Fences, cruise ships and sinks.

There I was, working on our fence that our dog keeps getting out of. Avery, Braden and our newest buddy, Chance, were playing 'cruise ship' on the swingset. I had the door open so they could go in and out to the bathroom. (I should have learned my lesson about this from the previous open door post...)

I was pretty smug because everyone was getting along, coming and going; having a great time!

I noticed Braden follow Avery into the bathroom but came out shortly after she did.

No biggie.

Until about 30 minutes later when Avery and Chance ran out telling me water was "running over the edge of the sink!"

Yep. Braden. Water on. Flooded bathroom.

And here I thought my biggest worry of the day would be the blisters that were forming from the fence-mending...

Recipe for Disaster...

Words cannot describe how much the kids and I are enjoying this fabulous spring weather! We have been outside everyday for hours at a time. A new routine has begun since after naps there is actually daylight left. The kids get up, and we all go outside to play. After a few hours, I head inside to start supper while the kids continue their play. I prop the back door open so I can hear them; this also allows them to come and go if they need me or need to get a drink.

For those who have not seen our back steps, they are a little scary to say the least. I've provided a picture so you can see the steep, concrete, coupled with no railing. This obviously makes me nervous because Braden sometimes has trouble with his center of gravity, and Avery is, well...clumsy.

Today was no different, except that one of the neighbor's kids was here playing too. (That's a side story in itself. I love the fact that my kids are getting old enough to have friends over to play with by themselves...this week, two of the four neighbor's kids have been over to play...)

So...imagine: back door propped open. Me, back and forth between dining room and kitchen. Braden, in and out.

All moms out there know the zone you get in where you hear the things going on around you, but aren't necessarily focused in on them...imagine me in that place.

Another piece of this puzzle: Braden's police motorcycle that Santa brought him. He loves this, but it stays inside most of the time because it's small enough to ride around inside, and I don't want the wheels to get all messed up if he takes it outside.

...Back to the not really focused zone....

I faintly hear Braden say, "I get my poyeece motosicul..."

The statement barely registers with me. I hear him hop on his police motorcycle and head off.

Then I realize the door. Propped open.

Then the cries begin; followed with Avery's screams, "he drove..well, not really drove..he flipped down the stairs!" (Braden never cries about falls, bumps, etc. unless he is truly hurting.)

I bolt to the door not knowing what to expect. Broken bones? Gashes? Missing teeth? At least blood?

None. of. the. above!

God is truly good. What could have been a night in the ER was only a minor abrasion on his face and hand. Wow.

Other than the fact that he wasn't hurt, I am so so so glad that I didn't have to see it happen. My heart was pounding enough at the thought of what could have been.

On the other hand, poor Avery will probably have nightmares tonight.

My Knight

My beloved rodeo decided that she was past her prime and started making her aches and pains known a little while back. Nothing major, but the little things started adding up into a pile of big bills in order to get her back to normal. Kenny and I had been tossing around the idea of a larger vehicle anyway. So instead of pouring money into the the rodeo, we decided we should trade it in while there was still some value left, then use the money we would have spent to fix as a down payment on something newer.

I had been doing some wishful perusing prior to the actual looking, so I knew a little bit about what our options were going to be. We knew we were in no hurry to buy because we truly did not have to get a newer vehicle, and I think that made the process a little more enjoyable. (Plus, jumping back into the car payment realm after having been out of it for so long was a little daunting.) In the past, when searching for a new car, we have had in mind exactly what we wanted. This time around we just had an idea: a SUV with a third row, or a (gasp) minivan.

Kenny's mom came to watch the kids one day so we could go out, uninterrupted, to do a little shopping. We found a few options that day and were on our way home when I caught a glimpse of a Honda Odyssey sitting in a small lot. After a wild u-turn (not really wild, just normal), we checked that one out. Of course we went home thinking the price was just too high because it was loaded.

I joked with Kenny that if he wanted to be my knight in shining armor, he could go buy that one for me.

He told me to not get attached since I hadn't even driven it because it was out of our range.

Over the next few days, we did some internet shopping and comparing. I soon began to realize that I of course do have an opinion, and my choices were narrowing because I admittedly have expensive taste.

After not much luck finding something elsewhere, we found ourselves back at the Odyssey. I got to test drive it this time....

