Season of Change

We have made a lot of changes in our lives over the past couple months and although some have been harder than others, they are all welcoming changes!

First off, we started attending Mission Church the beginning of June and absolutely LOVE it! Right now we are in a 3 part series called "Invested" and we are learning how to be invested parents and invested spouses. We have learned so much in just the short time we've been attending and we just love Pastor Mark. The girls are learning a lot too and love going to their classes. Natalee had a couple "rough" days but is now back to having a blast and loves to play with the "boys". It is so funny how much she talks about boys! We also started a Sunday ritual of getting donuts before church and the girls love their baby donuts!

I started working from home about a month ago. I love what I do and I love that I can work when Natalee is napping and when the girls are sleeping at night.

Another BIG change for us is getting healthy. We joined LA Fitness at the beginning of August and so far so good. We try to go 3 times a week and we're usually there 1 1/2-2 hours. The girls get to play in the Kids Club and they really like it. I love the variety of classes they offer but so far I have only tried Aqua Fit. I plan to try Zumba, Yoga, Body Works + Abs and Step + Abs. I am trying to be cautious with my back and ease my way into things but I really love working out now. I usually start on the bike for 20 minutes, then I do strength training working either my arms, legs or abs and then I run on the the treadmill 20 minutes or longer. Jody has been going with us and she has been my workout buddy since we both got a free 30 day trial.

Sweet little Haylee girl is loving Kindergarten. Her teacher, Mrs. Lukens, is super sweet and Haylee loves going everyday and she loves having homework. I know that won't last! We no longer have an issue with her socks since she picked out some new ones at Walmart. The only issue is getting her to eat breakfast or at least drink more than 2 sips of Pediasure. She has never been one to eat right after waking up. I pack her a snack and water that she gets to eat at school though and she usually comes home with a big appetite. I love all her little uniforms and she always wants me to take a picture and send it to Daddy and Grandma so they can see how cute she looks!

While Haylee is at school Natalee and I are running errands or working on potty training. I put Elmo panties on her 1 day and she went in the big girl potty 5 times in a row! Then... she peed in her panties right before nap time. BUT, she is improving and if I was more strict with it I think she'd be more consistent. I need to find the patience to get this girl trained!

Jackson is still Jackson. Being ornery at times but otherwise doing great! We are so thankful for his health!

I am so grateful for how wonderful things have been for us lately. Josh will be starting his new position at work soon, the girls are healthy and doing great and I am staying busy and loving life. We are blessed!

Happy Birthday Dad {59}

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday to YOU!



Happy Birthday Dear Dad (Papa Reggie)

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Another year passes and I miss you even more. I wish you were here to hold your sweet little granddaughters and give me a big hug. I am so thankful you watch over us from up above and keep us safe. I love you so much! See you soon.

Up in the Mountains

We had a wonderful day up in the mountains on Saturday.

As we celebrated my Dad's 59th Birthday we thought of all the beautiful memories he left with us.

We continued on with traditions that started when we were kids.

Feeding the chipmunks Chips Ahoy.

Shooting Dad's pellet gun.

Playing basketball using the KFC bucket .

And shooting the big, loud guns!

We played with baby horny toads,

ate Paydays,

went for walks,

picked flowers and found pine cones!

 It was a nice, relaxing day.

And a perfect day for lots of pictures!

As we were heading out we saw a ton of deer!







And we were reminded why day trips are the best trips!

This beautiful sunset made me think about how much I miss my Dad. I know he's in a better place but I sure wish he was here.

Haylee's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Last night I read Haylee 2 books about Kindergarten and tucked her into bed. She was so excited to start school today, wasn't scared one bit.

Today I felt so rushed. I got Haylee up and dressed, which of course we had a wardrobe malfunction because Haylee is too tiny and the skirt she wanted to wear felt too big on her. Not a problem though, she just picked out a cute jumper to wear over her white shirt. I must say, she is the cutest "school girl" I've ever seen! I am loving the uniforms.

So I brushed her teeth, did her hair and we went downstairs for breakfast. Of course Haylee is never hungry when she first wakes up so she had some chocolate milk and then we went out front to take pictures.

Next thing I knew it was time to go! Haylee briefly saw the gift we got her (Hello Kitty outfit and a big box of Junior Mints) and then we loaded up her backpack, woke Natalee up and we all jumped in the car.

When we got to school, it was a mad house. I ended up jumping out with Haylee to take her to the playground while Josh drove around where we're suppose to drop her off. There were so many kids and parents on the playground, it was a circus. Right when we walked up they were already lining up and heading inside so I gave Haylee a kiss and off she went.

She is so excited because the one little girl, Callie who she went to preschool with just happens to be in her class.

When I picked her up her face was red and she was saying how hot she was. She told me all the other kids had drinks and she was the only one without a drink or snack. I was never told she was suppose to bring a drink or snack but I will definitely make sure she has one from now on.

Haylee said she really likes school. She is excited to go everyday and had fun playing with Callie.

Natalee on the other hand was a terror this morning! I wonder if any school around here takes kids at age 2?! :) She was so excited to see Haylee after school, you'd think Haylee had been gone all day.

I can't believe my sweet little girl is in Kindergarten!!! I love that girl so much!

Perfect Sunday

Yesterday was a pretty perfect day. Natalee (being our alarm clock) slept in till almost 9am so the rest of us did too!

Daddy and Natalee went to Dunkin Donuts for "baby donuts" which is our Sunday ritual. Then they stop by my Mom's to share and come home.

