Moore Party Of 4

The Moore The Merrier

2011-11-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 6 whole months since I last posted. Yikes. Time Flies...... Since I last wrote, we have moved twice, celebrated all of four of our birthdays, and had a little surprise ;)

Back in May, we moved into a rental house while we were building. It was literally right behind our new lot. So ww literally watched our house go up every day! It was such a neat experience and I am so thankful for that opportunity. One can only imagine the time it saved us to be able to walk out our back yard to check on the house..... Luckily, Max and I pretty much agreed on everything building and design wise, so there wasn't much conflict there. I'll be posting pics as time goes on the decorating process.....It's still a work in progress, but I'm so pleased with how far we've come :) - And there is a reason for that.............

Back in August, we had a little surprise! We are pregnant with #3!! OMG! I never thought I would say that :) We had really come to terms that we were finished expanding our family, but God had other plans for us. When I broke the news to Max, he replied "Well, I'm really glad we are building that 4th bedroom!" -- So, with the news, we knew that we needed to get "things" done around the house as quickly as possible once we moved in.

Then comes September 23rd ... Move in Day!!! Woo Hoo!!Here is a pic of the house the day we moved in.

All, I can say is I LOVE THIS HOUSE and I NEVER WANT TO MOVE AGAIN! More pics of rooms to come..... Here is a pic of us from Halloween. Me, Max, Iron Man and the Strawberry :)

The Moore's are Moving!!!

2011-05-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Max and I made a HUGE decision back in January -- We decided to put our house on the market in order to build. To be honest, I never thought we would leave this house. We bought this house in 2004 shortly after we got married 7 1/2 years ago. We've remodeled every room in this house from top to bottom. Every wall has been repainted, every floor has been replaced with hardwood, tile or carpet - Our Kitchen Cabinets have been painted and glazed. We repainted the exterior of the house from a dark chocolate brown to a much lighter Benjamin Moore "Portico" (Best Khaki Tan Color I know of!!) - Did some MAJOR taming on the front and back yard. We vaulted the ceiling and added a skylight in our "playroom" shortly before Maddux was born - Built a closet and remodeled a bathroom shortly before Addi Grace was born, and most recently, underwent an 800 square foot addition a little over a year ago. And for the most part, we've done it ourselves. It's been all us - Our ideas brought to life -- I can't say we loved every minute of it, but looking back, I wouldn't have changed anything we did over the past 7 1/2 years.

I also can't express how proud I am of Max. He's come SO FAR people! Let's just say when I married him, the only tool he owned was a hammer.......And he never used it! He was so determined to make this house our home. And he had good reason to -- He grew up in this house as a child - His parents had been renting it out ever since they moved out in 2002. So in May 2004, shortly after we married, we found out they were going to sell it. So we bought it! Problem was, the renters didn't take care of the house very well. So we had a lot of work cut out for us. Max was hands on from Day 1. He would research and plan and find the most cost effective way of completing a project. And he gave everything he did 110% - If something wasn't done right, he would keep working on it till it was perfect. He even built Maddux the most incredible, "pottery barn" knockoff bunkbeds you've ever seen - Are you kidding me? This is one talented husband I have. One very determined, hard working, perfectionist husband. And I am so very proud of him.

Tonight is our last night at 1793 Applebury - We are moving into a rental tomorrow for 5-6 months till our new house is ready. I'm so excited about building our new house. It's going to be refreshing not having to watch Max play "contractor" - Yet, I'm sad about leaving this one. Maybe it's because it's the only home my kids know; or maybe because I haven't lived in the same house for 7 1/2 years since I was a small child - Who knows. But I will always love this house because it was our first home. And I'm anxious to get our house built so it can be our new home.

Lastly, Max and I came to a mutual decision that we will never MOVE again. We both are hating it. And if you could have seen all of the crap we drug out of the attic today, you would have nominated me to be on that A&E show "Hoarders" --

Mother's Day Weekend

2011-05-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

I don't think it could have been a better weekend - We took the series from #4 Florida and we also discovered Maddux loves to have his face painted at the games!!

I've never seen him sit so still...... ;)

We also had a great Mother's Day with my mom "Mimi" and Max's Mom, "Grandma Cathy" -- We visited the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville - FABULOUS!

Spring Time Fun!!

2011-05-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

I was able to catch the most hilarious video of Addi Grace - She is very DRAMATIC with her facial expressions. Cracks us up all the time!!

Maddux had a great day at the ballpark - I brought him up early before the game --

He's training to be the water boy for the team in a couple of years!! Ha!

Little Miss Mess

2011-03-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Macaroni and Cheese is always a fun, favorite kid food -- It's even more fun when it's not your macaroni!

We celebrated Grandma Cathy's birthday at a local restaurant, and mid-dinner, we caught Addi Grace with cousin Jake's fork and Macaroni!! Jake had left the table briefly, and by the time he got back, Addi Grace had eaten most of it! Ooops! Sorry Jake :)

But, sweet Jake wasn't mad at all -- He just kept playing with Maddux..... They had a blast!

So much fun that he was Zonked!! Can you tell by his face? Addi Grace was too, but she was very focused on showing us her Saturday Night Fever Dance Moves ;)

How to Fold A Fitted Sheet

2011-02-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I am no Susie Homemaker, but my Husband is going to think I am when I re-fold all of our fitted sheets tonight! I was just re-organizing the linen closet this past weekend and thought "There must be a better way...." when it came to folding sheets......

I found it!

Maddux's Christmas Program aka "Hi Mom!"

2010-12-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

There are 3 different clips of Maddux's Christmas Program along with shaky camera work for a reason - Her name is Miss Addi Grace -- She thought it would be a nice idea to be good the whole Christmas Program, UNTIL it was Maddux's turn to sing with his class - Of Course..... Maddux was so excited about singing on stage - He loves to sing.....And we learned last night, he loves to perform! So, his class sang 3 songs last night in this order:
Chubby Little Snowman (poem)
Jesus Loves the Little Children
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

If you will watch, the first video, Addi Grace says "that's Bubba" as he is walking up on stage -- She wanted to get on stage with him, hence the shaky camera work....sorry..... Maddux also decided to say "Hi Mom" and wave to me after each song - And after he bowed ever so dramatically to the crowd.....Thay Boy! I love him so much!!! Enjoy!

Free Customized Messages From Santa!!!

2010-12-07T07:29:00.000-08:00

I found this cute link to a free customized message from Santa! I can't wait for Maddux and Addi Grace to see it!! You have to check it out!

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/Zp3qmQ23kKFO_8rCAitW1A

Halloween Costumes...Not quite as we intended!!!

2010-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Want to know what you get when you mix a 3 year old with a HUGE imagination????

A super cool Buzz Lightyear equipped with safety goggles and our Razorback Baseball Hat! He insisted!!!

Sweet Addi Grace was a black cat:

Her "ears" were attached to a head band, and I was CERTAIN she wouldn't keep it on.......Wrong! She did!! But, she wasn't having the face paint! So, she looked like one roughed up little kitty!

The Moore Fam - I tried to convince AG that face paint was fun - hence the black on my nose ;)

Soccer in the Eyes of a 3 Year Old

2010-10-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

In Soccer, you can kick the ball......

Or Dance a Jig ................

Or Touch Your Toes.............

Then You decide to Play Again............

And You're Really Serious About It!

GO TEAM!

Maddux, Dad and I love you so much

We loved that you had fun playing playing soccer this year!

CORN MAZE!!!

2010-10-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took the kids up to Cave Springs and the Ozark Corn Maze - I had no idea it would be so much fun! We first started out petting the goats and baby calf - Addi Grace LOVES animals! Maddux does too, but he didn't quite trust the animals as much as AG did ;)

He did however enjoy the pigs! He thought it was hilarious when they grunted at him!

Next, we rode on the "most adorable cow train" I've ever seen! Here he is giving us his game face :) He was originally going to ride by himself..............

Till the farmer told us it was a "10 minute Ride" -- So, Max jumped in. As you can tell in the picture, he was thrilled ;)

While the boys were away on their "Cow Train Ride", Addi Grace and I decided to check out the Corn Maze..... It was a very entertaining. If you find chasing a toddler through rows and rows of corn entertaining.............

Then Mr. Game Face caught up with us......He was ready to head over to the pumpkin patch! He's been quite the bossy man lately....

He quickly changed from Mr. Bossy to "Mr.Sensitive" when we found this pumpkin. He couldn't understand why someone would squash a pumpkin! I spent at least 5 minutes trying to convince him it was an accident.....I still don't think he believes me!

The day after the Corn Maze, we decided to have some fun and paint our little pumpkins we found.....

All in All it was a good weekend!

No Baths For Tabitha.....

2010-09-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

This was one of my FAVORITE books growing up..... Last night I was explaining to Maddux why it's important to take a bath. This book suddenly popped into my mind! Oh, the memories of the green stuff growing all over Tabitha because she simply wouldn't take a bath! "No Baths for Tabitha!" I would say to Maddux - He listened to me try to recall what the book was about. "Momma! Let's read that book!" - I've searched and searched on the internet, and Amazon.com is the only place I can find it - And they are selling this Children's Classic for a whopping $72.00 ! Can you freakin believe it???? Ugh! I guess that's the price you pay when a book hasn't been printed since 1982................... If anyone ever comes across this book, please think of me!!!!

Soccer Rocks!!

2010-09-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

We just started "First Touch" Soccer this week. Maddux is one of the youngest out there - He was 2 days from missing the cutoff!! So, he's basically playing with kids almost a year older than him! Max and I were so proud of him! He did "awesome"! Here is a cute video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoM9DVKJRS0

Razorback Football Game!!

2010-09-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

We had such a great Labor Day Weekend - Our friends, the Graham's from Conway came up and stayed the whole weekend. We had such a great time with them and don't get to see them as often anymore now that we all have kids. Maddux played with their little girl Catie - He basically did whatever she did! It was pretty cute :) Here are some pics. I can't believe we finally got a decent family pic!!

The Moore Family and Graham Family - Woooo Pig Sooooie!

This one cracks me up! Addi Grace found a nerf football inside and she wouldn't let it go! And of course, Maddux was "too cool" for this pic - I have no idea where he learned to make this face!!

My Addi Grace! Love that I get to put bows in her hair!

Maddux being Silly with Campbell - aka "Sassy Hog"

Maddus climbing the mokey bars at the park

Sweet Catie - I'm surprised that Maddux isn't in this picture - he was stuck like glue to her all weekend.....

A Weekend of Fun, and more to come!!

2010-09-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you how much my Kids Love Their Pottery Barn Kids Chair???? May have been one of the best purchases I made this summer......They wanted to lounge around all weekend in their jammies and play but................

We had to go meet Baby "Callan Cecille" !!! Congrats to Billy and Lara and sister Finley..... We went to a "Sip and See" Shower at the Waite's home..............

Addi Grace and I had so much fun having some girl talk ;)

Maddux had a GREAT time playing with Finley and all of the kids - He even managed to not break anything!!! Woo Hoo!

So, I guess you could say we had a Ball!!!

Skydiving............

2010-08-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Max finally got his 39th birthday present today from his dad......Even though it was 3 months late, the wait was worth it! Max's Dad (aka Pawpaw) took him on a skydiving adventure. Pawpaw has been a few times before, so I felt a little more comfortable about the whole situation. It wasn't like I was eager for him to do this. But after seeing the pictures and the video, it makes me want to do it! The view is AMAZING and the cameras they used are in HD - Way Cool. I'm so proud of Max and glad he got to do this with his Dad......

