Prayer request

I wanted to ask you to please pray for my friend Janis. Her father is very ill and he is not expected to live long, probably only a couple more days. He had stomach cancer, it once went into remission, but came back in January. He was given 3-6 mos. to live. She has had a wonderful opportunity to spend lots of quality time with him, and actually just returned from a trip with him, her mother, and her sister--just the 4 of them. What a blessing! He has suddenly taken a turn and it does not look good, plus he is in a lot of pain. Janis is leaving this afternoon to fly to Montana to be with her father and family. Please pray for Janis and her family to find peace and strength during this most difficult time.
On a lighter note, her precious twin girls (Ashton and Arabella) will be staying with us this week. I may need a few prayers as well (seriously)--with 4 almost 4 year olds (my twins and her twins)--we will be filled to capacity. It will be our first time to have friends spend the night and spend several days. I will have to get 3 girls dressed and looking their best for dance pictures on Friday (that will be interesting). I am actually looking forward to it. I may be crazy, but I think the kids will have so much fun. Please keep Janis and her family in your prayers.

My Little Diva (not the one you think!)

So, Sunday morning I am getting ready to take the kids to church. Remember, I am used to having Jeff's help, but he is out of town. So, I am fixing Reese's hair and I notice it is really quiet. Collin is usually up under my feet, so I ask her, "What is Collin doing?" I then start to hear him talking to himself, so I figure everything is okay. Well, when I finish her hair, I walk into our bedroom and all I can smell is fingernail polish or fingernail polish remover AND I see Collin. I know this is NOT a good combination. In a bit of a panic I ask him, "What is that smell?" and he just looks up at me and grins. I then start to pull a little psycho Mommy and screaming "what is that smell???" He hands me the bottle of HOT PINK fingernail polish. I start saying, "what did you do with this"-- then I look down and see his toes. He has taken it upon himself to paint his toenails. I mean there is ALOT of paint on his toes and a little running up his legs. So, I scoop him up, place him on the tile, and start taking off the nail polish. Then I start asking, "Where did you do this?", because I know it is dripped/spilled wherever he decided to plop down and paint. After we get him cleaned up, he shows me he did it in MY room on MY carpet. Well, he did a pretty decent job, because there were probably 4 small drips on my carpet. I think I would have gotten more paint on my carpet than he did. Anyways, thought I would share a few pics of the decent paint job that Collin did!

Our Weekend

Jeff was out of town Friday until Sunday afternoon, so that is always a little bit of a bummer for me. However, he had a fun guys weekend of riding dirt bikes, camping and hanging out. He had a lot of fun, so that was really nice for him. Sunday my dad and Cynthia (Papa and ChaCha) came over to Amy's and we BBQ'ed and swam. It was such a beautiful day and it was so nice to visit and catch up AND Reese and Collin were so excited to see Papa and ChaCha!! Monday morning we took it easy and we ended up going back over to Amy & Brian's for the afternoon. Jeff was exhausted and I was tired as well, so we decided to take it easy. Hope everyone had a nice weekend and a great holiday!

Wiggly Play Center

A few pics from Friday. I took the kids to the Wiggly Play Center--Reese and Collin love this place.

Any words of wisdom???

I am desperate for some words of wisdom or any idea that will actually work! Here's the story--Reese has been in dance for close to a year now. Her recital is June 14th. Problem is, I don't think she is actually going to go out on the stage and perform. I promise I am not a stage mom, but I just feel that if she would just walk out on the stage and do the dance (overcome her fear) that she would see it isn't all that bad and it is actually fun! She loved dance all last summer and fall, then this winter she started to seem like she didn't want to do it, so we sat out a few weeks. Once we resumed, she has seemed to love it. Well, today Ms. Jillian (her dance instructor) had all of the moms come in and watch the girls perform their recital dance. Reese would NOT do it. I tried and tried to walk her out on the floor, give her words of encouragement, reminder her of our bribe, but she wouldn't do it. She wanted me to do the dance with her. I can see me, at the recital, out on the stage in all my glory--wouldn't that be great??? Anyways, obviously I can't do that, so what should I do? I am trying bribery....if she does the dance at the recital, she can go to the toy store and pick out any toy she wants (obviously within reason). Is this wrong? What should I do? I want her to do it so she can overcome this little fear and realize that it isn't that bad. I hate that she feels self-concious--I just want her to enjoy herself and want to perform with her friends! I will take ANY suggestions OR advice. Obviously, if it comes down to it and she is upset or is really scared--I am not going to make her do it. I just want to encourage her in a positive way as much as I can :) Any ideas????

