We are Blessed

Days on the Soccer Field

2011-11-08T20:22:00.000-05:00

We have been spending lots of time on the soccer field this fall! Ryan is coaching Emma Grace's team at the YMCA. It's lots of fun and Ryan is a natural when it comes to having fun and coaching:)

Is Summer really over?

2011-08-16T09:02:00.009-04:00

I don't post often, but I know one I will want to account for all those "busy years". Here is to the Summer ending and a new school year beginning!

Really, where did the Summer go? I can't believe next week my kids start back to school. Kiley will be going to Sun Valley and will be a rising 4th grader, Emma Grace will be going to Queens Grant and will a raising 1st grader, and my not.so.little.guy will be going to CLCC (my mom's pre-school), he will be in the half-day, 3 day 3's....not sure how I feel about all my kiddies growing up:/

I will have Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, to myself........that hasn't happened since Emma Grace was in preschool. I have my whole agenda planned out. I am hoping to hit up the gym at least 3 days a week. I feel soo much better when I am on a regular work out routine. I have found the cycling classes are just what I need and love. I can rest my bad hip and back (geezz, I am getting old) and still burn lots of calories while doing cardio. I have pretty strong legs and can actually "out bike" my extremely fit husband:) On Tuesdays and Thursday, I plan on getting the laundry and house kept up (really, both of these take daily up keep), and errands ran, plus I am planning to volunteer at the girl's schools. The evenings are going to be crazy, between, church, Kiley's cheer and Emma Grace's soccer, I will be glad for the Fall to come to an end, just in time for Holidays!

Saving Money Grocery Store

2011-07-19T09:30:00.003-04:00

So many people ask me how I save so much at the grocery store buying healthy food. Well, I do a lot of preparing. I usually shop at Wal-mart, Harris Teeter, Aldis and Trader Joes.

Meat:
I try to get most of our fresh meats at Harris Teeter, the quality and fresh cuts they offer are so much better (in my opinion) than the prepacked, frozen stuff at other stores. The only meat I do buy at Wal-mart is the organic ground turkey. I like to buy organic meat, which can get expensive, so I have found that buying the chicken thighs vs. breast saves a ton. I also do a lot with the ground organic turkey. We do not eat much red meat, my husband doesn't like it and I am a border line vegetarian. I also like going to Trader Joes to get meat. I have join a local farmers meet, all the meat is from local farmers but I have yet to use it. Our freezer died in the garage and we lack space.

Fruits/Veggies:
I try to buy organic but it can get very costly. I try to hit up the local fruit stands and farmer's markets during this time of year. I buy lots of fruit/veggies from Aldis. They do not carry organic so I try to get fruit and veggies that you can peel the skin off, ex. apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, potatoes, etc. I love Trader Joes, they are just a hike from my house but they offer very affordable produce that is organic. I do watch out though because throughout the store there are many things that are the TJ brand and are not at all organic.

Dairy:
I try hard to buy organic milk, it's just very costly and we go through about 3 gallons a week. If I don't get organic I always get the kind that doesn't treat their cows with antibiotics, etc. Cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, etc. I usually get at Wal-mart and Harris Teeter. Harris Teeter has lots of good deals on cheese and I stock up, when they do. I always buy organic yogurts. My kids consume way too much not to and they carry it everywhere, usually on sale plus the coupon match-ups. Eggs I buy organic, again you can find them everywhere, plus coupon match-ups.

Cereal/Breakfast:
This is my biggest down fall. Because I don't buy much junk food, my kids and husband always go crazy on the cereal row. I try to persuade them to get the less colorful crap filled and get the boring kind with lots of fiber and vitamins but that colorful crap usually wins. We do eat lots of oatmeal and grits (super cheap). I always make and never buy pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. So much cheaper and healthier.

Snacks:
Like I said before, my kids LOVE fruit, so they snack on that a lot. I make tons of smoothies. I freeze a few of each fruit I have and then use almond milk and ta-da, a healthy milkshake. Cheese cubes, cheese sticks, fruit and veggies, fruit cups, fruit leather, organic fruit snacks, dried fruit, trail mix, popcorn, granola bars, etc. I find that the that is definitely where I save money. The boxed and bagged stuff is expensive and really full of crap. I make my own version or buy the organic version or we just skip out on it.

Drinks;
Milk, juice, water...that's what my kids can choose from. I always buy the no sugar added juices. I drink water and Ryan loves sweet tea, which is super cheap and so easy to make.

For my coupons, I simply get my weekly emails for the local stores and do match-ups. I don't buy stuff I will never use. I rarely pay for soap, tooth paste, tooth brushes, shaving cream, shampoos and conditioners or cleaning products.

I save a lot and it's pretty easy. I spend about $400.00 a month which includes my husband taking his lunch everyday to work and us eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in. We eat out about once a week. We allow out dining out budget to be $40.00 a week. I plan my meals around what I already have and what's on sale at the store. I cook A LOT.

Meals July 17-24

2011-07-19T09:17:00.004-04:00

I am trying to cook as much as possible at home, it's healthier and much more affordable:) This helps me keep track of successful meals I have made, along with ideas for weeks to come.

Sunday: stuffed biscuits with hamburger and cheese, mac-n-cheese, steamed mixed veggies and fresh tomato slices and cucumbers
Monday: Chinese, my homemade version, steamed Chinese veggies, brown rice, egg rolls and Chinese pasta
Tuesday: Crockpot chicken Parmesan, pasta, Caesar salad and garlic bread
Wednesday: Chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice
Thursday: Turkey lasagna, house salad
Friday: Dinner Out:)
Saturday: Chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and scrammed eggs
Sunday: Turkey Loin, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob

Weekly Meals

2011-07-06T14:30:00.002-04:00

Monday- Forth of July, bringing mac-n-cheese and deviled eggs to bring to family get-together
Tuesday- Angle Hair Pasta with ovoo and Parmesan cheese, cooked carrots, seasoned chicken and garlic bread
Wednesday-Pizza Biscuit Pockets with Salad
Thursday- Homemade Chinese, chicken, steamed veggies, brown rice and egg rolls.
Friday- Dinner Out
Saturday- French Toast Bake, eggs and bacon
Sunday- Tacos and rice

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T09:01:00.003-04:00

Well, I did get as many pictures as I wish I had, but at least I got these:) We had such a wonderful day with all my family, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents. I feel so blessed to have such a big family!

10 Years!

2011-04-30T21:25:00.002-04:00

Has it really been 10 years of marriage? I love you Ryan and I am so glad we got to get away for a week and celebrate this thing we have! You are an amazing husband and father. I really lucked out:)

Updated...downloads from phone

2010-12-28T10:03:00.008-05:00

Happy Halloween
My cool man

Kiley getting ready to get her ear's pierced, finally....this has to be at least the 5th attempt

And he went through with it

Lathan's new big boy bike

Kiley and her friend, Dana Cheer

Updated..August- December

2010-12-28T09:19:00.011-05:00

Emma Grace broke her arm at school, this is her showing off her green cast, with LOTS of signatures:) She had to wear it for 4 weeks September-October.

Kiley did cheer this year and feel in love with the sport. This is her team competing at Cheersport, in October.

This was Sun Valley's Homecoming Game, for the middle school. Kiley was escorted by her Daddy.

More of the homecoming...

Emma Grace turned 6! She had a big party at her most favorite place, Kate's Skates!

Blowing out candles!

Lots of friends.

Cheer season was May-October, so Kiley had lots of practices and lots of games.

Sunny, our CRAZY dog, we got her in July, for Lathan's Birthday!

I took a long blog break, but realised I really want to keep this blog updated for my kids to refer back to one day. I think it will be really neat for all of us to go back and look at what happened, during the crazy, busy, yet memorable and fun times....so this is me playing catch up:)

Emma Grace's First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-19T21:48:00.003-04:00

Wow, how can my baby girl be going to school.....really, when did she grow up? Well, let me be honest, I have been praying and praying and praying, that she would be ready, that I would be ready and there would be no tears and guess what "we" were ready and Emma Grace had not one tear! She seemed to really love school. A few weeks ago she was having many "moments" about going to kindergarten and I just couldn't imagine her being okay on the first day. I turned all my worry and all her worry over to God and he took care of it, isn't that neat, how God works;)

HaPpY 2nd BiRtHdAy Lathan!