I've Been "Styled" !!!!

2010-08-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

OK, First of All, I LOVE STACEY LONDON!!!! I think she's so pretty, so HILARIOUS, and wears the most fabulous stuff! - And her show "What Not To Wear" has the best advice about what is flattering, in style, etc. However, I haven't been on the show, and I don't forsee that I will ever be on the show because you have to have a really really bad and weird wardrobe to be considered.... I don't think I'm there......yet!

Anyway, so I was reading a local magazine that had profiled Jennifer Gartman. She launched her own business called Satori Style - This is a list straight from her website that lists her services!!!

http://satoristyling.blogspot.com/

CLOSET CLEANSE

A Closet Cleanse is just that- I cleanse your closet. I come to your house and go through your closet recommending what items to keep, what to toss and what items I feel you should purchase for your wardrobe. Various outfits will be put together based on the goals you have for your wardrobe. I will also sometimes recommend having clothes in your closet altered to "revamp" the items and will go with you for the alterations.

EVENT DRESSING

Whether it be a wedding, charity gala, interview or even a dinner date with your significant other, I will dress you to look your best. I take the load off you by finding something for you to wear while keeping within your budget (or in most cases even lower than your budget). I attend and oversee all alteration sessions as well at no additional cost.

PERSONAL SHOPPING

Whether you despise shopping or simply just don't have the time, I will be your personal shopper for your everyday wardrobe. Sticking to the budget you provide, I will make you look your best for your job and/or casual wear. Don't have time to shop for your children either? Let me help take the load off you by shopping for them as well.

PHOTO SESSIONS

Whether you are having a family portrait, portraits for your children or even engagement and wedding pictures, we will style you for it choosing the best colors for you and the camera.

WEDDINGS

Weddings are so much fun to plan, but sometimes it takes stress off when you have someone there to assist you. We dress everyone from the bride to the mother in law. Having trouble finding a dress that will look great on ALL of your bridesmaids? Call us. We style engagement photos too!

CONSIGNMENT

Have a hard time figuring out what to do with your unwanted clothes? Let me help you. Satori Style offers Consignment Services for all types of clothing, shoes and accessories. We take your unwanted clothes and deliver them to consignment stores for you. We create the accounts and deliver your checks for you each month. Such an easy way to make money without all the hassle.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Get all your girls together for a night of wine, food and style consultations! I will go over the latest trends and how to wear them. I will also sit down for a few minutes individually with each of your guests for a personal style overview. I'll suggest to them certain looks that would benefit them as well as key pieces that would look great on them.

SHE IS WONDERFUL! I can't wait to show you pics of the outfits she has created for me!

A Long Awaited Post!!

2010-08-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have been known to be a procrastinator, and I'm working on changing that...... I have been terrible about updating my blog this summer! It's been a relaxing one to say the least, but I am ready for the hustle and bustle to begin! So.... Here we go with some pics from this Summer!!!

Fun With The Tennant's At Their Pool!!!

Addi Grace on the 4th of July!! Still not walking...yet....

Little Miss Sassy Pants - Would Stand up on her own, but not taking a step!

Went on Vacation to Kansas City with the Harris Family!

We decided we would walk!! At Maddux's Birthday Party in HOT HOT July.... Note to self - No more outdoor parties in July!

Maddux and Reid at the Nickelodeon Suite at the Naturals Game - Fun Fun!!

Did I mention that Little Miss Sassy Pants developed an Attitude???? Oh My! She rules the roost at our house!

Maddux having Fun With Daddy!!!

I'm going to stay on top of the blog this Fall! So much to look forward to!
Arkansas Football
Maddux is playing Soccer this Fall
I have TONS of crafts that I am working on and WILL FINISH!

Phoenix Fun at the Zoo

2010-06-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

We saw a REAL RAZORBACK!!Maddux in the "Fisher Price Kids Barn"We rode "Abu" the camel...That's our friend Connor!And the Carousel! I think this was his favorite part of the whole zoo - Whew - 5 hours of Zoo fun in the AZ heat, and all he really wanted was to ride the carousel! I had a great time spending the day with him. Bless his heart. We came back to the hotel and he crashed for the night....

This was at the Game on Saturday - We ended up spending most of the game in the outfield grass - I told him to smile and say "cheese" = This is what he did!

SEC Baseball Tournament, Fun Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-06-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

So, I ventured off to good ole Birmingham, AL with Addi Grace. A newly friend of mine who I have completely fell in love with, Tressa, came along with me to help babysit while I had to work at the tournament. She dates one of our team managers, so she was very willing to go! She is such a spaz and I LOVE HER! Oh, to be 20 again. That girl has so much energy.......Just wait till she has kids of her own! hehehe.... It was a long, hot week, but my sweet baby girl managed to really turn 1 while we were on our way back home. I still can't believe it. Everyone says it goes by so fast....It really does. I had an unbelievably great time with just Addi Grace. It's weird to say this, but it's like I really got to know her. I mean, when you are a Full Time Working Mother with 2 kids, there is not much one on one time with each. Really, to be honest, the last time it was just me and her for more than a day, she was 2 weeks old and we were in Omaha for the College World Series. But, I was ready to get back to my boys though. It was so funny because Max immediately gravitated to Addi Grace and I to Maddux. It stayed that way for almost a day. I was only away from Maddux for 5 days, and I swear his vocabulary grew way to much. The things he says....He cracks me up! As soon as we got out of the car, he said, "Happy Birthday Addi Grace!!!" - He ran to me, bear hugged me, then proceeded to ask, "Where are my presents?" - Then as we were getting Addi Grace out of her car seat, he politely reached over to touch her arm and said, "Well Hi Sweetheart!" -- Oh, I just love my kids.....

Then lets proceed to the following day at Target. Of course, Maddux went with me. He was all excited. He was getting a life jacket for the pool...... And no more than 2 minutes after we walk in, my stomach starts rumbling.....Oh geez. Not now. I can hold it till we get back home. My stomach strongly disagreed with me. For all of you Moms out there who are reading this, I truly sympathize with you. It's very embarrassing when your 2 year old is asking you in the bathroom stall at the top of his lungs, "Are you ok Mommy?" - Then he wouldn't quit opening the stall door. He thought it was funny.......Luckily, not too many people were in there, so I was confident no one would remember us in the store.......Well, that was until Maddux spotted the Buzz Lightyear Life Jacket. And, he HAD to wear it right then. Tags, and all. Let's just say there were lots of people chuckling because he was running up and down the isles saying "To Infinity and Beyond!!!" -- I just know my parents are laughing hysterically right now......

So on to the rest of the weekend! We found out on Sunday that the Razorbacks will be hosting a NCAA Regional this coming weekend. I've been super busy working this weekend, but on Monday, we took some time out and went over to some friends house.....The Tennant's - They have a pool and the kids had a blast!!

Big #1 for Addi Grace!!

2010-05-20T19:49:00.001-07:00

Well, we are not officially turning 1 yet, but we celebrated Addi Grace's birthday with Max's family this past weekend. We are off to my Dad's house this weekend to celebrate with them. Then, it's off to Birmingham, AL for the SEC Baseball tournament. I'm taking Addi Grace with me, so she will officially turn 1 there. Hard to believe that a year ago, I was on bed rest!! I was so sick and so miserable. Oh how time flies!! Here are some pics...

Some Me Time...

2010-05-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

OK, so even if I did have to travel for work to Little Rock on a weekday and come back to Fayetteville after the game, it was still some "Me Time" - I left with 2 good friend at 1:00pm from Fayetteville to Little Rock, AR to work our baseball game at the Little Rock Travelers Ballpark. It was a beautiful place and the place was SOLD OUT! I really only had to work till the 2nd inning, so it was the first time in 2 years, that I watched a baseball game with no kids! No worrying about if they were hungry, needed a diaper change, were getting into something.....Ahhhh. It was bliss. First of all, I love baseball. It's so relaxing to sit there and watch and just relax...... And we won!!! Thanks to my wonderful husband for "holding the fort down" while Mommy went on a "work trip" - I Love my Job!

People! We have Teeth!!

2010-05-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Addi Grace finally has teeth! You still can't see them yet, but as I was letting her knaw on my finger, I felt little sharp teeth!

I also managed to get a clippie bow in her hair this morning and it stayed! I think I may try little piggie tails soon! (Melissa, if you are reading this, you can try with her and Max won't get mad ;) haha!!

After posting these pics, I'm weirded out about how much she looks like I did when I was a baby!

Camping Trip

2010-04-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

So off we went to the woods for a camping trip. Camping is really not my cup of tea. Especially when it's raining. But in spite of that, I think the majority of everyone had a good time. I left a day early to get back to my sweet Addi Grace. My Mom was keeping her and she came down with Laryngitis.

So here are my boys going wild on the 4 wheelers - Maddux is such a Dare Devil. He kept telling Max, "Faster Daddy, Faster"

This is the perfect pic of Maddux telling us how he was going to sleep in the tent that night. He's so hilarious - Like we didn't know we were camping out or something!

Max showing Maddux how to make a smore. All Maddux wanted to do was push a stick in the fire. Let's just say this Smore ended up on the ground all because of a "Terrible 2" fit that was thrown..... Geez.....

Maddux pretending he was driving the 4 wheeler. Don't you just love his "Big Cheese" Shirt??

This was the last day I saw my darling husband with a beard. He shaved it off when he got home. I'm also realizing it's time to get my hair colored again.....Yikes.

Our good friends, the Graham's - Kevin, Christine and Catie!

Our Amazing Huge Tent. I had no idea they made them this big!

The "Big Cheese"

Maddux helping Daddy set up the tent...

Maddux and Catie playing. They were so funny together! This pic cracks me up!

Farm Friends with Maddux and Mommy!

2010-04-27T20:15:00.001-07:00

The Fayetteville Local 4-H Clubs have an annual event called "Farm Friends" at the Equine Center on the University Campus. We've never taken Maddux before, but I thought this was the perfect time to start! He loves animals so much! Max and Addi Grace stayed at home and played.... I wish we would have taken her too though. I think she would have liked it :) Maddux insisted on wearing his Buzz Lightyear Band-Aid over his "Boo Boo" - That happened earlier in the day at school. He tripped over a slide. Poor little guy! His first real "shiner" - Also, please make note that he has eczema on his face. A lot of pictures will look like his face is dirty, but it's just that darn eczema. Anybody have any suggestions for treatment???? I've never dealt with this before! Ugh!
Maddux was having a conversation with the sheep. It baaed at him and he thought it was so funny!

Petting the Goats. All of these animals were so friendly!

OK - This was HILARIOUS! This was a plastic cow, and he is infatuated with cows right now. Every time we talk about going to my Dad's farm, he says he wants to ride a cow.... Well, he got to milk one instead!

These little Bunnies were so cute! I've actually always been scared of rabbits. I think it's because of those creepy rabbit foot key chains that were popular way back when I was little. And no, I didn't have one.....

Here is Sweet Maddux wanting to take the rabbit on a "walk" -- The Rabbit wouldn't budge...

Another Goat!

Another Rabbit!

The baby chickens! He held one in his hands, but screamed like a little girl when it moved.... I think I screamed too. Oooops.

Maddux and his BFF Reid at the Hogs Baseball Game!

