our everyday bliss

September 26, 2009 - Christopher's OK Gold Bday Party!

I think I made a bad "mom" call when deciding Christopher's party time - 10:30am on a Saturday - because he did NOT have a very good turnout for his party this morning.  I felt sooo bad and personally very disappointed because I put so much time and effort into planning everything + $$ on gift bags, the facility etc. 

I was so proud of how he handled it though.  He only made one comment quietly to me about his disappointment in the turnout and then just went out there and had a blast.  So I am doing the same and just going to let it go and move on...live and learn, right?!

Here is a picture of his cake which was supposed to look like a cupcake...again, just letting it go (my latest mantra-lol).

 

Balloons...one of which I chopped with the ceiling fan...see it deflating :(

 

Table - set for all the kids I invited, but I'm not bitter ;)

 

Zip line!

 

Jewel on the trapeze!

 

Aunt Mel & Debi with Mr. Buns

 

I love my Aunt Mel!

 

Group photos

 

 

Cupcakes!

 

Presents!

 

Cutie Hannah!

 

This swing was the biggest hit with the kids.

 

After the party, Page went to the range with a friend and the big kids and I watched Chris' new scary movie & played his new game...then we got Mexican takeout and pigged out-very yummy! 

 

September 25, 2009 - Christopher turns 9!

My little boy is 9 years old today!  It has been an amazing journey, so far, watching him grow and change from a sweet, little baby...

 

...to an amazing silly, sweet & incredibly intelligent boy! 

 And man oh man, have we ever learned a lot along the way! Lord bless him for being the one who has to put up with our learning curve...being our first and all...but I think we are all very blessed to have each other!

This year we got Chris a Flip Mini HD camcorder since he is constantly borrowing my digital camera to make movies.  We may have a little Martin Scorsese on our hands.  I had never heard of this little camcorder until I started looking for one for him and now I want one too!  Super simple to use and he looooves it!

http://www.theflip.com/en-us/

Since his party isn't until tomorrow morning we took the kids + Jewel to Incredible Pizza tonight.  Once again we experienced some challenges with all the kids being at such different levels developmentally but ultimately we all had a good time.

The food there is actually really good but the prizes, not so much...30 tickets for a pencil or a mini box of nerds...seriously?!  The kids didn't seem to notice or care, though, and had tons of fun.  Here are a few pics.

 

 I love ski ball!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 24, 2009 - Fall Family Picnic!

Tonight we grabbed some Hot 'N Ready's and headed out to Mitch Park to enjoy this amazing Fall weather!  It's surprising how uplifting it can be to stop and take a few minutes to enjoy the simple things in life...kind of like a reset button!  Fall makes me happy!!

A true princess wears her crown wherever she goes-lol!

 

Is it wrong that this is our meal of choice at least once a week?!  I can feel my arteries clogging as we speak!

 

Before you know it this little guy will be running around too, but for now he's happy hanging with me!

 

He needs a lot of discipline....Chris too-hee hee!

 

 

The many faces of my family...gotta love em!

 

 

 

September 20, 2009 - Baby Girl Turns 4 + Disney on Ice!

Our beautiful little baby girl turned 4 years old today!  I don't know how time can go so quickly!

From this: (photo by Kimberly Stephens)
 

To this - Overnight!

 

Happy Birthday to the sweetest, kindest, prettiest little daughter a mother could ever ask for!

This is Lexi this morning with her birthday pancakes...still wearing yesterday's face paint-lol!

 

We were late to Disney on Ice but it was still great.  Of course pictures never do it justice but here's one anyway (Lion King).

 

The girls during intermission

 

Lexi in the hat that came with her ridiculously over priced cotton candy

 

Lexi with her daddy on the carousel at the fair after Disney on Ice...isn't she lovely?!

 

The first 'ride' Chris tried to ride at the fair but got dizzy and had to walk all the way down the stairs.  He had a little meltdown, got some food...and before you know it he was riding the Gravitron over and over again!

 

Chris on the swings

 

Jewel waving from the swings

 

Lexi riding the kiddy cars

 

Lexi in her very own canoe

 

Jewel and Chris had the best time ever.  I got them each an armband so they could ride as many rides as they wanted.  It was really challenging though because Lexi wasn't tall enough to ride most of the rides they were riding.  Thank goodness Mikey Smith was with us because one adult had to stay with the big kids, one with Lexi in the kiddie area and then one to man the baby!  The adults did get to have some 'fun' though...at one point Page and I each rode the Gravitron, and several other rides.  We ate a bunch of really bad-for-you food...including 2 of my fav's - the indian taco & the chocolate covered banana + a new favorite - chocolate covered cheesecake...Lord, forgive me....it was heavenly!!  By the end of the evening everyone was completely exhausted!!  I am just glad the fair only comes around once a year!

 

Happy Birthday, Miss Mae!  We love you!

 
 
  

  

  

September 19, 2009 - Lexi's Ariel Bday Party!

Today was the big party that we have been anticipating for a month!  We had a great turn out and all the girls seemed to have a great time.  These are the times that make me realize how small my house is though - we have majorly outgrown it! 

Lexi had a surprise waiting for her when she woke up this morning!  I anticipate even more tea parties than normal!

 

Cupcake Cutie!

 

Face painted by Ariel and ready to party!

 

Jewel with her face painted

 

Group photo with most of the girls & Ariel

 

Lexi & Ariel

Getting ready to blow out her candles

With Mommy & Daddy

 

Big thanks to everyone who was able to share Lexi's special day with us, we had a wonderful time!

September 18, 2009 - Back to School Bash!

This week has been insanely busy and I know it's only going to get worse!  On Wednesday I ran party errands for the kids upcoming bday parties...dropping off the balloons, ordering the cake, buying party favors & bday gifts.

Thursday was the pre-sale for the Children's Consignment Sale, so it was our chance to shop before everyone else.  I had to work until 5:30 and then I went to pick up Tuesday and we headed that way.  It started at 6 and the place was packed with people and stuff!  We stayed until they closed and still didn't get to see it all but we both got some cute stuff for our kiddos.

I have been trying all week to get the house ready for Lexi's party on Saturday and I knew I needed to get most everything set up tonight since it's so early in the morning.  I got quite a bit done before I went to go get Jewel, she's staying with us this weekend, but we had the back to school bash from 6-8 tonight so a lot of it was still left till the last minute and I was stressed out by the end of the evening.  Page had to work so he wasn't able to come with me and help wrangle kids but luckily one of my neighbors was there and helped watch the baby so I could run around with Lexi.  The big kids were all over the place having a blast!

We drove thru Little Caesars and got some pizza and then ran by the house to get a blanket, some drinks etc. but I forgot the stroller and I was kicking myself the whole time we were there!  It was exhausting carrying Mikey around the whole time while trying to keep up with Lexi, who has a lot to learn about playground etiquette...she kept jumping to the front of the line at the slides! Trying to jump to the front of the moon bounce line and then crying and carrying on when I let her know that was not ok. We stood in line for at least 30 minutes to get her face painted and then she changed her mind and I was holding Mr. Buns the whole time!  Believe me, he is not petite in any way.  I was so relieved when Cindy offered to hold Mikey and I was able to take Lexi to the swings etc.  I felt like parent of the year when it was just she and I, it's amazing what a difference an extra set of hands makes.

Here are a few pics from our adventure.

Mikey was just happy to be here!

 

Eating his toes without a care in the world.

 

Beautiful blue eyes

 

The girls inhaling their food/drink as fast as they could before the madness started.

 

Cute cousins

 

Lexi finally getting my full attention

 

After she learned you have to wait your turn in line.

 

Chris & Jewel enjoying a slush while Chris waited in line for a balloon sword.

