Three Little Blessings

"Liva" Goes to School...

2009-09-09T10:51:00.005-04:00

One day down...lots of fun days to come :)! Today is Addy's "Show & Tell" turn. She decided to take her favorite doll "Liva" to share with the class. They wore their matching dresses and were looking forward to another great day!

Addy's First Day of Pre-K

2009-09-08T13:48:00.003-04:00

Today was Addy's first day of preschool...her first time being away from me from more than an hour or two (except when kept by her Daddy or KK-aka my mom)...what a BIG day for Addy (and for me- LOL!). I have to admit I tossed and turned all night, anxious at what today might bring. However, Addy did GREAT! She hopped right out of the car and headed in to begin her first day of school. She will be going four days a week- just a little over three hours each time. When asked what her favorite parts of school were she said, "Playing with the blocks and crafts..." Happy first day of Pre-K, Addy :)! We are off to a great start!

Busy Week...

2009-08-28T09:53:00.003-04:00

School Picture Day- Hard to believe Cale is in SECOND grade :)!
Addy's Pre-K Pic - They have to bring in a 5X7 of themselves for school.

Addy before going to visit her Pre-K. At first she was a little overwhelmed, but she did GREAT- especially since this was her first "school" experience (She's always been home with me.). When we were getting in the car she asked if she could come back after she eats her breakfast :).

Here is Cale in front of the "Jaguar of the Month" bulletin board. I am so proud of him :)! The school held a recognition for all of the Jags of the Month. The Principal recognized each child individually, and they were given a certificate, ate doughnuts, and received treat bags...very cool!

SO glad it is FRIDAY- whoo hoo :)! This week has been very busy. Cale had school pics on Tuesday, Wednesday Addy went to visit her Pre-K, and Thursday morning (before school...UGH :)!) Cale was recognized for being Student of the Month for his class for Aug. SO much to be thankful for...but I am also thankful this week is almost OVER :). I don't do "stress" well .. even "good" stress :).

Have a GREAT weekend :)!

Crayons & Markers - Oh My :)!

2009-08-21T13:25:00.006-04:00

Sleep...

2009-08-19T09:37:00.006-04:00

is such a precious but rare thing these days. We are working VERY hard on helping Cash sleep at night- ALL night- in his own bed. He is exhausted. WE are exhausted, and with Joel gone 13+ hours a day it is hard. However, when Cash finally "crashes", right in the middle of watching TV- boots still on (yes they are on the wrong feet -he put them on himself :)....), keys in hand...I am reminded how quickly these days really do go by.

Thumbs Up

2009-08-14T09:19:00.006-04:00

It's FRIDAY- whoo hoo :)! That in itself is worth a "thumbs up" :)! So much to be thankful for this week...

Thumbs up to Cale for having a wonderful first two weeks of school. He brought home his first weekly progress report with no checks (a good thing :)...) and "FANTASTIC" written on it! His teacher called the other night and had nothing but positive things to say about him....academically, socially- she said he is such a "joy". It did this Mama's heart good to hear such wonderful things about her STUDENT OF THE MONTH :).
Thumbs up to Addy for being such a good helper this week! From sorting the silverware to attempting to fold towels :)... Addy has had a great attitude :)! Addy is also starting to pick out her clothes / dress herself without any help (as you can see in the pic above- LOL :)....). She already has such a love for accessories :)! Thumbs up to Cash for working so hard on his signs / words this week....and for sleeping until 5 AM in HIS OWN bed last night - WHOO HOO :)!!!! We thank God for the progress we are seeing, and I selfishly pray to hear "love you" again soon... This is something he said months ago just once, and we haven't heard it again... pretty typical with our little mystery man.

Where to start?

2009-08-11T23:32:00.013-04:00

After MIA from the Blog world for nine or so months, catching up seems quite a daunting task. Maybe that's part of the reason I've been away for so long... I guess I should start where we are now and work backwards, or more than likely start where we are now and move forward- filling in the important "history" if needed :).

Cale started second grade a couple of weeks ago. He loves his teacher- loves his classmates. He's Student of the Month for his class. Everything on the school front is off to a good start. We've kept him in FOCUS for now. He has a new FOCUS (gifted) teacher this year, and as long as it is something he is enjoying and learning from we are all for it. He's talked about Boy Scouts...maybe playing baseball in the Spring, but for now he seems content with having his "free" time free- with plenty of time for homework, DS, and just being Cale :).

Addy will begin preschool in September. She is READY :)! She'll be attending four days a week from 9-12 (the same Pre-K Cale attended). Her personality is really blooming :). She continues to LOVE playing "dress up" and taking care of her "babies". For the most part, she is a free spirit :). However, a week ago today, my Grandpa passed. This has really been something that has filled her world with questions and made me realize how little I really know and understand. Funny how kids have a way of teaching us so much more than we teach them.

