Picnics in the livingroom

The weather has been incredibly hot lately and almost unbearable. Little Love gas had swimming lessons the last 2 weeks and we decided to throw a 3 day ballet camp in the mix too.

Needless to say, it's been a bit crazy at our house. Poor Little Man has fallen asleep almost everyday on the way home from swim lessons but it has made for nice quiet late afternoons for this Momma.

We decided to stay home the last 2 Friday nights and just enjoy a movie and take-out in the living room floor. Anything to keep my kitchen table cleaned off!
















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Girls Night Out

On Thursday night, Nana came out to watch the kiddos so I could get out for a girls night with many of my best friends from work. I am so thankful for these precious friendships and could not work where I do without them helping to keep me sane. Love them!!



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Big changes

Yes, we decided to do this and we are both excited and anxious. Here's hoping for a quick sale because I'm not sure how long I can keep my house this clean with 2 small children!!



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Ballet Camp

This past week, we had a little 3 day camp at Independent Presbyterian Church with a wonderful, Godly ballet teacher. We had such a great time and look forward to hopefully taking in the Fall from Miss. Rachel.








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Little Man and Little Love, I love them with my whole heart!



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Trying to get Little Man used to his ear covering so maybe he can enjoy the beach and the pool at Gigi's this summer. So far, he's not been a huge fan of the water but he doesn't really have a choice so I'm pushing forward. Hoping this little band, along with ear plugs will help prevent any other ear infections.



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Getting ready....

We are making an impromptu trip to the beach soon so I went by Toy's R Us to get the kids some headphones the other night. I found these that are safe for their little ears and they both just loved them!! I am just glad mom and I are going to have some freedom in the car :)



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Fun times

We have been going to the park a lot after dinner. We have a great one just around the corner and we frequent it often. Little Man has become quite adventurous and has NO fear, which worries me a bit. He wants to do exactly what sister is doing and typically will just follow her around. Little Love, also has no fear but I've been used to that. :) Her hair is growing out some and I've come to grips with it. I think I allowed her hair to define her, at least in my eyes, and I've had to not do that. She is still the most precious, loving and gentle hearted child.








She actually had a really hard day at school when she first went back, after the "big cut", and I think I realized then, it's just hair. (of course Clay's still in trouble)

We had a wonderful Mother's Day. Actually, we celebrated last night with dinner at The Flying Fish and a Redbirds game. Little Man somehow escaped from our eyes though, seriously for like 30 seconds and I had a brief panic attack but he was quickly spotted being carried back towards us with a Redbirds worker. Good gravy, I'm going to need a leash for that kid!! Little Love is scared to death to get more than 5 feet from me but I'm thinking he could care less.

We are approaching the end of the school year and I can't believe Little Love will be saying good-bye to the precious school we have attended for 3 years. Luckily for us, Little Man will start in the Fall so we're not losing ties.

I can't believe it's the middle of May and in just a few short months Little Love will be starting Jr. Kindergarten. I have no idea how she is old enough for that!!

I know I've been a horrible blogger and I'd love to blog more but life is just so busy right now I'm doing good to keep up. We are looking forward to a busy summer and can't wait for our big family vacation in the Fall to Disney World. Both Nana and Gigi are coming with us and I think we are all ecstatic!!

Hopefully I can update again soon. :)




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A day we won't soon forget

This is what my precious Little Love looked like when I arrived home this morning ....






Yep, her beautiful long locks are gone!! She said she wanted to be like Rapunzel, so she cut her hair. I was working, she said Clay was watching TV on the couch.




I was LIVID!! Actually, that is putting it mildly! Clay packed her up and took her to see Alisa, my hairdresser to attempt to shape it up some.






I am still in shock!! I have actually cried all morning, which, I know is ridiculous but she's my little Princess and I just loved her long hair. I am trying to remind myself that it's just hair, and I know that sounds so superficial but, I'm just being honest. :(

Oh, and just for documentation sake, here she was at Easter.




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Little Love - the ballerina

This is from one of Little Love's last days at ballet. We have decided to take a little break and just enjoy our days off at home instead of running around town on Tuesday's like we used to. I just know our days of staying at home all day with nothing to do are so very numbered so I decided to savor it while we can.

All that to say, she does love ballet. I hope to start her back again in the Fall when she will be able to take at her new school. Will save Momma time from running her all over town, and she will get to take dance with some of her classmates.

We will definitely miss Miss Anna but know this is the best decision for our family at this time. She is only 4, there will be plenty of time for all these extra curricular activities later :)

Showing off his skills

Sometimes she loves on him a little too much ...

But, he can't get enough of her most days!! I just love the way they love each other. No one can make him smile and laugh like Little Love can. :)

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iPhone dump

We've had some busy days that have lead to some pretty tired kiddos come nighttime :)











You know that it was a full nights rest when you wake up with bed head!




On Thursday evening we had our sweet friends over for dinner and playtime. Love spending time with these kiddos and their Momma.