First Week of Summer

With the kids being out of school, we have had LOTS of free time on our hands. I have been trying to come up with things for us to do that don't require alot of money and that keep us active and occupied AND keep Reese and Collin from fighting all day. This is not always an easy thing to do. You can only go to the park so many times before it gets old. Plus, Reese has not felt very well this week, so we have been trying to lay low and not really hang out with friends.

So, we have been to gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do and we have dance tomorrow. On top of that, we have been to the park, been riding scooters & big wheels, we went to get ice cream yesterday, and today we went to McDonald's for a morning snack and to play (my kids love apple dippers). Thankfully, in the next couple of weeks, the rest of our friends will be out of school too and we will resume playgroup and start our new summer schedule. This is a little bit of a transitional time where we are finishing up our spring activities and about to start summer stuff. I am looking forward to it getting a little warmer, so we can start hanging at the pool--we will be swimming OFTEN!! Thought I would share ice cream and McDonald's pictures.

American Idol

This was such a great season. Probably the best one in my opinion. I was excited to see David Cook win, but was so sad that David Archuleta had to lose--he is such a tender hearted guy and seemed so deserving. It will be interesting to see where their 2 careers go--I hope they both do really well. As for the show last night, why do they do all the group songs/performances? Does anyone actually enjoy this? It is such cheese. I have to say--I would much prefer to see them sing individually or sing a duet. It was nice to see Carly and Michael Johns again. I hope Michael Johns has a future in music. I could have done without ever seeing Amanda Obermeyer AGAIN (I still can't believe she made it into the top 12)! Oh yeah, and Chikezie--LOVE HIM! I hope Kristy Lee Cook ends up in country and joins the ranks of Carrie Underwood and Kelli Pickler, (my bet is she does) there is something about her that I really like. Syesha is such a sweeties as well, with lots of talent--her and Seal were awesome. I wonder what Jason Castro will end up doing? He is good AND different, and hearing him sing "Hallelujah" is just amazing. Last but not least, Brooke--she is so nice and has a beautiful voice but her dancing is HORRIBLE! I am not the best dancer, but seriously, she is so awkward that it is uncomfortable to watch. Well, I better go buy my American Idol tour tickets--no, not really, I have never been and don't plan on starting now. I would prefer a more mature night out if I am gonna have one!!!! Thank you American Idol for another great season and for many nights of entertainment!!!!

What a Great Sunday!

Since my mom was out of town last Sunday, we got together today to celebrate Mother's Day. We went over to Amy & Brian's and had such a great time. Reese and Collin had the best time swimming and I was so surprised by how quickly they jumped in and were right back in the swing of things, after a long break. Thanks Amy & Brian for hosting! Allison, Andy, Mom & Fermin (Amy & Brian too)--we love you--the kids ADORE you all and were so excited to see yall. What a fabulous way to spend the day--relaxing by the pool!

Last Day of School

Today was Reese and Collin's last day of school. It is CRAZY to think another year has come and gone, this makes me sad because time goes by way too quickly. As many of you know, I am holding Reese and Collin back from starting Kindergarten. Times like these, I am so thankful, that I will have 2 more years home with them. It is so scary, how fast time goes by.

We are so thankful for Reese and Collin's teachers this year (and their teachers from last year for that matter). Ms. Brandi & Ms. Lori are so sweet and loving and Reese & Collin will miss them TONS over the summer. They go to Mother's Day Out at Kidzworld. I love this school because it is a smaller program where all of the teachers, director, and administration know ALL of the kids. My kids have learned so much since attending Kidzworld and the curriculum is Christ centered--I just feel it is such a good balance of Biblical teachings, school curriculum (letters, writing, phonics) and play. I love Kidzworld and am so thankful we have ended up there.

Cupcakes

Most of the kids, in Reese and Collin's class, have brought cupcakes, cookies, or something to share on their birthday. Since our birthday is Aug. 27 and we aren't in school at all, we decided to go ahead and take cupcakes today (just for the fun of it). I let Reese and Collin pick out the cupcake toppers and the flavor of cake and frosting. We got home from school on Tuesday and we made the cupcakes and then after dinner we decorated them. They were so excited to take them to school and share them with their friends. Thought I would share a few pics of what our cupcakes looked like. Reese chose "princess" rings and Collin chose "Thomas" whistles.

End of School Year Carnival

I had the most fun volunteering at Reese & Collin's end-of-year carnival on Tuesday.