My knight mounted his white horse and began to haggle. He got the guy down pretty low...and a pretty good offer for our precious rodeo as a trade. Alas, that day was not the day.

The next day, more haggling...dealing with bank loan, and walah!

A beauty sitting in my driveway, with a pricetag we can afford!

To Do's...

I forget how much I enjoy sewing until I begin a new project. Of course there can be frustrations; like when the bobbin runs out at the most inopportune time, or if a needle breaks...but for the most part, sewing is relaxing for me.

The other day I was inspired by Paige and Brooke. They are so talented, and I love how they share their ideas and how to accomplish them through tutorials. I have always enjoyed appliqueing (sp?) things, and Paige and Brooke's tutorial kicked me into gear to make Avery a valentine shirt. While Avery was at school, Braden and I ventured to Hobby Lobby to find some fun fabric. That evening, Avery sat in my lap and helped me complete the project. It was so much fun letting her learn to thread the machine, choose the stitch, and adjust knobs. I love the fact that she is interested in sewing. I shouldn't be surprised because she loves to learn. Braden also sat up in the chair next to us, so if felt like both of them helped so much. I think that's why this one feels extra special.
Once I finished Avery's shirt, I felt like I should make something for Braden. Since I couldn't think of anything that wouldn't look too girlie for valentine's attire, I revisited a pillow I started for him a long time ago. We're talking, probably over a year ago! When Avery was about two, I found some fun fabric, and I made a pillow for her. (Solid pink on the back with a zipper for easy cleaning.) She has always loved to prop up on it and watch movies, or use it in her room to hold her door. It has served many uses.

One day about a year ago, I found matching fabric, but in boy colors! I was super excited, so I came home that day, cut everything out, had the zipper pinned on to sew in, but had to put the project away before I finished it because I had company coming. (My dining room table serves as my sewing table.) So, a year later, I found that it was pretty silly that everything was ready to be finished, it just wasn't stitched up! (His is blue on the back with a zipper.) When Braden woke up from his nap to see his "couch" (he gets that and pillow confused apparently), he ran over, and fell onto it saying, "my couch! my own couch!" Now they get to prop up on matching pillows to watch their shows.Since I finished Avery's valentine's shirt, I've been wanting to make her another. So, when I found this turtle neck at Target for $.94, there was just no excuse to wait any longer. We went today to pick out fabric. She chose this one...not quite what I would have picked, but it has sparkles, so there was no contest in her book. I wanted to put a fun 'A' on it, but she wants a butterfly. I have strict instructions not to work on it while she's napping because she wants to help.
While we were out and about, I remembered two pairs of Avery's pants that still fit her great, but she has worn holes in the knees. So, we ventured over to the patches section and Avery made her picks. When we got home, I barely had my bag down before Avery was begging to fix her pants. I stitched up the holes; don't know if that's necessary, but I thought it might hold better, then Avery applied the patches. I did the ironing of course, and I might tack them on as well to reinforce them. At any rate, Avery is ecstatic!
Now I'm trying to decide if I should try to get the house in order or start on another project! (I'm so tempted to start the butterfly....)

Who Knew

That bruises came in all shapes and sizes? Well, we all know that really, but who knew they came in the shape of HEARTS?!

Sun Spot Day

I have hit a point in my life where I am super happy. Nothing in particular can be pin pointed, but it's just been nice to enjoy my kids, my husband, and realize that I've got it pretty good!

The kids obviously have their ups and downs with each other and with me, but for the most part they are so great and pleasant to be around. We have been enjoying our time at home together, and I believe I will probably ache when I don't have Avery with me each day when the time comes for her to go to school.

Our family (with the exception of Kenny) enjoys being outdoors. I don't know if it's the smell, the sun, or the pure freedom of it all; regardless, it's one of the kids and my favorite places to be. Of course since it is winter right now, time spent outside is few and far between. So, on sunny days, we pretend it's nice out, and open our blinds as high as they will go. The other day in particular, the sun not only warmed our bodies, but my heart and mind as well.

Picture the rare occasion where the house is clean from hosting small group the night before. Remember that we have three large windows on one wall in our living room. The rays were beaming in, leaving sun spots on the floor. In one sun spot sat Avery, building a little tower with her legos. In another sat Braden, building his tower of legos. And in the final spot, lay the dog, Barlow, basking in the warmth.

