Dentist

This morning (8:00 AM) Reese & Collin had a dental appointment. I was a little nervous, because the other 2 times we have been the kids have been scared, nervous and high maintenance. This morning, they came to the waiting area to get them, I discreetly asked if I should come along, and they said let's see if they will come back by themselves. If they need you or seem upset, we will come get you. Well, I could see and hear them from the receptionist desk and they did AWESOME. No tears at all and acted so BIG!!! I was SO proud of them.

I am always a little worried about their teeth because as babies they were both diagnosed with Osteopenia (a bone density issue)--this can effect their teeth. They both had this from being premature and have probably grown out of it by now, but it has definitely effected their baby teeth. The enamel is bumpy in spots and not near as strong as it would have been had they been full term. Well, the x-rays look as if Collin has a cavity. Our dentist had her baby this week, so we didn't see her, but the hygenist said it looks suspectful. I am so sad about this, more so, because the cavity may have to be filled. If any of you know Collin well (he is very scared of strange, or loud sounds)--he is going to HATE this. So, we go back June 10th and he may have to get a filling. My poor baby :(

On another note, they advised me to start flossing Reese & Collin's teeth--not sure how easy this is for the rest of you, but this will not be an easy task in our house. The joys of parenting!

**It is wear yellow to school today--which is why both my kiddos are decked out in yellow, not sure the reason, but I think it is because they are discussing the fruits of the spirit (the banana is yellow which means goodness). I will have to ask when I pick them up-I dropped them off late due to the dental appt. and didn't get a chance to ask.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!!

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Jeff,

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Jeff--we hope you have the best day! The 3 of us love you and adore you. We enjoyed our little family celebration last night (even though today is your actual birthday). Have a wonderful day and don't work too hard!!!

Reese and Collin helped me make a cake for Jeff yesterday (which they thoroughly enjoyed and was a beautiful masterpiece), we wrapped his gifts, and they signed his card--they were so excited that we went ahead and celebrated amongst ourselves last night. Tonight we are heading over to Jeff's parents house for a little more celebrating.

Fair in the Square

All week long there has been a little carnival setting up at Main Street & the Tollway. Reese and Collin have been begging to go all week, as we watched them set up the different rides. The kids have been especially interested in the BIG ferris wheel. We met The Armondo's there and let the kids ride all of the kiddie rides. We then decided to go out to eat, as we were leaving, Collin had a complete melt down b/c we didn't ride the ferris wheel. We ended up taking Reese & Collin back into the carnival since we had promised all week that they could ride it. The kids did great on all the rides, even the ferris wheel. The kids had a ball!

Birthday Dinner

Friday night we went out to celebrate Jeff's birthday (which is actually Tuesday). We had a drink at Gecko and then ate at Momo's Pasta, then we went back to Gecko (they are right next to each other). It was such a great evening and so nice to be out with adults and to have a few drinks!!! We are so blessed to have the best family and friends and so glad they could join us for an evening out. We love you guys!!!

"Someday"

I was in Hallmark yesterday and started looking at the Mother's Day section and I came across the sweetest book, not too mention the cute illustrations. I thought I would share the words....it isn't too long. It literally brought me to tears as I was standing there in Hallmark. It was so sweet (and sad at the same time). I thought it was more appropriate as a parent to a child rather than the other way around, so I bought it for Reese and Collin. Time really does go by too fast. I sometimes wonder how Reese and Collin are about to turn FOUR??? It really does not seem possible. Here it goes.....

"Someday" by Alison McGhee & Peter H. Reynolds

One day I counted your fingers and kissed each one.
One day the first snowflakes fell, and I held you up and watched them melt on your baby skin.
One day we crossed he street, and you held my hand tight.
Then, you were my baby and now you are my child.
Sometimes, when you sleep, I watch you dream and I dream too....
That someday you will dive into the cool, clear water of a lake.
Someday you will walk into a deep wood.
Someday your eyes will be filled with a joy so deep that they shine.
Someday you will run so fast and so far your heart will feel like fire.
Someday you will swing high---so high, higher than you ever dared to swing.
Someday you will hear something so sad that you will fold up with sorrow.
Someday you will call a song to the wind, and the wind will carry your song away.
Someday, I will stand on this porch and watch your arms waving to me until I no longer see you.
Someday you will look at this house and wonder how something that feels so big can look so small.
Someday you will feel a small weight against your strong back. (pic of mom piggy backing child)
Someday I will watch you brushing your child's hair.
Someday, a long time from now, your own hair will glow silver in the sun.
And when that day comes, love, you will remember me.

The part about "standing on the porch and waving until I no longer see you" really chokes me up. Can't they just live with us forever?

Sunday Picnic

We decided to have a little picnic lunch today, so thought I would share a few pics!

Planet Pizza

Saturday morning, Jeff and I woke up and we had no plan for the day--so we decided we needed to quickly devise one. We decided we would get a couple of things done around the house early and then we would take the kids to Planet Pizza. Well, Reese and Collin had such a great time. I remember when my parents used to say they had fun watching us have fun--I have learned this is actually a very true state- ment. (Some of the most fun I have now is when Reese & Collin are having fun, playing together, belly laughing and engaging in an activities they truly enjoy.) Reese and Collin played games, rode the rides and ran around in the soft play area--one of the things they enjoyed most was the ball pit....I know GASP!....can you believe I actually allowed them to do this? Amazingly enough, they survived...a little dirty and a little germy, but yes they survived the ball pit. Planet Pizza was a ton o' fun, it isn't the most clean place and it is a little run down, but most importantly it was a great time!

T.G.I.F.