 

The sword in progress

 

Chris realizing, too late, he wanted the light saber-type not the pirate-type sword.

 

When we got back home I got the little ones in bed and the big kids helped me make gift bags etc. before we all flopped into bed, exhausted. 

 

September 15, 2009 - Happy Baby!

Mikey is such a happy boy and we all enjoy him so much. Half the time the kids are fighting over who gets to do what for him! His brother and I were goofing around today and Chris did something silly that made Mikey laugh and you can guess how we spent the next half hour...like addicts trying to get a fix of that sweet sound!  Don't believe me?  See for yourself!

 

He is also loving his Jumparoo right now & working on sitting up all by himself!  Next thing you know he'll be crawling, sniff!

Almost doing it all by myself!  Or All my byself as Lexi used to say.

Look how cute my feet are!

 

September 12, 2009 - Strep Throat!

Yesterday Lexi ate a fruit snack and told me her neck hurt and the fruit snack was stuck in there.  I had her drink some juice and eat a cracker and she said it was still bothering her but then went on about her business.  We went to Tuesday's and got my hair done and she was a little emotional but I still didn't think anything about it until we got home and she was whining about something.  I felt her and she was super hot.  Took her temp and sure enough it was 102!  Why do these things always happen at 5 on Friday's?!

She did ok through the night with Motrin but woke up first thing this morning crying about her throat.  It just so happens that my Ped was on call this weekend so I took her in around 10 (along with about 50 other kids!) and sure enough she has Strep Throat!  Just when we get Chris' tonsils out and he stops getting it, she starts!  They called in some antibiotics for her and some Nasonex for her allergies.  Don't know about everyone else but we are struggling with these Fall allergies!

Here she is resting in my bed with her 'dinner' she took about 5 bites of.  We watched Enchanted together, super cute movie.

 

Mikey in his cute Jammie's

 

Tonight he refused the boob before bed!  I just completed my 3rd week back to work and he only gets 1 bottle on Tuesday and Wednesday and 2 on Thursday and already he is spoiled to the bottle!  My milk was not letting down fast enough for him and he cried and cried.  Finally after multiple attempts I gave him 3oz I had pumped and then he finally nursed and went to sleep.  Little piggy!

 

September 9, 2009 - A Lucky Day?

Some people think today is a lucky day ,I hear, and scientists are saying it's the last set of repeating single digit numbers we'll see for a century - Click Here - for an article about the whole thing if you're interested.  I think it's kind of neat but I don't put too much stock in that kind of stuff.

I do however try to capture the simple everyday moments on camera when I can...got one tonight with Chris reading a story to his sister.  

  

For a few minutes at least they weren't pestering each other!

 

September 7, 2009 - Labor Day!

Spent some quality time with the fam today before Page had to leave for work.  We went back to Chitwood Park but with Daddy there it was a whole new ballgame for the kiddos.  Also had a nice visit at Page's mom's.  Here are some pics from our day!  Happy Labor Day everyone, hope you are having a relaxing, fun day!

Warm, sunny weather!  Page & I both climbed up this thing today & slid down the big slide (super fast by the way).

 

My loves

 

Mikey with his grandma

 

Deliciousness

 

Chris cracking himself up.

 

September 2, 2009 - I Love September!

Oh September, how I love thee!  The kids are back in school and the promise of fall is in the air!  I know it will be a busy month for us since 2 of my 3 monkeys were born during this glorious time of year :) 

Fall is my favorite time of the whole year & it makes me want to cook and bake! Yesterday I made Rice Krispy Treats and today Lexi and I made my famous Banana Nut Bread from scratch!  She loves to help in the kitchen and to hamm it up in front of the camera while doing it.

 

I have been busy planning birthday parties for Chris & Lexi.  We are celebrating Lexi's a day early on the 19th and she is having a "My Princess Party"!  She has chosen Ariel for her princess even though we went to another party with Ariel back in February.  I figure it's her big day, so we are going with Ariel again. 

 On her actual birthday the next day, we are going to see Disney on Ice at the fair with Hannah, Jewel & Tuesday...I think I'm looking forward to it as much as she is!

For Chris we are having an Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics party.  He is so excited and the kids are going to have a blast jumping around and swinging from the rafters!  He has only ever been on the Little Gym side one time so the Big Kid Gym is going to blow him away!  I can't wait to see all the kids in action, it's going to be fun!

Tuesday and I get to go to a scrapbooking Birthday Bash for Just 4 Keeps our favorite scrapbooking store on the 19th too!  They are turning 4 as well so I never forget their bday ;)  I am excited to get some layouts done, we hardly ever get to go crop anymore with our crazy schedules and it's from 3pm to 2am!!!  That should give me time to get something done!!

After supper tonight we went for a walk in the lovely cooler weather to Bristol Park.  It's nice that it was cool enough to walk on one of Page's nights off for a change.  The kids love it when we can all go together.

Here are a few pics.

 

 

Someone's having fun!

 

 

Page & Mikey looking like the Bobbsey twins!

 

 

 

August 31, 2009 - Mini Fauxhawk!

Before Hannah went home today I let her give Mikey a fauxhawk, she has been dying to do it for some reason.  I actually really liked it!  What do you think!?  You can't tell much from this picture but it was pretty cute!

 

Christopher's crazy camera angles...he wants a camera for his birthday!

 

Mikey has some big 'ol buns in this pic

 

One of Lexi's new outfits

 

Yeah, I'm rocking the fauxhawk...and I think I like it!

 

Mikey looks just like this Kewpie Doll!

 

 

That's a little disturbing...but he kinda does!

 

August 30, 2009 - So. Many. Children.

Tuesday and I went and dropped off all of our consignment stuff this morning and Hannah came over to hang out with Chris while we were out.  After we dropped everything off and got our pre-sale pass for the 17th, we went by Old Navy to take advantage of their Stuff 'n Save sale.  I got some really cute stuff for the kiddos.  Chris really needed some jeans for school because he's gotten so tall he can only wear the two pair I bought him on tax free weekend.  I also got him some vintage looking t-shirts...one of them has a giant Chewbacca head on it-lol!  I found some cute brown boots and a couple of dresses + some jeans for Miss Mae and some overalls, cute corduroy shoes and sweatpants etc. for Mr. Buns.

We had Mexican food for lunch at Ole' and then I dashed home before Page had to leave for work.  By the time I got back the kids had already asked if Hannah could spend the night so I said fine.  Then Brooklyn & Delaney came down to play and before you know it they were planning a full fledged sleep over!  The girls went and asked their parents, who gave them the green light, so for better or for worse it was a go.

Lexi waiting for Delaney to come back and play

I decided to just go all out with the sleepover fun and took them to Chitwood Park to play.  They love that park!  You could hear my son yelling out instructions for their flight plan on the rocket ship above all the other kids playing-lol!  He comes by the loud talking naturally via his dad and his dad's dad!  Here are a few pics of the kids at the park.

 

Sleepy boy in his car seat

 

Lexi wishing on a dandelion...she had to use the disgusting port-a-potty and was probably wishing that never had to happen again!

 

3 little monkeys

 

After all the fun at the park, I took them to Braums and got them all milkshakes and then after I got them all sugared up, tried to get them to lay down and watch a movie - not the best idea in hindsight.

Here they are watching Correline in 3-D

 

They were all really good and actually all got along so maybe I will be brave enough to try that again someday soon!

 

August 29, 2009 - Crazy, Neurotic Lady!