2010-04-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

So, Maddux had a first this past week! I Friend get-together at the ballpark!! It was so fun! Maddux has a really good friend at his school named Reid. They are BFF"s I tell ya! Evidently, Reid's Mom Lindsay says that Reid talks about Maddux all the time. Well, Maddux talks about Reid too! It's so cute! Here are some pics from the boys day at the ballpark! And the Hogs won!! Wooooooo Pig Sooooieee!!!!!! Thanks for coming Lindsay, Garrett, and Reid!!! We had a blast!

The transformation of my New Little Girl Room!!

2010-04-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! I've been on my Mom to get pics of my new room posted!! Here we go!!

Me and my Momma found these cute shoes at Target, and felt like this was the perfect "inspiration" for my new room. Now, I'm not out of my crib yet, but we decided to go ahead and get my big girl bed all made up real cute and all!

Of course, you can't go wrong with your name spelled out. Daddy actually painted these for me. Polka Dots and all!!! Didn't he do a great job?? He surprised me and Momma ;)

Now, these are some 6 inch wooden circles that we covered in fabric with foam cushioning behind. We gathered up some blue silk and hot glued it along with the fringe to make it appear like a flower button. We need to adjust the silk a little more. Looks crooked ;)

These are my window treatments. My Momma came down with a HORRIBLE SINUS INFECTION and has not been able to stay up till 2am (like she's been doing for the past week) trying to get this stuff finished. That's probably why she is so sick now :) So, for the record, the pink pola dot fabric is going to be a ballon valance. Just hasn't been done yet :)

OK, so this is my new upholstered headboard. Daddy made this for me. He's got a great idea on how to mount it to the wall. Maybe someday my Momma can make a tutorial and post it online. The fabric is a rough silk with tiny polka dots. The green silk pillowcases were already made at the fabric store and were in a clearance bin. We snatched these babied up for sure! My Great-Great Aunt Evelyn quilted the top of the bedspread. It turned out FABULOUS! My momma is currently sewing green silk similar to the pillowcases around the edges of the quilted top of the bedspread. You can see below!

Isn't my Momma just great??? Well, she's defintely learned alot about sewing these past 2 weeks!

This is just a pic of one of my lamps. We found some coordinating trim at Hob Lob and decided to Hot Glue it to the edges..... Hot Glue Guns Rock!!!

My two little Easter Bunnies!!

2010-04-06T14:50:00.001-07:00

Maddux, can you say "Pink Nightmare" ? Hahahahah - Little Shout out to the movie "A Christmas Story"

Happy Easter Everybody!!!! House Updates!

2010-04-02T09:03:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, your probably thinking, what is a picture of that old dresser doing on your blog??? Well, I have to brag a little....... I found this piece at the Habitat Store in Fayetteville at least 7 months ago. It's been neglected ever since until this past week!!! I sanded, primed and painted one coat of my new favorite color, Split Pea, by Benjamin Moore! I have to add that my darling husband put a second coat of paint and poly on for me. He also replaced the old nasty white knobs with glass knobs! Did it turn out cute or what????

Now, this next piece of furniture I found at the good ole Salvation Army. I was dropping off some old clothes, etc for donations, and I spotted this night stand. I should have taken a picture of the "before" - Let me tell you...It was so ugly. Someone had tried to paint it 3 different colors. The bones were good though. All it needed was a good sanding and a cute coat of Pink paint!!! I'm going to paint some green polka dots on top. It matches her bedding. I finally bought all of the material. Can't wait to show everybody! My Aunt Evelyn (great aunt) is quilting the top of her bedspread. As soon as she's done with it, I'm going to sew a bed ruffle around the edges....

OK, so the pic above is of the double sink vanity - Max painted this and he did an incredible job!!!! He also did all of the tiling on the floor and in the shower - We are waiting for a couple of tiles to come in so he can finish :) We also originally painted the walls a cream color. However, when we put the vanity in, it looked HORRIBLE. The green distressed vanity looked "too" green. So, I suggested we paint the walls the same chocolate brown as the media room. Wallah! It toned everything right down! Max painted this unfinished cabinet a green color and then rubbed stain over it to create a distressed look. I couldn't be more happier! Very glad we chose to go this way over the black cabinet!

So, the pic below is not the greatest, but you can see my lovely Leopard Print Carpet!!!!! Yay!!! I love!!! You are looking straight into the hallway that leads to the 2 new bedrooms. The bathroom is on the backside of the bedrooms and connects to both. You can also see my 2 fabulous picture finds! Max and I went to a local lighting store that went out of business. The bank was selling everything they had at 75% off! These 2 pics were listed at $275 for the pair, and we got them for about $70. They were a perfect fit for the hallway!!! I knew we would use them somewhere in the new space, but just didn't know where! Now, I don't have any blind or window treatments up, so the glare is coming through the window. Sorry! We painted the walls a chocolate brown color. LOVE!!!

Oh, I could just eat her up! She's such a little Momma's girl and I love it! Can't wait for Easter Sunday! Maddux will have a blast hunting for Eggs..... OK, I think I'm going to admit this girl looks just like me! Yikes!!

1st Birthday Parties

2010-03-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Addi Grace turns 10 months old a week from this Sunday - Ouch - Which has me thinking about her 1st birthday party - Max and I went ALL OUT for Maddux's party and I feel like if I don't do the same for Addi Grace, I'm not being fair. Any mother's out there feel the same???? Anyway, I've been brainstorming on what to do, when to do it (since it's right in the middle of my post season) The invitation we did for Maddux's first birthday party is above. I loved this invitation. It was perfect! Of course, my sister-in-law Wendy (http://www.wendydunnphotography.com/) took the pic -- And she also took the one above of Addi Grace a couple of weeks ago! Oh! She is so good!!!

The pics below are of Maddux playing on our Neighbor's Tire Swing - The first one is from this week and the second one is from last year around this time. I can't believe how much he has grown! He really is starting to look like a little boy!

House Update - We are almost finished!!!!

2010-03-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

So these Pics are kind of out of order, but you should be able to get it! This pic above is the built in cabinets we had made for our kids room. Max likes to call it the media room, but I hate calling it that! I feel like a snob! We still have to paint it, but I LOVE the design. We basically took pics of cabinets in Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware and others I found online and had them custom make it! The pic below is what the new bathroom tile looks like. I love it - Just a good brown color - Can't wait for the vanity to get installed! Max did an amazing job painting it.

This is the guest bedroom - Sheetrock and everything! Of course, since this pic was taken, they finished the drywall - Note to anyone remodeling in your home. Sheetrock dust goes EVERYWHERE!!!! I've mopped about 4 times this week and it still keeps getting on the floor!

This is a pic of the bathroom. Right to the left of the window is where the double sink vanity will go. We are waiting to finish the tile before we move it in there....

Another pic of the bathroom - This time where the shower/tub is going....Max is going to tile around the tub too....He's such a multi-talented man!

This is the pic of Addi Grace's room - I love love love the window - Can't wait to get window treatments made for the space! And I picked out her fabrics this week. Hopefully, I can get to work on her bedding, etc soon!

Another shot of Addi Grace's room - You can see the closet door on the left side - It's huge! She can thank us later!

Me and my little man! I love him so much!

Addi Grace: " What did you just put in my mouth??????"

Addi Grace: "Chocolate Pudding?? Yuck! I want my bottle !!!!!"

Maddux had a blast over in our neighbors yard this week - He loves their tire swing!!

He kept trying to get me to hop on the swing too......Try explaining why you can't to a 2 year old - He wasn't buying it......

Quick Pics!

2010-03-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

I promise to blog more - Life's been crazy - I will post new house pics soon too!

The Finished Sippy Cup and House Renovation Update!

2010-02-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

So our House Renovation has come a long way in the past 2 week. You can see the addition below. The left side (brown part) was the detached garage on our property - The right side (Tan part) is our existing house. The plywood part in the middle is the connecting piece - They finished the roof so quick! I was really expecting to still be waiting for that part. Also below is some pictures of the inside - They are currently running the electrical wires and finishing up plumbing stuff - If all goes well, they will put up sheet rock next week! Our built in should be here then as well. Can't wait!! We just got updated from our builder on all of the costs - Yikes - We've already gone over. Not too much though. We added some things in the past week like more light (can lighting) and moved a window, etc. So now our budget isn't allowing us to have someone paint our built in, so Max and I will have to do that. No problem though. Max is an amazing painter. Can't wait to show pics of the bathroom vanity he painted! A gorgeous sage green color with a brown glaze/paint mixture. It looks fabulous!!!!

Please try to picture this all one color! And, they still have one more window to put in the connecting piece - Can't wait to get it all landscaped outside too!

This is Addi Grace's Room - Love the vaulted ceilings. She's got a HUGE closet too. She can thank us for that later :)

This pic is from the Guest Bedroom view - The bathroom is on the left - You can see the bathtub - This is going to be a Jack and Jill bathroom.

Wait, I just told Addi Grace that she had a HUGE closet - This was her reaction!!!

So Maddux and I ended up making the "Buzz Lightyear" Sippy cup - Think he liked it??? Just so happens that these little Sippy Cups turned out to be awesome!!!! What a great idea for Birthday Party Favors huh?????

CHARACTER SIPPY CUPS

2010-02-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

I made the HUGE mistake of asking Maddux last night if he wanted his milk in a "BUZZ LIGHTYEAR" Sippy Cup - As soon as I said it, Max looked at me, shaking his head in shame - Then it hit me - We don't have a "Buzz Lightyear" Sippy Cup. So, I figured I would just pour his milk in the "Lightning McQueen" Sippy and he would never know...........Um, Yeah....He knew. And he let everyone know about it by throwing the biggest hissy fit I've seen in a while.......So, I promised him that I would get him a "Buzz Lightyear" Sippy cup today. I have found regular cups with "Buzz", but not Sippy Cups - So, I thought today I would just print out a Buzz Image from Google Images and Tape it on with clear packaging tape. How awesome is that!! We've got all of these plain sippy cups at home, so this is going to be the perfect thing! He's going to be so excited!!!

I'm so excited that I might just make myself a "Buzz Lightyear" Wine Glass tonight! ha!

College Baseball is here!!!

2010-02-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

So, the College Baseball Season has officially started! Which means, I will pretty much will be living at work for the next 5 months! Maddux came to work with me late Thursday - We took a "break" and headed outside on the field for some fun. Maddux wanted to play "Do You Know?"

Did you know this is how you catch a fly ball? (Yes, he's left handed, and no, I didn't tell him what to do - If you know his daddy, you know that Maddux has good Athletic Genes!)

Did you know this is how you catch a ground ball?

Did you know that we finished 3rd place in the College World Series last year??

Do You know this is the greatest College Baseball Stadium in the Country? Baum Stadium, University of Arkansas!.

Go Hogs!!!!! This is Maddux's 3rd baseball season and the 1st where he's actually been interested in the game. Even if it's just for 5 minutes! We love it! Woo Pig Sooiee!!!

Skinnamarinky Dinky Dink..........Skinnamarinky Doo......

2010-02-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

I LOVE YOU! Addi Grace somehow loves this song. I can remember singing to her when she was going through her "colic" months - Maybe she remembers?? Anyway, everytime I sing her this song, she smiles so big! I usually sing it to her in the car, so I got her on video - Even if she's upset and I sing it to her, it makes her happy!

And yes, I do know that I am a terrible singer. I am not like those crazy people on American Idol who think they are good but are really terrible. However, I swear that sometimes when the radio is up really loud and I'm really concentrating, I sound kinda good ;)

Arkansas Razorback Baseball Fan Day At The Mall !