Cash...Cash....Cash.... Where to begin :)? Cash turned two in April. He is a ball full of energy :). As I sit here typing (at almost midnight) he is awake- naked except for a diaper, his brothers crocs, and a sock cap. He is walking around- keys in hand (his attachment)- just being himself. Recently "professionals" have told us he is Significantly Developmentally Delayed (SDD) with Expressive & Receptive Speech Delays. I simply call him my world... We've been through some testing, started (and soon after quit) some "therapy", said lots of prayers...and cried some too. He currently has around 25-30 words (though he only uses 15-20 or so on a regular basis) along with several signs. I am in the process of becoming our own therapist- complete with Circle Time, Signing Time, and lots of PLAY :). I can't say that this adventure is one I would have chosen, but I believe that God has a plan far greater and bigger than I can imagine. I am just along for the ride...and what a ride it is :)!

It's been a minute...

2009-08-11T14:56:00.004-04:00

since I've posted :). My last blogging "comeback" was short lived, I suppose. An email from a friend starting her own blog reminded me of my abandoned page. So here I am...again :).

Why Don't Witches Get Pregnant?

2008-10-30T22:16:00.004-04:00

Because there husbands have Hollow-weenies :)!

Happy Halloween Eve ya'll! It's been a long time! This and that have gotten me a little overwhelmed and away from the bloggy-blog world, but I am back and ready for some serious sharing. I have tons and tons of pictures to blog. My little blessings have had me on my toes. Since we last chatted Cash had his first haircut. He's learned the joy of climbing on top of tables and is working hard to master using a fork. Cale lost his first tooth (without dental intervention-lol). I became a Grandma to a little egg named Eggy, who we had the privilege (sarcasm font on :)...) of caring for and writing a book about. Addy has been working hard to break her addiction to "Dora cups with straws" and overcome her love for being "NECK-KID". We have some serious work to do before preschool -lol. There's just been so much FUN at the Strickland household :). Never ever a dull moment...

Today was a "Proud Mama" day :). Cale is the Student of the Month for his class, and was recognized with a certificate, "loaded" ice cream (the kids decorated with toppings...talk about sugar overload- lol :)...), and a bag of treats. He was one proud kiddo...and I am a super proud mama.

Eat lots of chocolate, and have a fantabulous Halloween :)! Can't wait to see all of your little ones in their costumes!!!

Love & Stitches....

2008-09-09T10:47:00.002-04:00

So I took the plunge last night and decided to open a website store :). It is certainly a work in progress, but I'd love for you to come by and check out what I've done so far.

http://loveandstitchesembroidery.com/

Row, Row, Row Your Butt :)...

2008-08-27T09:56:00.003-04:00

The other day while doing dishes, Addy was quietly serenading me with some songs she sings at Church. This particular song began with a whisper, "Row, row, row your butt...". After no reaction from me (I was trying so hard not to laugh...) she began again- this time a little louder... "Row, row, row your butt gently to the stream...". Calmly, I asked, "What did you say, Addy?". She quickly corrected her error, "Row, row, row your BOTTOM gently to the stream :)..." I didn't have the heart to correct her further :). Kids can be so funny!

I need to get better about writing down the funny things they say. Here are some I can remember. Most of Cale's funny words are from when he was younger. However, he still sometimes calls the nursing home the funeral home...not cool when we go to visit my grandparents :). I'll have to keep adding to this. I know there are tons more- I just can't think of them now. Maybe one day soon these will make it into the scrap box :).

Cale:
refridge-a-lator= refrigerator
Puglix = Publix
D-vah-dees = DVDs
dilarious = hilarious
funeral home= nursing home

Addy:
up-see-side down = upside down
chocky milk = chocolate milk
Carebear hair= putting her hair in a "ponytail" but not pulling the end all the way through

Workin' For a Living...

2008-08-25T14:25:00.001-04:00

or at least for his FOCUS project. Cale applied for a job as a Car Cleaner for his FOCUS class. Everyday after school he is to straighten the backseat of our car, get out any sippy cups, and give it a general "sprucing up" :). Once a week he is to vacuum. We are to keep a time sheet, and each Friday Cale gets paid in their virtual "class currency". This money is then used to teach balancing a checkbook (Yep, you read that correctly-lol- the FOCUS teacher may be in for more teaching than he expects :)...). In December, the class will have an auction and get to spend their savings. Sounds like Cale is in for a lot of learning :)!

"A" for Addy

2008-08-22T14:31:00.003-04:00

No verbal prompts, no model to copy...just pure Addy smarts :)! Nothing compares to how proud she was of herself. I'm pretty proud too :)!

Note to Self:

2008-08-20T13:13:00.004-04:00

ALWAYS make sure the baby wipes are at least five feet away from the baby :)!

Pink Polish for a "Princey"

2008-08-11T22:14:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Addy got to choose her very own nail polish :)! Today we painted her "princey nails". She was so excited and proud!

Cashy was very curious about what we were doing and wanted to get in on the action too which resulted in just a few smudges :)! Oh well, Princess Addy didn't seem to mind.

Princess Piggies & Other Pics

2008-08-11T19:30:00.004-04:00

Our three little blessings have certainly been showing their individual personalities :)!

