Night away

Kristy got us a free room at her hotel for the night and we had a great time. Well it's not really a vacation but we were at least able to get out of the house for a night and do something out of the ordinary. The kids loved swimmin and the giant squishy beds that about swallowed Logan whole.

here is our attempt at a timed family portrait. seems about right.

the kids loved these huge beds

snack time

A long 4th of July

Kristy and I started out going out with our friends John and Sarah on their parents boat. It was awesome to get away especially to the water. I'll post some pics of Kristy tubing later but sarah has them. Then we went out to Suprise to watch the cubs rangers rookie ball game that was full of bounce houses and play places for the kids followed by fireworks. The following is what insued. Good times, at times, well sometimes, other times there were just, well, times. :)

Payton as always not wanting to be around other kids and being overwhelmed by pretty much everything didnt even make it into the play place until his 33rd attempt. He would get part way on and start looking around and eventually run out screaming. It took me finally pushing him through by hand.

Jackson really was good. We are so lucky to have such a good healthy baby. Here he is at his very first baseball game.

Here is me and Payton reading his bible (or as he is saying Babu).

Logan crashed around 8:15 shortly before the fireworks. He layed in my lap through most of them saying all done.

Payton was so tired he fell asleep on his uncle robert mid way through the fireworks.

Feeling tired...overwhelmed...

I came across an article on a blog I follow called DebtKid. The name of the article is Me vs. Martha (as in Martha Stewart). It doesn't have to do with debt (or Martha really), but the ridiculous standards we hold ourselves to. The author points out that we are our worst critic. Spending all our time judging ourselves and disregarding our real talents. Here are a few parts that really spoke to me...

"We all have a lot of obstacles and barriers to hurdle through – all in a world that demands instant results. After all, this is a new age: the age of multitasking. Whether you tweet, email, get directions or play a game on your cell phone, the point is that you can do all of it and more. We should be eternally grateful for so many opportunities, but instead we still wrestle with feelings of guilt. The problem with being able to do anything — at any time, from anywhere — is that part of you starts to believe you should. People are not physically capable of taking advantage of the myriad options available. Our energy is finite."

"So many of us spend our time constantly questioning ourselves, our actions, our results, our ideas and, in the end, our intrinsic value. We denigrate our own efforts, our aspirations, anything that is positive, simply because we believe we don’t measure up to some artificial standard that we would never think to impose on others."

This uplifted me. It was a reminder especially for us ladies who juggle so many roles in life, wife, mother, sister, friend, aunt, housekeeper, worker, etc. that our worth is not tied to how well we perfect these roles or perform the tasks involved. We all have strengths and weaknesses and I know I tend to beat myself up when I can't do something "right" or can't get everything done. It was so great this afternoon to be able to put everything aside and curl up in bed with Payton to watch Robin Hood. I am always so busy getting stuff done around the house or working, I miss that he has begun to recite some of the words to the movie. I got to see his delight that he remembered the words and he would laugh at the funny parts and turn around to look at me to make sure I had seen it too. Chores are not worth missing this! Someday I will hire a maid and have the best of both worlds, but until then, I am greatful for what I have been given by Christ and I sing my hubby's praises for helping me with the chores (or doing most of them :0) )!

I hope all of you see your true inner beauty today! You are loved!!

The sound that makes the whole day worth while.

Jackson's 1st Fudgesicle

Yup he loved every lick of it. He would even start crying whenever he would not be able to taste it anymore. He is gettin so big.

How hot does Kristy look! Thank God for sun dresses

To My Hubby on Father's Day

Nothing can explain how you feel when you know you have found "the One." We both knew pretty early in our relationship and I continue to thank God for putting us in each other's lives. When I first met Moose, his football build first attracted me to him, but I quickly fell in love with his personality. He was easy going, laid back, slightly quirky, and humorous. Afterall, he does go by Moose! His humor is definitely one of my favorite qualities...he can always make me laugh. But most of all, he is a Godly man. He keeps me in check with his unwavering faith and trust in God. Thank you, babe, for teaching me faith...





Here is an example of that humor I was talking about!!! This was his Christmas card to me a few years ago...





Then we got pregnant...again...and then again! Moose did everything he could to make my life easier and make sure I was comfortable. Including making me laugh!

The best husband had become the best Daddy!! He loves his kids and has so much fun with them! I could not ask for more in a husband and father for my kids... I love how he allows me to sleep in in the morning (it seems trite, but means the world to a mom!). It still amazes me how he always puts me first above himself.

Here he is putting the kids to bed...juggling newborns Jackson and Mylie (neice)...and working hard to put the kid's new swing set together...

Thank you for being there for us and working so hard for our family. We love you!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

Cristalle Update

Thank you to all who prayed for Cristalle. She is still in the hospital, but out of ICU. She will probably be released Tuesday. Thank you for your prayers!

Prayers, Prayers, Prayers!!

Please pray for my friend/co-worker Cristalle. She is in the hospital with a very bad infection in her blood. She needs surgery, but they are trying to beat the infection. She is a wonderful mother to a beautiful boy...Please pray that she recovers quickly and for her family during this tough time.

The Cutest freakin golfers in the world.

Ok so Tiger's got nothin to worry about for a few years but keep in mind Logan is only 2 and a few days ago in the back yard he was using a club that is twice his size and he hit one of my real golfballs, with a lefty swing, all the way to the wooden fence from the swing set. Thats wicked far. Not to mention the fist pump he gave me afterward. They are groin up to fast.

My Birthday

Thank you all for a wonderful birthday! I had lunch with Moose's side of the family and they spoiled me with gift cards to American Eagle (I always look, but usually don't buy). Now I have no excuse!! Thank you guys! Then, Leah made birthday cupcakes which Moose decorated with "Happy 25th Birthday". One letter per cupcake. Bummed I didn't get a picture. Then, I got a cake for my co-workers at work on Monday. And the best thing yet is that I get to celebrate it again tomorrow with my side of the family!


And thank you Mike and Leah for the balloons!

Kids, Kids, Kids. Dbacks braves tonight. WOOOOOOHOOOOOO

Yup tonight Kristy and I are goin woth some friends to the Braves dbacks. Lowe Vs. Haren! Score!

I love the 3 month to 8 month stage where babies are so happy but not yet mobile.

nap time

Logan finishing his set on drums on guitar hero. What a ham

Payton guitaring some Freak on a leash

I think every kid has one of these pics, at least I know all mine do. They love the middle finger!

A friend came to visit...

Our friend Gorf (frog backwards) came back to visit us again this year! He seems to drop by every year about this time. I think it's odd because we don't live near a place where he'd be safe, but he seems to make it! Bye Gorf, see you next year!!

Cuter by the day!

I know I am biased but holy cow these kids are gettin cuter by the day. In other news, I went to the Dentist for the first time in 13 years. I was expecting the worst but alas no cavities just a normal cleaning. Thanks mom and dad for great teeth genes.

The Best Thing in the World!!

This is the happy baby I woke up to this morning after a full night's sleep (10pm-6am Wah hoo!!)