2010-02-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend - We survived yet again another snow! Our baseball season gets started in a couple of weeks and every year we have a "Meet the Razorbacks" Day at the mall. Maddux had a great time as long as "Ribby" the mascot wasn't around! He finally found a chair by a couple of players and started "signing autographs" - It was hilarious! Addi Grace was her usual smiling self - She wasn't afraid of Ribby like her Big Brother!!!

Renovation Update - I really don't think it's ever going to quit snowing - Seriously - I never thought I would say that about living in Arkansas - They have some of the concrete poured, but are waiting for 1 more clear day (tomorrow????) to finish up and then it will be ready to frame! I now know why the contractor added 5 weeks to the finish date before he started. You never know how the winter weather will affect things!

New Age Ketchup! Super Cool!

2010-02-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is just a cool thing. I've always hated getting ketchup packets at fast food places because:

1. It usually squirts EVERYWHERE

2. There is not that much ketchup in the packet anyway

3. It's too hard to open

4. I don't want to ask for 40 ketchup packets.

Well, today, Heinz released news that they are re-vamping the ketchup packet!! It has a nice easy tab to tear open, or you have the option to "dip" because the packet also serves as a small cup. So cool!!

BTW - We are still waiting for the weather to "clear up" to pour the concrete slab on our addition. Yes, we've been waiting for a week now, and I think we will have to wait a few more days. I'm sick of rain and snow!!

Funny Looking Chair..........You Kidding Me??

2010-02-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Can You Believe This Chair Costs............$1,800.00? Yikes - It looks like a dead animal. And are those eyes ??????

Renovation Update and SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

2010-02-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful, snow filled weekend here in Fayetteville - It hasn't snowed like this in a long time. Everyone in the neighborhood got together and went sledding on our street - Max and Maddux had so much fun. They built a snowman, had a snowball fight and built a snow fort with cousin Jake and Uncle Whitley. Addi Grace and I mostly stayed indoors because it was just too cold! We did however, have our own little "fort" built with blankets on the couch in front of the warm fireplace!!

The weather has caused some delays in our renovation - They were "supposed" to pour the concrete slab last Thursday, but the freezing rain put a halt to that. Then it snowed Friday. Hopefully they will be able to get to it today! We only need 3 days of dry weather to get this done! They did however get the plumbing installed last week.And yes, those are garage doors in this picture. They will be taken out as soon as they get the concrete poured! If all goes well (weather) they should have everything framed up by next week. As for my last post regarding the concrete floors, bathroom vanity, etc.......Well, it's changed. We decided to not do the stained concrete floors because of the potential cracking. We live on a mountain and EVERY home on this mountain has foundation issues. So, our builder thought it was a wiser decision to go ahead and use tile above the concrete in the bathroom just in case anything ever moved. And the vanity. We really just changed our mind on buying a finished vanity and decided to go with an unfinished wood vanity. We are going to paint it black, which was the color of the other one we had found. However, it allows us to paint it a different color down the road if we wanted to, and it was about $400 cheaper :) Also, it's real wood and not the composite wood.

I also came across a really cool website. http://www.mydesignguide.com/ It's way super cool (as Maddux would say) - They basically offer online design advice. You can upload pictures and they will help you out! What a great service if you ever get "stuck" on a designing project!

Separation Anxiety

2010-01-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

I remember the day it started with Maddux - He was about 9 months old - We were fortunate to have a nanny watch Maddux in our home during his first year of life - It was great. I didn't' have to pack a bag every night, or even dress him in the mornings. He would just play with the Nanny and he would wave bye-bye as I walked out the door every morning to work. Then one day, he started to have this look of confusion, followed by a cry - He didn't want me to leave - Not because he wasn't well cared for, but because it's what most kids go through at this age-Separation Anxiety - I hated it - I wanted so badly to not leave. So, I would come back in and comfort him, and try to leave again. It didn't help. So I followed the advice of many mothers. I just had to leave and stay gone. He'd be over it soon. I called to check on him not more than 5 minutes later, and sure enough, he was fine. Maddux still struggles with separation anxiety at times. If he's unfamiliar with a place, new people, etc. -

Addi Grace will be turning 8 months old in 2 days. Guess what - The separation anxiety started this morning. Yikes. She's been such a pleasant, happy go lucky baby ever since we got her Acid Reflux under control. She likes to be held alot, and I don't mind it at all. But she has NEVER cried when I left her at the sitter's house - She smiles and gets excited every time we walk in to her house (with 2 kids,our budget didn't allow for an in-home sitter this time around ;) - I was shocked and taken back to what was about to happen. She looked at me with the most pitiful, sad face and the cry then followed. I know I should have left immediately, but of course, being a mom, I went back and kissed her forehead. I knew it wasn't going to make it go away for good, but it still made me feel better :)

Maddux The Performer

2010-01-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

Cousin Jake came over for the afternoon yesterday - Maddux had so much fun with him. Jake was interested in this cartoon called Calliou, that Maddux watches ALL THE TIME - Seriously, I think we watched it about 100 times over the weekend. Calliou, which come on PBS Sprout is very educational. It's mainly about the world of a 4 year old boy. He goes to pre-school, and a lot of the times the shows are about him learning. The other stories in the show involve his mom, dad, little sister, and grandparents. I've always wondered what "Calliou" meant, so I looked it up on wikipedia - This is what it said:

"In French, Calliou usually refers to "pebble" or "stone", but it can also mean "bald head" -This explains it for me!

Maddux knows most of the words to the beginning of the show and he likes to "perform" it for us. This time I finally got him on tape....He gets mad if you don't watch him the entire song or if you try and sing along! He's such a ham!!!! For some reason, this kind of reminds me of my brother Brad.......And yes, that's my Christmas Tree Box in the background. And yes, I'm embarrassed that it's not put away in the attic. But, I do have a good excuse - The contractor has to get in the attic in a few weeks, so we are waiting for them to finish first!!

Ok, so the music is playing in the background, but it's hard to hear. These are the words:
You're getting to be a big boy!
I'm just a kids whose 4, each day I grow some more, I like exploring, I'm Caillou. So many things to do, each day is something new, I'll share them with you I'm Calliou. My world is turning, changing each day, with Mommy and Daddy, I'm finding my way! Growing up is not so tough, except when I've had enough, but there's lot's of fun stuff, I'm Calliou. Calliou, Calliou, I'm Calliou, That's me!

If you notice at the end, he says "Jake's Turn!" So Cute! Thanks for playing with us Jake!

Decisions, Decisions.......And Where I shop!

2010-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs is having a "Show Us Your Life" Where I shop - I'm posting some places we've been shopping for our house addition:

Anytime you are remodeling a home, it requires you to make decisions. I for one hate this. I just want to pick something out and be done with it. But my darling husband is exactly the opposite, and I am thankful for that. God put us together for a reason! During this addition to our home, I get to start from scratch - That's the part I hate. We are doing a leopard print carpet in the "Media Room" - People probably think I'm crazy, but we are having a huge custom entertainment center built and it will be black. It's gonna cover a whole wall. With the furniture and that entertainment center, the carpet will really just look like a giant rug. As for the furniture, we decided to go with leather.....again. I really wanted an upholstered piece, but with 2 babies, I know I would regret it. So, most of the room is done, but now comes the most difficult part for me. Paint colors and accessories!!!! Yikes! I need advice!
www.potterybarn.com
www.restorationhardware.com
Can I say anymore about these 2 stores - Just love everything. If only I had an unlimited budget!

We've chosen lot's of things from The Home Depot - We found a fabulous bath vanity that looks like a piece of furniture - It has 2 sinks - It's a black vanity- We've chosen a top that has a granite look to it - The faucets will have a brushed nickel finish. I couldn't find a picture on-line - Will have to post when it comes in!

I found a cool website about Stained Concrete Floors - We are going to do this in the bathroom - So many choices!! I think we will end up keeping it simple though....

www.stainedconcrete.org

As for the remainder of things to be chosen....There's an endless list! I will post more soon!

Someone Has The Sillies!!!!

2010-01-21T13:45:00.001-08:00

Flashback from the 80's

2010-01-19T07:26:00.001-08:00

This morning as I was getting Addi Grace dressed for the day, I had a flashback - Her outfit totally reminded me of how I dressed in the 80's!! I saved all of my bows and T-shirt ties (remember those?!) and decided to pull those out this morning. Low and behold, I found one that matched her outfit! Crazy! It has the "slick" brand puff paint on top. So Groovy! I also found some of my old jelly bracelets, but I didn't want to get too carried away!

After we dropped Addi Grace off at her "school", I decided to take Maddux to our local bakery. Rick's Bakery! Rick's is just the best - They've done our Wedding Cake, Birthday cakes, baby shower cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, bagels, cupcakes, brownies. You name it, they have it! - They are just Fabulous! Of course, Maddux wanted Donut Holes - He took them and sat down at the table and told me, "Sit Momma" - He loves hanging out there. After we finished our breakfast, I let Maddux pick out cookies to take to his class. He was so proud of them when he got to school. The kids were excited too!!!!

Renovation Pics #1 and More!

2010-01-18T06:54:00.001-08:00

The Renovation/addition to our house began last week! They gutted the interior of the detached garage. Max and I couldn't believe how big it seemed with everything cleaned out! Basically, this garage was an 800 square foot, 3 bay garage. Max has used it for storage, and all of his woodworking tools for the past 6 years. It needed a new roof and some other work done to it, so we decided to just go ahead and attach it to the house and make more living space. It is only about 8 feet from our house. Here are the pics after the demo.

Mimi came into town on Saturday to see the kids. They were so happy to see her! We went to Chuck E. Cheese on Sat night and Maddux had so much fun. He also got to wear "big boy underwear" for the first time this weekend. It didn't go so well..... He peed all over himself (and my carpet) and was very upset. I'm thinking it was too soon for "big boy underwear" -- I will say this though, he for sure didn't like it - Maybe it's not too soon??? Anybody got any advice? He's 2 1/2 as of the end of this month......

Potty Problems, Pudding Messes and Shopping!

2010-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Addi Grace has been going through a little separation anxiety lately. One night, on my way down to my Dad's house, she started crying like she used to when she had acid reflux problems. It's a horrific sound, so I pulled over to see what was wrong. NOTHING! She just wanted to see me! She's still in the rear facing car seat - Not too long till she's in a big girl seat, so I decided to go ahead and let her ride that way. We were only about 3 miles away. Well, she loved it! I even turned on a DVD for her! She looks like Maddux to me in this photo.....
As for this little stinker..... Does anyone know how to get him to quit saying he went "poopie" when he really just "peed" ?????? I'm out of ideas....

We finally got the Christmas Boxes in the attic - Yikes - It's the middle of January. Maddux was such a big helper. He was so excited that he got to climb the ladder to the attic - Speaking of climbing, we had to take down his ladder to his bunk bed! Little Stinker!

The kids are growing like weeds, so I had to hit up the Gap Kids Store. (Thanks Aunt Mandy!) They have the CUTEST things there right now. I got Maddux a couple of pair of new jeans and even got Addi Grace some cute Skinny Jeans and this outfit! Adorable!

Obviously Maddux is feeling much better - Thank Goodness for Leather Furniture :)

No Pudding Just Yet for Addi Grace......She Loves Her Nutramigen too much!

Well, demo on our addition began today! Can't wait to post pics.....

My Baby Boy Has Strep Throat.......