At 3, Addy's favorite thing to do is play dress up and DANCE! She loves her high heels and can actually walk in them better than I could ever hope to :)!Cale is now into playing games- whether it be tic-tac-toe, a card game (Monster Maker is his current favorite), or a game on his V-smile. He is always ready to play. We've been working on playing by the rules and keeping a positive attitude- especially when the game isn't going "his way" :). He can get a bit competitive.
Here is Cash with his first Kool-aid Jammer ever...what a milestone, huh :). I think from the looks of the squished in packet he really enjoyed himself! These were a special treat since Joel's sister and her family stopped by for a visit. Pics to come soon...
Feeling crabby...or just silly :)? I actually won this fantabulously cute shirt on a blog giveaway! I was beyond excited to get it in the mail Friday and could not wait for Addy to wear it! This is actually the THIRD prize I've won in the past few months. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket :)!
Cash has gone from walking to running in the blink of an eye. NOTHING is safe with him around! He loves to climb and has NO fear. I am constantly amazed at how much one little fella can get into. Of course, big brother and sister are always happy to be accomplices :)!

Oh ________ (insert your favorite choice word here)....

2008-08-07T23:52:00.002-04:00

So how many years of bad luck do you think this should bring? We've been in the midst of a slow bathroom remodel over the past few...well YEARS I guess- LOL :). I'd been debating replacing our bathroom mirror. Guess I got my not so subtle answer as to what to do today :). Can you believe the whole mirror fell completely off of the wall?!?! It sounded like a bomb went off. Totally random, I tell ya. Never ever a dull moment at this house :)!

Random Pics...

2008-08-07T23:46:00.005-04:00

Ribbit...Ribbit...

My Little Monkey
Trying to figure out what it is Cale & Addy do with pencils & crayons :)...

Showering Cashy Style...No Need to Undress :)!

2008-08-07T23:41:00.003-04:00

Somedays you either have to laugh or cry :)...This was one of those days...

Chuck E. Cheese - Gotta Love that Rat :)!!!

2008-08-07T23:25:00.005-04:00

This weekend Mimi & Popa came for a visit. We spent Saturday afternoon & evening together. I would post pics, but most of them include at least one of my children (if not all) in their underroos :). As Addy says, "I LOVE neck-kid!!!" :). Luckily "neck-kid" to her still includes wearing her Dora panties. With this heat, I can't really blame them. Nevertheless, Mimi and Popa came and went, or so we thought. They ended up calling us for lunch on Sunday...and (we thought) a trip to Chuck E. Cheese...which ended up being us taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese... which could be a whole other post in itself, but I will spare you :). Anyway, the five of us had a great time with the big rat :)!
Addy talking to Chuck E.
Cale "driving" the train
Cashy LOVED riding the horse :)!

The "drawing booth" is my favorite activity :)!

Addy's beautiful ring...
and Cale's funny face :)...

Playing Catch Up...Last Day of Summer Reading Pic

2008-08-07T23:11:00.005-04:00

This was taken after the last Summer Reading Program, which was also Open House and the day before Cale's first day of 1st grade :). The kids enjoyed a Puppet Show on Aesop's Fables before taking their reading charts down for mom's "one day" scrapbook :)....or at least a somewhat organized "scrap-box" :).

Cale's 1st Day of 1st Grade

2008-07-31T21:34:00.003-04:00

Yes, Addy is wearing fleece Dora pj's in July. This morning I was trying to pick my battles :).

Where in the world does time go? In ways, it is hard for me to remember life before Cale, but in other ways, it seems like time is passing by so quickly. Yesterday, was "open house"...the meet & greet to begin another school year. Cale was blessed to find out he has a wonderful teacher. He went to her class last year for reading, so he is already familiar with her personality and her classroom. That eased a lot of anxiety about the first day of school (yep, he gets his anxious side from me :)...)

This morning went great! Cale was out of bed just after 6. With his Spiderman book bag loaded with tons and tons of new school supplies, he humored me with a few pics :), and we headed out to school. He walked in all by himself...no need for mom to show him the way. After all, he is a big first grader now :).

At pickup, he jumped in the car with lots of stories to share...new friends, a new schedule, a new treasure box full of "prizes" to earn :). Cale said his first day was "FANTASTIC!!!" Here's hoping this is just the first of many fantastic days to come.

Ready or not first grade...here Cale comes!!!

My "Big" 1st Grader
Showing off his "cool" Spiderman book bag

Too Big...Too Green...Life When You're Little Sure is Hard :)!

2008-07-31T21:29:00.003-04:00

Cashy spent forever playing with this car. He just couldn't understand why he couldn't take a ride :)!
Addy is fascinated by KK & Pop's garden. She was so proud of her "green" tomato. She even sampled it- yuck :)!!!

Watching In 3-D

2008-07-31T21:13:00.003-04:00

Saturday night was the Hannah Montana concert on the Disney Channel. Supposedly, parts of the show were in 3-D. I'm not sure if we are a tough audience or what, but we weren't too impressed with the "3D". However, we did have a great time taking turns sporting these snazzy glasses :)! They aren't the most attractive accessories, but we sure did have fun :)!

