Permission To Laugh At My Expense

Just a little taste of my day so far:

1. Cats with no food = constant whining since 7 am
2. Children have ALMOST killed eachother repeatedly
3. Tanner dumped his applesauce in his hair and rubbed it in
4. Maddie fights a battle with me about wanting to wear her cinderella nightgown to the stores (when it's 35 degrees outside). After a loooooong negotiation session she chose to wear a skirt OVER her sweats. Stylish.
5. Finally ready to go and Tanner has a nasty diaper! So fun.
6. Kroger, somewhat successful. Kids were actually very well behaved.
7. Party store. Somebody just shoot me. What was I thinking? Really? This store is going out of business and everything is 60-75% off so I thought I'd get Tanner's birthday stuff early. NOT.
Had nothing that Tanner wanted, but before we could leave both kids thought it would be a great idea to start trying to blow up balloons from the bins. Yep, put their slimy little mouths all over them. The nice man let us keep the ones with their saliva as souvenirs of the epic fun had by all. I will be going back there and buying things I don't need just as a thank you to this nice man.
8. Spankings x 2 in the car.
9. Target. I think a pap smear would have been more fun. Tanner somehow got the package of applesauce open (what is it with this kid and applesauce?!). Then he learns how much fun it is to lean way out with his arms and knock things off the shelves while I'm pushing the basket and trying to keep Miss Maddie from getting illegal items when I'm distracted with Tanner (she is unbelievably good at that!). I go to check out and none of my coupons would work, and the lady is painfully slow. Because, at this point, did I really expect anything different? This is when I finally let Tanner have my phone-I think I lasted pretty long-and I let Maddie go play on the computers by customer service (she loves them!). And then nobody is there to help put bags in my basket and the lady behind me is giving me nasty looks.
10. HOME! I get everyone fed and happy, only to discover that the cats were so hungry they ate too fast and puked. Seriously?!

Honestly though, I know of two sweet families right now that have just lost their child, or know for a fact that the death of their baby is imminent. I am just reminded that I am so very thankful for this chaotic day. I have children that I love to take care of, that are healthy. I have a home to bring groceries into. I have no complaints. I just wanted to share this to make you laugh, because as I was talking to Rocky about everything I just started laughing! Hope you are having a wonderful and blessed day too!

Naptime, and I'm having a glass of wine. Don't judge.

Still Pretty...

Well, I took Maddie to her 5 year old check-up the other day and much to my utter shock she failed her vision screen. And when I say failed, I mean bombed! Big time. She thought a house was a circle, she said a tree was a car, and when it was on the letters I think she was just randomly saying letters in an attempt to get some of them right. Anyway, I thought she was faking. She is the most dramatic 5 year old ever, you know. So, as a good mom would do, I took her to the opthamologist. The whole time I am thinking up the lecture I am going to give about why we do not goof off at the doctors office, and we need to be more serious, etc, etc. Not 5 seconds into the exam, he looks at me and says 'Wow! She's got a very significant astigmatism in that right eye', and then 'the left eye needs help too, but the right eye is about 4 times as bad'. I'm still in shock.

This is coming from a child who doesn't miss anything! She reads, she writes, she does crafts for like 10 hours at a time. She will sit outside and just stare and observe little bugs (well, maybe this does help explain why she never catches any!). Anyway, all that to say that today Maddie Grace went and picked out the cutest pair of glasses ever! She is just growing up waaaaay too fast! Rocky and are completely amazed at what a lovely young lady she is turning into right before our eyes. Well, without further ado, here is a picture!

Yep, still just as beautiful as ever!

And, just for good measure. Here is a recent pic of Tanner in all his cuteness!

and, his super-scary face!

building a snowman 2 days after Christmas

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Bless his heart, he just HAD to!

Yes, we are still here

Well, we have been having a super-fun summer, and here are a few pictures as proof. I'm trying to backtrack to get pictures from our trip to Disney, and from Tanner's 2nd birthday. So, I'll start with just a few recent pictures.