The kids had so much fun doing the following:

• magnetic fishing
• parachute
• getting tattoos and balloon swords
• bowling
• tossing bean bags
• crafts
• potato sack racing

We had such a great time--I enjoyed getting to help out with all of the "events" and watching Reese and Collin have such a fun time with all their friends.

Happy Mother's Day!

Jeff got up with the kids on Sunday morning, and let me "sleep" in, I didn't really sleep, but rested in bed. Then, two little angels ran in kissing me, hugging me and telling me "Happy Mother's Day"! Reese was so excited to give me my cards and gifts, so she was yelling, "Come see Mommy", "Come see Mommy". So, of course I got up and followed them to the living room where they made me the sweetest little poster, had my gifts and cards. It is so funny that before I was a mom I would have been thinking of my nice gifts, but I am so enamored by the fact that Reese had drawn a princess (and a pretty good one I think--it is pictured below) and so impressed with the way Collin & Reese had signed their names on the card and poster that-that is what I am so proud of at the moment. I loved my gifts (2 hanging baskets for my patio, a digital picture frame, and Jeff had sent me flowers on Saturday), but more than the gifts, I always know Jeff is trying to make Mother's Day special. As cheesy and gushy as that sounds, he really does go out of his way to let me rest and wants me to feel appreciated. So, Thank You Jeff. I had the most wonderful day and I love you and appreciate all you do for me.

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and Carolyn (Jeff's mom). Thank you BOTH for everything. We feel blessed beyond words to have both of you. Thank you for all of your love, support AND all you do for us. You are not only great mothers, but incredible grandmothers. Reese and Collin love and adore you!!

In the spirit of Mother's Day

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -I had never been puked on.Pooped on.Chewed on.Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom -I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,the joy,the love,the heartache,the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

**my friend Angela sent this to me and I thought I would pass it along

Sweet moment....

Well, this was such a sweet moment (which are few and far between these days) I had to share. Reese woke up and climbed in my bed. Collin woke up shortly after and Reese told him, "You can come lay by me and share my pillow." He climbed in and she patted his back and they were all smiles. This lasted for about ONE minutes (just long enough for me to snap a pic) then the fighting began.

Started off rough....but got MUCH BETTER!

This morning Collin woke up at 6:15 and came to get in bed with me. He climbed in bed and I made the huge mistake of covering him up with the sheet AND the blanket--who knew how awful this would turn out to be? Well, he let me know this is NOT what he wanted, but instead of just telling me, he cried, screamed and threw a complete fit--I looked at the clock and realize it is only 6:20AM. After we made it through that moment, Collin decided he wanted to have breakfast--and I made ANOTHER major mistake-God forbid I poured the oatmeal into the bowl and I should have KNOWN this is Collin's job. Collin once again lost his mind....another fit of screaming, crying and very much letting his opinion be known. Well, there was one more incident, we were getting ready to leave and Collin decided he needed a band-aid on his boo-boo. I agreed and we went to pick out which one he would like, most mornings it would be Hello Kitty or Princess, but this morning it was Bat Man. All was going fine, he was sitting on the counter, and then BAM! I did it. I opened the band-aid package and Collin had already made up his mind that was WHAT HE WANTED TO DO!!! Another fit! Does anyone else ever want to rip their kid's head off before it is even 8:30AM? Am I the only mother that feels like it has been a COMPLETE DAY and it is only two hours into the day???


Well, we made it to school. I even warned Reese and Collin's teachers that it might be a rough day for him today. He did not have a good morning, but hopefully he will do okay. Fast forward to pick up and I asked Ms. Brandi---how was Collin today? She said he got an award!!! (Their school has a reward system where they send the kids to the directors office, get a certificate, and get to pick out a treat) Collin got an award for "helping pick up without being asked". If I could only get that to happen at home!!! So, good for him--he was such a good boy at school today. I was really proud of him and showered him with lots of praise.


Then we go to Tae Kwon Do (TKD)--we have sat out the last month of TKD because Collin was having a hard time following directions, listening, and keeping his hands to himself. Well, this is our first time to go back in a month and Collin had a GREAT day! At the beginning of class, Ms. Jill told the kids that whoever listened and followed directions the best would get the "karate kid" headband. Well, low and behold, Collin got the headband. I was so proud of him for going back and getting right back into the groove. This is the best class of TKD he has had--WAY TO GO COLLIN! Once again, I was a very proud mama.


**First picture is of Collin with his "karate kid" headband and TKD uniform
**Second picture is of Reese at her dance class--the girls had just been given their recital costume and they were so excited! I can't wait to see the recital.