Tomahawk Chop Anyone :)?

2008-07-20T19:57:00.007-04:00

Cale at the Braves Game 7-20-08

Worn out!

Today Cale & Joel went to their first Braves game ever! The Braves played the Washington Nationals. Unfortunately, the Braves lost, but Cale & Joel still had a great time. Cale said his favorite part of the game was, "When they hit a home run!!!". Luckily, they took a few pictures so I could share in the fun. On the downside, neither did the tomahawk chop for me. Maybe next time :).

Gone Fishin' Part Two

2008-07-20T19:46:00.004-04:00

I think it's the BIG ONE!!!
Very serious fishing partner :)
Cale wasn't too sure about worms and slime...
...and touching fish was on the "NO THANKS" list too :)!
Our own private port-a-potty (one day she will hate me for this)

White socks & shoes might have been a bad idea- lol :).

Another favorite pass time was collecting leaves & grass. She said she was going to make a hat...two points for creativity.

Addy & the "coconuts"

Gone Fishin'

2008-07-20T18:33:00.007-04:00

Saturday we went to a fishing event just for kids. Cale & Addy had a great time. Addy caught several Bream, & Cale caught some Bream & Catfish.

Quotes of the day:

Cale after catching his huge Catfish... "Man, this is gonna make some good chicken nuggets!!!" :)

Addy after catching her first fish... "Why my fish keeps shaking her booty?"

Addy spent lots of time picking up pine cones after the "newness" of fishing wore off. She kept calling them coconuts :). Guess she's watched a little too much Dora!

Even more pics to come :)...

Addy the Book Worm & Pics at Publix

2008-07-20T02:19:00.006-04:00

Whoo hoo! Library Day has come and gone once again. Addy finished listening to her first 20 books for the Summer Reading Program! She got twenty stickers for her chart and TWO prizes! I think she was most excited about putting the stickers on her chart...one by one by one... savoring each stick...finding just the right spot :). Then it was off to Publix to buy ice cream with KK. Addy and Cash were thrilled to be able to ride the special "car" buggy....simple pleasures in life, right :)?!? Cale thought he was too much of a big boy for that, but he did enjoy checking out all of the "cool" toys while we were browsing the ice cream. I was able to sneak in a few pics on the frozen aisle without any complaining, though Cale did hide behind the ice cream sandwiches- LOL :).

Sometimes there just aren't words...

2008-07-18T17:12:00.004-04:00

for Addy :). This picture isn't from a trip to the beach nor the pool. This is Addy in the bathtub this morning :). The reddish color around her eyes is lipstick. Wow, it's been quite a day :)!

Leapin' Lizards...Nope, Just Cale!

2008-07-18T17:09:00.001-04:00

Hanging Out :)...

2008-07-17T23:18:00.002-04:00

Clowning Around :)

2008-07-16T14:11:00.001-04:00

Princess Picasso, an Orange Marker, & My Refrigerator...

2008-07-15T17:15:00.003-04:00

A one minute phone call and my refrigerator became her canvas :)...

Mama & Daddy Sittin' In a Tree K-I-S-S-I-N...

2008-07-14T16:29:00.008-04:00

This pic (above) was taken by Cale :). Cash has a plastic spoon in his mouth. He has an obsession with plastic (toy) utensils- LOL :).
Me & my 3 littles...isn't funny how they act as if they've never smiled nor looked at a camera before as soon as it is picture time- LOL :)...
Celebrating "31"...never ever imagined I would be so blessed :)!

Well, not really :)... Before anyone has a panic attack singing the rest of the verses (no more baby carriages for this family- LOL :)...) it was much more like Mama & Daddy going out alone for Japanese food and then heading to a few stores for some kid-less shopping (and returning some online buys :)...). Saturday night was date night- the first in a year. Yes, I am serious A YEAR :). We had a great time, but it was very weird being without the kids for a few hours. No diapers to change, no arguments to break up, no sassiness to correct, no sippy cups to keep up with :)... My heart stopped only once in Kohls when I thought I'd lost my children for half of a second. I had briefly forgotten they were at my mom's (yes, I am a little crazy at times :)...)!

Moo...Moo.... Eat More Chicken :)!!!

2008-07-12T00:33:00.011-04:00

Today was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a. Dress like a cow & get FREE food! Whoot whoot :)- We were all about it! Thanks Chick-fil-a!!! We had a great time!

One Broken Needle, Two Holes, & a Lot of Prayer :)

2008-07-10T15:24:00.003-04:00

Today I had a battle with a stretchy knit tank top. What started out as a simple plan for a Uniqua shirt, turned into an all morning adventure. One broken needle, two holes, and a lot of prayer later- this is what I ended up with :). One star is covering up a hole where my machine ate part of the shirt...user error of course. I was adding another for balance and then ended up with three per Addy's request as she is "THREE not ONE Mama...". I guess somehow in her mind the amount of stars directly relates to her age :). It is far from perfect, but she likes it... and I guess that is what matters most :)!