2010-07-14T22:54:00.009-04:00

Newborn

1st B-day

2nd B-day

Happy Birthday to my Little Man!!! How can it be that you are already 2 years old!?!?!

Lathan, you are just an amazing little guy. You are so smart, you know how to say your ABC's, how to count to 20, a few of your colors, how old you are, all the animal sounds and body parts, you know when you need a diaper change (now just know when you gotta go), and the way you scream, I wove you tooooo, oh my heart melts.... you love to sing, color, play any and ALL sports. You LOVE being outside and more than that you love the pool! You are trying to swim but haven't gotten the breathing part down (kinda essential), you are a little fish, that gives mommy a near heart attack! You are ALL boy! You love your whole family and I can't say you are, either a Mommy's boy or Daddy's boy, because you are both...you play us like cards! Your sister can annoy you because they always try to be your mommy and treat you like your their baby....you get SOOO mad! You play them too though.

Oh, my little man, how you have made our family so complete! I just love you and all you have become I remember the first time I held your little body and I just cried with pure joy. I would give you the world if I could. Please stop growing so fast!

July 4th

2010-07-06T21:34:00.005-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Lots of FuN, with great, family and friends. Lots of pictures in particular orders. The kids had a BLAST and so did the adults!

It's been a while

2010-06-21T20:40:00.006-04:00

But today seemed like the perfect day to blog...
Today my baby girl came home from a LONG (for me, not her) day at Girl Scout Camp. She came home all excited about the "witches hat", "witches broom" and secret other trick she had learned, all with a piece of yarn. For the first time, in which I could remember, she was teaching me something...I didn't know how to do any of these neat tricks and I was sorta sad, it really hit me, Kiley's growing up.....I guess this is hard for me because she was my first born, and a lot of my mistakes, I made with her. She is a reflection of the mother I am and so often I doubt myself with her. Kiley and I are so much alike, we often butt heads. I have been praying a lot about this and I could feel God's presence as he showed me what I needed to see. I saw how innocent this sweet, loving, girl is. I saw how she loved showing me something and how she loved all the questions I had for her. And then I though, I only get a few moments in time to protect her, to guide her, to fully influence her and soon she will be gone, she will always be my child but she will not always be a child. I will savor every moment I have with this girl, before I know it she will gone. I pray that I will mold her into a wonderful, loving adult, that turns to God in all the tough times and then again turns to God in all the good times, to praise him. Kiley, you are one amazing girl and such a wonderful gift from God. I love you more than you will ever know!
An dnow that I got that off my heart.....
I will start from the beginning in the middle, we have been, oh, so, busy!!! We have had VBS, swim team, cheer, Girl Scout Camp, since the girls have been out of school. Next week we will only have swim and cheer, which will be WONDERFUL!!!

The kids and I have been sick off and on, since the last week of school. I think what happens is I take one of the kids to the doctor's office and while we are there we pick up some other crazy, yucky, germ and in a few days one of my other children are sick or me for that matter. We are finally feeling better this week and I am very grateful.

Other news, Emma Grace got into Queen's Grant Charter School, I am so excited and so is she! What a wonderful blessing. Kiley will stay at Sun Valley and will be put on the sibling list and it's almost guaranteed that Lathan will get a spot.

That's about it for now, I know I have tons I could blog about but this is all I have time for tonight. I will be back....not promising much, Lathan's B-day is in a few weeks, so I will be back for that, at least I hope!

Emma Grace gets a new do

2010-05-09T20:48:00.003-04:00

We cut it....lots of it...her idea completely and I absolutely LOVE it! Emma

Grace is really growing up, she knows what she likes and what she doesn't (hair itching her neck) and this is what she likes. I think she looks like such a big girl now....well, she kinda is, i can't believe she will be 6 in a few months! I love this girl!

9 Years Ago Today....

2010-04-20T13:36:00.005-04:00

All I can say is God blessed me! I sure have an amazing husband. He would do ANYTHING to make me happy. Of course we have had our ups and downs but putting God first has made our marriage what it is today. I am more in love with him today than ever. He has provided me with more than I have prayed for. Happy Anniversary Ryan, 9 years of a wonderful thing!

My grandparents have this poem, below, on their wall. I could read it over and over. Ryan and I have always looked up to them and the beautiful marriage they have.

Marriage Takes Three

I once thought marriage took just two to make ago, But now I am convinced it takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails, Where Christ is asked to enter, As lovers come together with Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives, And homes are incomplete, Till he is welcomed there, To help avoid defeat.

In homes where Christ is first, It's obvious to see, Those unions really work, For marriage still takes three. - Unknown Author

Kiley's First Holy Commnunion Pictures

2010-04-14T20:56:00.003-04:00

The School Rock

2010-04-10T21:21:00.006-04:00

I had to sign up to get a "side" of the rock at Kiley's school.....didn't realise it was something you had to sign up for, until I overheard a conversation in the office at Kiley's school. I don't think I am the one who didn't know because when we went to paint, someone had a painted a complete moral on the whole rock and I don't think they were done either (no name just an age)....hummm, they are gonna be pretty upset I painted over their multicolored masterpiece, they might just paint over Kiley's, at least I got a picture! Anyways, Kiley was SUPER excited to have her name and Birthday on the rock. She wanted me to write a paragraph about her (her full name, age, B-day, what class she was in, etc.), I told her space was very limited, so I would fit what I could. Tada!

Happy 8th B-day Kiley Ann!

2010-04-10T20:58:00.008-04:00

Getting ready to eat (Ryan took the pictures, not to sure what this is)
Grandmom and Kate

Aunt Kell (my sis)

Lathan

The guys, Brian (Kiley's God Father/ Ryan's Best Friend) Ryan, Lathan and Ryan's Dad/Paw-Paw

Emma Grace (she got that headband on Monday with her Easter ca$h and hasn't taken it off, she even sleeps in it)

Shay, Kiley and Tori

Kiley and Tori

We celebrated Kiley's Birthday with a party at her favorite places, Kate's Skates! She invited the girls from her Girl Scout troop and her cousins...she would have invited hundreds of kids, but Mommy had to put a limit on it! She had SO much fun, as did all the other girls. We then went out to eat dinner at Azteca (a Mexican restaurant that goes all out for B-days), Kiley's choice, of course my battery died at Kate's Skates, so I didn't get may pictures:( What a great day we all had as we spent time with family and friends!

So my Kiley Ann is 8, ummm when did this happen, I mean the time just flys by! We love you so much and are so lucky to call you our daughter. We hope your Birthday was a day you will never forget. Happy Birthday, my big girl!

An Amazing Easter Gift

2010-04-08T22:59:00.008-04:00

Ryan entered into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. I am so overwhelmed with happiness and joy. I have the faith I longed for, for so many years. I am very fulfilled with my relationship with our God and my husband. Wow, I have never had such peace, it's an amazing feeling.

I was raised Catholic, as were my mom, grandparents, etc. I really didn't realise what a wonderful gift I had received. I went to church, at my convenience, for many years, when I was in college and even after me and Ryan got married. Ryan was raised Southern Baptist and he wasn't too interested in converting to Catechism, he was happy with his faith. I remember our family trying many different churches for a while there, trying to find the right church but nothing ever fit.

Fast forward to about 2 years ago.....we were really struggling, for the first time in our life, faith was all we had. We needed a reality check. Ryan was working A LOT, the kids would go days without "Daddy time", I was stressed, overwhelmed and pretty sad....I prayed, A LOT, as did Ryan. God answered our prayers....in ways that scared the heck outta us but it was a good, much needed scare. We had to make BIG decisons and we did, with God on our side. We started putting God first, just the way it should be. We started going to church every Sunday, we felt "at home" at a Catholic church, close by. Ryan was called by God to join "RCIA", Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and started a long wonderful, amazing journey. Every Sunday, for the past nine months, Ryan would have class on Sundays, for 1 1/2 hours, along with weekend retreats and workshops. It was hard at times, I was kinda on my own with 3 kids at church. Along with Ryan's work schedule, and many other issues, but this made it so much more meaningful. We had to work for this. I can't begin to tell you what this has done for our marriage, our family. We have had some hard these past few months and God new we would. He also new we would have "RCIA", we would have faith, we would have him and we would turn to him. God amazes me! I never once asked Ryan to become Catholic, but I did pray to God, for our family to have a wonderful, close, fulfilling relationship with him and he granted us this X's 10! What an amazing Easter, one that our family will never forget. God is Good!