2010-01-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, no pics with this post - TRUST ME - YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEARCH GOOGLE IMAGES FOR "STREP THROAT "- I think I may vomit now...

Anyway, Maddux woke up in the wee hours of the morning burning up. I, along with my very helpful husband, searched the house for a "working" thermometer. Is it just me or are there other Mother's out there who has like 50 digital thermometers in the house and none of them work properly! Geez! The only one I found to work is a Vick's digital rectal thermometer and well, Maddux was having that! I also found a digital basal thermometer, but that takes to freak in long! Well, after some coaxing, tears, screams, etc..... I finally got his temp - 101.3 - Yikes! I immediately thought ear infection.....

So, this morning, I took him to the Dr. - As we sat in the waiting room, he just snuggled up to me. Didn't want to sit in his own chair or play in the kids area. He just wanted Momma. And I was just fine with that! As I was holding him, waiting for us to be called back, I was gazing at the Magazine rack looking at all of the magazines I could be reading. I can't tell you how long it's been since I have read a magazine while not being interrupted by a 2 year old, an infant or by a husband for that matter! And, I really wanted to get up and get one. But I didn't. Holding Maddux in my arms like that was better than any relaxation time I would've had. I hated the circumstances as to why, but I loved it.

As soon as we got called back they checked weight, temp (101.9) - then for the ears - Maddux is prone to ear infections. Doesn't have them all of the time, but it's been a while....

Ears were clear.... WHAT?????

Next, the throat. The Dr. made this face and said well, let's test for Strep! WHAT????? Oh crap. I haven't thought about strep since I had it when I was little!!! Geez! Poor Guy!

So, after the diagnosis for Strep, we went to the Pharmacy and headed home. He was so pitiful! All he wanted was to sleep in our bed and of course, he wanted his Momma......

I love you Maddux! I hope you feel better and please, don't give this to your sister!!!

Baby It's Cold Outside!!!!!

2010-01-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

This morning we attempted to take some pics of us with the kids all bundled up in our coats. It was literally 9 degrees outside! Yikes! Well, here are the attempts. Both of the kids were in such a great mood. I wish every morning could be like this!!

More Christmas Pics!!!

2010-01-06T14:11:00.001-08:00

Here are some cute pics of the kids over Christmas :) Enjoy!!!

I'm Back! I'm Back! I'm Back!

2010-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

These past two weeks were definitely ones to remember...... Not only did we have A WHITE CHRISTMAS, our computer hard drive went out AGAIN. Soooo, I haven't been able to blog like I had hoped.

With that said, let's go back to before Christmas.

I work for the University of Arkansa Baseball Team. For the past 2 years, we have all donated money to adopt local school age children for Christmas. This year, we adopted 4 kids - We bought them toys and clothing - We even got one little boy a used PS2!! They got to open half of their gifts in front of the team and then the other half went home with them for Christmas Day - These kids would not have had any presents for Christmas. Nothing! And not only did they ask for toys, etc. , they asked for clothing. That tells you something right there. I am so thankful that my parents were able to provide for me and I that I am able to provide for my 2 kids. It was definitely an eye opener and it was a great experience for our team.

We had our "office" Christmas party at Coach Van Horn's house. It was so much fun! The kids were good, so that makes it fun in itself ;) - Maddux played with all of the girls and they even put a performance on for us! This is what Maddux looked like when they began the performance: I have no idea where he learned to twirl a skirt, but he knows how. Let's just say I got a lot of crap from the coaches on this one!

Here is Maddux with Kendyll, Caitlyn and Mariel. They were so cute! Maddux enjoyed dancing and singing. He knew all of the songs they were singing! This was such a great pic of them all! I can't believe we got Maddux to "pose" for a pic!

Next Up was making a Gingerbread House - Maddux and I had so much fun!!! Cousin Jake came over and he taught Maddux how to lick the icing bowl. It was so cute! This was our creation:

We had such a great Christmas. I had 2 weeks off with the kids and it was so memorable. Maddux really enjoyed opening presents. We even put out cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots and celery for the Reindeer. You should have seen Maddux's face the next morning when he woke up and saw that it had been eaten!

Here is a sweet little pic of Addi Grace this morning before we left for "school" -- It was sooo cold this morning!!

I promise to blog more often! Our house addition is starting next week, so I will be adding that to my blog posts!!!!

That's Our Boy!!

2009-12-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Last night at Maddux's school, they had their Christmas Program. Max and I couldn't be prouder of little Maddux! He did so good! Our camcorder ran out of memory (I'm LIVID!) so we only captured the last song they sang. Maddux is the first one in the red plaid shirt - (If you can't tell who he is by his curly hair!) - Is he not the best little bell ringer you have ever seen?? haha! His Best Friend, Reid, is the one who walks up to the microphone afterwards! It was hilarious!!! Maddux, we love you and are so proud of your first performance!!!!!

Oh What A Night......

2009-12-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

I saw a news story yesterday morning about the latest sleep gadget on the market: The Zeo Coach - It's pretty cool - It records your sleep patterns and lets you know how much " sleep" you're really getting every night. REM, light, deep or awake time. I would love to know how much quality sleeping time I get, because it seems after kids, I don't sleep that well! I used to sleep like a baby - Which brings me to ask, Why do people even say that? I mean, do babies really ever sleep that good? Not mine! It's a rare night in our household if one doesn't wake up or make some kind of noise in the middle of the night..........

Which leads me to the story of last night. Maddux, has decided to let us know he needs us in the middle of the night, by banging (yes banging) his head on the wall - (A simple yelling of Mommmmmmaaaaaaa or Daaaaaaaddyyyyy doesn't work in his book) -- So, at 5am, that's what we heard and can confirm this via the video monitor we have in his room. Soooooo, I headed down to his room - I entered the room and he said. "Hi Momma" in his sweet 2 year old, soft voice. "I Wet" - I was shocked that he had just told me this - Not shocked that it happened, just shocked that he told me. I quickly changed his pullup, took off his soaked pajama pants and proceeded to climb into bed with him - Then he proceeded to tell me that he needed sweatpants. Sweatpants! Ha! He knows what those are!!!! I laughed, cause lateley he just makes me laugh at all the new things he tells me.

So we snuggled up and went back to sleep - Well, he did anyways . I think that Zeo gadget would have told me good luck !!

Addi Grace and Maddux Playing together

2009-12-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well, Addi Grace sat up for first time by herself yesterday and Maddux has been the best big brother ever! I can't tell you how great he has been this whole weekend. Just the best! I love you Stinky Face (aka maddux!) We had a great weekend at home. Just Max, the kids and I .

And Happy Birthday to my Father In Law, Don, My Neice Erika, and my other Father In Law, Clay! Hope you all had wonderful Birthdays!!!!!!

Here is a video of the kids:

Night Night !!

2009-12-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

What a crazy week! I have been so busy and haven't had much time to blog - It's been a cold week too, and we have been enjoying our fireplace! Maddux helps bring in the wood and start the fires with Daddy. Addi Grace has just been the best baby ever! She's getting her shots tomorrow, so I hope this continues. As for Max and I, we decided today that we are adding on to the house! Yay! I'm so excited! The Contractor starts in 2 weeks - Yikes! So much to do...... Basically, we are adding on 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kids playroom. We are very fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity - We have lots of decisions to make in the coming weeks regarding designs, etc. I will be posting on this adventure as well!

Here are my 2 beauties tonight before bedtime! All clean and warm! Notice Maddux's hair cut!

A Branson Christmas Adventure!!

2009-12-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

My Mom (aka Mimi) and I took Maddux to Branson Friday - We spent the night down at the Branson Landing - Maddux was so excited. He kept saying Bransent! So cute.... Here are some pics from our adventure! Thanks Mimi for going with us! We had so much fun!

We stopped and ate Ice Cream before we checked into the hotel.
Mrs. Claus was downstairs at the hotel reading books to the kids - Maddux took the book from Mrs. Claus and gave it to Mimi to read. So funny! We rode the trolley that goes around the shopping center - Maddux called it the "train" - He would say, "all aboard!" - Everyone would laugh. Where do these kids learn this stuff from??? ha! We took him to the Disney Store. He was in HEAVEN! He is in love with Buzz Lightyear right now, so naturally this is what he played with first:

But he really did love the whole store. He walked around and talked about all of the characters. What I was most impressed about was that he didn't scream and cry when we left the store! He just said, Bye Bye Buzz!!!

My Child Will Never Forgive Me.........

2009-12-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

For posting this video for the world to see......But he's just so cute!!!! Addi Grace is in the background whining....Sorry....She wasn't happy in her swing :(

Trains and Dance Moves.........

2009-12-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

Cousin Jake (aka Maddux's BFF) gave Maddux a very cool Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set yesterday - I think it is safe to say that my child LOVES TRAINS!!! Thanks Jake!! As soon as we put it together last night, he has been hooked. Tonight, he and I just laid in the floor and watched the train go around and around....It was cute. I loved watching him be happy :)

Addi Grace just chilled with Daddy on the couch in front of the fire!

Before bedtime, I put in this new dance workout dvd from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. I LOVE their show on CMT - Max calls me a dork, but I LOVE IT! Anyway, Maddux loves to dance, so he tried it out! H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!! I am going to try and film him tomorrow and put it up on the blog (I have no idea what I am doing, so be prepared for it to take a few days! hahaha)

What a Crazy Thanksgiving Holiday

2009-11-29T17:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it all started out this past Tuesday with this: All the ingredients to make Fudge!!

And Maddux really, really liked the Marshmellow Creme :)

Fast forward to Tuesday night - Maddux was up ALL NIGHT coughing - It was awful - We had given him everything we could without overdosing - And nothing was working.....So, I took him to the Dr. on Weds. morning -- Ear infection was the worst of it. They also gave us stronger cough meds (awesome) - and a Z-Pack - Soooo, we decided to kind of shorten our Thanksgiving trip to just the day on Thursday. We really felt like Maddux would rest better at home in his bed.

So Thursday, we went to my Dad's house - and then on to my Nanny's (Hi Nanny!) -- It was my brother (Brad) and grandpas birthday on Thursday as well. Here are a couple of pics of the kids on Thanksgiving!!

Addi Grace eating some "mashed potatoes" and Maddux outside with my brother riding around on the farm....

So fast forward to 4am Saturday morning - Yup, 4am - Addi Grace woke up BURNING UP - Her temp was 102.7 - So at 7am, I took her to the walk in clinic - No flu, thank goodness! Just an upper respiratory infection. All of

this on her 6 month old birthday!!!

I really did enjoy our Thanksgiving though. It was a little crazier than I would have liked, but it was a good one......

Fun with the Fam

2009-11-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

We are going to Oklahoma later this week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, so we had Max's family over Sunday afternoon to celebrate with them. We had such a good time. Whenever you get Max's 2 sisters together with him, it's always fun ;) Here are some pics of our fun day!

Maddux outside with the men playing baseball - He is so going to be left handed!!

Sweet Addi Grace!

My beautiful neices Erika and Lauren - Aren't they just gorgeous?????

Max's mom Cathy, his sister's Mandy and Wendy, me and Addi Grace.

Max and I loaded up all of the kids and took them to see the Christmas lights on the Square in Fayetteville - Maddux loved it! Can't wait to take him back to ride the ponies.....