Ok, these next two need some explanation. On June 16, I got a phone call from our sitter that Tanner had an accident and I might want to come and get him a little early. She assured me that he was fine, but had really hurt his arm or shoulder. I was about 30 minutes from leaving work, so I was trying to wrap up my loose ends and get out. About 5 minutes after that call, she called back and asked me to come and get hime because he was really hurt and she was very concerned. I was out the door! As soon as I saw him (and heard the story) I just knew he had a broken collarbone. I was really hoping it was maybe the arm-since they can put a cast on that. Anyhow, I took him to an urgent care clinic and I was right. (hey-I know arms!) He had a broken left collarbone. It was the first time one of my children had a broken bone. I felt so very sad for him! He was so still! As sad as it was, it also meant a lot of cuddle time for Tanner and Mommy over the next week. Here is Maddie reading him a book. She was so good to get him whatever he wanted, or what she thought he would like. She was so caring and gentle with him.

Well, I'm sure you are wondering: How did Tanner break his collarbone? Apparently, it was a game of dog and cat, combined with some illegal couch-jumping, gone bad. Maddie said that Tanner was being 'the perfect cat', and she was a dog. She was on the couch and jumped off onto...Tanner! He was apparently laying on the floor on his back where Maddie proceeded to land squarely on his chest with both feet. OUCH! My poor sitter, she was absolutely distraught. I am so thankful for her, she takes such wonderful care of my babies when I have to be gone. I have actually thought many times how I am surprised that one of my kids hasn't had any serious injuries from when they get all 'wound-up'. It was bound to happen eventually. Poor Maddie, she felt so bad. I can honestly say that I have not seen her jump from any furniture since. Tanner is fully healed, and as tough as tough can be. within a few days he was back to playing on his own and running around the house. He favored the arm for about a week and half. After that you couldn't even tell.

We love our story times around here!

The things they say...

I can't keep up with the hilarious things the kids are saying to me these days. Here are just a few:

Tanner: calls every little girl 'Sissy', and every man is 'Daddy'. We are sitting in a restaurant, and Tanner is waving at a guy in the next table saying 'Hi Dad-dee, Hi Dad-dee', in the grocery store-same story. Funny and embarrassing.

Maddie: is in love with Sound of Music lately, so she asks me 'Mommy, can we go to Austria? It's soooo beautiful there, and I really want to meet Maria-because she loves children. Mommy, when can we go to Austria?'

She also wishes on a star every night (please remember that my child needs no exaggerations-she's got that covered all on her own), her wish is always the same-to go to Disneyworld. Then one night she tells me, 'I know that sometimes it takes a long time for wishes to come true, so is it ok if I just keep wishing the same thing?' How sweet is that? *note-she also asks God if she can please go to Disneyworld*

Every day for about a month now, she goes into the backyard and swings-and sings at the top of her lungs, all the songs from sound of music!

And lately, we've been hearing a lot of laughing after bedtime from the kids rooms. It seems that Miss Maddie has been going into Tanner's room and playing games with him. We go in there to put them back to bed and Maddie is in Tanner's crib and they are both just cracking up. She tells me that he woke her up, and she was just tucking him back in. I couldn't keep from laughing out loud!

Needless to say, we are having a lot of fun these days. Here are some recent pictures--enjoy!

Maddie and Tanner jumping on Sissy's bed

Maddie reading a story to Tanner before bed

Watching Pinnocchio with Daddy!

Maddie's Birthday & Christmas

This was from Maddie's first 'Girls' Night Out' with Mommy, her best friend Hailey, and her best friends Mommy. We went to a Chrismas play, then out to eat at Frisco Square where we watched all the 'dancing' lights (as Maddie Grace calls them)

Maddie & Mommy by the giant tree.