Matthews 5:16: Let the light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.

Cleaning

2010-03-26T21:51:00.008-04:00

Kelly's Korner, Show Us Your Life: Cleaning Tips

I love clean......clean, house, car, kids, laundry,me! Really though, I love any and everything clean. I have a small cleaning business, which works great for me and my family. I can increase or decrease business when needed. Right now, I just clean 1 day a week!

So, I am going to share with you my favorite cleaning products....actually, I can't live without these items!

Tilex

I use this when I have to clean a tub or shower that has been neglected. Spray and it does a lot of the work for you, when dealing with mildew or mold!

Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ummmm, I don't know how to clean a toilet without this!

Bar Keepers Friend

Best kept secret, multipurpose cleaner! I just adore Bar Keepers Friend. It works magic!!!

Holloway House Floor Cleaner

This is my favorite floor cleaner EVER! You can use on ANY floor, even wood! The scent is wonderful!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

If you have kids, you have these!

409

I use this on all my counter tops!

Lysol All Purpose 4 in 1 Cleaner

I fill my sinks with this and really, hot water and the aroma makes me wanna clean, clean, clean. Great for EVERYTHING, love to use it on the floors too!

Soft Scrub

Great for hard to clean, sinks and tubs. I was raised on Softscrub and can't clean without it!

Lysol Wipes
Lysol Wipes are my best friend! I use these all day long in the kitchen and bath.

Windex All Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar
LOVE this, works on everything, even glass top stoves!

And last but not least....MY DYSON! I love him with all my heart and couldn't live withouthim....ever!

I clean as I go ALL day. I start in the am, by emptying my dishwasher if needed. I NEVER have dirty dishes in the sink because it almost makes it okay for my other family members (husband) to pile more in.
I make breakfast, clean it up and head upstairs. I make all the beds and bring down the laundry. I start a load of laundry and usually turn the dryer back on to get the wrinkles out of the clothes that have sat in the dryer.
I then go about my day, always picking up this and that and with a toddler, there is A LOT of this and that.
I try to always leave, with my house clean. In the evenings lots of mess happens....homework, sprawled all over the table, papers from school, lunch boxes & book bags, dropped where ever, dinner, baths, dirty clothes......and on and on. After I lay the kids down I spend at least 30 minutes getting this back in order.
I always go to bed with a clean house, it helps to wake up to clean instead of mess.
I love organization, I crave it! I am a much happier mommy and wife if I can stay organized. I know having kids makes it harder and I know one day I will have a clean "empty" house, I try very hard to remember this.

Spring Fever Tempure Tantrum

2010-03-15T22:42:00.003-04:00

This is what happens now when anyone goes outside and Lathan doesn't get to go....guess he's gotten a taste of Spring and he wants more....I kinda feel like doing the same thing, this Spring like weather better stay!

Tacky Day

2010-03-15T22:35:00.002-04:00

Tacky Day! I had to include this because Kiley was SO excited to be able dress tacky, she loves to participate in all the spirit days, so cute! I just love this free spirited girl of mine:)

Kiley & Ryan's Father Daughter Dance- 50's Style!

2010-03-14T09:19:00.004-04:00

What a sweet night Ryan and Kiley got to share. Girl Scouts had their annual Sock Hop Dance and Kiley got to take her Daddy! Kiley has ALWAYS been a Daddy's girl, so this was an extra special treat for them both. Kiley was so excited to tell me about the slow dances they shared. I know this was one special date they will both cherish forever!

Getting Crafty

2010-03-07T09:57:00.006-05:00

I am so ready for spring! I LOVE this time of year, I think even more so this year because of the everlasting winter we have had! Just a few days ago we had snow and ice and today it's supposed to be in the 60's, Spring is in the air....I hope it last!

This year we are having our family over for Easter and to celebrate Ryan coming into the Catholic Church, a long but very rewarding process! 35+ people should be here and I am so excited to entertain. I just loving planning parties! I am trying to make lots of the decor, it saves big time. I made this wreath last night. I love making wreaths, I have made quite a few as gifts. I had everything to make it except the ribbon and the actual bare wreath, and only had to spare 2 bucks for them! I am quite happy with my $2.00 wreath, what do you think?

popcorn please.....

2010-02-22T17:29:00.005-05:00

This is what happend when you leave a toddler and a bag of popcorn alone for say, ummmm......1 minute!!!

Spring...it that you?

2010-02-22T16:45:00.012-05:00

What a wonderful weekend, I just love the "taste" of what's to come....SPRING TIME! My kids crave the outdoors, as do Ryan and I. We love working in the yard, love to plant, prune and garden. We are all counting down to warm days......not really knowing when the countdown will end. It has stay warm outside sometime, right?!

These boots are made for walking

2010-02-22T16:40:00.004-05:00

My son has an obsession with shoes.....these are quite classy, don't ya think?!

V-day

2010-02-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

My 3 little Valentines!

Under Construction

2010-02-14T23:08:00.003-05:00

Well, since I am a Graphic and Web Designer I am using my "free time", ha, to do some of my own art on my blog. This may be a slow process, but I guess we all will see!

2010-02-13T22:31:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this kinda snow........lots of soft, fluffy, white stuff in the morning and gone by the afternoon! This is Lathan's first "real" snow! Emma Grace is still recovering from her tonsils and adenoids being removed a few days ago, so her time outdoors was short and sweet. What a wonderful snow day!

18 Months Old

2010-02-06T11:12:00.004-05:00

Lathan turned 18 months on the 14th of January. He had his check-up last week....

27 1/2 lbs 75%

34 inches long 95%

51 cm head....off the charts, thanks to daddy

He got lots of shots (so did Emma Grace, getting ready for kindergarten....it was lots of fun....hence the sarcasm). He checked out very well!

Lathan, what a big boy you are! You are such a climber, if you can get on top of it, you will. You love balls, you love to kick them.....well you love to kick anything and for that matter throw anything. I don't remember the girls ever doing this....guess it's a boy thing. You love to play outside, color, run, scream, dance, play with cars, put on every ones shoes, Elmo, Barney, play with your sisters, wrestle with daddy, cuddle with mommy, read books.....you will do this for hours.You still take a 2 hour nap and sleep about 12-14 hours a night.

You are a VERY picky eater, only eating fruit, yogurt, cereal and hot dogs....but some days you refuse even those few items.

You can say lots of words, mama, Dada, graaaama, Daisy (our cat), doggie, kitty, cow, ouh-ohhh, owwwchhh, ease (please), ank ou (thank you), open, more...and others. You love to sing your ABC's, Barney theme song and even hum along with several songs on the radio.

You are a very good dancer....you must get your rhythm from your daddy, if we put Bob Marley on, you just break it down!

You are just perfect Lathan Thomas and I couldn't imagine life without you. Can't believe how fast you are growing. We love you!

Lucky Girl

2010-02-05T09:15:00.004-05:00

This is what I walked into last night after class.....

candles, a bottle of wine, a card, some RED nail polish (Ryan new I needed some new, he remembers funny things like that) and a Red Box movie.

I was so SHOCKED because I new we were gonna have "date night" at home, but I thought , a movie and maybe popcorn.

The girls were still awake in their beds and Kiley called me in and asked me if I saw what Daddy did, I told her "Yes, I did! I am so lucky, make sure your husbands treats you girls, the way Daddy treats me".....I am one Lucky Girl!

More Yummy Stuff

2010-02-05T09:07:00.003-05:00

Black Bean Salsa

This is so yummy! I just made it for the teacher's meeting at Kiley's School and I had to make extra for me!

12 15 ounce cans of black bean, drained and rinsed

1 package of frozen corn thawed

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 small onion, chopped

1 lime, all the juice you can get

1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Combined all ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate over night. Serve with tortilla chips!