2008-07-09T23:23:00.005-04:00

Cale with his Reading Chart...Look at all of those stickers :)!
Cash with my Grandmother. She couldn't see much of him...didn't know if he was a boy or a girl, but just being with him and the kids brought her so much joy.

This is a picture of a picture that hangs in their room. These are my Grandfather's grandparents! He couldn't remember their names today, but hopefully I will be able to find out a little more about them.

So after our dental drama, we had just enough time to make it to the Reptile Show at the library. Cale really enjoyed it! Afterwards, he turned in his reading log for the Summer Reading Program and got 27 stickers for his chart as well as 3 prizes :)! He was so excited! Three disappearing cavities, seeing wild animals, and earning 3 prizes :)...an almost perfect day if you are 6!

We went by to pick up Addy & Cash from KK & Pop's house, and then headed to the nursing home with them to visit my Dad's parents. I am not sure that my Grandfather knew much about me or the kids, but Granny did enjoy us being there, though she couldn't see much of the kids (she is losing her sight) or remember a lot about them. Just the same, I am glad we went. There is just something about bringing little ones to a nursing home. The older people were just drawn to them...waving and smiling :). Though it was sad in ways, it did my heart good :).

Dental Drama...The Case of the Disappearing Cavities

2008-07-09T22:29:00.005-04:00

Cavities or no cavities...THAT is the question :)!!!

BEFORE
AFTER
BIG Smile :)!
The dentist...that is one place I dread almost as much as my annual "yearly" exam. As a child/ teen, I spent lots of time in the dental chair... I had braces and surgery for an underbite (which required my mouth to be wired shut for weeks...man how that could help me now :)...) along with the normal cleanings and such. Now that I have kiddos, I want to make sure they have a healthy smile as well. I am beginning to learn that is much easier said than done :).

When Cale was about 2 1/2 or 3 he fell and hit his front tooth...causing it to turn dark gray. When he was 4, we had it pulled. That was one of the worst experiences of my dental history...and his. At this time we also learned he had an "extra" baby tooth. It came down in the space where the tooth was removed, but it had an unusual look and shape. This led to him being teased a bit, and it being referred to as his "shark tooth". Of course this broke my heart (even though it did lead to some great conversations about differences, treating others with kindness, how to punch mean kids in the nose- just kidding :)...), and when his current dentist said that they could bond the tooth to make it appear more "normal" we were all excited :). At this visit. he also had a cleaning and we were told he had 3 cavities (this was a week ago today). They suggested fillings, and we started on their "treatment plan" on Monday. Well... Monday may have been the second worst experience of my dental history (and Cale's), and I wasn't even at the office (I figured I gave birth so Joel could have this joy :)...). Cale was terrified, and I think the dentist was terrified as well - LOL. After several attempts, the tooth was finally bonded, and Joel and Cale were sent on their way with a referral to a pedodontist who uses nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for fillings :).

On Tuesday, I called the referred dental practice and was told we could come in Wednesday (today). So, I put my big girl panties on, and with Cale in one hand and the dental X-rays in the other I headed out to face our fears. After getting lost and having to call for directions twice (Cale said, "Man this town has a lot of Super Targets!"...little did he know it was the same one....I was driving in circles- LOL :)...) we finally made it. After 6 pages of practically signing my life away...and a few minutes of waiting, Cale was in the big chair, and I was praying that God would help us both through this adventure :). The dental assistant looked over our X-rays several times and asked if we were there to get the front tooth fixed. I answered no, it had been fixed on Monday, Cale needed 3 fillings. She looked at our X-rays again...and again... and again :)... and then said the dentist would be right with us. A few minutes later the dentist joined us. She looked over the X-rays, looked puzzled...looked over the X-rays...looked puzzled, and then she decided to do a quick exam. Low and behold...(drum roll should go here)...NO CAVITIES. Yep, not one, not two, not three...but NONE. A week ago today, using the same X-rays Cale supposedly had three cavities that needed fillings...today NONE. Go figure. She said it was a difference of opinion..his teeth were fine... no cavities... no fillings needed. So where did they go? How is a cavity a difference of opinion? Is that like being a little bit pregnant? If he hadn't flipped out at the first dentist, what would they have taken out if there wasn't a cavity...good tooth? Needless to say, Cale leaped out of the chair and has decided this dentist is the best ever :). I am at a loss as to what I should do. Dental drama stinks!

Six Flags

2008-07-07T15:19:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, we went to Six Flags! It was a great day trip, and we had tons of fun! We had a couple of hours of rain right after we arrived, but once that cleared we had an awesome time! The kids played games, rode lots of rides, and Cale enjoyed meeting several "famous characters" (Addy was a little scared...). One of our favorite areas was the Thomas the Train section where there was a Thomas train ride as well as a Thomas playground.

Rain, rain go away!!!

Waiting out the rain...

Addy making the best of her wait by playing peek-a-boo through the stroller "window"...
Cale "holding up" the bridge at the Thomas playground.

Riding Thomas

At the end of the day we were exhausted, and our stroller was too! Notice the missing wheel :)!!!