There was no chit chat, no arguing, no screaming; just the hint of music playing in the background and the thumping of my proud heart.

Such a pleasant day. I will recall it always as Sun Spot Day.

Catch up....seems like all my posts say that

I let myself get behind again. The other day I tried to figure out why I haven't blogged in so long, and I decided it was because most of my kid quirps end up going in my facebook status instead of creating them into a full-blown blog post. The facebook status is nice when I don't have a lot of time. However, it also is a hindrance because it does not allow me to save it in my 'journal,' or share the entire hilarity of said kids' comments.

I say all of this to say, I hope to be back on the bandwagon in the blog world. I realized I did not post anything about Thansgiving or Christmas! Shame on me. And now, since both holidays are so far removed, no one really wants to read about them, much less me type about them. As stated earlier, I do want to jot down a few things about each so I can remember them in years to come.

Thanksgiving was fantastic as usual! Per our tradition, our great friends, Jon and Stacy, were able to come with their chillins, Lawson and Jordan, to stay a few days and enjoy the festivities. Stacy and I realized our tradition, which feels like started yesterday, is now going on eight years...maybe nine..it's been too long since we've calculated, that I can't even remember now. Either way, it's been a long time. We've been in each other's lives since the summer after Jon and Stacy were married. Our paths have seen ups and downs in our own lives, as well as the lives of others. We all celebrated the announcement of their first child, Lawson, then again with the announcement of Avery's impending birth five months after that. Kenny and I were able to welcome Lawson into the world, then the Stacy's did the same with Avery. A few years down the road, Jordan came along. We were already in Montgomery, but we were so happy to travel to see their new one! Later on, Braden came along, and they helped us celebrate that as well. It's been great to share so many of life's experiences and 'firsts' with another couple who loves the Lord like our family does. It feels like we've grown up together, and now are kids are getting to do the same thing.

Thanksgiving was also fun because Kenny's dad, and brothers, Tom, Jon and Kirk were in town too! Their mom had returned to Colorado to tie up loose ends with their house. I don't even think I've blogged about the fact that Kenny's family has moved here! Kirk is a senior in high school this year, and is going to school where Kenny teaches. It's been fun having family around since we've gone our whole marriage without having any family in town with us.

Of course another favorite part of any Thanksgiving is having tons of other friends around as well. Dawn and Chris were also here, and we got to enjoy their baby, Brady's, first Thanksgiving! Stacy and I ventured out again on Black Friday. I used to not have any desire to do that, but we have now completed two Black Friday operations, and come away with great deals and most of the kids' Christmas presents. We hope to continue that tradition as well!

Let's fast forward to Christmas. We stayed here this year. Normally we do a lot of traveling, but since Kenny's family was here, my parents and brother decided they would come here too! It was such a fun time sharing dinner, movies and great fellowship together. Avery and Braden were so blessed to have both sets of grands, as well as four uncles and one aunt to celebrate with.

I was so behind with things this year that I did not manage to get Christmas cards out. Some of the best pictures I got of the kids were when they were in their pajamas. I guess those would have been our choice to send out, had we printed cards. We also found one family picture in the mix.

Now that I've caught up on November and December, I've realized that January has come, and is almost gone!

I am not one to really make resolutions, but I have decided to have a more positive outlook on life, people, friends, everything! So far so good...of course I've hit my fare share of bumps, but my new attitude has made living much more fun. I challenge everyone to do the same!

The Cookie Tree

Today Avery, Braden and I were enjoying a cookie for our dessert when Avery began her latest quandry.

"Momma; why did Cookie Monster have to use magic to grow a cookie tree?"

I laughed, and recalled the Sesame Street episode from which her question arose.

"Well, God only decided to make apple, peaches, cherry, pecan,...(blah blah blah)....trees." I replied.

She thought for a minute then said, "Oh. Well, it's just too bad that God didn't decide to make cookie trees. Then we would have always have PLENTY of cookies!" (picture arms opening wide here...)

I laughed and added, "Well. I think God knows best because He realizes if we were walking along and ate too many apples, or peaches, or something like that, we would probably be ok because they are healthy. But if we were walking along and came upon a cookie tree, we might eat too much and get sick!"