What a week!  I have been a complete nervous wreck all week!  Last Sunday one of the neighborhood girls was over playing with Lexi and had been over the day before too - laying on her bed and playing with all of her dress up stuff etc.  Well they were outside playing and she got her hair caught in the swing and Lexi came to get me so I could help her.  So, I'm standing there untangling her hair and glance down and her head is crawling with LICE!!!!!  I swear to you I seriously almost had a panic attack.  #1 I've never seen them before and they are freaky looking and #2 I knew she had been laying on Lexi's bed the day before and so had Lexi and so had I! 

I was able to calmly tell her that she had some bugs in her hair and she needed to go home and tell her mom and not to come back to play until they were all gone.  She said...but we washed with that special shampoo!  I guess this has been going on for a while.  Anyway, she leaves and I completely freak out!  Page was at work so I called him and told him what was up and then I went to Lexi's room and started ripping everything out and washing it in hot water, bagging stuff up to put in the garage, checking heads etc., researching everything I could find about them on the internet.  I literally felt like I had them crawling all over me.  I called my mom and whined.  She commiserated a bit and then told me to put on my big girl panties and deal with it-lol. I called my other neighbor who's daughters play with her a lot and lucky for them they were out of town!

Page had to bring home that special shampoo because I could not rest until I knew that if there were any in my hair they would be DEAD!  Then I smelled like a poodle that had just had a flea bath!

For the whole rest of the week I vacuumed every day, checked the kids 3-4 times each day and basically acted like a lunatic and now after 7 days with no sight of them I am starting to feel normal again.  I think Page was really starting to worry that I had gone off the deep end and wasn't coming back!

In the midst of all of this, I started back to work on Tuesday!  I worked a half day Tuesday & Wednesday & all day on Thursday.  It felt great to be back and besides things being all rearranged it felt like I was going to be able to get right back into the swing of things.  So that was positive!

Also, as I was washing everything in my house I was going thru all of the kids clothes and getting things ready to drop off for the Children's Original Consignment sale that's coming up soon.  Tuesday and I are dropping stuff off tomorrow.

Here I am taking a moment to relax with my baby love after an exhausting and emotionally draining week.  Hope next week will be much less eventful!

August 19, 2009 - Mikey is 5 months old!

Ok, wait!  Can we pause or rewind?  My baby is growing up too fast!  Next month he will be 6mos - half a year!!!  I really try to savor every moment with him but with 2 other's running around, those quiet moments together are few and far between.  He is still an amazing baby.  We did solids for 3 weeks and he tried: Oatmeal Cereal, Rice Cereal, Bananas & Prunes but he got so plugged up and started waking up a lot at night so we decided he wasn't ready and we are going to try again when he turns 6mos.  He is finally back to sleeping better/not waking for the paci and seems to be getting satisfied with just breastmilk.  It's hard to believe all of that girth was built on a liquid diet! 

He seems to be trying to move to a 4 hour schedule - it usually goes something like this:

8am - wake up & nurse, play...exersaucer/bouncy seat & watch a Baby Einstein DVD

9:30am - nap for 2.5hours

12pm  - wake up & nurse & play...exersaucer/jumparoo etc.

1:30 - nap for 2 to 2.5 hours

3:30 or 4 - wake and nurse, play...tummy time/play mat etc.

5:30 or 6 - catnap in swing or crib

6:30 or 7 - hang out & play till bedtime

7:30 or 8 - nurse and go down for the nite

It's working great for us!  He has learned how to spin the toys on his exersaucer and is rolling over from tummy to back.  Drooling like crazy and putting everything in his mouth but no signs of teeth yet (thank goodness!).  He's pulling his feet up to his mouth when we change his diapy & a not so good habit...pulling hair!  He loves to be tickled and talked to.  When Page is holding him and I walk up and start talking to him now he starts laughing out loud...he's probably saying you are so funny, you crazy lady!

Next he will be sitting up!  Here he is practicing in his Bumbo chair.

 

Worn out after a long day

 

August 18, 2009 - First Day of School!

Today I officially have a 3rd grader!  I can't believe it!  He got up early and was pretty excited and nervous about the first day. He was asleep by 9:30 last night so he was well rested and got a good breakfast.  It was rainy and gloomy so I couldn't take the usual picture outside.  He isn't that keen on getting his pic taken these days anyway, but I managed to get a couple before Page took him to school.

He is growing up so fast!

 

It has been storming at night too and Lexi is scared of loud thunder so she has woken up in the middle of the night the last couple of nights.  Between that and the baby waking up wanting his paci several times and our crazy allergies we have all been feeling tired!  With all the rain today I felt very lazy & actually took a little catnap, which is not like me at all, but I did feel better afterward.  Lexi and I curled up in my bed and watched James and the Giant Peach.  She loves it when we do that.

When Chris got home from school he said it was 'The best first day of school ever'.  I guess we couldn't ask for anything better than that!

 

August 15, 2009 - Mollie's Bday party at Ok Gold!

One of Lexi's friends, Mollie, had her 4th Birthday party today at Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics.  We had never been before and it was great!  If fact by the time we left there, Christopher was pretty sure he wanted to have his bday party there!

Lexi had a blast and ran around all over the place!

  

Mikey was perfect and just chilled the whole time!

 

Lexi deciding what her next move will be.

 

Even though this was the 'little kids' side, Chris had a blast! 

 

Destiny & Guy brought Eliana and their new baby Ian, so cute!  Melissa (bday girl's mom) is holding Ian & Amy (Kamber's mom) is in the green shirt.

 

 

 

Bday cupcakes!

 

Bday girl!

 

Yummy

 

A very fun party!  Can't wait to come back again and next time it will be on the big kid's side!  Happy Birthday, Mollie!

 

August 14, 2009 - Information Day

Today was Information Day at Christopher's school so he got to find out who his teacher will be for 3rd grade and see his classroom.  He was happy with his teacher but a little bummed that his 2 good buddies from last year are in another class.  I was sad for him but hopefully he'll make new friends this year, and he will still get to play with the old buddies at recess.  We did all the usual stuff and got Chris his school t-shirt etc.  This year he has to have an agenda to track his assignments and this will be the first year that he gets actual letter grades.

Chris had a hair appointment this afternoon and that's when I noticed Mikey seemed fussy and Tuesday thought his ear looked red so I took him to the after hours clinic.

Let me just tell you that you have a whole different caliber of Dr. at the after hours clinic but we got the information we came for.  Turns out, Mr. Buns did not have an ear infection after all.  He is still a chunk though, weighing in at 17lbs, 6oz!!

August 13, 2009 - Sam Noble Museum

Today is Page's last day off before Christopher heads back to school next week so we made the best of it and took a trip down to the Sam Noble Museum .  I can't believe I have never gone!  I've been meaning to go ever since they opened and today was finally the day.  We all really enjoyed it, there are some amazing exhibits there! 

 

 

Dino Dig!

 

 

Chris goofing around

 

The largest single dino skull ever found.

 

 

 

View from the elevator

 

 

August 12, 2009 - Daddy's Girl

This little girl has her daddy wrapped around her little finger!

 

August 11, 2009 - In case you were wondering...I have really cute kids!

So....nothing to say except - Marvel in the cuteness that is my kids...and no, I am not biased!

Miss Ballerina Princess

 

Classic "Lexi-Face"

 

TA DA

 

Fancy Hair

 

Happy Brothers

 

Best baby smiles ever!

 

August 10, 2009 - Gearing up for Back to School!

Well, last week was a very busy week and I can't believe school starts in 1 week!  We have been doing our best to get ready.  I took advantage of Tax-Free Weekend again this year and got Chris some clothes + an outfit for Lexi & Chuck's for both the big kids.  We got all Christopher's school supplies yesterday.  I kept waiting for them to advertise the 20 cent glue sticks etc. but they never did so I gave up and went, the week before school starts, and they were on sale...just un-advertised!  I swear they advertised it last year...but maybe I'm dreaming. 