A couple months ago I transitioned the kids to one room. They love their new shared space and I'm loving the new "playroom" we were able to make.







My sweet friend JenaBeth brought these wonderful lemon cookies to work over the holidays. Everyone went crazy over them so I knew I needed the recipe. They are so easy and super yummy. I call them little bites of sunshine!!



Lemon Cookies by JenaBeth

1 box of lemon supreme cake mix
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs

Mix ingredients together, roll into little balls and bake on cookie sheet 7-9 minutes.

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Remove cookies to wire rack for cooling and top with glaze!!

Yummy!!

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A fun Saturday

On Saturday, we decided to get out a run a couple errands before Clay had to head into work.

We made a stop by McDonalds for breakfast and then went by the sports store and Target for a few things.

It really doesn't matter what we do these days as long as these two enjoy themselves along the way!!






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Little Love singing about Jesus

I absolutely love the school that Little Love has been going to for the past 2 1/2 years. I feel like they have helped prepare her for big girl school and more importantly, teach her about Jesus. The teachers she has had are THE BEST!! I mean seriously, I can't believe how blessed we have been to have such amazing, Godly teachers love on my Little Love when I'm not around.

She came home a couple weeks ago singing this song and I knew exactly where she had learned it at. Thank you so much to Ms. Melba and Mrs. Annie. You mean the world to Little Love and to me!!

A little raccoon

Little Man is constantly snacking these days. I swear he seems ravenous at times!! I am just thankful he is eating more and loving it.

I had not blogged much about his stats lately but honestly, he hasn't gained much weight since his 6 month check-up! I was so worried about him at his 12 month well baby check up and then shortly after that he got sick with his ears.

When we went for his 15 month check-up, 1 week after PE Tubes, he was up 10 ounces. I weighed him today and according to my scales he's gained approximately another 12 ounces.

Praying all this eating and finally feeling better will catch up with my little raccoon.







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Lunch date for 3 please

On Wednesday, Clay and I decided to enjoy a little lunch date with Little Man while Little Love was in school.

We enjoyed some yummy sushi and a semi quiet lunch. Little Man is still so good to take places and will eat pretty much anything you put in front of him so that makes meal times a breeze with him.

Little Man is such a little "ham" these days. So full of life and joy. I am so glad we went ahead with his PE tubes surgery because he has been a completely different child since then!

He is walking all over the place, so much more vocal, awake a lot more and much more active and happy. And, best of all, sleeping through the night more nights of the week than not. Still not perfect by any means, but much improved.




He is constantly saying "oooohh" in the cutest little voice when he sees something he likes. Just melts my heart.






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A little help ....

Grocery shopping with 2 kids is not always fun. I try my best to get things done while Little Love is in school, but that doesn't always happen. I decided that if it has to be done with both of them in tow, then at least we should make the most out of it. I typically attempt to make a list for me to go by, and one for Little Love to help me with. I typically cut out pictures from a magazine or newspaper clippings and paste them on a blank piece of paper of things we need that she can assist with while perusing the shelves. She absolutely LOVES to help Momma and it actually makes our trips so much more enjoyable.

Of course, there's always the wonderful "cars" they can ride in while we are at the local Kroger. I totally don't mind pushing around the gigantic cart, as long as they promise they will stay put in it. I love that the 2 of them play so well together now and Little Love is such a huge help with Little Man. She helps occupy him with fun "games" and songs while they drive around the store.

One thing we started recently was to use little pencil organizers to hold our lunches on the go. There are definitely times when life is so busy, this is a necessity. I was so tired of finding little pieces of Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets and old dried up fruit in the crevices of their carseats. We even tried them while running into the grocery for a couple items a few weeks ago and they worked like a charm. Didn't leave too much room for the items I was in search of but happy kids make it all worth while.






I am always on the look out for ways to make my life easier and ways to stay better organized. Definitely one of my goals for the new year.

Just doing a little shopping

These 2 have been a bit insistent lately that I push around these ginormous baskets at the grocery. They love to sit next to each other and it actually makes my shopping trip much easier.

I am relishing in this time that they love each other oh so much and always make one another so happy. Praying they always have such a fabulous relationship and know they can always count on one another!






"You're my best buddy, My favorite friend, We'll always be pals, from now until the end!"

Author: unknown

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It's assessment time ...

Well, I posted back in November that we were done with our applications for Junior K for Little Love. (click here to see that posting) Well, now the time has come that we are preparing for assessments at the aforementioned schools. I got an email today letting us know that we are scheduled for our first assessment on January 19th and I am so nervous. I actually didn't expect to feel this way because I really feel that Little Love is a bright and outgoing child so I don't think she will have a problem at all but it sure didn't stop me from drilling her on all kinds of things shortly after the email arrived.

Lucky for her, she has no idea what she will be doing and will just think it's a playdate. Oh the joys of childhood!! I am ready though, or at least ready for them to be over and for us to know what we are doing for next Fall.



Oh, and no, I am NOT ready for my Little Love to be in school everyday, just thinking about it makes me want to cry :(