We continued munching. I thought she had completed her thought. I moved on to cleaning up Braden's chocolatey hands and face, then headed to the kitchen. Soon I heard the following from the dining room.

"Well; since God can do anything, he could make a cookie tree with just the right amount of cookies on it so if we ate them all, we wouldn't get sick."

My Joys. My Life.

Fair, Birthday Bash, and Halloween Festivities

To be completely honest, I'm so far behind, and I just don't have the patience to post a bunch of pics here, so I'm going to put more albums on my facebook account. Just wanted to put a few teasers here....

Alabama National Fair 2009

Braden's Birthday Party -- 2 Years Old!

Fall Festival at Church
Trick or Treating


Also going on: Volleyball season has come to a close. We made it to the State playoffs, one of the Elite 8 Teams present.

Kenny's football team is in the playoffs this year!

Just recently spent some time in Texas with my family. Although I was there for my Papa's funeral, it was a treasured time.

I have a lot to say, but I'm not in the mindset right now to say it all. I truly am blessed to have such a wonderful family. This is a joyous time of my life.

Oh Man!

I sat down in the salon chair with a picture of myself from college when I had my hair in a short bob. I said, "it could be a little longer than that, but I definately don't want it shorter."

The lady said, "Ok." then started cutting. She made all of the appropriate parts. Then began the cut. Her first layer was way shorter than I ever remember anyone cutting. When she was about to start the second layer, she called someone over (the managing cosmopolitan) and said to me, "show her your picture."

The manager looked and said, "ok?"

The first woman answered with a shrug.

Manager lady, "It's just a bob cut."

The original lady said, "but she wants it stacked..."

Manager lady speaks. "That's what a bob is; don't you know how to do that?"

Original lady: "No."

Me: "THEN WHY DID YOU TAKE SCISSORS TO MY HAIR IN THE FIRST PLACE AFTER I SHOWED YOU AN EXACT PHOTOGRAPH OF WHAT I WANTED, AND YOU KNEW FROM THE START YOU DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!????!!!"

That was all in my head of course.

Then my heart stopped for a second.

I proceeded to move to the manager's chair for her to 'fix' me.

"It's going to be shorter than the picture," she states. "So sorry."

Non-confrontational me says, "Well, make it look as long as you possibly can. The picture was cutting it close to my too-short comfort zone."

Original lady continues to hover and "learn" during what has turned into a teaching sesson. "Never cut shorter than their hairline...."

I stopped listening at that point. I picked up a few, "that's because of that first cut you made..." and "see how your parts were crooked? that would have messed up the whole cut in the end."

Seems to me the cut was messed up from the beginning; not the end.

When it was all said and done. My neck had been shaved...yes, shaved, and I got to only pay for a child's cut. Lucky me.

I did, however, get Sharon's (manager lady) card because unlike original lady, she will be allowed to touch my hair again. She turned a disaster into an uncomfortable for me (and Kenny), but yet still ok hairstyle.

When asked about how she likes my haircut, Avery states, "Part of it is okay. I like the front, but the back looks like a boy."

Thanks, baby; that makes me feel so much better.

Tackle!

For those who may not know, now that we are in season, Avery comes to volleyball practice with me, and Braden goes to football practice with Kenny. It really has worked out better than I ever imagined, and it's hilarious noticing what each pick up from their experiences each afternoon.

Braden has become quite the aggressive one. He's a boy. He loves his sister. He watches boys tackle each other everyday. Put it all together, and you get the following: (Pardon Avery's nakedness.)

He used to wait until people were ready, but now Braden has started tackling people when they are taken off guard. It really is funny....hilarious actually when they don't expect it. As long as no one gets hurt, and it's usually the older kid who does.

Our Gymnast

Due to the crazy schedule of what is our life right now, Avery has had to take a break from gymnastics class. We fully intend to pick back up where we left off once I get out of volleyball season, but for now we just get to practice at home!

That's a pretty great hand stand if you ask me! (She accidentally flipped all the way over, but since there were no injuries, it was fun for all!)

A Boy And His Dog

Having a dog is tiring. Especially one who loves to chew. on. everything.

But everytime I see this.

Or this.

I remember why we have one in the first place.