Lexi has continued to have potty success so I promised her we could go to The Disney Store and pick out some princess panties.  She was so excited and we made it a big family outing.  We get to the Disney Store and walk up and she says in her chirpy little voice...excuse me, do you have any princess panties?  The lady looked at her and said Oh, honey, I'm so sorry!  We stopped carrying those about a year ago!  What?!  My heart just sank but she handled it quiet well and the lady suggested we try Penney's.  Luckily they had some Princess ones, but in the end she ended up going with Dora & Minnie Mouse...who knew!?

Chris has turned into a fashion plate now that he has his new clothes.  When we were shopping he suddenly developed an opinion about what he wanted...that was new and undesirable...for me anyway-lol. He really wanted this Fedora style hat that he saw in a sales paper and "unfortunately" it was sold out.   After we left the mall, we went by Target for a few more school supplies and low and behold they had one.  It was super cheap so I went ahead and got it for him.  He wore it all throughout the store and was feeling pretty good about himself.  He had put on a whole new outfit (in the car) when we left the mall so when we got home he was all decked out and he sat on his bed waiting for his dad to get home.  I called Page to give him the heads up that Chris had been waiting and to make sure and make a big deal over him.  Well, he gets home and oohs and aahs over him and tells him he could 'be a model'.  Next thing you know he's asking Page to call some modeling agencies the next day-lol!  I am so glad he doesn't have self-esteem issues!

And now for some pics!

Mikey Buns in his Exersaucer

Here are Mr. Buns & Lexi (in her new outfit)

 

Sassafras

 

Hangin with Big Sis (see those thigh rolls?!)

 

Mikey on his play mat

 

Mom & Mikey-Buns (I don't know why my arm looks like a grandma arm?!)

 

Perfectly censored bath shot

 

Perfect boy, snugly & warm...you know you want to kiss him, don't you?!

 

 

 

August 1, 2009 - Chillin' with the Fam!

Today we just hung out at my Mom & Dad's, enjoying our stolen summer.  I feel like going back to work is looming over me + the daily grind of Chris being back in school - homework and all that fun stuff. 

I know working will be good for me, especially since I am only starting off with 16 hours per week (2 half days and 1 full day).  I am definitely counting my blessings that I was able to stay home with them for 5 months, & that Page will be watching them while I do my 16 hours.  Still, there is that tiny part of me that wants to be June Cleaver....I did say TINY PART-lol!

We went for another walk after dinner tonight but this time we got into some seed-ticks!!  They were all over Lexi's legs, 100's of them and then we all started checking ourselves and found them on all of us. So creepy!  We managed to get them all off and get everyone bathed but it took forever!!

Pics from today...

These 2 LOVE their baby brother!

 

Sweet & Sassy!

 

Cute boys!

 

Sleepy Boy

 

Handsome Guy

 

Jewel & Lexi in the adorable dresses my mom made for them!

 

 

 

July 31, 2009 - Bye-Bye, July!

Summer is quickly coming to an end!  I can't believe July is gone and the month school starts AND I got back to work...is tomorrow!!!

The last few days have been a whirlwind.  I worked the party at SSC from 10-2 on Wednesday and 10-8 on Thursday.  It went very well and no one pointed and laughed thank goodness.  They hadn't seen me in a while so they probably didn't remember how Casper-like I normally am! 

It's a big change of pace going from staying home with the kids to working a busy party but I was able to switch gears back and forth with no major problems.  The baby did have an upset tummy Wednesday afternoon and spit up all over me shortly after I got home...guess he wasn't too happy about me leaving him with Daddy ;)

 Thursday he had bottles all day long while I was working and was up & down all night long. Page was working security at the hospital and I was on the phone with him at 2 or 3 in the morning (he got off at 4 and I was awake then too-ugh!) I don't know if was separation anxiety or extra air he was taking in from the bottles or what, but it sucked and I am very tired today! 

I had to get up and back down to my parents to rescue my poor mother from all the children.  Page left for LA this morning to go see the X-games and meet up with Mike, Chris and a bunch of other friends.  I got to my parents mid-afternoon and we hung out, ate dinner etc and then went for a walk.

I had Mikey in his Sleepy Wrap and we were meandering along and I looked down and one of his little legs was turning blue!  I don't know if I had it too tight or had him in there wrong or what but it freaked me out for a second!  It didn't seem to bother him at all, but I will definitely be paying closer attention when I have him in that thing!

Here are a few pics from our walk.

 

 

 

Jewel & Chris had a book with different animal tracks in it and she is posing with the racoon track she found.

 

 

 

 

 

July 28, 2009 - Only 1 child + Spray Tan Anxiety!

Headed back home today since I am working a party tomorrow & Thursday.  Lexi decided at the last minute that she wanted to stay with Nana & Papaw since Chris & Jewel were staying!  I was really surprised and tried to say everything I could think of to ensure she knew what she was getting herself into and she insisted she was ready.  I'm not sure my mom was though, she was a little worried that Lexi was going to freak out after I left.  I just knew I was going to get a phone call as soon as I got on the road, but she actually did very well!   In fact,  she was feeling so grown up, she decided to go ahead and poop on the potty for good measure!!  My mom has her for 1 day and does what I've been trying to do for a year and a half!  Whatever works I guess! 

It was weird and quiet with only Mikey & I!  We went straight from my mom's to Tuesday's to get my hair done & she gave me 5 new shirts for my bday which actually all fit and they are so cute!  She also let me borrow a dress & earrings for the party tomorrow because I found out at the last minute it's a Hawaiian theme - what would I do without her?!  Then I got a wild hair to go and get a spray tan so I wouldn't look so ghost-like at the party so Tuesday & Hannah came with me to help with the baby and for moral support...if you've ever gotten a spray tan (airbrush style) you will understand.  Basically you go in and meet your 'sprayer' then you have to get completely naked and stand in a room full of mirrors (not fun in case you were wondering) waiting for her to come back and spray you.  It is really, quite uncomfortable at first.  This girl was great though and very professional.  She looked straight into my eyes while we were talking instead of being a looky-lou.  And what the heck are you supposed to do with your hands when you are standing naked in front of a complete stranger?!  I just kept moving them all around from here to there.  By the end of the session we were just chatting away while I stood there all tan and naked.  I have to say, one definitely looks better tan and naked than ghostly white and naked. 

After that madness was over, we went to eat at Ted's, which was as amazing as ever & when it was time to leave one of those glorious summer thunderstorms had rolled in.  Not so glorious though, when you aren't supposed to get wet for 8 hours!  I had to run out to the car but still got polka dot arms and had to go back by the place for a stupid touch up!  As if getting naked in front of someone once in a day isn't hard enough, I got to do it twice!!!

I am so tan and blonde now I look like Malibu Barbie, it's a little extreme!  I think Page was a little caught off guard by my transformation!  I am a little nervous about the party but I'll let you know how it goes!  Hopefully people won't point & scream out OMG what did you do!!  I'll keep you posted!

 

 

July 27, 2009 - Rainy Day Fun!

Today it rained all day and it was so nice and relaxing!  I love summer showers and thunderstorms!  The kids found a way to enjoy themselves outside in the rain by playing with Mom's umbrella's.  They kept going up and down the sidewalk over and over again until they got bored...which was about 10 minutes! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 26, 2009 - A Week with Nana & Papaw

Today we headed back to my parents house.  Chris is staying a week with them and my niece, Jewel is also there.  Lexi, the baby and I planned on staying 2 nights and then heading back home. 

Jewel was excited to get a chance to feed the baby for the first time and then of course all the kids were clamoring to get a turn!