Next, was Maddie's Birthday-the big 4! I still can't believe it. And, in what has become a tradition, yes I cried on her birthday. I just can't get over how grown up she is getting and I'm just so proud of her.

Anyhow, our whole family went to the Galleria to try our hand at ice skating, then it was on to the American Girl Store for dessert in their cafe.

Amy & Maddie

Maddie Grace LOVED ice skating! She was going solo after 1/2-way through the first lap. She didn't want to get off the ice, and she has continued to ask me when she can go again. I was blown away at how much she loved it!

Maddie and her 'Baby Madeline' at the American Girl Cafe. Another experience that was beyond words. If she didn't feel special on this day, then something was really wrong. As we walked into the store, and were surrounded by hundreds of dolls, she said (and the drama princess needs no exaggeration) " Oh Mommy, it's wonderful, just wonderful!"

Tanner trying to hang in there amidst all the pink. Tanner and Rocky really were troopers throughout everything. Don't worry buddy, the favor will be repaid in June!

Now onto Christmas! It has gotten more fun for us every year with these two little ones. This year, on Christmas eve, we sprinkled Reindeer food on the front lawn. While we were outside, Rocky looked up and showed Maddie and Tanner-it was Rudolph's nose! Heading straight for our house! Maddie has never gotten to bed so fast, and she even prayed that night that Santa would not pass her house since she was still awake. Well, no worries there.

Maddie got a 'Sleeping Beauty Vanity', "it's just what I've been wanting! Santa remembered!"

Tanner got an Elmo Live

This is a cross that Maddie picked out for Mommy all by herself

Daddy got Rock Band from Santa! (with help from an awesome wife) :)

Well, this was the best picture I could get of the two of them in their Christmas jammies. Tanner's was an old fashioned one-piece, and Maddie's says 'Santa's Best Gift'-very appropriate.

All in all, we had a wonderful Christmas. It was so nice to be with our families, and we were really able to relax and enjoy the season of Christ's birth.

A really long attempt at catching up

Ok, I know I am the worst 'blogger' ever-but I'm kinda busy, so I have resigned to the fact that this will never be a huge priority and I will do it when I can. There, I feel less stressed already! So, here is a brief recap of December so far. (Since I will constantly be putting off getting caught up I thought I'd just start with the most recent). We began the month by seeing Santa and then a surprise visit with my brother Scott!

Here is a recap of our visit to see Santa, and although I haven't scanned the actual picture with Santa, this should give you a pretty good idea:

Maddie loved everything about the whole visit, and she jumped right up in Santa's lap, politely told him what she would like, then told him that "my little brother can't talk, so I'll tell you what he wants. He likes cars, maybe the movie cars, but I don't like that movie, but he does. He would like that movie". And (in true Maddie fashion) she didn't want to leave, she wanted to stay with him and help Santa all day.




Then there was Tanner, my sweet boy. He cried at everything throughout the whole visit! Train? cried. Other kids? cried. Taking pictures? cried. Santa? Oh man, he cried the cry where there is no breathing. Ya know? the face turning purple silent cry followed by the longest, loudest scream? Yah, that one. So, we ended up getting a lovely family picture with Santa. I still think that since I sat with Santa, maybe he'll leave me a little something under the tree.







Then we spent the day with my brother Scott. Although it was too short, we really enjoyed every minute. Maddie luvvvvved her Uncle Scott! (Tanner was still traumatized from the visit with Santa that morning and wouldn't let me put him down) She cried and cried when he had to leave and told me that she wanted to move to California. The next day, however, she shocked me with the sweetest revelation: she said: "Mommy, I really didn't want Uncle Scott to leave, but I learned something." me "What did you learn?" Maddie: "That when people come to visit, they have to leave, but I'm still glad we got to visit" I was so proud of her!


Although she was still sad, and talked about it for about a week afterwards-she did recover quickly. The night after we said goodbye to Uncle Scott we all had hot chocolate and finished putting the ornaments on the tree.