Super Mom (So I thought)

2009-11-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Max was outside meeting with some contractors (we are attempting to add on to our house) and I was inside with the kids - I was trying to play "Super Mom" - I was attempting to cook dinner, make about 120 no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies for our Department work party the next day, feed Addi Grace, clean the kitchen and tend to Maddux - all in about 1.5 hours until it was bath time for the kids. I really had myself going for a while. And I was doing a pretty good job at it :) Until....... my spinach risotto (from Target - you have to try it - so yummy!) started to boil over - Then, my chocolate was ready to be mixed with the oatmeal, and if you've ever tried to make these cookies, you know you can't wait too long to do this step ;) - So I get the risotto calmed down, pour my chocolate in the oatmeal, start spooning the cookies on wax paper and I hear this little 2 year old voice say, "Mommmmmmmaaaaaaa" - "I'm Stuck" - I had no idea what he was talking about. I mean, he was just in the next room watching Dora the Explorer.....Well, this is what he was stuck in:

Maddux is really into Toy Story - Especially Buzz Lightyear - It's so cute when he says it. It sounds like "Buzz Butt Year" - So Cute! Here are the kids watching Toy Story. Even Addi Grace liked it!!!

Thanksgiving Party with Maddux!

2009-11-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

It was Maddux's first "official" party that parents were able to attend. He and his classmates (with a little help from teachers!) made the parents a Thanksgiving meal. It was just so perfect! Here are some pics from the event of the day! He was soooo proud that we were there --

Maddux showing us his artwork on the wall - He really knew which one was his!! Impressive...

Maddux at the table - Each child made their own place mats with their names on it - His hand print was the turkey's feathers :)

It was very difficult to get Maddux to look at the camera in this pic - It's the best we could do :) sorry daddy

Maddux eating his carrot cake - It does have real carrots in it right?

Addi Grace didn't get to have a Thanksgiving party - But she did enjoy her green beans and sweet potatoes today! She also likes her new winter hat.....

Happy Happy Fun Day

2009-11-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

What a fun fun day it is when you get to have vegetables (especially green beans!) for the 1st time! Well, Miss Addi Grace sure had fun eating today - She's doing better everytime we eat with a spoon! I thought she liked green beans ALOT till I let her try squash - Well, lets just say she ate the whole carton of Squash! She's her momma's girl I tell ya!

And Maddux...What a fun day did he have jumping on Daddy???? Well, it was just so much fun he had to do it over and over again! I think Daddy was having lots of fun too ;)

Oldies But Goodies

2009-11-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm posting from work (shame, shame!) - Only taking about 5 minutes, I promise! Anyway, here are some cute old pics of Maddux I found - My, how I miss my little baby boy!Don't adjust your monitors either - That is Maddux with brown curly hair! He was born with a head full of it - it fell out around 4 months, and came back blond curly!

Maddux and his cousin, Jake - Jake is Maddux's best friend - We love you Jake! Hope you feel better soon!!!! (He had staples put in the back of his head 2 days ago from a nasty fall!!!)

I Love You Stinky Face!!!!

2009-11-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

My Mom got Maddux this really cute book back when went to visit her in Oklahoma. It's called "I Love You Stinky Face! " - So Cute! I will read it first, and then Maddux "reads" it back to me....He really loves it so much! If you have a little one, you just HAVE to go buy it!!!

"Dr. Maddux" taking Addi Grace's temperature tonight..... That would be ketchup (not blood) all over his face and hands - Daddy brought home french fries for dinner. Yummy!!

BTW - We were successful at switching out the "Buzz Lightyear" Pull Up tonight!!!! Yay!!

Dear Pull Up Diaper Designer at Pampers.........

2009-11-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

Sweet little Maddux has been wearing pull ups for a few months now.....And he loves them! We are pretty successful at going "pee pee" in the potty some of the time. As for the other....well, that's a whole nother post.....Anyway, the most recent box of pull ups has the designs from "Toy Story" on them - My darling husband thought it would be cool to show Maddux all of the characters from Toy Story - Especially "Buzz Lightyear" - Now, it's important to point out to you that there are about 4 different designs of the Toy Story pull ups in each box - Well, Maddux has come to love the "Buzz Lightyear" design. Every night, he picks through the box until he finds that perfect "Buzz Lightyear" design....It's really quite humorous. Well, if you can imagine that after a couple of weeks of only picking the "Buzz Lightyear" designs, we are kind of running low....So, Max hides one of the other designs in his back pocket and right before he helps Maddux put on his pull up, he switches it out! Very clever Max! Well, that was until tonight....Maddux decided that he wanted to see "Buzz Lightyear" after Max put his pull up on, and low and behold, "Buzz" wasn't there!! He kept looking and looking - (he even tried to look at his back side but was unsuccessful) Let's just say he wasn't happy and proceeded to take off the pull up -- Sooooo, Dear Pampers......Can you make a whole box of pull ups with just one design option??????? Please????????

Here are some pics of the kids tonight before bed time -

Maddux watching "Dora"

Addi Grace was very offended that I took her picture :)

My First Razorback Football Game!!!!!

2009-11-07T17:35:00.001-08:00

Maddux had the BEST DAY EVER!!!! He was such a good boy (for the most part) at the Razorback Football Game today vs. South Carolina - And we won!!! I really wanted to take him today because our baseball team was recognized at half time for making the College World Series - I went down on the field at half time because I wanted to see the guys that had graduated or was drafted - It was soooo good to see all of the old guys - Anyway, I also kind of felt like Maddux might do ok, so we took him!

Headed to the Game! Had to take the juice box of course!

Max and Maddux at pre game - Maddux loved the band, the cheerleaders, everything BUT the F-16's that flew over after the National Anthem :) Maddux giving the team "five" - I wasn't even really paying attention and I just turned around and he was over there doing this as the team went out on the field!He had no idea that the Pom Squad Girls were drooling over him - There were these 2 guys standing next to us on the sidelines - I think they were kind of jealous that Maddux was getting so much attention!

My Favorite picture -- I think I might have this one framed for Max's office!!

All in all this was one of my most favorite times with Maddux - It was really neat calling the hogs with him (he did it!) -- Everyone thought he was so cute and a lot of our friends noticed that we were on the field - We even caught the attention of the Independence Bowl Representatives! We met them way after the game was over and they were like, "isn't that the little boy who was on the field at halftime??" - I was like "yes - you saw us???" They said," Yes! We didn't watch anything but him! He was so cute!!"

Well, here's to you my beautiful, cute, hog callin boy - I love you - Can't wait to take you to another Razorback Football Game!

Love,

Momma and Daddy

Cute Baby Girl Clothes

2009-11-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

I have had a lot of fun shopping for Addi Grace lately - I think the new line for baby girls at Gap Kids is ADORABLE! Have you seen all their cute stuff for winter?? If there is anyone in our family who reads this and wants gift ideas for Addi Grace - get 6-12 months ANYTHING in Gap Kids! Hahaha! I got Addi Grace this little denim jumper last week (Thanks Aunt Mandy!)

I also frequently shop online at http://www.etsy.com/ - It's like an ebay for handmade things only they are new. I found this cute little crochet bear hat for Addi Grace for $8 - Maddux tries to put it on himself, but finally has agreed that it is "sissy's hat" -- Anyway, I love etsy and plan on buying lots of Christmas presents there this year.

Tomorrow will be a first in our family............Maddux is going to his first Hogs Football game! Yay!! Can't wait to post pics tomorrow night...Til then, GO HOGS!

Car Seat Blanket - I Made It !!

2009-11-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

I bought a pattern online for this adorable car seat blanket - I do sew a little bit - I've made pillow cases, drapes, curtains, table runners.....But I've really never done anything with a "pattern" - It promised that is was a "beginner project" - They were so right! Woo Hoo! I had so much fun making it - And, I actually finished a sewing project! Yay!

Here is my little Addi Grace modeling her new car seat blanket - It just lays flat in the car seat and you put the straps through the holes and it folds over her to keep her warm - I always dreaded taking Maddux out when he was a baby in the cold - It is ridiculously hard getting their car seat buckled together when they have 3 layers of clothing on -- This will be just perfect for her!

This week, Maddux, Addi Grace and I met my good friend Sarah and her 2 girls out for dinner - Sarah is my best friend from High School and College - We were in each others weddings and are really just the best of pals - Even if we don't see each other or talk all the time! We had such a good time catching up and her girls are TO DIE FOR cute. Grace is 5 years old - She was 2 months old in my wedding!!! And Molly Claire is 16 months old. I was so relieved that my kids were so good for me. This was the first time I had ever taken them both to a restaurant by myself. We did good!! Here is a pic of Sarah and her girls and one of Maddux and Grace!!!

Funny Man

2009-11-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Maddux has been quite the Funny Man lately. He is always trying to make us laugh-- Here he is wearing my sunglasses at the tailgate party on Saturday at the Tennant's house:

Yesterday I took the kids down to visit all of my grandparents - Memaw, Papaw Dow and my Nanny - We had such a good time seeing them all. Before we left, Maddux decided he wanted to add a few "accessories" to his outfit - This is what he came in wearing : A red necklace out of my jewelry armoire and Max's Cubs hat - He even turned it around backwards!! Hilarious!!

Addi Grace and my Dad - She was having so much fun watching Maddux boss around Uncle Brad (my brother)

Here is Maddux playing in my grandparents driveway - Who knew rocks could be so entertaining?????

Week of Halloween Fun....

2009-11-01T17:39:00.001-08:00

I have been terrible with posting this week- It was just such a crazy week - I have a little cold, so I have been trying to get extra rest.....Anyway, Here is what we were up to this week!

Maddux made some "Spooky" and "Boo" Cookies for his class with Mommy in the kitchen - I turned around for a second, and he snatched one off the cooling rack --- He was very proud of his cookies :)

Poor Pirate Pumpkin.....He never stood a chance with a 2 year old around :)

My little "Monkey" was such a good trick or treater!!!! He had so much fun!

My little "ladybug"

Addi Grace didn't like her "ladybug" costume that much - Maybe because it was too small?? Note to self - Never buy baby halloween costume 2 months before halloween unless you are for sure it will fit!!! Ha! She is growing so fast....

99 Cent Facial

2009-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

I heard this on the news and decided to try - I must say it worked!!! Take 10 aspirin and crush - add water to make a paste - scrub on face and leave for 10 minutes - rinse off with warm water - Tada!!! (as Maddux would say) -- My face was glow-ow-ing -- It even looked great this morning after I had my makeup on!!!! Now, go to Target or Wal Mart and get you some good ole' 99 cent aspirin!!!!

Bye Bye Binky

2009-10-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

I remember the day so vividly.....Maddux was only 2 days old, and the nurse in the hospital asked if we cared to give him a pacifier - He took to it immediately - I have all of these pictures of him from 2 days old to just 3 days ago with his beloved "binky" - And not just any binky: his gumdrop pacifiers that can only be purchased online for about $2.50 a piece - Let me tell you, we ordered LOTS of them - too many to count. (I have no idea where those things go, but I'm sure they're scattered in odd little places all over the house) ANYWAY, we really felt like it was time for the binky to go. We had weaned him down to only having them at nap time and night time - He would ask for them on occasion during the day, but he knew the rules. Well, Sunday night we cut small holes in all 4 we could find. We gave Maddux all 4 of them and he was soooo happy. You would have thought he struck gold. He put the first in his mouth, sucked on it, then threw it across the room. Picked up the second one.....same thing. Third one and so on. He wasn't too upset at first, but then it came time to go "nite nite" -- He cried for 1 hour - It was awful! I wanted to give in so bad, but Max was so insistent. Thank goodness, cause if it had been up to me, he would have gotten a "good" binky after about 5 minutes of crying.