 

After dinner Mom, Jewel, Lexi & I went for a walk and Chris, Mikey & Papaw hung out in his shop.  When we got back, the kids went back to the house and Mom, Dad, the baby and I hung out in the shop and I tried out the new exercise bike my mom got for her bday.  It was super cool and I felt pretty awesome doing a double workout - if only that happened on a regular basic I wouldn't be a human flabsicle!

Doesn't Lexi look like she's up to something in this pic?

 

Here she is just being adorable

 

That dress she is wearing belonged to Jewel when she was little and the dress that Jewel is wearing was made by my mom!!  Pretty awesome-eh?

July 24, 2009 - Messy Face Pic!

Here is our very first messy face pic, taken on Day 2 of intro to Rice cereal!

 

As you could tell from the little video yesterday, he is making all kinds of loud squealing, yelling happy sounds now.  It's just one milestone after another!

Totally off topic, but a topic very near and dear to my heart aka food!  I was at Target yesterday and I have to give them props for carrying a lot of obscure, organic and yummy stuff!  I have been searching high and low for those Vita Top Muffins that are mentioned on the Hungry Girl website all the time and they had them at Target.  They just rave about them on there and I thought they were just blowing hot air but Whoa, Nelly these things are a little piece of heaven!  I heated mine (Deep Chocolate) in the micro for a few seconds cause it was frozen,  cut it in half and sprayed a bunch of Reddi Whip in there, like an 'ice cream' sandwich and it was amazing!  Best of all it's only 100 cals + the whipped cream and has beaucoup fiber!  I know I sound like a commercial here but it was surprisingly good....you should try one!  They also had Amy's organic burritos (yum) and 100 calorie backs of Wholly Guacamole!  I know I've said it 1000 times but Target, how do I love thee...let me count the ways!

  

 

 

July 23, 2009 - What's All The Fuss About Rice Cereal?!

Now that Michael is feeling better from his shots and has shown a few signs that he's ready, we decided to go ahead and introduce him to rice cereal! 

So...what's all the fuss about?

He seemed to like it.  He does still have the extrusion reflex where he pushes most of it right back out, but he was licking his lips and leaning forward for more.  Afterwards, he had a lot to say, to see for yourselves...click HERE and please ignore my embarrassing Mom voice and my other son asking me what's for dinner in the background.

Starving older son feeding his baby brother

Mr. Cuteness

 

 

 

July 22, 2009 - First Swim!

The Hoffman's invited us over today for a little swim get together & Mr. Michael had his first pool experience!!  He really seemed to like the water which makes him exactly like my other 2, even though the poor, neglected dears can't swim! 

Looking a little apprehensive:

 

Think he's tasting the chlorine:

 

Whee!

  

Mr. Chris

 

Miss Mae

Splashin'

 

Safe, back in mama's arms

 

Jet & Chris (with his 'swimming-pool eyes')

 

 

July 20, 2009 - Michael's 4 month check-up!

Took Michael to the Dr. for his 4 month check-up today and he weighs 16lbs, 4oz!!  That is the 75th percentile! He is 25 inches long, which is the 50th percentile for height.  His head of course is in the 75th too ;)

He got 3 shots and screamed like a banshee!  He has seemed more sleepy, grumpy and feverish today than he did with his first shots, poor guy.  I am just going to give him lots of TLC today.

 

July 19, 2009 - Michael is 4 months old!!!

 Today we are heading back home to Oklahoma!  I am so ready to see my family but it is bittersweet because I'm sad to say goodbye to Amy and Beck!!  We have had a lot of fun and a lot of good food!  I got off on my Holocaust tangent last post and forgot to mention one of the best parts of the trip!  Last night we ate at Lupe Tortilla and it was amazing, as always. We eat here every time I come to Houston and we always get the exact same thing!  I don't think I have ever had better Beef Fajitas in my life!!

  

You also get these beans and cheese dip and chips, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!

 

So it was drizzling lightly when we got there, therefore a little bit cooler...and we thought, what the hey, we'll sit out on the covered patio.  Fast forward a little while later and we are scrunched up against the wall at our tiny table trying to eat without getting hit by all the rain blowing in underneath the covered patio!  The food was so amazing though, we just rolled with it and suddenly there was a bolt of lightening and a HUGE clap of thunder simultaneously!  It was shocking, people gasped, and  Amy and I both saw a huge red flash!  No idea what it was, but it was crazy!  Thank goodness Scott was watching the babies again last night because they would have gotten soaked and so would we if our table hadn't been up against the wall!  It was still amazing!  If you are ever in Houston, you have to go and get the Beef Fajitas!

My flight wasn't until the evening so we got to hang out some today and the BFF's both got baths in the sink, neither of them were very happy about it either. 

Here is the aftermath:

 

Beck with his fist of fury!

 

We got in one last trip to the Galleria and had a late lunch there before heading to the airport.

Michael is so sad to leave his BFF.

  

I can't believe this little monkey is 4 months old!  Soon we'll be thinking about solids!!  The family was very happy to be reunited and Mikey and I got overwhelmed with hugs, kisses and stories...right back into the chaos and craziness, it's great to be home :)

 

 

July 18, 2009 - A Visit to The Holocaust Museum in Houston

Amy & I decided to visit the Holocaust Museum in Houston today.  We had the babies with us again so it was, at times, difficult to give 100% focus to all of the overwhelming things that we saw. 

The museum was very quiet and subdued and we were just kind of wandering around when we heard the museum docent say they were beginning their last tour of the day.  There were a lot of people there so we got in the back of the group in case we needed to make a quick exit with the babies.  The docent was, of course, extremely knowledgeable and detailed.  There were giant pictures everywhere and video monitors all around playing original footage from before, during & after the Holocaust + tons of actual artifacts. 

It all made me realize how little I really know about the subject.  Not to mention, I really should know more because, my Papaw was actually in Germany during WWII -  he was in the Battle of the Bulge & was in Germany during the liberation of one of the concentration camps (although I'm not sure which camp...need to research that).  We have a few family photos of the camp he toured, upon liberation, and it shows some of the cremation ovens, barracks, and even some corpses.  I can't believe I never sat down and talked with him about all of that while he was still alive!  I cannot even imagine what it was like to see those things in person.  Just looking at some of the more graphic photos at the museum made me feel sick to my stomach.

My Papaw, Loyd C. Clayton (1913-1991)

We got such a late start, and lost all track of time while we were in there, that we actually ended up getting 'kicked out' just as we got to the end since they were closing.  I quickly went over to bookstore area and purchased a copy of The Diary of Anne Frank to re-read.  I think it was way back in high school when I read it.  I didn't realize it at the time, but 2009 actually marks the 80th year since Anne was born! 

Even though the things in the museum were very sad and horrible, I don't regret going at all!  I think it's important that we never forget what happened to 6 million Jews and millions of other 'undesirables'.  It really blows my mind that it could ever happen at all!

Here is what the outside of the museum looked like (no photos allowed inside):

 

 

 

 

 

July 17, 2009 - Hobbits & Harry!

Today was a very busy & fun day!  We first had lunch at a little hole in the wall place called The Hobbit Cafe, which looked like it was somebody's old house but the food was really good.  We sat out on the patio and these black birds kept staring us down & getting really close...I kept waiting for one of them to dive bomb my head and peck my eyes out, but luckily that didn't happen!  They had this fake owl on the the banister and the waitress told us it was to deter the birds from going for the sugar packets & food, but clearly they are wise to the phony owl!

 

Amy & I shared the Martinique Burger and Onion Rings and the babies waited patiently...oh wait, that's the fantasy scenario.  Actually, Michael got hungry right as the food got there and I didn't want to whip out the boob so we took turns giving him a bottle I had pumped before we left.  There was a lot of pumping/feeding changing in the car today with 2 BF mama's out on the town!