Ohhhh, it's the sweetest elf ever!




Maddie was great at hanging ornaments this year




Since Tanner has never had a turn, we decided it was his turn to hang the star this year. So, with (lots of) help from Daddy, Tanner put the finishing touch on our gorgeous tree!



Ok, now on to Maddie's 4th birthday party!
She had a Strawberry Shorcake party, and it was (if I do say so myself) one of the best birthday parties ever! Everyone there had a great time, and I know Maddie Grace felt extra-special.



The yummy cake! (Thanks to Mary!)

Why do we even get toys? Why not just keep balloons on hand? They both love them, hmmm there's an idea in there...

This was our first all-girl party, and the girls' all stuffed their own strawberry shortcake doll. This is when they were making a wish on their star, then they put it inside and the instructor came around and secured the backs of their dolls. They all loved their dolls so much, and it was sweet as they all closed their eyes, and made their wishes-just precious!


What a cutie! (by the way-I made her shirt! I saw one online for $40, and I thought that was ridiculous. So I went to JoAnn's, came home and made it for $12 total) I just put this pic to show off my skills.

AAAAahhhhhhh! So excited! She got a My Little Pony Amusement Park with mini ponies, and she loves it. I believe she said "I always wanted this!"

Maddie also loves her American Girl Baby, aptly named Baby Madeline. She recieved this Christmas dress for her Baby.

Tanner was so good throughout the party, even though he was the only little boy there. Here he is on the rocking horse, Nay-Nay. Why you ask? Well, duh! A horse says nay-nay.

He is just so stinking cute!

I can't believe I got a picture of them both looking and (somewhat) smiling at the same time!

Our SUPER-BUSY October!

Ok, ok, I know I'm impossibly behind on blogging so here is my attempt to catch up. Our computer crashed (for the 3rd time), and it finally died really dead. Plus I got a new camera for my birthday, and I'm not the most technologically inclined. So, it's taken me quite a while to figure out the new computer, camera, and all the programs. Anyhow, here is my attempt to catch up. We started out the month by having a birthday party for all the birthdays in October in our family (sorry, no pictures due to they are on the old camera and I'm doing good to be able to do this!) Then, it was off to the fabulous Texas State Fair! The weekend after that we went camping at Lake DeGray in Arkansas. That post is still to come, there are A LOT of pictures. Until then, enjoy the state fair!

This is Maddie Grace chewing her first piece of gum. She chewed it for about 15 seconds, then spit it out and she hasn't wanted any since. Huh, who knew?

Jack is showing me his gum.

Awww, Jack and Maddie walking through the fair.

Amy, Maddie, her best friend Hailey, and my friend Deanna

Hailey and Maddie enjoying a famous Fletcher's Corn Dog!!!

Maddie & Jack: 'Hookem' Horns'!!! We went the day after UT beat OU!

Rocky took Maddie down this giant slide. At first she was pretty timid, but when it was done, she asked to do again! She said it was one of her favorite things of the day.

Rocky, Bobby, and Steve (friends of ours that went with us). These guys decided to go on what looked to me to be the scariest ride I have ever seen. The best way I can think to describe it is like the Earth revolving around the sun-the guys are the Earth, but they are going super, crazy fast. They all enjoyed it, but they all said that it was in fact, one of the scariest rides ever.

Maddie Grace got her face painted like a butterfly

She remembered this game from last year, and it was her favorite thing ever!

And she won! Princess Jewelry! She was sooo excited!

Now to the animals: Maddie wishes she could live in a barn with all animals all the time.

Here she is petting the cutest little zebra...

Feeding goats...

This giraffe was surrounded by people trying to feed it. It would walk around and just stick its nose in the air and ignore everyone. Then it came to Maddie, sniffed her little hand, and ate right out of her cup. She talked to it the whole time, it was precious!

Maddie and Hailey, getting ready to go after a long (fun) day!