So Yummy...the best cake ever

2010-02-03T10:56:00.004-05:00

Gooey Butter Cake

Cake:
1 box of yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons of melted butter

Filling:

1 8 ounce package of soften cream cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
8 tablespoons of melted butter
1 16 ounce box of powered sugar

Combine all cake ingredients and pat into a 9 x 13 greased baking dish.
In a large bowl , beat cream cheese until smooth, add eggs, vanilla and butter and beat together.
Next, add powered sugar and mix well. Pour over the cake batter and cook in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes.

BEST CAKE EVER!!!! Anything with this much butter has to be good.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T16:57:00.003-05:00

So BUSY!

2010-01-18T15:20:00.006-05:00

Insert Picture Here

& Here

& Here

Have I really not taken pictures since Christmas?!?!??!

Okay, so we have been SUPER busy, but in a good way!

The kids have been back in school a couple weeks and though I LOVE Holidays and time off, having them back in their routine is what they (I), need:) The simple things, like going to the grocery store, doing laundry, making lunch....ummm, showering is much easier when I have 1 child to be in charge of and not 3:)

I started back school and I am taking my final Web class (I have 2 other classes I take in the Fall not Web classes)and will be Adobe C4 Design Certified...looking for some websites to design for my portfolio...so if you need a site, let me know! I am so HAPPY I decided to do this for me and my family. I can't really take the credit though, God showed me the way, as always!

Kiley is doing very well in school. She is in Girl Scouts this year. She's a very proud Brownie, I might add. She had to sell cookies these last couple weeks and was very successful:) I can't believe she will be 8 in a couple months....where does the time go?

Emma Grace was sick most of December and has to have her adenoids and tonsils out in February. She has severe sleep apnea, which I was unaware of till I had to share a bed with her on a recent getaway. The doctor also says she has extremely large tonsils and adenoids, which could put her at risk if she gets sick again, causing a constricted airway.

Lathan is in to EVERYTHING!!! (Thank God for baby gates) He is 1 1/2 years old, ummm, again, when did that happen? He loves balls, cars, dancing, watching sports with Daddy, Elmo, Barney, singing his ABC's, coloring, OUTSIDE time.....pretty much anything, he has too, he's our 3rd!

I have been organizing everything!!! We had to get a new washer and dryer because ours finally died. They are the HE one's and I just LOVE them and got them at an unheard of deal on Black Friday, which makes them even more loved! I painted the laundry room and completely reorganized it....I will post pics one day! It looks so nice, I mean if I have to do laundry, at least I can enjoy my surroundings, haha! I also redid all the closet upstairs, which took about 3 days! Oh, but how they look so much better! And finally after 6 years, we are painting our master bedroom!!!! I am so EXCITED, I had gift cards from Christmas and Pottery Barn is having their white sale, so I got some AWESOME deals along with Ebay! I'm going for the Shabby Chic, Hotel Style? Does that make any sense?!?! I got the inspiration from our recent trip to Savannah, the hotel we stayed in had what I wanted but what I couldn't figure out on my own!

That pretty much sums it up! We are busy, can't wait till Spring, my favorite time of year and so many things will be crossed off my goal list:)

The Year in Review 2009

2010-01-04T20:29:00.012-05:00

January: SnOw DaY!

February: My 3 lovesMarch: Wonderful weather, I barely remember the days Lathan would SIT still

April: My Kiley Ann turns SEVEN & has her first Slumber Party

May: Singing in the Rain

June: The Beach Trip in Georgia

July: My Baby Boy turns ONE!

August: The girls Start School September: My Emma Grace turns FIVE!

October: Neighborhood fun, trick or treating

November: Enjoying the Carolina Fall Weather

December: Christmas 2009

Our Christmas Memories

2009-12-30T09:30:00.003-05:00

Lathan,opening gifts Christmas Morning
Kiley got her didj, she was so excited!

Emma Grace got here Leapster 2, she was still half way asleep, so the excitement wasn't all there!

At my family's Christmas, Lathan opening gifts on his Grandma's lap

My girls!

Emma Grace and my cousin Kate

Kiley, waiting to open gifts

Lath using a gift bag as a jumping sack

Ryan and the girls, Kiley , Emma Grace, and their cousins (Ryan's sister's girls) Shelby and Camden

What a WONDERFUL Christmas!!!! We got to see LOTS of family.....we had 5 different family gatherings, we missed one because Emma Grace has been sick, A LOT....another post....I just Love having a big family and couldn't imagine it any other way. The kids got way too many toys, as usual, I really think people like to shop for children's gift's, it's kinda fun! Now, just trying to figure out where to put all the stuff..... Here are some pictures from our gatherings...I didn't get as many pictures as I'd of liked too, but between, chasing Lathan, the battery dying and just plan forgetting it, I'm glad I got the ones I did. I hope everyone had a wonder CHRIST-mas, and kept the meaning of CHRIST-mas in it! Can't wait for this New Year, many Great things are planned to come!!!

Christmas Rewind

2009-12-24T11:26:00.003-05:00

Last Year......Wow, where does the time go?

Our Christmas "Stuff"

2009-12-22T09:59:00.028-05:00

I just LOVE Christmas time! All the lights and decor! Pulling out all the decorations, brings back tons of wonderful memories! And the meaning of Christ-mas is such a wonderful story to share with my children.
This year my mom gave the kids this wonderful book" The Night Before Christmas", from Hallmark. She reads the story and it records her voice, the kids LOVE it! What a wonderful keepsake to pull out each year!
Hope everyone enjoys their Christmas, we sure will! We got lots of family to visit and spend time with.

2009-12-15T21:39:00.004-05:00

We went to Bass Pro Shop to visit Santa! What fun! When we were in line, I had to find a way to convince Emma Grace, that she needed to sit on Santa's lap. She is my shy girl and I just new she would clam up and run, but she actually did very well. Kiley did great, she had her whole list recited and was more than ready to get up to Santa's lap. Lathan was fine with it...not like my girls, at his age, it was all tears. They gave us a FREE 4x6 and I got to take pictures too, so it worked out GREAT! I just LOVE the way Lathan and Santa are looking at each other, so funny.

After we visited Santa, they had lots of fun games for the kids to play, we all had a blast!

Christmas Cookies With My Girls!

2009-12-15T09:47:00.004-05:00

Me and the girls started a Holiday Tradition last year of making cookies. Me and my sister use to do it with my Mom and I always remembered how much fun it was! The girls just loved decorating the cookie cutouts. I just love having girls, to do fun girlie stuff with!

Christmas Pictures 2009

2009-12-06T21:02:00.003-05:00

Enjoy these pictures because we decided we are not going to be sending out cards Christmas cards this year, Lathan strongly dislikes staying still and it was just not worth the effort (lots of effort went into the 2, like 40 minutes worth of effort).

So, Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T13:12:00.002-05:00

ThAnKfUl!

2009-11-25T10:22:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for so many things......my husband, and his love for God, my 3 beautiful children ,my large extended family, it's wonderful during the Holidays! My friends, the one's I can go days, weeks, and even months with talking to, and it's like a day hasn't gone by. My Faith, something that I have prayed for, I was once lost but now I am found. I rely on God all the time now, and I pray for those that don't have that Faith, it's amazing. The fact that we had health scares, job changes and so many other challenges this year. I remember praying so hard for God to become my main focus in life and then I remember praying so hard during these hard time, not realizing, this was God's way of becoming the "Main Focus" of my life. Wow, this year my relationship with God has become so much stronger than ever before, and with that, my relationship with my husband and children has never been more solid! I am thankful this year, in ways I have never been Thankful before. I have SO much to be Thankful for!

Fall

2009-11-18T21:28:00.005-05:00

It's Fall

Leaves are falling, leaves are falling, everywhere, everywhere!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T10:21:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T16:05:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T11:32:00.001-05:00

2009-11-02T13:18:00.003-05:00

Kiley, Emma and Emma Grace, just the girls!
The neighborhood crew

Emma Grace the Witch and Lathan the very busy Cowboy

Kiley the Kitty

Mr. Lathan was VERY busy this Halloween, this is about as good of a picture as I could get. He doesn't like to stay still.

Enjoy the few pictures I did get! Happy Halloween to everyone!