 

After lunch we went to the Clayton Genealogy Museum, which I have wanted to go to FOREVER!!, and it was kind of a bust.  In case you didn't know babies and genealogy don't mix.  We kind of got snubbed by the dude at the front desk who, not so politely, told us 'this is not a regular library.'  Well, duh, we are not here for the kids section...I take it they don't see a lot of babies in there-lol!  Anyway, we gave it the old college try but Michael was super-fussy the whole time, not sure what the deal was, but Amy tried to wrangle both babies while I made copies of the first books I could find on my lines and then the Beckster got excited so we had to bow out with 2 screaming babies...I'm sure they are hoping we come back real soon! 

One day, when we are baby free, we will go back and spend the day doing research.  I have no idea whether I am related to the Clayton's that started the library or not, but the old Clayton house is just across from the library.

 

 

  

 

 

 

After that fiasco we went back to Amy's to get ready because her husband, Scott, had volunteered to watch both babies tonight so we could go out to eat and to see the new Harry Potter!!!!  What a guy!  I also was supposed to go home tomorrow but decided to stay another day and a half!  Thankfully, Tuesday agreed to watch my other 2 kiddos because Page wasn't able to get off work!

We took tons of pictures of the babies together and they were so getting annoyed with us!  Check out these pics!

Beckster: We do not have to take this kind of abuse!

Michael:  I wonder how long they are going to keep doing this to us?

 

Michael:  I am so over this.

Beck:  I told you we don't have to put up with this, I'm outta here, come on!

 

Michael: Forget this man, I can't take it anymore.

Beck:  I'm telling my dad!

We decided to go to a trendy Tex-Mex place called Escalante's.  The food was really good and I had my first Ceviche, which is a seafood cocktail with shrimp/fish/scallops that is "cooked" in lime juice not with heat...of course Amy didn't tell me that part until I tried it and said I liked it!   For my entree I got the Mexican City Tacos which were awesome & we both had an organic Margarita (didn't taste much different to me) which was good.

Here we are getting ready to leave for our night out on the town.

Being silly

 

I'm so Organic!

 

And it tastes good too!

 

Yes, we are dorks, but...oh well, we have fun!

After dinner we went to see the new Harry Potter Movie and all I can say is Wow, there is some shocking stuff going on if you haven't read the books.  Shocking and Sad :(

 

Here is what the Beckster did while we were gone...and Mikey was pretty much asleep by the time we left so Scott got off pretty easy!

 

Needless to say, we were exhausted by the end of the night, but it was a great day!

 

 

 

July 16, 2009 - The Houston Galleria...Need I Say More?!

Today was MAGICAL...I'm talking Galleria Magical!  There is just something about stepping into a mall, much less the largest mall in Texas, that makes me feel happy and alive!  It just feels so right! My husband, of course, feels very differently about this than I do...for several reasons-lol!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as much as we could while keeping our wallets in check...but don't worry I can clearance shop with the best of 'em and everyone was having end of summer sales.  I discovered a store I had never heard of called Janie And Jack !  They had some really adorable stuff.  I got the baby & Lexi Easter outfits for the Spring for way cheap (they only have Christopher's size online) & a couple of other things.  Amy found some good stuff for Beckster too.  

This evening we had Nancy & Peggy over for dinner and Amy made this really great shrimp dish that reminded us of the Fire Roasted Jerk Shrimp we used to get at Bahama Breeze, complete with bread for dunking in all the buttery sauce...I think it had 4 sticks of butter in it, ugh my arteries!! Seriously, it was delicious!!!  Peggy also made an awesome Brushetta appetizer with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, EVOO, Balsamic Vinaigrette, French Bread & a little Salt & Pepper-YUM!

This is the Bahama Breeze one:

 

Here are Amy, Peggy & Nancy with Amy's version:

 

Nancy & I

 

The BFF's hanging out:

 

Mr. Fullerton after a serious blowout:

 

 

Peggy & Nancy gave us mom's a break and fed them bottles while we enjoyed a glass of wine and put our feet up, it was great!  Amy also had these little testing strips that you can test your milk after you have a glass of wine to see if it's safe to feed your baby!!

Check these bad boys out!  I am only sorry I didn't think of this!

http://www.target.com/Milkscreen-Breast-Testing-Strips-Alcohol/dp/B000UEA96G/sr=1-1/qid=1249779968/ref=sr_1_1/180-8867082-7252159?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&rh=k%3Atesting%5Fstrips&page=1

Nancy & Beck

 

Peggy with Mikey-Buns

 

A great girl's night in!

 

July 15, 2009 - Michael Rides His First Airplane!

Today, Michael and I headed for Houston for our mini-vacation with Amy & Beck.  Page and the kids dropped us off and we checked our bag with the sky cap and headed for the worst part...security.  I was a little nervous about traveling by myself with an infant, but we really didn't run into any major problems.

What kind of sucks about security, though,  is you have to completely collapse your stroller and send it and the car seat through the x-ray machine while still managing to get the rest of your stuff on the conveyor belt & take off your shoes all while balancing a baby and explaining that you are not going to blow up the airplane with 5oz of breast milk!

I must have looked disheveled coming out of security because some random man came running over to help me (chivalry is not dead!!) and after about 45 minutes I had myself all put back together :)

I took it all in stride though.  I had checked in online after midnight last night so that I could be in bording group A and since the plane wasn't full I got to bring the car seat on board and just keep Mikey in that.  I just got him buckled when I heard someone call my name and it was our Botox rep!  So I had good convo the whole way there and Mikey didn't make a single peep the whole trip, it was way better than I expected.

Here is a picture of our latest world traveler...doesn't he look enthused?!

 

After we got to Amy's and dropped all our stuff off we went for a late lunch at a little place called Paulie's & the food was really great!  I had the Shrimp Primavera Aglio e Olio & it was so yummy with tons of fresh veggies.  I should have taken a picture of it but I forgot since I was too busy stuffing my face!  Here is a pic of the inside of the place.  Quaint with local art hanging up for sale. 

  

After lunch we hit a little resale shop and I got Michael a little toy/mirror & some Gap jammies for less than $5 and Amy got a great deal on a Snap & Go!  What a great start to our Vaca!!

July 14, 2009 - Brothers

Just a quick note about the bonding that is continuing to take place between Christopher & Michael.  Chris is really so sweet with him and he can make him smile and laugh like nobody's business.  I wonder how long the sweetness will last?! 

 The baby and I are leaving tomorrow for Houston to visit Amy & Beck and both the kids will miss little Mikey so much!  I hope I will have lots of good pics to post of the babies together!!  I am looking forward to this trip and having some girl time.  I have waited 8+ years for Amy to meet Mr. Right and have a baby and the time has finally come!!

July 12, 2009 - Grabbing & Gurgling

Mr. Fullerton is making lots of headway in his development lately.  He's making tons of new sounds like goo, boo, doo & a really excited "Ow" sound.  I have video of these adorable sounds but I'm too embarrassed to post them because my "mom" voice sounds like a cross between Forrest Gump and an alcoholic French woman.  He has started grabbing onto things a lot more but still can't quite figure out how to let go.  Case in point...

 

Notice the spit bubbles?!  I am beginning to wonder if he is teething already because he is drooling like crazy and has started waking up in the middle of the night, crying, which was not the case before.  He has also discovered his toes and has praying feet all the time too.  More pics to come, soon!

July 7, 2009 - Meeting Baby Hudson!

