Our 3rd Addition

Look at those sweet little feet, we'll have to wait to see if you are a boy or girl until we meet. We are expecting a 3rd little monkey March of next year. It's been quite a challenge not knowing. Of course there has been very little 'stress' in planning. Naturally, Tim and I cannot agree on a boy's name. But, he has gotten Chance to very lovingly and affectionately call the baby...."Budrow." Everyone is excited, however Chance is 50/50. He seems to think the baby will flush all his toys down the toilet. Rayleigh has been feeling the baby move and the look on her face with the matching giggle is priceless. The time is flying by!!! Love you Baby!

Handsome

The converstation between my 4 yr old boy and his Bible class teacher yesterday.

Chance,"Can I ask you a question?"

Miss Angie, "Yes, you can."

Chance, "Am I handsome?"

Miss Angie, "Yes, Chance you sure are."

Chance, "Smell me."

Snow Day = Bonkers :)

We went and watched Donkey Basketball last night, an event everyone should exprience at least once. In that gym is where today's excitement began, when the official announcement started buzzing through the older kids, "SNOW DAY."  Then, Rayleigh and her little girlfriends started giggling about the news. That in itself is amazing to thing how much she has grown up, school events with friends lined down the row.

Seeing their faces when they peak out the window and Chances "I'm gon playin' in the snow" dance. It's funny how we spend 30 minutes getting ready for not even 10 minutes of outside time. But, it's fun and worth it. This house is loaded with energy :) The snow ice cream have helped with that. FYI, that's Chance acting out Sharkie's part in Shark Boy & Lava Girl.

Christmas Traditions

Each year is celebrated while surrounded by family. Either family in Florida or family Oklahoma, which is always the best part of the celebration...family. But, each year as our family grows in to it's own it leaves me wanting more of our own family tradition. It feels like it's severely lacking in the traditions you want your kids to remember.
However, as I sat on the couch trying to keep my eyes open at the end of the day. Maybe our Christmas isn't as inadequate as I thought. Like, a present to open Christmas Eve, containing new pjs and a new movie to cuddle up and watch while tracking Santa to our door. The light sight seeing along with hot chocolate. Not to forget my personal favorite, staying up LATE with "Mr. Claus" wrapping those treasured surprises to be left by Santa in the morning. Sharing the customary messily iced only slightly licked and a little sticky sugar cookies and glass of  milk. Followed by cinnamon rolls for breakfast and more milk. Oh, and the popcorn tin!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

Tiger Safari

There's a wonderful place called Tiger Safari, it's barely 10 minutes from our home. We took the kids last week and they loved it. Much to my surprise my daughter not only touched a rather large snake, but, held it. The tour guide brought out more cuddly animals, like a ferret, then we saw the not so cuddly porcupines. Which, I did not know has a rattle under all those quills. They use it as a warning, much like a rattlesnake. We were able to hear the deep growl of a lion, even though not full force roar, is still amazing. Those that live down the road say they can hear their rumble at night. They both fed tigers, one 8 ft and another close to 10 ft. Seeing those massive animals stretched almost the full heighth of a chain link fence to reach their yummy raw chicken leg, makes you feel pretty tiny. Talked to birds, raced a camel, fed cornflakes to goats and animal crackers to deer. Chance road giant turtles and yeehawed like a cowboy. God is an amazing creator of so many very different things. All in all, a fantastic afternoon.

Kindergarten DAY 1!

Rayleigh was so very excited for today, I'm surprised she fell asleep as quickly as she did last night. She said, "When I fall asleep, I'm going to be smiling because I'm so excited." She's a very big girl and walked in tall and proud, didn't want daddy to help carry her bag full of new supplies. Her teacher seems very nice and sweet. I'm looking forward to helping with face painting on game days :)

Chance on the other hand was not happy to leave his sister. The only time they have ever been apart is school times. And that hasn't happened since March. Guess I better have some fun distracting things lined up for him!

My Hero.....

The other day the boy was up to no good. I say, "Son, stop. Do you want a spankin?" To which he replied, "yea."
Me, "Whaaat? No... a spankin."
Again, "Yea, I do."
Me, "You want a spankin'?"
Him, "Yea, come on."
Me, "Sir?"
Him, "Yes, I want bacon." As he heads to the kitchen
So, what do you do? You get bacon for the boy...............

I am amazed the path God put me on before I knew I was on one. I am amazed He was working in my life before I "let" Him. The path along the way not only led me to Him but, He blessed me with a wonderful husband. Who has been very understanding through the last almost 8 yrs. More specifically the last 6.... when we were blessed with our first baby. The many emotional ups and downs parenthood takes you through. I was excited for her to start Kindergarten this year, but I don't really want to let go. It saddens me, my baby, just isn't anymore. I vow to hold you and sit with you to play...every time you ask me to. Because, that is a request I always want to hear. I love you, dear Rayleigh, my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.