Meal Planning Monday & Tasty Tuesday

2009-10-24T08:58:00.005-04:00

I always plan my meals on Thursday night and go grocery shopping on Friday mornings, so I thought I would share what's on the menu this week.

Monday- Chinese Veggies with Chicken, Egg Rolls and Asian Noodles

Tuesday-Tacos with Spanish Rice

Wednesday-Bratwursts with Baked Beans and French Fries

Thursday-Broccoli and Cheese Soup with Chicken Breast

Friday-Beef Stew with Veggies and Corn Bread

Saturday- Charleston Grits, Eggs, Bacon and Biscuits

Sunday- My Mom's for Dinner, yummy!

My mom got me this meal planning book and it has really helped! I look at the Harris Teeter ad on Thursday, match up coupons and make my meals from that. I always save tons. Just this week my grocery bill was $85.00 and I saved $70.00. Last week was even better. My bill was $160.00 (but I stocked up on lots of meat to freeze) and saved $101.00! I average about $550.00 a month in groceries, but I cook 2-3 meals a day, both the girls bring their lunch to school everyday and I pack Ryan a lunch for work each day, so it really is saving. When Ryan use to work uptown, he eat out everyday and was spending close to $50.00 a week, plus I was still cooking dinner and would just trash the leftovers, so now he just brings them to work. My grocery bill is about the same but I am saving close to $200.00 a month with Ryan packing a lunch and he loves eating a home cooked meal at work, verses fast food or over priced, fried, food lunches. We do eat out about once a week, and I love the wraps from the Harris Teeter deli, which if it's one of those days, I will just grab those and then of course, my mom cooks us a yummy meal on Sunday nights, so I do get a break. Hope everyone has a good week and please share some of your cooking ideas, I love to try new things!

2009-10-15T08:15:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I have been super busy!!!! So busy, when I looked through my pictures I realized I had not taken any new ones in quite a while.

Busy, you ask.... dance class, church 2 times a week, girl scouts, swim class, homework, and everything else that goes in between, but we love it, I have never really been a home body, I like to stay busy as do the kids.

Kiley had H1N1 last week, along with 15 kids in her class, but has recovered and I managed to keep everyone else healthy, thank God for Lysol spary and Lysol wipes, I sure do keep them in business. She is doing great in school, perfect grades and she got star student the first week of school. She loves school and that makes me so happy!

Emma Grace is doing amazing in school. She gets new cycle words each week and is doing really well with them. She is on her way to reading. She has lots of little friends she talks about everyday. She is such a funny girl, the other day she asked me how do you spell "I don't want a baby brother anymore", after he hit her across the head with a toy.

Lathan, well he is SLEEPING through the night 12 plus hours:) and still taking a 2 hour morning nap but slowly weaning out that afternoon nap. He is running now and making me a nervous wreck, and with the running comes all kinds of cuts, scrapes and bruises. He is into EVERYTHING! He keeps us busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. He is learning his body parts and animal sounds. He LOVES our cat Daisy and looks for her out the window at least 10 times a day.

That pretty much wraps up the last month or so. Pictures to come, when I remember to put the fully charged battery back into the camera.

The Naked Chef

2009-09-26T20:31:00.004-04:00

Recently I posted a "Wordless Wednesday", with the same photo as above, except Lathan was clothed. This picture and memory is to good to pass up.

I was in the middle of a diaper change downstairs when I realised all the diapers were upstairs. I ran upstairs to get a diaper and when I came down, this is what I found. I guess I need to invest in one of those refrigerator locks. This boy is into everything these days, and keeps me super busy!

Being Kids

2009-09-14T19:39:00.006-04:00

My kids are really enjoying this weather and I am too. I love the afternoons, we do homework, have a snack and head outside for some fun. We all look forward to this time of day. So many wonderful memories being made.

Happy Birthday, Emma Grace!!

2009-09-10T11:07:00.005-04:00

My Emma Grace, you turn 5 today! Wow, where did 5 years go? What an amazing, loving, little person you are. You have such a spunk, that I adore. You are definitely a leader, not a follower, and as stubborn as they come. You are so daring and have no fear. But oh, how you make this world a better place. You love to love, you love to share. You care so much about other's feelings. And you just love your family. In this last year you have begun to discover your talents, one being swimming, everyone always says what a fish you are. You also love to dance, you put your dance outfits on daily and do all kinds of "moves", it's so cute. You are such a mommy's girl and I just love it, but you have daddy wrapped around your little finger. I feel so blessed that God gave me, you! I love watching you grow up into a little girl. Happy Birthday, sweet girl. I love you so much. Mommy

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T10:35:00.003-04:00

Back In School and How Great Is Our God

2009-08-25T19:54:00.009-04:00

We are all back in school now, including me! Emma Grace and I started last Monday and Kiley started today.

Emma Grace is in Traditional Kindergarten, Monday- Friday from 9-1. She's over at my mom's preschool (I say my mom's because she's the Assistant Director) and she loves it. I was shocked as to what they will be learning. I remember playing when I was in preschool, and learning my colors and numbers, not reading, writing and math. Times have changed! She is so eager to wanna learn to read. She sees Kiley reading and wants so badly to do the same.

I am taking 2 classes, one online and one in the classroom. I go Monday and Wednesdays to class, which is Photoshop CS3, I'm really excited about it, it's been almost 10 years since I took a Photoshop class. The online class is a computer class, I'm learning EVERYTHING about the computer, even stuff I don't wanna know (like the inside of the computer).

Kiley started 2nd grade today and had the "best day of my life", her own words, so funny! She got the teacher she wanted (and I wanted). Her teacher told me she actually requested Kiley, I thought that was SO sweet and it made me feel so good, that someone wants to teach my child. She knows several of the kids in her class. I have a feeling this is going to be a really good school year for her.

So now Ryan, Lathan and me get to spend some time together. Lathan is getting so big. He has started walking, but if he needs to get somewhere quick, he goes back into the crawl mode. He's still trying to talk and has started saying Emma, in the last couple days. So glad I get some one on one with my baby boy this year. They grow up so fast.

And that brings me to Ryan. You all know, Ryan had worked for the restoration business for the last 2 years. The money was good but the quality time with the family was nonexistent. God really put into prospective what was important to us. We prayed that God would show us the way, and that he did. Ryan, has now gone back to logistics (which is what he did for 9 years before restoration) and we are so at peace. I look at what we went through in the last 2 years and I am grateful that God allowed us to see what we needed to see. In all this we got so much, our marriage has never been stronger, our family has never been stronger, our faith has never been stronger. My needs and wants are so much different now. I thank God because I know, had Ryan never tired a new career field, we would of probably not had another baby and I would of never considered furthering my education, and our needs and wants would have never been clarified by God's standards. God amazes me daily in the way he works. We choose to see the blessing that lied beneath. We are forever grateful for this experience. With Ryan's new job, he was able to work 2nd shift, allowing me to go back to school. What a blessing! As Ryan says (sings half the time, but we won't go there) How great is our GOD?

Monkey Joe's

2009-08-12T21:50:00.012-04:00

We had promised to take the girls to Monkey Joe's , "This Summer" and it kinda hit me, "This Summer" will be over for us next week. Emma Grace, starts Traditional Kindergarten Monday and Kiley starts school the following Tuesday, so Summer's pretty much over for us. I only got a few shots of the girls, because I had Lathan and if you have been to Monkey Joe's with Ryan, well, he turns into one of the kids, so him and the girls went and jumped, bounced, raced. I took Lathan to the toddler section and he LOVED it. He kept toppling over, it was the funniest thing. Here are a few shots.

Long Bay Resort

2009-08-06T21:21:00.007-04:00

Emma Grace, my fish, she just LOVES the water and I just LOVE her!
Yes, Lathan is trying to eat a seashell, well he can only get away with it at the beach! Loving that ocean, she's my beach babe.

Lathan loved the beach, this was his 3rd time this summer!

Kiley is such a great big sister, she just loves spending time with her baby brother.

My beautiful girl, I just love that smile.

Lathan at the hotel water park with his cousins.

He thought he was such a big shot! I just love him to pieces!