The kids and I headed off on another adventure today...a drive to Tulsa to hang out with my friend Rachel and meet her newest addition, Baby Husdon!  All the kids needed to hear was swimming and they were on board, but I was excited to see Rachel and have some girl time!  The drive actually was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be and the kids were really good too.  Rachel's house is beautiful but not as beautiful as her new little boy!! He is so sweet and tiny!  Little G is getting so big too and seems to be doing great with her new little bro.

We ate some yummy lunch and then the kids wanted to head straight for the pool, so Rachel and I just chilled poolside and watched them while we ogled over the babies!

I just love this pic of Chris & Lexi, it looks like they have an inside joke!

A rare moment of sweetness from brother to sis.

It's Goggle-Girl!!

Ok, so it's probably so wrong of me to post this next pic, but most of the people reading this are friends/family and it's just so stinkin' funny!!!  Lexi went inside to use the bathroom and came back out ready to swim looking like this:

I about choked on my Diet Coke!  Too cute, she is really going to love me for this one day-lol!!

Lexi, Hudson & I

Trying to teach himself to swim (I know, slacker mom needs to get her child some lessons...he wouldn't even go down the water slide :{)

Rachel & Hudson

Closeup of Hudson

Lexi & Georgia had fun playing with these bubbles

Little G

Mr. Swims-A-Lot

Hudson next to a doll...see how tiny he is!

Mikey buns just looking cute.

Rachel & Georgia waving buh-bye!

We had a blast!!  So much fun, and hopefully we will get to see these guys more often!

 

July 4, 2009 - Happy Birthday USA!

Today was an awesome and festive day!  We all drug ourselves out of bed early to go to the Liberty-Fest Parade in downtown Edmond.  This parade is usually a pretty big deal with around 50,000 spectators so it's really hard to find a parking spot etc.  This year we had a plan to meet at Ed's house and left our house with plenty of time to spare....or so we thought.  They had all the roads blocked off and we had a very difficult time getting there, but we got as close as we could and walked the rest of the way.

We go to this parade every year and it's usually hotter than blazes but this year it was much cooler & we got to hang out under Ed's nice shade tree in his nice comfy chairs, so it was perfect!  He even had doughnuts!

One of Ed & Ranelle's friends made this cool sign.

We were excited Jewel got to come with us this year. 

Cheeky boys.

The cutest 4th of July baby around!

Chocolate doughnuts are great!!

Jewel holding Mikey Buns.

Bubble Girls!

Chris isn't in any of these pics because he made a buddy and they were off to the side chattin' it up!

After the parade we were hungry for lunch and decided to go to BRAVO.  Their food is really yummy and the kids love to go there because the get to make their own pizzas and watch them cook in the big ovens for free!  Page and I shared the Crispy Mozzarella Ravioli appetizer and then Chicken Parmesan Milanese...yum & yum!

Here's what delicious looks like:

 

The kids threw pennies in the fountain afterward and I pinned them down for a quick pic (not sure what Chris is doing with his teeth here?!).

After lunch we went home and everybody napped which was wonderful.  Page had to leave for work around 2:15 so I just hung out with the kids.  I got a wild hair to try out the hot stick thingy's on the girls' hair and they looked so pretty!  I got them all gussied up and ready to go to the cookout at Ed's and we walked outside to find the wind was blowing like crazy/sprinkling/ominous looking clouds!!  I decided to take them anyway and once we got there I felt like a dork because most everyone else had decided to stay home and see if the storm would pass or the fireworks would get rained out.  We ate Brisket sandwiches and the kids had hot dogs & we all ate some of Ranelle's mom's famous Strawberry Cake & Chocolate Sheet Cake!  Page even got to drop by for a quick sammy.  The rain did finally stop and people started to dwindle in for the fireworks. The kids played a little volleyball, and walked around playing waiter/waitress seeing if they could bring us anything (that was pretty awesome actually-lol).

Pretty girls with pretty hair.

We had the good seats again, right in Ed's front yard.  The baby slept through all the fireworks in Ed & Ranelle's room without making a peep!  Lexi made a little friend and they sat together (looking very sleepy) for the show and even Page got to swing by for a few minutes.  The show was great, as usual, and we all headed home after that, completely exhausted!  What a day!

Lexi & her new friend.

Happy 4th Everybody!!

July 2, 2009 - Meeting Beck!

 

Today Michael and I drove to Ardmore to finally meet Beck, Amy's new baby, in person!!  We had a great visit and I can already tell that Beck & Michael are going to be BFF's!  It is amazing how much they grow and how quickly!  Beck actually weighed 2oz more than Michael at birth but he is only 7 weeks old and Michael is now 15 weeks old.  So...look at the difference 8 weeks makes!

 

The Beckster

 

Mikey Buns

 

Amy's mom & aunt took us out to eat at this little place called Catfish Corner and OMG! the food was awesome!!!  Definitely not WW friendly...I think I've lost my momentum a bit with that, but I want to get back on track!!  It's just I really love food, and if loving food is wrong, I don't want to be right!

The babies were perfect at the restaurant and just chilled in their carseats.  Look at Beckster's giant strap covers!  I think they look like floaties, isn't he the cutest with all that hair and his little heart-shaped nose?!

 

Michael was workin' the paci.

 

Amy's mom had Michael laughing more than I have ever heard him laugh tonight by playing Pat-A-Cake with him!  It was so cute, it brought tears to my eyes!  I know, I'm a cornball, but that's just what I do!

 

Today Michael and I drove to Ardmore to finally meet Beck, Amy's new baby, in person!!  We had a great visit and I can already tell that Beck & Michael are going to be BFF's!  It is amazing how much they grow and how quickly!  Beck actually weighed 2oz more than Michael at birth but he is only 7 weeks old and Michael is now 15 weeks old.  So...look at the difference 8 weeks makes!

 

The Beckster

 

Mikey Buns

 

Amy's mom & aunt took us out to eat at this little place called Catfish Corner and OMG! the food was awesome!!!  Definitely not WW friendly...I think I've lost my momentum a bit with that, but I want to get back on track!!  It's just I really love food, and if loving food is wrong, I don't want to be right!

The babies were perfect at the restaurant and just chilled in their carseats.  Look at Beckster's giant strap covers!  I think they look like floaties, isn't he the cutest with all that hair and his little heart-shaped nose?!

 

Michael was workin' the paci.

 

Amy's mom had Michael laughing more than I have ever heard him laugh tonight by playing Pat-A-Cake with him!  It was so cute, it brought tears to my eyes!  I know, I'm a cornball, but that's just what I do!

 

July 1, 2009 - Exersaucer Time!

Today the baby tried out his exersaucer for the first time.  Even though I thought is might be a little early, he actually did great!  He hasn't quite figured out how to make his hands do what he wants them to yet, which is why he is looking at that toy so intensely, trying to will his hands to touch it!

 

I had a terrible headache tonight that included a visual disturbance!  I have had a lot of migraines in the past and even some with visual disturbances but this one included a problem with my speech, like I couldn't get the right words out!  It was weird and totally scary..I thought I was having a mini stroke or something.  I looked it up online though and it's not all that uncommon to have those symptoms accompany a migraine.  It was just weird to me since I have never had the speech thing before.  But anyway, I took a little nap and felt better and when I woke up, the nap bug had spread all over the house.  Lexi Mae sure loves her daddy!

 

June 30, 2009 - The Many Faces of Mr. Fullerton!

Mr. Fullerton had a very taxing day that covered a plethora of different emotions.  I of course documented it all on my camera.

Please enjoy the many faces of Mr. Fullerton:

Bored/Indifferent

 

Oh, are you talking to Moi?

 

I'm open to listening to what you have to say

 

Curious

 

You don't say...

 

I am in awe!

 

Ha, that is hilarious!

