't!

Baby #4....that's right...I said baby #4....we found out a week ago that I am expecting baby #4 (sorry, I have to keep writing it to believe it :) ) It is still so surreal.....I am so excited with the combination of so many other thoughts and feelings, but above all, so appreciative. Kev and I said that we wanted a big family, and 4 kiddos always felt right. I had no idea that they would all come so quickly, but what an amazing journey this will be. I am 6 weeks along and I am praying for a wonderful and healthy pregnancy and baby. We are not going to find out what we are having so we will be completely surprised. I have my first appt. March 30th. With my first two pregnancies I tried months to get pregnant without luck and then I had to take meds to have my sweet lil' kiddos....and this just happened. God is amazing! So as it is looking....I will have a 2 year old (turning 3 about a week and a half later), 2 16 month olds and a newborn....whoa! Good thing I have a wonderful hubby, a great family, a strong faith, amazing friends and my mom.

Well, that is what is going on....Kev and I are just trying to keep up :) Until tomorrow....

Meet Brodie...

Says the e-mail....

Good ol' J. Crew...I would love to have these boots...however, the price tag is not in my budget...more than likely those dollars will be spent on things that are much more fun....such as:

That is okay...I am loving window shopping these days...or on-line viewing of all the great items coming out for the spring. I do not have one item that I will be purchasing sooner than later....

J. Crew Matchstick Denim

I purchased the black wash for my NYE outing...and now I can't wait to buy the dark denim wash....I never thought I would be the "skinny" jean type, but they look super cute with flats, heals and boots...can't beat that!

The only thing better than J. Crew....CREWCUTS!! They have the cutest items for KK...she received a quite a few additions to her wardrobe for Christmas and I am excited to add more when Spring time comes around.

Well...I am off to virtually shop...

okay...so I lied...but anyway...

Well...I had the intention of blogging this week...but this week has proven to be more challenging than expected. So I am back and ready to hit the ground running!

So one of my favorite things I have done as a mom is the "holiday" party. Since Katelyn has started her Montessori school in August I have had the pleasure of attending the Halloween and Christmas party. Sooooo fun!!

The best part is about 2 weeks prior to the party they have a super cute sign up sheet at the front desk, which means as a proud momma, I get to participate. So far, I am "cups and napkins" mom. So I love going to Hobby Lobby and finding the cutest ones possible.

Also, I love to get Katelyn all dressed up for her parties in whatever cute ensemble I can come up with...or huge bow that looks bigger than her head :) I have a pretty strong bow policy...so this is just another opportunity to find the perfect one.

For the Christmas party her two year old class, or as they are known, "Busy Bee's", had to bring a wrapped gift for a gift exchange. How cute is that? Girls bought for girls, boys for boys and there was a $6 limit. We went with a "My Little Pony"...I mean what girl could resist that?

The only thing better than gifts...the FOOD! I mean seriously...look at this spread

Please note cute napkins and matching red cups :)

The kids feasted on cheeto puffs...ranch dressing...cupcakes....cookies and fruit punch....all your basic food groups of course! It was a messy and fabulous afternoon. Kevin and I (and the boys) had a great time hanging out with Katelyn and her friends. I am already ready for February and the Valentine's party....on the lookout for the perfect napkin and cups, not to mention the V-day cards that KK will hand out!

I will leave you with a few more pics of the wonderful afternoon!

Just the 5 of Us...

So that is my wonderful family of 5. This is my favorite photo of a recent photo shoot with our friend and photographer Chris Fox. There are plenty of other wonderful photos...but this one just captured an emotion. It truly shows us as a family...the hubs and I busy making sure the kids are situated...KK looking up to her daddy...and the boys just taking in each other and their surroundings.

Hands down my favorite....

It is still crazy to me...here was the first picture of the family of 5....

A very surreal day...I remember the day I found out I was pregnant...and I tried to to imagine 2 kids and how crazy and exciting it would be. When we found out it would be 2 infants and a our wonderful daughter who was blossoming into to toddlerville...whoa! Saying out loud I have 3 kids (in 3 years) still makes me stop and pinch myself.

Thinking back...I miss the hospital...at the time I wanted nothing more than to come home after being stuck up there an additional 3 days (thank you crazy high blood pressure). But it sure was nice being waited on...food brought to me and actually sleeping with all that help :) I had a great group of nurses! Thank you Mercy Hospital...

This time of year it is easy to focus on what we want instead of what we have, so I want to say I am so thankful for the 3 blessings that I have been given. They are truly the best gifts that I will ever receive.