My Wonderful Grandparents decided a couple weeks ago they were going to take the whole family to the beach!!!! They always want the kids to be kids and have fun. I guess that's why we ended up here, at Long Bay Resort http://www.longbayresort.com/, what an awesome, kid friendly, resort. My kids were in heaven. I got to spend a few days with all my family. We are so lucky to have my Grandparents, not just because of the awesome trips ( The Bahama's) but because of the love they show us and the memories they give us. Growing up, all my fondest memories, involved my grandparents. Thanks you guys for such a great time. We love you so much and will treasure all these times we have spent together. I am so lucky that my children get to spend so much time with their Great-Grandparents. They will forever remember these times.

Lathan Turns ONE!

2009-07-19T10:17:00.009-04:00

One Year Old

One Day Old

Oh, my Baby Boy, where did this last year go? You are such a blessing from God. I remember the day I found out you were a boy, I was overwhelmed with excitment and Daddy, he was jumping around, shouting words of happiness, not that we would of been upset if you were a girl, but we didn't realise how much we wanted a boy, until God gave us one.

Born July 14, 2008 at 8:14. You weighted in at 8lbs and 14 ozs. and you were 21 inches long, what a big guy, but still so little. Now, a year later, you weight 23.9 lbs and you are 31 1/2 inches long. You are such a happy boy, but definitely a momma's boy. You love playing with your sisters and dancing. You are can light up any room. You smile and wave at everybody. You love to share, especially your food, you offer it to any and everyone. You walk very well, while pushing a toy or holding on to furniture. You should be walking any day, but I prefer for you to wait a little while longer. You say, mamamama, and dada. You also say Daisy (our cat), Izzy (grandma's dog), ouch...not sure where you picked that up, probably your sisters fighting. You love to give kisses, especially to me, I'm so lucky. Still not sleeping through the night, but you do go to bed by 8pm, wake between 4-5am and nurse and then go back to sleep till 7am. You still take a 2 hour morning nap and a 2 hour afternoon nap, which is so nice...for me! You are such a perfect fit for our family, so loving and layed back. You are a lot like your Daddy. We love you so much Lathan, and can't believe it's been a year. Happy Birthday, Boy!

Lathan's First Haircut

2009-07-16T10:19:00.004-04:00

Before During

After

Yesterday, I took Lathan to get his first real haircut. My sister trimmed the back a couple months ago, but I made her stop because..... I decided I'd wait till his first B-day, and boy did he need a haircut badly. We went to Doolittles, they have a great staff and many distractions for the kiddos. HE loved sitting/standing/jumping.....(there were no straps!?!?) in the truck and the lady that did it, she was quick and careful. Now my baby really looks like a big boy!

Party Pictures

2009-07-13T10:50:00.007-04:00

These are some of the party pictures. What a great day. Thanks to all the family and friends, that were able to share this special day with us. Tuesday is Lathan's actual Birthday, which is bitter sweet. I just can't believe how this year has gone by, in the blink of an eye. My baby isn't much of a baby anymore. He is getting into everything. We now have gates up and cabinets locked. I will post the dreaded, lol, 1 year blog as soon as that day comes.....wait, that's tomorrow,but I'm gonna enjoy the next day of him being 11 months old.

Lots to do for my "Little Monkey"

2009-07-13T09:54:00.005-04:00

For Lathan's 1st B-day, we decided to go with Monkeys and what else goes with Monkeys but Bananas. So, I used yellow and brown as my main colors and went to work. I have always loved planning parties, but for some reason, never had the time....wonder why? But for Lathan's Party, I started planning a couple months ago, and let me tell you, things went so well!

Setting up, the girls couldn't wait to get the party started!

My sister and her friend came early to help me and Ryan set it all up.

Ryan sporting the banana necklace that I made him wear.

The Balloons!

I made the pinata, fairly easy, just time consuming. I loved the result!

These cupcakes took me a while too, but well worth is. Everyone seemed to love them.

Close up

Yes, I am proud of them!

And the onesie, this was probably the easiest thing I made.

What a GREAT party! Posting more of the actual party pictures in a bit!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T10:46:00.003-04:00

What a WONDERFUL 4th of July! We got to spend it with so many great friends, right in our neighborhood! Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th!

Saint Simon's Island, GA

2009-06-17T13:37:00.011-04:00

Ryan's mom and step dad, took us and Ryan's sister and her kids, to the most wonderful Island, Saint Simon's Island, off the Georgia coast. It was the most peaceful, and friendly place, I could live there! We enjoyed the most perfect weather, not one drop of rain! The kids played all day in ocean, and I got to enjoy the wonderful sound of waves crashing, kids laughter and adult conversation! We have decided to make this a tradition, every other year. They had a water park right on the beach, the kids were in Heaven. What a wonderful vacation! Thank you Mom & Ian! What wonderful memories made.

Our Trip to Savannah, GA

2009-06-17T10:35:00.010-04:00

I just love Savannah! Look at the detail on these homes

The First Catholic Church in Georgia

This is Paula Deen's Restaurant, the waiting list is hours long, with all the kids in tow, we voted to skip it.

On the Ferry Ride, down the Savannah River

On the Tour Ride thur downtown Savannah, it was so beautiful

On our trip to the Georgia coast, we visited Savannah. Wow, what a historic city. This is where the first Girl Scout meeting was held, along with the first stop on the underground railroad. With the distrction of 3 kiddos and many strangers, not to mention the 98 degree heat, these are a few of the facts I heard from the tour guide. I took several pictures, but honestly, can't seem to remember what the meaning behind them is...opps, at least I tried. Me and Ryan want to go back, alone and really walk the city and learn more about this beautiful city.

Dance Recital

2009-06-08T08:57:00.004-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the girls dance recital. It went great and I was so very proud. Enjoy!

Kiley's Award

2009-05-29T16:11:00.003-04:00

We missed the award ceremony at Kiley's school last night, one because no one informed me she was nominated and two we would of missed it anyways because her and Emma Grace had dance rehearsal at the same time. So today when she got home she ran in to show me she was awarded "Outstanding Citizenship". She told me her teacher said she could only pick one student for this award and it was her. We are so proud of Kiley. She is such a sweet and caring girl.

I hate to brag, but gosh, I am just so proud to call her mine. A couple of weeks ago they had muffins for moms, there was a little girl in her class, she was very upset because her mom didn't show up. When I arrived Kiley had her arm around her and was telling her she could sit with us. It made me so proud. This same little girl has braces on her legs and Kiley always talks about her and how she has helped or comforted her throughout the school year. I feel like Jesus is really in Kiley's heart. Me and Ryan have always taught Kiley to treat others the way Jesus would and it has become apparent that our words have stuck. We are oh so proud of our girl and thank God for blessing us with her, she is amazing!

Isle of Palms

2009-05-27T10:10:00.006-04:00

Daddy and Lathan relaxing in the hammock

Lathan was not to sure of the sand

Checking out the sand

Do you see the dolphin?

Strike a pose

Say Chesse

Climbing the rocks

My Little Man

What a great week away! The weather was crazy. On Saturday and Sunday we enjoyed the beach and pool. There were a couple of rain showers here and there but it was still very nice.On Monday and Tuesday it was so cold we had to go out and buy winter coats (which at least were on sale). Charleston, hit a record low for the Month of May, it was in the fifties. Since we couldn't do the beach on those days, we went to the Charleston Aquarium (pictures to come) and shopping. On Wednesday we enjoyed the beach. We spent most of the day building sandcastles and jumping in the waves. Thursday we head to Sullivan's Island, were we spotted tons of dolphins and found beautiful seashells. And Friday we headed home to enjoy the long weekend and get things back in order. Now that I have things unpacked and laundry done, I need to start packing for our next trip the St. Simon's Island in Georgia. We leave in less than a week and a half. I can't wait, never been to the Georgia coast!