 

But don't get too close with that camera...I pity the fool!

 

You crack me up!

 

Well, at least I crack myself up anyway!  Aren't those smiles the best ever?!

 

 

June 27, 2009 - My Bday + A Princess Party!

Well, today was the big 29 and holding...and the party I went to this year was quite a bit different than last year-haha!  However, it was still fun and I was surrounded by cuteness!  The bday girl of honor was Eliana, one of Lexi's pals.

The bday girls momma, Destiny, (due in 2 weeks) dressed up as a fairy...see, I knew a fairy would be kosher!

 

Pretty princesses in the fun castle/tent.

 

Lexi getting her face painted by Guy, the bday girls daddy.

 

Making a princess crown.

 

The other birthday girl, Eliana.

Eating a snack (look at the cute heart-shaped sandwich!).

 

A table full of princesses.

 

After the party, Lexi and I went to get Mani/Pedi's (her very first professional one) and she was so good!  She sat perfectly still and kept glancing at the lady doing her nails.  It was so cute and she loved it!  It was great for me too, very relaxing and long overdue...not sure I like my 'flower' though.

Tonight I got a very rare date night with my hubby!  Aunt Mel & Deby came over to babysit and play!  We got them pizza from Papa Murphy's before we left and then Page and I went to The Melting Pot, which was AMAZING!!!  I was a little concerned at first, because Page had never been there, and when they brought out the cheese fondue he took one bite and said he couldn't eat it...it smelled like feet!  I was thinking well, great, this is going to be a nice bday dinner...but once the main entree came, he liked it a lot and we both loved the dessert. 

Mel & Deby got me 2 new cookbooks!!  And my hubby, ever the comedian, got me the mani/pedi + dinner, of course, and this awesome card-lol!

 

Chris is always watching Hannah Montana and I happen to think it's pretty clever and that she is adorable, which my husband thinks is hilarious, so the card was kind of inside joke...that now the whole world is in on!  Am I the only one out there that thinks she is great-lol?!

Another year behind me and life is still great.  I just wish it would slow down a little, it goes so fast and I am NOT getting any younger!

June 25, 2009 - 14 week old smiling cutie!

Today while Page was bathing Michael he (Page) started making this funny 'Woo' noise and the baby was laughing and smiling so big, he loved it!  He was getting so excited, kicking his legs etc.  I got a little video of it and some cute pics.

I love the way he is looking up at Page here.

Big smile!

 

And one more, because I'm sure everyone thinks it's just as cute as me, right?!

 

On a different note, Chris was invited to his first sleepover by a boy from school next Tuesday, so I got him a new sleeping bag since his is falling apart.  He is beyond excited. 

Lexi has a Princess Bday party coming up on Saturday so she needed a new princess costume since she has worn most of hers out playing with them all the time or they've gotten too tight.  I was in line at Target getting her a Little Mermaid one and this lady piped up and said The Disney Store is having a big sale on their costumes.  I dashed over there and ended up getting her this Tinkerbell one, which is so adorable but sheds glitter like crazy!!! 

 

 

I guess technically Tink is a fairy not a princess but they are 3 surely I can get away with it!!

June 24, 2009 - Indoor vs Outdoor!

It is getting hotter now and it seems the kids are sitting around way too much.  That's kind of the deal with Oklahoma weather, I guess, there isn't much in between...it's either really cold or really hot! That's also why we are outside as much as possible whenever the weather is nice!

I think Christopher would play Spore 24/7 if I let him and even Lexi has learned how to use the computer this summer.  How many 3 year olds do you know that can work a wireless trackball mouse on a laptop?! 

Chris: sluggish with eyes glazed over.

 

 

Lexi: Wise beyond her years, but with no pep in her step!

 

Even Michael looks glum..baby Jamal is the only one really enjoying all this lazing around.

 

This is how pathetic I am...I bought this little splash yard for Lexi 2!! years ago!! and we just took it out of the box!  Chris was like, this is a baby toy, which is actually true...but once I turned on the yard sprinklers, he decided he could still have some fun.  Lexi loved it!

 

The kids getting blasted, now that is more like it!  Sad little toy, but they still had fun!  At least Baby Michael will get some good use out of it once he is sitting up.

 

Little Ham

 

Mr. Fullerton is discovering his hands.

 

Well, it was no Pelican Bay but at least I got them up and around!

June 21, 2009 - Happy Father's Day!

Today we are celebrating my wonderful Dad and my awesome husband who is such a wonderful dad to our children!  I was so excited that he was able to take off work today so we could all go to the farm together. I had to let the kids play in the sprinklers this morning before we left because we ran out of time last night and I promised them that they could.  They held me to it and after we got them all cleaned up and ready, we dropped off Jewel and headed to my parents.  We did our usual cookout thing, with yummy burgers/dogs/chicken & salad, sides, dessert!  Then we did a whole lot of relaxing since it's so crazy-hot outside! 

 My mom and I have been brainstorming on WW recipies and how irritating it is to find something you like and want to try in a magazine but not know the nutritional info, therefore you can't figure up the points.  We discovered, though, that most publications have the nutritional info online!!! 

I think if you ask a typical guy what his ideal Father's Day would be, it would involve lots of food and lots of this:

 

At least that's the case with our men-hehe...they love their nappies.  They also got some nice quality time with the family.

I am kicking myself for not getting a pic of me & my dad this year.  I'm always so distracted taking pics of everyone else!  I did get a sweet one of Lexi with her Papaw, she loves to 'read' and be read to.

Here's the little diva working it for the camera, can't you just see the personality oozing out of this picture?!

 

Aunt Mel got some sweet smiles from Mr. Fullerton.

 

And a little help from the BBSE (best, big-sister ever)

My crazy crew:

 

 

And I got to open my bday presents from Mom & Dad a week early!!

 

Presents are cool!

 

June 20, 2009 - Hafer Park with Jewel!

My niece is staying with us this weekend and we have been having lots of fun.  Last night we got pizza from Papa Murphy's, movies from Hollywood and Ice Cream!!!

Today we made brownies trying to use the 'light' recipe with applesauce instead of oil, and they were a big fat flop, so we made No Bakes instead If you make them really small (like 36 cookies instead of 24) then they only have 2 WW points each and taste amazing!!  We are going to my parents to celebrate Father's Day tomorrow so I was trying to make something my mom could enjoy too!

After supper we went to Hafer park so the kids could feed the fish/ducks again & Page came by to meet us on his lunch break! 

I think Lexi is going to be the odd one out with her pretty red hair, because it looks like Mr. Fullerton is going to be a blondie (if he ever gets any more hair).

 

Officer H enjoying a minute with his kids on his lunch break.

 

Life is good.

 

June 19, 2009 - Michael is 3 Months Old!!!

It is shocking to me that my baby boy is already 3 months old!  I know I continue to say this every month, but it really is freaky how fast it's going!!  It is also crazy how chubby he's getting!  I weighed him today and he was 14lbs, 13oz!!! That is exactly 6lbs since birth or 2lbs per month! He is definitely thriving! 

I think he's getting sick of all the pictures!

  

Here is my chunky monkey at 3 months!

 

If I had to sum Mr. Fullerton up in just a few words, I would say...kissable, squeezable, sweet, easy going & loved!  We are so blessed!

 

June 18, 2009 - Hudson Steele is Born!!!

Today was a great day because it was the day my gorgeous friend Rachel had her baby boy!!!  Hudson Steele weighed 6lbs, 5oz and is perfect!!  Here are a few pics I stole from Rachel's Facebook!

 

Welcome to the world, little one!

 

So happy with their new addition!! 

 

Perfection!

 

Congratulations to Rachel, George and little Georgia on their beautiful, bundle of joy!!