Fantastic Food, Fishing, & Fireworks...what a great 4th!

2008-07-07T14:56:00.006-04:00

After the parade, we went to a family cookout at my Uncle's. Seeing family was great, and the food was fantastic! The boys even managed to sneak in a few minutes of fishing :). We snuck in a short nap (well, most of us...as you can see above Addy decided to play instead of sleep and her attitude was showing..) and then headed to see fireworks! We had a very full day of fun!

My brother, SIL, and the kids

Who knew a folding chair could cause so much trouble :)...
Ready for some fireworks...don't worry, we only allow Cashy to get supersized Cokes on special occasions- LOL- just kidding!
Addy was working the beads :)...

Cash loved watching the fireworks...
and watching us watch the fireworks :)!
Where's Mama :)?!?!

The Parade

2008-07-07T14:33:00.006-04:00

We started our Fourth of July weekend by going to a parade. The kids had a great time watching the floats, catching beads and candy, and waving their flags! There were games and activities afterwards as well. The bubbles were a huge hit with the kids!

Addy was very excited about having her own flag :)!

Think she wants a lick :)?
Cale LOVED the bubbles :)...especially the big ones!

Disney Word

2008-06-29T23:27:00.006-04:00

Disney Word... that's what Addy calls it. It is her obsession. She loves all things Minnie Mouse. She dresses up like Minnie...watches her on TV..."talks" to her on her phone...she even pretends we are going to see Minnie (money is no problem when you are 3 :)...). Today I took these pictures of Addy in her "Disney Word" outfit as she calls it. She wants to email them to Minnie Mouse. I guess I will work on finding Ms. Mouse's email address tomorrow :). Kids today...whatever happened to sending a letter- LOL :)!

Baby Cash - Fourteen Months Old

2008-06-29T23:23:00.000-04:00

Hoot..Hoot...One for my Kappa Legacy :)!

2008-06-27T18:01:00.006-04:00

CHEESE!

My Mama is a HOOT :)!
Pretending to be an owl :)...

It's been twelve years since I pledged KKG, but the owl still brings back such AWESOME memories :)! I saw this applique design, and I couldn't resist stitching it out for my little Kappa Legacy :).

Hocus Pocus...

2008-06-27T17:50:00.005-04:00

Today we went to see a Magician at the Library. His name is Ken Scott, and he also has several puppet friends that visit with him. The puppets are Addy's favorite part of the show :)! We were lucky to see Mr. Scott last year and purchase his DVD. The kids have watched it over and over and over...so needless to say , seeing him today was the equivalent of seeing a famous TV celebrity in their eyes. Of course, he has done several shows at the White House and Disney, so he has made quite a name for himself in the world of hocus pocus :). Cale really enjoyed the show, and thanks to KK, he got an autographed Ken Scott magic book...(insert the "oohs and aahs" here :)...). So, pretty soon we should have our own little magician. Let's just hope he doesn't try to saw anyone in half or make his sister disappear :)!

The Embroidery Machine has been Humming :)...

2008-06-26T14:39:00.003-04:00

Addy's Artwork

2008-06-26T14:36:00.002-04:00

Seems like Miss Addy is growing up so much lately! All of the sudden her pictures are becoming more detailed. Here is one of her recent drawings. She said it is of Daddy fixing her "chocky milk" (chocolate milk)...her FAVORITE drink :)!

YUM-O!!!!

2008-06-26T14:34:00.001-04:00

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha...

2008-06-26T14:33:00.003-04:00

Off to Mimi & Popa's...

2008-06-26T14:21:00.003-04:00

We spent the weekend in Valdosta visiting Joel's family. The kids had a great time! They visited with Mimi, Popa, & Mema, as well as with Aunt Lala, Uncle Rich and all of their cousins :)!!! There was lots of reading, playing trains, swimming... they even visited a few garage sales :)!

Something is wrong with this picture...

2008-06-16T17:46:00.004-04:00

Please excuse the mess and my children being half dressed :). Thought this was too cute not to share.

Bubbles...

2008-06-16T17:44:00.003-04:00

Can You See Us? Three Little Blessings In Camo :)...

2008-06-13T22:48:00.007-04:00

Addy hugging Cale...Can you feel the love :)?

Such a genuine smile- LOL :)!
Even "camo" dresses can spin!

These were supposed to be shorts :).

Sorry for the picture overload. These were made for my Hubby's Father's Day photo album. The kids had a good time (for the most part- LOL :)...) and were very excited to give these to their Daddy. Yep, they've already given him all of his presents - LOL :)...gotta love the excitement of little ones.

Miss Independent

2008-06-11T16:30:00.007-04:00

This is proof that my three year old knows it ALL and can do it ALL...ALL BY HERSELF :). I smile at her growing independence (well, usually I smile though sometimes it is only after several deep breaths and counting to 10- lol...). I must admit, I am often the same headstrong way in my relationship with God. I want to know and understand, "Why God?" I want things to work out the way I think they should - when I think they should. So many things don't make sense from where I stand, and I beg and plead to have things be the way I think they should....to know why bad things happen... to make "earthly" sense of the storms. But through it all, I know God's Will is perfect. He is...and was... and forever will be all knowing. Thankfully, God is in charge and He loves me...even when life seems so confusing that I can't tell left from right.