Mother's Day

2009-05-13T13:15:00.003-04:00

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day. This was my first Mother's Day, as a mommy of 3! Ryan let me sleep in, which was so nice. I was then served waffles and eggs and received a wonderful card, a dozen roses, and drum roll please......RAINBOW FLIP FLOPS!!! I have wanted a pair for years, but couldn't swallow the idea of paying $50+ for flip flops. I had mentioned to Ryan that I wanted some and I though for sure he was gonna buy me "rainbow colored" flip flops, not the real thing, but he surprised me and I will be wearing them for years and years and years. He informed me they should last for something like, 50 years, wow, they might out live me! Okay, so back to my day, we then headed to church. They had a great service, the masses' intentions were for the living and deceased mothers. During the service, I realised how lucky I am to have my mom and children. This day is so special to me, but I know it must be so very painful for so many out there, that long to be a mommy or have lost their child or mother. I can't imagine the pain. After church we headed home. I cleaned the house and got ready for my mom, Doug, Kell and Zac to come over and eat yummy enchiladas. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

I thank GOD for all he has blessed me and my family with. My children have made me such a better person. And my mother is so wonderful to me. She is more than I could ever ask for in a mom. Hope all you mommies had a great day!

Spring Days

2009-05-07T10:12:00.006-04:00

Little Man

Please ignore the trashcans in the background:)

Kiley riding her bike, I just noticed she forget her helmet, opps!

Spring is such a great time of year, not to cold not to hot.....the only thing I complain of, is the rain. Trying to remember, we need it to keep the flowers growing, but lately when it rains, it pours! Last week was great. We enjoyed lots of outdoor time. We have been going out in the afternoons, me and Lath hang out under the tree (with lots of bugs, huh Holly?) in the shade and the girls play on the sidewalk. Emma Grace no longer needs training wheels so now on the weekends Ryan takes all the kids on bike ride. He runs in the jogging stroller with Lath and Emma Grace and Kiley take their bikes. They have gotten it up to a mile and half without training wheels on either of the girls bikes and without Ryan stopping to catch his breath:)

Little Man is 9 months old!

2009-04-29T20:31:00.005-04:00

I waited to do this post till after the Doctor so I could get accurate numbers......yeah and also the fact I have no time with school and kids and laundry and keeping the house up and appointments blah, blah, blah......but honestly, he did just go on Friday, only 5 days ago, so I'm not that far behind. And I LOVE being at home with my babies and know the days will go by oh so quickly.

Lathan weighs in at 21 lbs and a couple ounces he is 30 inches long, making him 75% for weight and 95% for height. He is the BEST baby in the world, I mean it. People tell me all the time how easy he is and believe me I know. I've had my share of hard babies. So what is Lathan doing:

-Crawling

-Pulling Up

-Waving

-Pointing at objects, when I ask where they are

-Saying Dada, not Momma!?!

-Giving kisses

-Giving big wet kisses

-And being very entertaining to us all, he's the funny boy of the house:)

Oh, and I only have my final project to turn in next week and I'm done with the class I'm taking. I had to design a website. I was given several options as to what my website would be about, and one of them was blogging, yippy yeah! Of course I chose blogging. I have a high A in the class, so I'm hoping, this final project will keep me at that A. Wish me luck:) Only 4 more classes and I will be able to start my freelancing as a web designer, from HOME:)

Better late than never....Easter Pics

2009-04-29T20:01:00.004-04:00

My Grandparents famous "Holiday Cake"
My Little Man, Lathan and Doug (My Step Dad) Emma Grace, searching for eggs

Kiley, filling her basket

All my family kiddos hunting for eggs

We had such a wonderful Easter together as a family. We had a BIG dinner over my Aunt Alisa and Uncle Mark's house. The kids had such a great time with the egg hunt. Wonderful weather, family and food:)

My Birthday Girl

2009-04-13T13:54:00.006-04:00

Enjoying the movie

After the girls dug into the cake

Before the girls dug into the cake

Everyone singing Happy Birthday to Kiley

Waiting for our Table

My Kiley Ann has turned 7! When did that happen!?!? So to celebrate she wanted to go eat dinner out with her friends and have a sleepover.

Her evening started with her 2 Best Friends, Emma and Kaylyn, and of course, Mommy, Grandma, sis Emma Grace and brother Lathan. We ventured out to, where else, but Chili's. We had a blast and the conversation was so hilarious, a bunch of 6 1/2 -7 year olds.....I haven't laughed that much in along time. We had dinner and desert. The wait staff sang Happy Birthday, Kiley was so proud to be the Birthday Girl! After dinner we headed back to our house where the sleepover began! They girls watched a little bit of HSM 3 but mostly played. The last one was out at 1ish (the last one was mine, Kiley) and I slept on the couch. The girls did great. I made chocolate chip pancakes, sausage and eggs in the early morning and then I took a well deserved nap after the girls were all picked up. It was a fun night and Kiley had a blast!

So Happy Birthday to our Big Girl. Mommy and Daddy are so very proud of you. You have a heart of gold. You are an amazing little girl and we are so happy God gave us the honor of being your parents. We love you!

PS: The picture came up backwards......

Just Some Pictures...

2009-03-26T10:17:00.002-04:00

Mom's Lucky Charm

2009-03-18T10:32:00.005-04:00

Last night before bath time I actually remembered to take Lathan's "St. Patrick's Day Picture". The girls had already showered, so I didn't get to do a family shot. His shirt says it all.

The Power of Prayer

2009-03-11T10:03:00.004-04:00

So many of you have told me how you would pray for our family and it WORKED! I know I wasn't very informative about this whole situation, so here's the scoop.Ryan went for a physical in December and his blood work came back abnormal. We went to several different doctors and ended up at an Oncologist, to me Oncologist =Cancer=Death, because of my experience with it and my Dad. Well, they did a lot of studies on his blood and he has a very rare blood disorder, it's fine though, no treatment needed. We follow-up in 3 months, while they do more studies (they take 3 months), but the doctor said, it looks very good and he can lead a normal life.

The last couple weeks have been incredibly hard for me. I pictured life taking care of Ryan and slowly losing Ryan and then my life with out Ryan. I became especially close to God through this time. Since losing my Dad I kinda had a relationship with God that was up and down. I now realise God put situations in out lives to bring us closer to him. He does not want us to feel pain but to find strength in ourselves because we have Him. I will never be the same again. This small, yet VERY big situation, totally changed me, my relationship with God and my relationship with Ryan. Me and Ryan have always had very good marriage, but this really put God in our marriage. He now is and will forever be the Center of our marriage.

I really want to thank everyone for the prayers and concern. Me and Ryan have some Great friends and family.

Now, I need to go take care of Ryan, he went to the doctor yesterday and has been hit by this horrible flu! But after all we have been through, I can deal with anything. Bring it on flu!

Please Pray

2009-02-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

I am a pretty private person, but I so believe in the "Power of Pray". Please pray for our family and the unknowing. We have Faith, and we will need that to get us through this. We will know more next Friday.

Happy V-day

2009-02-14T08:51:00.000-05:00

Ryan,

This is our 10th V-day together, wow, how the time flys by. You have given me so much in these past 10 years, not the material things but the love, honor and support. You have never let me down. I know you wanted to wait to have kids till we were in out late twenties, but you new how badly, I wanted to be a mommy and you have given me 3 wonderful children, a creation of our love. The love you have for our children, makes me fall for you over and over again. You are amazing. I am forever grateful, that God blessed me with a loving, caring, husband. You are wonderful baby, I can't wait to spend the next 100 V-day's with you. As I always say, I'm such a lucky girl.

Love You Always-Jess

Kiley,

Wow, what a wonderful, loving little girl you have become. You love God, and always think about what he would want you to do first. You have such a soft side for those less fortunate than us. You always want to help others and always want everyone to be happy. You make me artwork everyday that says how much you love me and your family, I know those days will soon pass, you will be a teenager before I know it and no longer have such a desire to please me, but I know what your soul is made of , Love. I am so PROUD to call you mine, Kiley Ann. You will always be "mommy's girl".

Love You-Mommy

Emma Grace,

You are such an amazing little girl. I love how you are such a free spirted soul, with little care in the world. You love laying in the grass looking at the clouds, putting your dress-up stuff on the minute you wake up and prefer to wear dresses, you are always reminding me that "pants are for boys". You want so badly to just have wings, so you can fly, Tinkerbell is your idol. Your imagination is such a wonderful part of who you are. You care so much about others and always want to help, in anyway you can. You are such a "mommy's girl", but at the same time love to wrestle with daddy. I love you, my sweet girl.