Locks of Love

We were planning on getting Rayleigh's hair trimmed before school. I had in my mind maybe 2 inches. Tim was looking at her and asked if she had enough to donate. My first thought was can we really do that without bawling. (Me, not her) Tim thought it would be an oppurtunity to teach her a valuable lesson. So we talked to her about it. Then the night before her and I sat down and looked at the locks of love website. She, of course, wanted to know who they were and what their names were. Rayleigh also noted, that they were all still smiling. Those kiddos have lots of courage, a level I may never reach in life. Or, prayerfully, even be challenged with. Love you my Rayleigh!

Valentine Getaway

My dear sweet Tim had surprises up his sleeve for Valentine's Day. He surprised me with a dozen roses at the gym and he sent the kids something as well. Rayleigh and Chance had been begging me all day for a balloon. As soon as we get there they saw shiny balloons and a bear for her and a dinosaur for him. Excited they were! He was disappointed that the florist didn't send lavendar roses, but they were still beautiful. He also surprised me a stay at The Grandison, Bed & Breakfast. Fantastic!

Welcoming Our NEW Edition

After a lot of thought yesterday morning, Tim and I decided to have our family grow! So last night he brought home our new baby boy. Rayleigh loves him and Chance is not to sure about him. He is a lil weiner dog named Rambo. However, Rayleigh can't say Rambo and she calls him "Rainbow". He follows Rayleigh all over the house and won't hardly come to me at all unless she is right by me. Hope it all goes well because it is looking like an automatic bond between the two of them!

Big Boy!

SO, CHANCE HAS TURNED ONE! We went last Thursday and got him his first haircut. Very sad, very exciting. He did extremly well, I was surprised. Daddy held him while the clippers went to work.



One last look at it all!


Buzzzzzz............


Now that's a mohawk!


Are we sure about this?


Seriously, we sure?


Big Boy *sniffle*

Rayleigh's 3!

We had Rayleigh's three year old birthday party today. The kids all seemed to have fun, some of the parents didn't seem to sure about letting them dive in. We had a bunch of paint and chalk set up for them in the garage. Surprisingly they didn't get as messy as I had anticipated them getting.

halloween

We had a frog and a princess this year. Rayleigh has really been into princesses here lately. If I could figure out how to be a little more handy I may make their costumes next. (great big laugh for those who know me!) Rayleigh had a really good time. We went to the pumpkin patch where they had different little stations, they were trying to help Dora find Nemo. One night they had a Trunk or Treat at the school. Then we took her trick or treating to a few friends houses. We ended the evening at Paige's house where Rayleigh and Maty took turns handing out candy. However, if Rayleigh thought you were scary, she wouldn't give you any!

Random Stuff

Such a happy baby (very thankful)


Miss Diane's attempt at catching Rayleigh for her church picture.


Chance napping at Grandma M's house.


Look at those cheeks!


Hanging out watching squirrels.

Awards Night

All of our little kids were awarded. Yet again, I know, I'm a little slow! Rayleigh at first wasn't quite sure what was going on. She was the first one to go up there. That whole alphabetical thing. So by the second time around she knew a little more of what was going on. They all received their awards for learning what they were expected in their age group and for doing their daily bible reader. One was a plaque (there you go mama, no more plague!) and certificate the other was a children's picture bible.

VBS

Yes, the title is Vacation Bible School, so I'm a little slow. Rayleigh was big enough to go this year. One of those many bittersweet moments that I have been going through. So proud to see them going and wanting to go but, you can't hold them close to you. At least not as much. I have been trying to stop and color more or build more when she looks up and says "Mommy will you please...?" My house has gotten a little messier than I like or am comfortable in. But, I have learned that it doesn't matter like I thought it did.

Diaper Cake

This one goes out to Jessica. Who I know has been anxiously waiting for this posting. Here is another attempt at my trying to be crafty. Let's just say I have a little way to go! Kristie did the little diapers along the table.

FORE!

Mmmmm, what to do? If that's not that face of a kid lookin' to get into something, I don't know what is. (can you tell a resemblace between the two?)
Rayleigh found a way to kill sometime, her infamous disappearing act! We all had a really good time, we were out of the house, it was wonderful. Rayleigh has her own little plastic golf clubs now. She'll grab one, look at you and say shhh!

Bath Time

This was our first bath at home. He kept trying to attack my thumb. Rayleigh stood close by to supervise, which is what "big " sisters do best!
We were curious so we decided to weigh in at our local grocery store. He was 7lbs 4oz.