Fast forward to Monday nap time at school - We sent the binky to school with Maddux just like always, and we told his teachers what we were doing.....Maddux always comes home with a "daily report" of how his day went. This is what it said:

"Maddux did not want his pacifier - he said it was broke and he threw it down and

went to sleep!"

Well, Max and I were both relieved.....Until Tuesday night - Same thing as Sunday night except this time he only cried for 30 minutes................

Fast forward to the report we got today at school:

"Maddux did not even ask for his pacifier!"

Here is a couple of pics of the kids - Maddux enjoying his french fries at his new desk I painted for him. And one of him holding Addi Grace.

Rainy Monday

2009-10-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is what our kids were up to this evening......

Addi Grace had oatmeal for the first time and LOVED IT!!

Maddux was lounging on the couch looking at this Toy Magazine - He cracks me up!! He points at everything and says, "I want this Momma" -- Sooooo funny!!! Does he look like a big boy or what???? Speaking of big boy, we cut holes in his "binkies" yesterday. But that's a whole 'nother post.......

Addi Grace also kicked back in the chair and watched Dragon Tales with Maddux.... See how she is clinging on to this burp cloth??? Evidently, I did the same thing when I was younger. I called it my "ca" - Short for cloth...... Like mother like daughter?????

Maddux's Fall Festival

2009-10-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

We went to our first "Kids School Function" today! Maddux's school (St. John's Lutheran) had a fall festival this afternoon and it was so much fun! It was mainly the church family in attendance, but there were a couple of Maddux's classmates there. They had tons of food (and most importantly cheetos for Maddux - That's what he is eating in the pictures!) - There were lots of games and a pumpkin painting table - We had so much fun as a family and it was nice getting to meet some new people. And the weather was very nice - a little windy, but as long as it's not raining, it's a good thing!

Here is Maddux eating his cheetos - He was making this silly face too......

Maddux Playing Football - Making his Daddy Proud!

Miss Carmen (her husband is the pastor and she is a teacher at Maddux's school - She is so sweet with Maddux and she just loves Addi Grace!)

Painting our Pumpkin - I can promise you by the time he was done, there was about 3 coats of paint on this pumpkin - I should let Maddux paint more often at home - He sat at this table and was so good and quiet for about 20 minutes until we had to leave - he was so serious about painting that he would not let me touch anything around him - In fact, he started saying, "No Mama - Stop" whenever I would try and help.

Sweet Addi Grace and Max - She really enjoyed being outside and listening to the music. Overall she was pretty good!

STICKS AND STONES

2009-10-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

I found this website that has the neatest idea for a gifts this Christmas Season! Visit http://www.createsticksandstones.com/ and see the beautiful artwork they make for you. This is what we made for our family and if you enter this code: BDEEJC at checkout, you will receive 10% off your order!!!!

ENJOY!!!

Scary Mommy

2009-10-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

So there is this contest on a blog I read at www.scarymommy.com - AND, the winner gets this cool flip video camera - AND, I really want to start posting videos on my blog and I'm pretty sure my good ole Sony Video Camera from the year 2000 isn't compatible to my blog. Ha!

OK Here goes!!

You might be a scary mommy if.......
1. You feed your child goldfish and vanilla wafers for dinner. All because that's what he eats :)
2. You feed yourself goldfish and vanilla wafers for dinner. All because you are too lazy to cook.
3. You send your child to bed wearing last years pajamas that are so tight they look like spandex- all because you didn't do laundry.
4. You let your child SCREAM because you JUST CAN'T TAKE DORA ANYMORE!!!!
5. (My husband's favorite) Child finally quits screaming after you leave to go to store - Then realize your wallet is inside so you have to go back in - yikes!
6. Your child says "Son of a $#!@*" (in context I might add!) and laughs - You leave the room laughing about to pee pants. (For the record - we DO NOT allow this in our home - he has not said it since and I think I finally realize that children repeat everything you say, so I am trying not to say that anymore!)
7. You offer your child markers (and do not care whether they are the washable kind or not) just so you can watch "Real Housewives" re-run!!!!! Ha!!!

5 Second Memories for Toddlers

2009-10-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

OK - We carved the BIG Pumpkin and Maddux was interested for about 5 seconds! I know, I know, that's normal right? We tried everything to get him to watch, but all he wanted to do was run around the yard and chase Sosa the cat. I mean, that's alot more fun right???? Well, here are a couple of pictures of "Pumpkin Carving" which looks like he enjoyed it for 30 minutes. Let me assure you (and Sosa can confirm) that Maddux was only entertained for 5 seconds!

Can you tell they are brother and sister????? Ha!

2009-10-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is Addi Grace a few weeks ago - 4 months old..........

And this is Maddux at 4 months old! Oh! I think they are starting to look more and more alike - Except, I think Addi Grace's hair is going to be brown -- But the eyes are staying blue just like her brothers!

Back to Reality and Loving It!

2009-10-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

So, Max and I went to Branson over the weekend with our friends - (Thanks Mimi for keeping the kids!) We arrived home this morning to two "happy to see us" kids!! We had a great day sweeping the leaves off the deck, folding laundry, grocery shopping and more! And, I even got to finish that old school desk project! Enjoy the pics!!!

Addi Grace sporting her new outfit we got her in Branson.....Pink shoes and all! As soon as I snapped this picture, she somehow got the shoes off.

Yes, that is spit up coming out of her mouth....Sorry! She was just so happy watching Maddux outside :)

My re-finished old school desk - Maddux picked the paint color (blue) and I painted the top in Chalkboard paint!! How cool is that!!! It has to cure overnight, so I will get pics of Maddux using it tomorrow - He LOVES sidewalk chalk, so I figured he would love this.....

Maddux had a blast sweeping the leaves....I love this age!! Something tells me he won't want to be doing much of this when he becomes a teenager ;)

Mini Vacation Without the Kids!!

2009-10-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Max and I got away at the last minute to go to Branson with our good friends Kevin and Christine Graham - Without Kids! I'm excited, but missing the kids already.....I will post pics soon!!!

Milestones and House Shoes

2009-10-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

This is what my darling little girl learned how to do today and I am so proud! She brought her toy to her mouth and was chewing on it! She's been teething for about a month now and has been chewing (and drooling) on my fingers. I don't remember Maddux using his hands like this (or teething) at 4 1/2 months. What I do remember is reading every book and website about what "milestone" babies were supposed to reach at what month. Well, I guess this just goes to show that every baby is different and most Momma's quit reading those books and websites once the second baby comes along!

Maddux got his first pair of "House Shoes" today - He LOVES them... He scooted around the house in them saying "choo choo" -- He only scooted because they are a little big ;) I refuse to call them his Thomas the Tank Engine Shoes, so I think I will re name them his Jimmy Choo Choos... What do you think? Hahahahah

Cleaning With A Toddler

2009-10-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to do a little bit of cleaning each day, instead of trying to do it all in one day. Well, as I've said in previous posts, Maddux is my little helper! Today we mopped the floors, and since I only have one mop, I had to get the swiffer vacuum out. He LOVES that thing. And of course, it has to be turned on. Here is my little helper!

And of course, as soon as we were finished, he hopped on his tricycle and made sure those newly mopped clean floors were broken in!!!!

I also captured this picture of the kids with Max tonight. Maddux was so happy because he got to hold her! Also, Addi Grace got her 4 month old shots today, so I am thankful she was smiling in the picture. She is such a little trooper. So far no fever from the shots! Thank you Lord!!

Also, just wanted to congratulate my Sister In Law, Wendy Dunn for winning Celebrate of Northwest Arkansas' Favorite Photographer!!! Way to go Wendy! She is always been #1 in our book, and we are proud that she is #1 in theirs!! To see her work visit her website at www.wendydunnphotography.com

Pirate Pumpkin

2009-10-12T17:38:00.001-07:00

I bought this decoration kit for pumpkins at Target today - A pirate!!

This is what we made: Arrrrrrrrrrr...................

Maddux was even talking to the pumpkin! Ahoy Matey!!!!

Until I told him that his french fries were ready! Shiver Me Timbers! Me French Fries arrrrrr ready!!!

Sunday Fun In The Kitchen

2009-10-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend was soooo fun. My Mom (aka Mimi) came in to town and spent the weekend with us. Here is a pic of her and Addi Grace and another with her and Maddux..... We also went to the Pumpkin Patch, AGAIN, to get a big pumpkin to carve. I think Maddux would live at the Pumpkin Patch if we let him. We only stayed a little bit because it was so cold. Maddux was not a happy camper when left. Lets just say it was a fun drive home.

Maddux and I had a little fun in the kitchen this evening. We baked cookies!! He is becoming quite the "Mommy's helper" around the house. He loves to put the clothes from the washer into the dryer. He can put the dawn dish washing pack in the dishwasher and push start. (he finally quit wanting to crawl in the dishwasher! yay!) He LOVES to help feed Addi Grace. He is very good at picking up his toys if we swing the "clean up" song. He takes things to the trash can for us. And, he even is getting very good at saying please, thank you and you're welcome. To my future daughter in law. YOU ARE WELCOME! HA!!! Anyway, I haven't really done any baking with him until today...... Here are some pics from this experience! It was awesome!

Show Us Your Life - Tailgating

2009-10-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

I read http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ a lot - She does a blog series called "Show Us Your Life" where people get to post about a certain topic. Well, this weeks blog is about "tailgating" - As most of you who read this know I work for the University of Arkansas Athletic Department. Soooo, our family LOVES THE HOGS!!!! Today, we played Auburn in Football. Is was an 11:00 am game, so Max went to the game by himself (sorry honey - It was just too cold!) Anyway, we always tailgate with our friends the Tennant's at their family's house on campus - "1028" as everyone calls it. They park cars in their back yard and our "group" hangs out there before and after the games. It's SO MUCH FUN! I LOVE OUR FRIENDS!!! Everyone has kids about the same ages, so it's so much fun to get together and hang out. We usually decide on the menu the week of the game and today's theme was "nachos" - It was yummy!! Here is a couple of pics of Maddux and Addi Grace. Every year we get "Mad Dog" printed on the back of his Razorback Football Jersey - The other pic is of him acting silly (which he did lots of that today!) He was such a good boy today. He didn't get in trouble one time! I'm thinking it's because I kept giving him cookies ;)

Here are the guys hangin out by the food of course....From the left Kyle Watson, Marty Sutton, Max, Jimmy Carey, and Justin Tennant. I have no idea where Billy Waite was during this picture...Sorry Billy!

Here is me and the girls (Leslee wasn't there - I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER SOON! We missed you and Marisa!) Katie Tennant is to my right. Her and her husband have 2 kiddos: Jackson and Campbell - Jackson is the most hilarious little 5 year old boy that you will ever meet! He has this thing about asking people for their drivers license or Sam's Club Card - Katie told us he's going to be a police officer for Halloween this year. So fitting!! Campbell is their daughter. She is 9 months younger than Maddux and is so cute. Campbell and Maddux played together today and it was so cute to watch. Note to the Tennant's: I think Maddux is pretty fond of Campbell. He kept talking about her after we left. awe! Lara Waite is to my left. Her and her husband, Billy, have sweet little Finley. She wasn't with them today and we missed her dearly! She is ADORABLE! Another dear friend of mine, Leslee Sutton had to send Marty solo today. Leslee is a little under the weather. They have a GORGEOUS baby girl, Marisa, who is 1 month older than Addi Grace. Hope you feel better soon Leslee! Maddux missed your cupcakes!