First Day of School!

We have been blessed with the fact that Avery is going to be attending K4 where we attend church. She is so excited that she gets to spend two days of the week feeling like a big girl. Her only problem was that she wanted to ride the bus to school! I had to tell her that there wasn't a bus to take her to school and that I would have to suffice.

The part I was not excited about this morning was having to wake both kids up! That is never fun to do. When they are sleeping...let them sleep!

The minute Avery's eyes were open, she remembered what a special day it was and ran to get her lunchbox then stood by the door....with no clothes on. Then she realized she needed to put the clothes on she had so carefully picked out the night before.

She was in such a hurry to get to school, she wanted to bipass the whole picture taking thing, but I insisted. The results are as follows. You can see the progression from not too thrilled to terribly excited once we got to her classroom.

Braden and I got to spend some quality time with each other. We aren't used to that, and I think it will be good for us.

Once we picked Avery up, she filled us in on how she wrote the letter A over and over and over and over. Then she wrote a lower case a over and over and over and over. She also mentioned that her teacher told them about snakes. Then she got to be the leader when they went to the playground. She also said she sat by a new friend named Adalyn, not her young friend Adalyn, but a much bigger one.

She also shared some thoughts that she had told her teacher. Kids really have no filters, but I love it. I'm sure her teacher will think our family is crazy by the end of it all. Oh well; we are so there!

Throw-Down In The Aisles of Wal-Mart

Today the kids and I ventured out to run a few errands. First stop Wal-Mart. I know people hold strong feelings toward whether or not they like that store. Personally, I don't have a problem with the store itself, other than the fact that they don't have some things in stock that I need/want (but that's a whole other post in itself).

Back to the story at hand. We had been there for probably an hour. We weren't there on a mission, just a leisurely outing to pick up a few items, plus look at the kid toys per Avery's request.

Of course I'm biased and think my children are beautiful, but I was backed with other comments throughout our shopping experience. We enjoyed our normal shares of "how cute they are!" and "what a basketful of joy you have there!" followed with "such sweet siblings!"

On the way to the check out lines something cute caught my eye, so I veered to take a closer look. That's when it happened.

A woman started walking toward us, staring daggers right at Braden. I was a bit confused, but prepared myself to say 'thank you' to her assumed oncoming, "what a cutie" remark.

Then a grouchy mumble ensued as she continued past us, now making direct eye contact with me.

My gracious smile disappeared as her words sunk in: "that child's hair is entirely too long for him to be a boy!"

My mouth dropped open, and I was speechless. Who. Is. She. That she thinks she has the right to tell me how my son's hair should be? As I gathered my thoughts, I stared after her wondering if I should chase her down and inform her of all of her unfortunate style choices she had made that day.

That would make me just like her, so I didn't.

Then I decided that she was probably just jealous that Braden's blonde hair is his true color, and she will never get such natural looking curly locks.

But the mother in me still wanted to take her out back and show her a thing or two.....

She's So Proud

My sweet Avery had a birthday party to go to today. So, as last minute as I am these days, we went shopping for the birthday present yesterday. Avery was very careful to pick out just the right toy for her friend. As we were on the wrapping paper aisle, we found some plain brown paper. I asked Avery if she would like to make her own wrapping paper. She was ecstatic about the idea. Once we got home, ate lunch, and put Braden down for a nap, it was time to create her masterpiece. Avery was very careful to decide what she wanted to draw, which colors she wanted to use, and how much space she wanted to take up. When she finished coloring, she wanted to help wrap. Once the packaging was complete, she proclaimed that she needed to have her picture taken with her work of art. She was so cute!

Suggestions....??

I am planning on participating in my first ever consignment sale...selling that is. I have participated in buying several different times!

What I was wanting was advice from those out there who have done this before...how should I price? I want things to sell, but I want to just give it away....Help!?

My Life These Days

Up and Down!

When we were in Huntsville, we ventured to the mall for a bit. When Avery saw this, she decided she really wanted to try it out. At first she loved it, then halfway through she got a little nervous, but ended her time with some very, very high jumps!

The entire time Avery jumped, little man screamed the entire time! He acted like his feelings were hurt that we did not offer for him to have a turn! So, a turn he got. This picture does not show the sheer excitedness that his squeals told.