We all got ready for church and headed out. After we check the girls in and get their tags we go find Grandma Kayanne since Natalee has now said "Grandma Kayanne?" about 15 times since she woke up :) We took Natalee to her class first and she started crying right away. I reminded her (before I took her in her class actually) that if she didn't cry I would give her a crabby patty. I also took her "BoBo" just in case. Haylee went in her class and then we headed in for our session.

When we picked up Natalee she looked happy and her eyes weren't red from crying. As soon as she saw us she said "crabby patty!!!" and she was so happy. She even gave her teacher a hug and they told us she only cried when we first dropped her off and then she was fine. She ate her snack too. I was soooooo happy!

We had Firehouse Subs (sooooo good) for lunch and then Natalee took a 3 hour nap!

 (we are addicted to the beef brisket!)

The rest of the evening the girls played outside and Josh grilled some steaks.

The day was just peaceful and I was so happy Natalee enjoyed church again. We love going to Mission, it's such a wonderful change!

*I didn't take any pictures yesterday but I wanted to document that we had a wonderful day because sometimes things can get super crazy around here :)

Olympics

I love watching the Olympics! My favorite event to watch has always been the gymnastics. I am so proud of Team USA for taking the gold. And so happy our little girl won gold in the all around too. Happy moment for the USA!

I like to watch the swimming too. Since Haylee has turned into a fish this summer, she enjoys watching it too. The hottest My favorite swimmer is Lochte but obviously Phelps is pretty awesome himself along with all 22 of his medals!

It is crazy to think the next time the Olympics are on Haylee will be 9 and Natalee will be 6. I wonder what life will be like then.....

Saturday Ramblings

These past 2 weeks the girls and I have been staying really busy. My niece Sam has been out here living with my Mom so I have a wonderful helper! Last week we took the girls to the mall one day and they got to ride the awesome new choo choo.

This week we took the girls to the pool so they could practice swimming. We also went to our last Summer Movie Fun at Harkins this week. I am so glad it's over since Natalee is not old enough (or could careless) to sit through a movie. Maybe next year she'll do better.

Last Friday we took the girls to Chuck E Cheese. They had a blast playing the games and crawling through the tubes. Natalee wasn't too sure about Chuck E Cheese this time but after playing peek-a-boo for a few minutes she decided she would give him five but nothing more!

Saturday the girls got to spend a few hours with Grandma Kayanne. She took them to McDonald's and then to swim at Justin & Cami's. Josh and I ate at Texas Roadhouse and then went to see "People Like Us". Just like every Saturday afternoon, the monsoon crept in and it started pouring after we picked up the girls. That was the night we let the girls play in the rain when we got home.

We were so excited on Sunday that we made it through our session without our "kid code" popping up. Turns out Natalee still didn't have a good day and cried off and on they just didn't page us. I have no idea why she is doing that. She has been fine the last month and a half we have been attending and then all of the sudden she is not liking it. It breaks my heart to see her sad little face when we pick her up. I really hope this passes and she can have fun again.

After church we went to the Farmer's Market and loaded up on fresh fruit. My favorite thing to eat when it's hot outside is cold, juicy fruit! And I'm so glad the girlies love it too!

On Wednesday Haylee girl had her 5 year well check that confirmed just what a petite little girl she is. She weighs a whopping 34 lbs.! She also had a hearing and vision test and did great!

Thursday was our fitness assessment at LA Fitness. Let's just say today I am hurting. We did a mini strength training workout targeting our legs and abs and today I can barely walk. I'm a wienie. He did show me some exercises to help my back since it's still hurting so I hope it works!

My Aunt had surgery yesterday to replace her aortic valve. I've been worried about her the last couple days and I just pray she has an easy and quick recovery.

Today Haylee and her Daddy went to see Snow White at Hale Theatre. Afterwards they went to Serrano's for lunch. They had a fun little Daddy/Daughter day!

And that about sums it up! Happy Saturday....

August 2

Today is a special day. 4 months ago (April 2nd) Jackson had his major surgery to remove his Grade III MCT. We were told that if we didn't do chemo. he'd probably only live 2 months.

Here he is today....

Smiling and as happy as can be :) Nothing has changed. He still likes going on walks (when it's raining and cooler) and he's even wanting to play ball when it's 100+. He's still ornery, stealing food off the table/counter and out of Natalee's hand. The Prednisone sure makes him hungry. He still begs for treats and wags his tail every morning when I come downstairs. He is showing no signs of slowing down and no new tumors have appeared. He's doing great!

I love my ornery sweet boy!

It's offical...

Haylee is one scrawny petite little girl! She finally had her 5 year well visit today (only 6 weeks late) and she weighs 34 lbs (10%)! Keep in mind, at Natalee's 2 year well check (3 months ago) she weighed 27 lbs 8 oz. She is gonna pass up Haylee in no time!

Haylee is also 42" tall which is 25-50%.

No shots today, but Haylee was sent home with some Pediasure to try :)

Before I forget, I have to write down some funny things Haylee has said lately. After a prayer at Shari's house Haylee said "Natalee didn't close her eyes" trying to tattle on her sister. I replied with "obviously you didn't either if you saw her eyes open." Busted!!

Also I introduced Haylee to the Olympics and we love to watch the swimming and gymnastics together. She likes to spot the Team USA athletes by finding the ones with our flag. The first day we were watching the gymnastics the girl was doing her floor exercise and Haylee said "oh my gosh, she just flipped and like twirled in the sky!" I thought that was hilarious.

I love my sweet little girl!