Something I Read Today...

2008-06-10T15:09:00.002-04:00

I "stumbled" upon this today. I know I needed to read it. Thought I would share :)...

If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labor.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.

--Og Mandino

We Did It... We Did It... We Did It! YEAH!!!

2008-06-09T01:30:00.012-04:00

It's always a good feeling when I see 3 little sets of eyes looking in the same direction :)...
One's escaping...
Hold on, Addy has to take a call...

What color, Addy?

Cash & the snack cabinet...a reoccurring problem :)!
Cale gives up :)! I think Cash needs an intervention!
Day 2

Marriage is full of surprises...even after 8 years, this was one of them :)!

Daddy makes everything better.
Best $3 we've spent in a long time...

Bye, bye bumper!!!
TRAPPED...hopefully!

In the words of Dora, "We did it!!!" We made it to Church this Sunday :)! After the service we came home for lunch and then Cale and Joel worked on a car set we surprised him with (found it locally online for $3 :)!!!). As soon as we got Cash down for a nap, we headed out to the pool for day two of pool progress. After a little bit, we came in to find Cash trying to climb out of his crib! He was using his bumper pad to boost himself up. Man oh man, what a little monkey! So tonight we said "Bye, bye bumpers!". Hopefully the crib will contain him for a few more months. I am just not ready for my baby to be in a toddler bed... he's not even 14 months old! Here are some pics from today. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend :)!

Pool Progress

2008-06-09T01:13:00.006-04:00

Turning purple...time to go inside!

Cale wants to be America's Next Top Model :)!

Daddy doubles as a boat...
and a diving board :).
Deep thoughts-shallow water
Scrub-a-dub-dub

Noodle Fight!!!!

"Boating"

Cale is holding his nose, and there is less than a foot of water in the pool :).

Adventures With the Pool Part 1

2008-06-07T16:49:00.005-04:00

Fishy Face
Shark Pose
A "picnic" (crackers & juice) by the unfilled pool
This is what a poolside timeout looks like :)...the first of many, I'm sure!
Cashy didn't care for the water, so he supervised from under the canopy tent.

Waiting on the water...
Is this sanitary? Too late to worry now, I guess.

I'm pretty sure this isn't what your Dad meant by needing some help.
Such a love /hate relationship

A flower for "Om"...
Cashy is here to supervise

Somehow she thinks holding the hose makes it fill up faster...
It doesn't take much water to entertain them.

The beginning...
Lifeguard Cale
Such a happy child :)...
Still working on looking at the camera...

Crackers & Coke...

2008-06-07T16:43:00.004-04:00

Sure, I'd love a sip!

There's a cracker climbing up my nose...

I sure do LOVE crackers!!!

WANTED: The Cookie Bandit

2008-06-06T17:47:00.005-04:00

Have you seen this face :)? Lately, I have been having a problem with a little red headed fella sneaking in my cabinets...especially the snack one :). Time for some heavy duty cabinet locks- LOL :)!

Getting Their "READ" On for Summer- Going to the Library...WHOO HOO!

2008-06-06T17:34:00.006-04:00

Today was the kick off of the Summer Reading Program at the Library. Each week there will be different activities including Magic Shows, Music, Storytellers, & Puppet Shows. We've participated in the activities for several summers, but this is the first year Addy will participate in the Reading Log :). Cale is an old pro, but this year he will be able to read his books all by himself :)! We watched a Juggler, checked out library books, and even bought a few preowned movies (thanks to "KK" - grandma :)...). Afterwards, KK and Aunt Mandy treated the kids to McDonald's. What a fun way to start the summer!!!

Attack of the Pudding Cup

2008-06-06T17:31:00.004-04:00

Extensions of Ourselves...

2008-06-03T11:15:00.008-04:00

This weekend, as we were sitting on the front porch eating popsicles (I just love popsicles...though they are a close second behind ice cream :)...), my little girl turned to me and asked, "Mama, why your camera not in you hand?". I guess she is just so used to me "capturing the moment" that my camera has almost become a part of me :).

This got me thinking...what are other physical things that people view as "part of" or extensions of us? Anything that you are "attached at the hip" with....or "known for"? Is there something you always have with you or you don't like to be without? What is the first characteristic that people think of when they think of you? Do you wish it was different? If so, what would you like to be known for?

Feel free to leave your comments and ideas :)...even if I don't "know" you...I want to :), so please share a little of yourself.

Hope you are all having a terrific Tuesday :).

Pics From the Park Continued...

2008-06-02T14:35:00.014-04:00

EXHAUSTED!

I think his tongue must help him balance :)!

Addy pre-park - I always tell Addy, "Show me your teeth!" to get her to smile...said that to her yesterday, and this is what I got :). Guess she caught on... LOL :).