Reese had dance today and most Friday's we go to lunch with Janis, Arabella & Ashton, after the girls finish dance (Collin goes too he just doesn't do the dance part). The kids were pleasantly surprised to see Ronald McDonald upon our arrival. Collin was not sure what to think of old Ronald, so I had to jump in the picture with him. After lunch, playing and a nap, we headed outside to play. I had to get a shot of Jeff showin' off his skills, while the kids rode the jeep, 4-wheeler and played hopscotch. We are all excited for the weekend, as it is always nice to have Jeff around and have family time!

My 3 LUVS....

Jeff and I were anxious to get back in town after a long weekend in Kansas. I could not wait to see Reese and Collin and totally enjoyed the day with them. After Jeff got home, the 3 of them headed out to the backyard and when I looked out I saw the 3 of them in the fort of our swingset and I couldn't resist snapping a picture, it is so funny to see big ole' Jeff up in the fort! The kids were dying to see Jeff when he got home from work, so he was totally indulging them by climbing up and playing. After dinner, we wanted to treat the kids, so we went out to have a little ice cream!

What are Great-Grandparents Made Of?

Today our hearts are heavy as we have learned Jeff's grandmother, Wilma Copeland, has passed away. This was totally unexpected and is a big shock to us all. Please pray for Carolyn (Jeff's mom) because I cannot begin to imagine how sad she must be to have lost her mother. Please also keep Jeff and his entire family in your prayers. Reese and Collin call Grandma "Gigi" and she was so special to them. They absolutely adore her and will miss her so much. Collin and Gigi had the most special connection and he had so much fun playing with her. I am so glad Reese and Collin were able to love her and know her and see what a special person she was. The top picture is of Reese and Gigi and the 2nd picture is with Great Daddy (Eric's father/Reese & Collin's Great Grandfather). I am including a poem about Great-Grandparents and wanted to honor them both.

What are Great Grandparents Made of?

Lives that inspire, heros to admire, wisdom to share, a blessing so rare. Kind gentle hands, hearts understand, quick ready smiles, visits awhile.. That's what great grandparents are made of.

Grand old stories, tales of glory, shared homemade pie, a wink of an eye, endearing ways, lemonade on hot days, pats on the knee, loves make-believe... That's what great-grandparents are made of.

Time for roses, kisses on noses, roots and wings, heirlooms and things. Family pride, a hand to guide, a grandchild's treasure, love beyond measure... That's what great grandparents are made of." ©

In case you were wondering....

Yes, wearing your seat belt under your arm is definitely against the law and you can get a ticket for not wearing it properly. Jeff and I were driving down the street tonight and next thing we know, we are getting pulled over. We KNEW we weren't speeding, so we were wondering WHY we were being pulled over. When the officer approached the car, he started off by asking for Jeff's license, but then he looked over at me and said, "Oh you looked much younger when yall passed me so I am going to need to see YOUR license" (as if that wasn't enough of an insult), he then explained that wearing your seatbelt under your arm was breaking the law. WHO FREAKIN' KNEW????? So, I explained to him that I REALLY didn't know (and I seriously didn't). Well, apparently he didn't really care, because I was written a citation for my seat belt being worn under my arm. I am still mad, it just seems like a really silly reason to get a ticket. I swear, I never get out of tickets. For those of you who ALWAYS get out of them, please send tips, they are needed.

Dinner with The Devlin's

We had The Devlin's over for dinner tonight (Sunday evening). The weather was absolutely perfect and the kids soaked it up while playing outside. After playing in the sandbox and on the swingset out back, we all sat down to have a little lasagna. After dinner, we headed out front and the kids rode the scooters and Collin's 4-wheeler. They had such a great time! Can you believe how big Cate & Claire are getting? Aren't they precious? (Claire doesn't really like to sit still for pics). What a nice evening with family!

Bass Pro Shop

We headed to Bass Pro Shop this weekend and it was a fun trip for all. Reese and Collin enjoyed seeing the fish in the tank, the waterfall, the huge wagon wheel, the ducks and all of the moose, deer and bears that were stuffed. They also enjoyed test driving the 4 wheelers, jeeps and boats. I don't know who had more fun--Jeff or the kids!

"Lammy" and "Doggie"

This is a post that is very near and dear to my heart. As crazy as this may sound, these "loveys" have become a part of our everyday lives. I have misplaced them a few times and it might upset me more than Reese & Collin, misplacing them has literally brought me to tears. I am sure some of you may think it is b/c my children cannot sleep without them (this may be a small party of it), but it is because these have been with Reese and Collin every single day for the last 3 1/2 years. I see these little guys and I see my sleepy babies, I see my hurt babies and I see comfort to Reese and Collin while they are at preschool, or at grandma's spending the night, or when they just need a familiar face and Mommy and Daddy are not around. We have such creative names for these little guys they are "Lammy" (lamb) and "Doggie" (dog). As you see in the pictures, Reese sucks the ears on the lamb when lamb is in tote. She has literally sucked the ears off of one lamb, so we had to give her the replacement which I bought long ago in case something happened to old faithful. This means we now have TWO lambs and yes she is now attached to BOTH. If you look at the picture of the two lambs, you can see the new lamb is losing her ears as well. Some of you may say "YUCK"...okay, most of you probably say "YUCK" and I agree it is a little yucky, but I still love these lambs and cannot imagine the day when Reese will not want them. Collin loves his Doggie just as much but he prefers to play with Doggie's tag. He does sometimes chew on the mouth, which means he has needed a few repairs, but typically he rubs the tag to fall asleep. We have only one dog and hope that we will always only have one dog. Just wanted to share Doggie and Lammy with you. They are so special to Reese and Collin, it is nice when Reese and Collin are at school, we have a sitter, or we are out of town that our angels have something familiar and special to love on.