THANKS TO THE TENNANT'S (FORREST, VANNY, KATIE, JUSTIN) for letting us hang out. We have a great time!

Great Find For The Kids

2009-10-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I found a great old school desk today for only $15 !! I don't know how old it is, but it's in perfect condition. I plan on re-painting it and I have an idea of what I want to do to it, but you'll have to wait till I finish it before the reveal. Based on the current cool weather, I will have to wait till it warms up a bit (and free time which is rare) - Hopefully I will get to it soon. I thought it would be a great place for Maddux to sit and eat his snacks or maybe color a picture. He currently uses our coffee table for both and I'm tired of constantly wiping that thing down! Here is a picture of what it looks like now.

We had a great night with the kids - I spent a lot of time in Addi Grace's room cleaning out drawers, and sorting through clothes that she has outgrown. I can't believe how many clothes I put away. That girl is growing like a weed! She is wearing mostly 6 months and even some of those things are starting to get "snug" -- Anyway, here is a pic of Addi Grace in her room and one of Maddux tonight before bedtime. He was sooooo tired, hence the binky and hand in his hair. He's always had a thing for playing with hair when he gets tired. I can remember before he was walking that he ALWAYS had ahold of my hair. He still will play with mine sometimes if we are cuddling. I just love it.

Can't wait for tomorrow's Hog game vs. Auburn. We are the underdog, so I'm hoping that we can pull it off. We are tailgating with some friends after the game tomorrow, so I hope to get lots of pictures of our friends and post them tomorrow.

GO HOGS!

Dear Maddux and Addi Grace: Please stay this age Forever!!!!!

2009-10-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight was such a fun quiet night (until the Tornado Warnings) Maddux has recently started dragging his blanket around which is funny because he's never been attached to anything but his "binky". Anyway, I found this cute t-shirt at Target that has the body of Linus from Peanuts printed on the front. I thought it would be cute on Maddux since he has blonde curly hair. Little did I know that he would eventually start carrying a blanket around like Linus too!!

It has really hit me lately that I have TWO kids. Sometimes I can't believe it. Maddux and Addi Grace are growing so fast and I wish they could be this age forever. But on the other hand, every day just gets more and more fun, so I look forward to them getting older as well. Maddux is such a good big brother. He is very interested in helping me with things for Addi Grace. And of course, she just lights up anytime he is around. Well, tonight we were back in Addi Grace's room and Maddux wanted to get in the crib. He just sat there and played with the mirrored toy that hangs on the railing. He asked me to put Addi Grace in there with him. SO, I did! Here they are. (I tried to get him to get closer to her for a sweeter picture, but by the time he finally did, she was having a meltdown)

Maddux's school is raising money right now to re-paint the classrooms. They are having a penny race and he was talking about it tonight. He got all excited when I asked him if he was saying "penny race" - I got a ziploc bag out and we went around the house looking for spare change to put in his bag. We even went over to our neighbors house to see if they wanted to donate some "pennies" - He had so much fun adding change to his little bag. He also toted it around in his "trunk" (along with his juice and goldfish pretzels) - So cute!!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-10-07T20:57:00.001-07:00

(For the record - Maddux is not "strangling" Sosa our cat, he's trying to give him a "hug" - Sosa was a good sport about it!)

Quick and Easy Recipes

2009-10-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sure my family will laugh when they read this. I can hear yall now - "You mean Kelly cooks?" Well, I try. Max enjoys it when I do, and to be honest, I do too. Here are some of my current things I make:

Mexican Chicken Casserole

INGREDIENTS:3-4 chicken breasts, boiled and cut into bite size pieces,1 can cream of mushroom soup,1 can cream of chicken soup,1 can rotel,1-2 cups cheddar cheese,Package of corn tortillas (small)Tear the tortillas into small pieces and line the bottom of a pan. Mix together the soups, rotel and chicken and pour on top. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Seriously - it's that easy! I got this recipe from Kelly at http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/ - Max told me to put this in the rotation! It's really yummy....

Bon Bons

(WARNING - THESE ARE EVIL!!!!!! HA!)

Ingredients: 1 package of Peanut Butter Oreos, 1 bar of Philly Cream Cheese, and Chocolate Almond Bark. Crush the oreos and mix in with the bar of cream cheese. Melt your almond bark (I melt it slowly in the microwave to make sure it doesn't burn) - Form small round balls with your cookie mixture and cover them completely in the chocolate. Lay out to harden on wax paper. I got this recipe from my friend Melissa Butler. I swear these things will be the hit of the party (if you don't eat them all beforehand! ha!)

I promise to have pics of the kids tomorrow night - I helped out with Razorback Diamond Doll Interviews all night and got home after the kids were in bed. Max had a PERFECT night with the kids. They were so good for him and Maddux actually fell asleep by himself tonight!! Yay! He also got a haircut today, so be prepared for some shorter hair in pics(not too short though - We love his curls too much)

Krazy Coupon Lady

2009-10-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a KRAZY day. I am just now sitting down to a quiet house and it's almost 10pm. At about 9pm, the batteries in the swing went out, and Addi Grace loves to fall asleep in that thing. Sooooo, I made a late night trip to Walgreens to pick up battteries. I have gotten into a good routine of clipping coupons and I remembered I had one for a buy 1 get 1 free for batteries at Walgreens. I've always made attempts at clipping the coupons, but it seems like they get stuffed in a drawer and the next time I look at them, they are expired. Well, one of my favorite new websites is: http://thekrazycouponlady.com/ She does all the work for you! It's amazing how much money you can save if you follow her directions. It takes a while to start learning her lingo, but once you get the hang of it, it's kind of fun! Everytime I go to the store I use coupons now. I LOVE telling Max how much I save!! Sorry no pics tonight - I didn't have time :(

Yummy in my Tummy

2009-10-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

I fed Addi Grace for the first time in the high chair today. She's been getting rice in her bottle for about a month now, but I decided to try feeding her with a spoon today. She did great! She sat there like a big girl and even let me put a bow on her head! Maddux kept asking for some too, but he never actually let me put it in his mouth. I think he learned his lesson after I offered him her bottle one day! Ha!

I found Maddux behind us sitting in his booster seat - He pulled it out of the dining chair and fastened the tray! So cute....

Pumpkin Patches Rock!!

2009-10-03T19:43:00.001-07:00

My Dad and Stepmom came into visit today and we took the kids to the "Pumpkin Patch" down the street at a local Church - They sell pumpkins to make money for their youth program. We took Maddux last year, but this year was sooooo much more fun! Except for the fact that Addi Grace had an accident in her diaper and it leaked all over my dad's shirt (sorry Poppa!) and Maddux had a melt down in the parking because we were leaving! They had cute little wagons you could pull around and load up your pumpkins. Maddux was putting as many as he could in the wagon, and when he wasn't looking, I would take them out (All Mom's do this right?) ANYWAY, here are some pics from our adventure today! Enjoy!!

Things are not always as they appear.....

2009-10-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Maddux has been fascinated with the Ice Cream Truck that has been coming through the neighborhood this summer. We even let him pick out his own ice cream (naturally he picked the messiest one and with the colors that stain his clothes) - He is always pointing out ice cream cones and objects that look like the Ice Cream Truck. Well, today he came up to Max with one of his Alphabet Flash Cards. In particular, the "I" flash card. He kept saying "Ice Cream Truck! Ice Cream Truck!" This is what Max saw:

Max said, "No son, that's an Iron - Say Iron" Maddux said Iron and then proceeded to say"Ice Cream Truck, Ice Cream Truck!" Max was puzzled and couldn't figure out why he thought this was an ice cream truck. Maddux then got preoccupied with the TV, and threw the card on the ground. This is what Max saw:

Wii Love To Play

2009-10-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Maddux has been "making" Max and I play Wii -- My favorite is the Wii Bowling and Tennis -- When he was a infant, he would just sit in his bouncy and watch us play for hours. (We literally played for hours back then - I know, we are dorks, right???? )He brings us the Wii remotes and says "play momma" - recently, he has started wanting to hold his own remote and he tries to mimic what we do. He thinks he is playing and it's hilarious! Well, now he has discovered the Wii Fit -- He keeps bringing me the case for it and I finally got it out... Here is our little man playing --
As for Addi Grace, she had her 4 Month Well Check Today with Dr.Gordon -- She didn't get her shots though...She is still running a low grade fever and they want her to be fever free for a couple of days before she gets them.... Our little chunk weighed in at a whopping 15pounds 6 oz! She is in the 90 % in weight for her age and she shot up on the charts on height - She's now in the 80% !!!! Wow!!! Can we say big baby or what??? She was in a GREAT mood at the Doctors office. I think she was trying to win over the nurses and Dr. Gordon so they wouldn't give her the shots! Well Miss Addi Grace, It worked for now but I'm afraid the shots are inevitable..... Here are some pics of her hamming it up tonight before bedtime!

Clap Up High...Clap Down Low

2009-09-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

We've been taking Maddux to Gymnastics (Or m-nastics as he calls it) - He LOVES it! His favorite part is the Beam and the Block Pit -- He also loves circle time. They play a cute little song where they sing "Clap up High! Now, Clap down Low" We sang the song today while we were playing outside w/ sidewalk chalk. I got some pics and it was so cute! !

We go tomorrow for Addi Grace's 4 month check up -- If she's still running a low grade fever, we will have to hold off on her shots. We kept her inside this evening so the only pic I have is her in her swing today. She has really started using her hands alot. I caught her staring and moving them like she had never seen them before-- It's amazing how different she is than Maddux was as a baby. Maddux was so happy and easy going. She's a happy baby now (after we got her colic and acid reflux under control) but she is definitely HIGH MAINTENANCE! I wonder if that's because she's a girl?????????????

Tooties and Booties

2009-09-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I had to take both of the kids to the Dr. --(They are both fine - just good ole ear infections and colds!) ANYWAY, Addi Grace and I were in the waiting room Saturday night. It was a very small waiting room that happened to be packed with sick people. There was a cute little frat boy sitting next to us and I asked him politely what he thought was wrong with him. If he dared to say "flu" - I would have high tailed it out of there. He politely said, "Oh - I'm not sick, I brought my friend here" - I said ok and began to make conversation. In the meantime, Addi Grace was very much ready to get out of her car seat. I set her on my lap, and she started cooing and smiling at this cute frat boy. The guy laughed but wasn't very sure what to do. Well, low and behold, my darling, adorable, sweet baby girl decides to let out some "tooties" -- And they were kind of loud..... I was panicked that the cute frat boy would think it was me with the "tooties" -- So, I said outloud "Excuse you Miss Addi Grace!!" - The guy just laughed... I was soooo embarrassed!!!!!!!!

I finally found Addi Grace a cute pair of winter shoes. I have kind of been disappoined in the shoe selection for baby girls. I always found cute boy shoes for Maddux when he was an infant. And isn't it supposed to be easier to find cute baby stuff for girls?????? Ugh....

I heart Fall !!!!

2009-09-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally cooling off up here in Northwest Arkansas. It was a GORGEOUS day so we spent some time outside this evening. Maddux LOVES being outside. I think he would live out there if we let him. We played around in the yard and "hunted" for acorns...... You would think he found gold by the way he screams "acon"!!

BTW - This is my first post -- I hope you all come back often. My goal is to post everyday!!!!