Profile Pic

Cheesin'

This is in the car pre-park.

Eight Years of Wedded Bliss...and Not a Single Fight - LOL :)!

2008-06-02T13:06:00.007-04:00

Happy Anniversary to my fantabulous hubby :)! Eight years ago today, we eloped to a little log cabin in Tennessee and promised to love one another forever, and ever, and ever :)!!! I am so blessed to be married to my best friend :)! Thank you for loving me...for working so hard each day to provide for us, for helping out so much with the kids, for the help you give me around the house (especially cleaning the toilets :)...), for putting up with me when I am hormonal- and loving me when I am not so lovable. Thank you for sharing all of the wonderful times and standing beside me through the storms. Thank you for being the best Daddy in the world to our three little blessings. I love you :)!

A Day at the Park...

2008-06-02T01:12:00.018-04:00

Today started out with full intentions of going to Church. Breakfast was eaten, the showers were given, clothes ironed, Addy's hairbow was in place... the Sunday rush was in full swing. However, as we neared the 11:00 hour, with no diaper bags packed, shoes missing, no clean "matching" tops to the sippy cups, tempers flaring (I know some of ya'll with kids know exactly what I am talking about :)...), I made an executive decision - we just weren't going to make it. We have been known on occasion to walk in in the midst of the first song or two... no biggie, but today was even beyond late for us. So, in the midst of feeling like a complete time management failure, I decided we would make the best of the day. We headed to the park for some family time. The kids had a blast as did we :)! Here are a few pics... more to come. Next Saturday night I will be getting everything ready ahead of time :)...no excuses :). Hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!

Looking Beyond the Blur...

2008-05-30T15:49:00.008-04:00

I love to take pictures... especially pictures of my kiddos. I am always fascinated by how fast they grow and change and sometimes a little obsessive about "capturing the moment". My husband calls me Olan. Yep, after Olan Mills. Not so much because of the quality of my pictures but more due to the amount of pictures I take :). Thank goodness for digital cameras :). Sometimes my little ones are less than thrilled with me following them around with the camera. Sometimes a little bribery or even a trick or two are involved with getting the "perfect" shot...or at least attempting to get the perfect shot. I will be the first to admit I have done the chicken dance more than once in an attempt to get little eyes looking in my direction. Sometimes it works...sometimes not so much :). They are pretty used to Mama acting like a nut. Anyway, one of my latest challenges has been how quickly they move...especially now that Cash is walking. It seems that many of my shots are blurry. At one point in my life that would have really ticked me off... and sometimes I still have those days :). Perfectionism, or actually longing to be "perfect"... is something that I have struggled with throughout my life. Having children has helped a lot with that :). Goodness knows, I am far far far from perfect. I ask myself how I ever got this job time and time again :). Anyway, looking through some of my pictures got me thinking about how often life is such a blur. It is so easy for me to loose sight of the important things in life and get wrapped up in the day to day insignificance of it all. Worry, anxiety, "busyness", fear, wanting things to be "perfect"...they often rob me of my joy. Sometimes I get so caught up in the day, that I forget to be thankful for the moment. So, today my prayer is that I will look beyond the blur and see the beauty in each moment I am given. Thank you God, for all that you have blessed me with.

A Weekend Filled with FUN!

2008-05-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

Mama Brag Time

2008-05-29T21:34:00.001-04:00

Okay, hold on tight for one big Mama brag :). This one happens to be about my oldest, Cale. He is such a very smart cookie :)! This was his first year of "real" school (last year he had 1/2 day pre-school 4 days a week), and he did GREAT! I can not even express how proud I am of all he has learned in kindergarten! Not only is he well behaved (um...well at least at school- LOL...) and well rounded, but he is also an excellent reader! So much, in fact, that he went to a first grade reading class each day and "tested" to be reading on a 3rd / 4th grade level and was on 5th grade Dolch words! He was awarded the Georgia Young Authors award for Kindergarten during Awards Day, and we found out that he tested into the FOCUS (gifted) program for next year! We owe a big thanks to his teachers :)! Way to go, Cale :)! We love you and are so proud of you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2008-05-29T21:20:00.001-04:00

I guess I need to play "catch up" a bit since lots of exciting things have been going on in our world. All 3 kiddos celebrated birthdays within a month. It felt like one huge NEVERENDING party - LOL :). Here are some pics from our "birthday season". Cash turned 1, Cale 6, and Addy 3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my 3 little blessings!!!

3 Kids & A Box

2008-05-29T21:13:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I forget how simple FUN can be. Wonder how much it would cost to send this package to the grandparents :)?

Ready or not...here I go :)!

2008-05-29T17:13:00.000-04:00

I have "toyed" with the idea of becoming a "blogger" for quite sometime now. Not really sure that I have anything earth shattering to share :), but I think this will be a great way for me to document day to day things with the kids that I will hopefully scrapbook one day when I actually learn how to scrapbook- LOL- and find some "free time" (yeah, what's that :)?). So for now, I'm jumping in with both feet- looking forward to sharing lots of the ins and outs of our days with three little blessings :)!