Love You- Mommy

Lathan,

You are just an amazing little blessing from God. You are only 7 months old (today), but I can't remember what it was like without you in my life. You are just what my heart asked, for from God. I love holding you at night when you are so sleepy and you only want your mommy. I love walking in your room and you pop your little head up with the biggest grin. I love how you are learning and trying new things each day. I feel so lucky to be your mommy and can't wait to watch you grow into a little person. Just slow down a little. You are my sweet boy.

Love You- Mommy

Hope everyone has a wonderful V-day. We are taking the girls to swim lesson and then doing a V-day lunch (I'm not brave enough to do dinner out as a family).

Another Snow Day!

2009-02-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

Emma didn't want pictures, she ran inside when I pulled out the camera, so this is all I got of her:)
Not very centered, but still a sweet picture of Kiley and Daddy drinking their hot chocolate.Daddy, very happy to have a day off and spend it with the family in the snow.

Kiley, enjoying her hot chocolate.

Lathan's First Big Boy Breakfast

2009-02-08T11:31:00.000-05:00

I cook a BIG breakfast at least once a week. Well, now that our little man is starting to eat table food, his world just opened to so many yummy possibilities......pancakes, being one of them. He just loved them. He also enjoyed mommy's grits. A true southern boy!

Snow Day!

2009-01-20T20:22:00.000-05:00

It snowed here and my girls have been waiting for the white stuff for quite sometime. I layered them up and let them play outside for about an hour. They just had a blast. When they got in we had rice crispy treats and yummy hot chocolate. After lunch we went over my mom and Doug's house and they went sledding on the golf course (they live in Raintree), you should of seen all the kids on the hills, wonder if that's against the "rules", oh well, it was well worth it. I'm so glad they got to have one snow day, who knows how many years it will be before us Southerns get another 2 inch winter storm. Ha!

6 Months Old!

2009-01-20T20:10:00.001-05:00

I just can't even believe my Baby Boy is 6 months old!!! Where did the time go. We took him to the doctor and he weighs 19.4 and is 28 3/4 inches long! He is 85% for weight and 95% for height.

He loves to be heard by himself and others, he will go on and on making all kinds of nosies. He loves his hands and feet and will look at then and chew on them for hours. We just started baby food, but he'd rather nurse....go figure since I am the only one who can help him in that department:) He has been trying to crawl, but I am forbidding, I love the fact I can put him in one place and he pretty much stay there.

He is just the best baby, I mean he is so easy and just a go with the flow kinda kid. We are so very Blessed to have him as ours and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for him.

Outside Fun

2009-01-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

Lathan is now big enough to swing in the baby swing on our swing set, he just LOVES it! We have been trying to go outside but it's been extremely cold. We made it out for a while with the kids, of course they had to be all wrapped up but just loved every minute of it.

He loves his Daddy....

2009-01-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

and his Daddy loves him! Just thought I'd share some pictures of my two favorite Men!

Books are not only for reading....

2009-01-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

I was up stairs doing something and Ryan and the kids were down stairs. When I came down I saw my girls had made their large book collection into "lilly pads" and were jumping from one to the next......creativity and boredom combined, well they had fun, but not so much putting them all back.

2008-12-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

Lathan's First Christmas

Christmas Morning at our house.
Lots, of gifts to open!
My Mom and Dougs' house for more gifts and a yummy breakfast!
Aunt Mary & Uncle Jeffs' house, lots of people, lots of fun!

Lots of gifts!

The Robinson Girls:)

Just a glimpse into our Christmas 2008!

Poor Baby

2008-12-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

My Poor Sick Baby Boy.

It started as a cough virus and now has escalated into breathing treatments every 3-4 hours. The virus caused such breathing problems for Lath, that we are on our 6th day of steroids, breathing treatments and NO sleep. The doctor wants me to be "on it"because RSV, could be in the works. So please say a prayer for our Little Man.

Our Little Santa

2008-12-15T09:26:00.001-05:00

We are just so blessed this year to celebrate Christmas as a family of 5. Lathan is just the BEST baby ever! We are in love with our Little Man:) Kiley and Emma Grace are best big sister, always helping mommy and daddy out. Lathan just adores them.

All She Wants For Christmas Is...

2008-11-29T21:15:00.003-05:00

Her Two Front Teeth! Now, I know I have blogged A Lot about Kiley and her teeth, but this time is very special. She lost her two top teeth and just in time for Christmas! Take a LOOK.

Look what I found....

2008-11-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

My Toes.....And boy do I wish I could get them in my mouth!

My Big Helper

2008-11-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

Emma Grace is always such a big helper. The other day I was cleaning the mirrors and she asked if she could help, so I gave her the bottle of Windex and she went to town on the french doors. A while later I look over and she is singing away and now at the front door. I grabbed my camera, it was just one of those "cute moments".

Miss You Dad

2008-11-13T09:13:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken when he was going through Chemo and Radiation, so he doesn't look quite like I remember him but it show his love for my children.

On Saturday, it will 3 years since my Dad passed away from stage 4 Lung Cancer. This time of year is always very hard for me, with the the Holidays. He was a great man, who worked so very hard for his family. He was such a wonderful PaPa to my children. Him and Kiley were like two peas in a pod. They had such a special relationship. Emma Grace was only a little over a year when he passed away, so she doesn't remember much of him. He was also very sick during that time. He was diagnosed in August of 04, she was born in September of the same year and he passed away November of 05. Still the time he did spend with her was so very special. He was very sick, but would hold her in his arms for hours and both of them would fall asleep. During that short time of his diagnosis till his death we became very close. It was so hard for me, I took on the parent role as he took on the helpless child role. I remember taking care of him and healing so many open wounds from my childhood growing up. I will never be completely okay, and this forced me to grow all the way up, but it sure taught me how to keep going when you feel like it's almost impossible. I am so proud of how my dad fought so darn hard. I know where I got my integrity and strength from. I know he is now in Heaven with God, looking down on me and my children.....and with that I can be in peace.

She LOST it!

2008-11-12T08:49:00.001-05:00

FINALLY, Kiley lost her top tooth. This will make 5, wow, the tooth fairy is going to be broke! Well, the reason I Say finally is because this one has been hanging, and I mean hanging on for about 2 weeks. For some reason she wanted this one to just "fall" out. We have had many nights of negotiating with this tooth and Kiley, thank God Kiley and the tooth finally gave up, not that 5:00 am was the most convenient time, but hey we will take what we can get, to get that tooth out. So, yes at 5 am Kiley comes running in my room, crying that it is bleeding and it just has to come out than. I hate pulling, seeing, messing with teeth, but at this point, I was okay with it. She decided she would pull it herself and with one little tug, it was out. Well, the tooth fairy will come once again and I told Kiley the tooth fairy brings more than a dollar for top teeth, which she reminded me that, this morning, so tooth fairy how much is more??? Kiley says the dollar bills with big numbers on them:) She is growing so fast!

Roll Over, Roll Over.....

2008-11-06T12:31:00.001-05:00

So Lathan has mastered Rolling Over, that is from his belly to his back. He doesn't like being on his belly so he solved the problem himself....Roll Over!!! He's growing toooooo FAST!

Voted

2008-11-04T14:39:00.000-05:00

Me and the kids voted today!

Bath Time

2008-11-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

Lathan just loves bath time. It doesn't matter what time of day it is, put him in the tub and he's one happy baby boy. Thought I would share some pictures.

Halloween Pictures

2008-11-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

My little owl Lathan, Emma Grace, The Butterfly and Kiley, The Cheerleader! What a great Halloween. The kids had a blast and we got to spend a fun filled evening with neighborhood friends! We all went Trick-or-Treating and then headed back to Kate and Jeremy's for yummy chili, sides and lots of deserts:)

My Big Boy

2008-10-23T13:13:00.000-04:00

Where does the time go?!! Lathan turned 3 months last week and I just can't believe it. I finally got a good belly-time shot, he just hates laying on his belly. Usally my pictures of him on his belly, he's either face first on the ground or screaming. This one I am cheering "go big boy, look at you" and he is trying so hard to keep the heavy head up, lol! I just love him and wish in a crazy kinda way the days would slow down.

Picture # 4

2008-10-20T15:22:00.000-04:00

Thanks Kate for tagging me! Now, the game goes this way, go to your pictures, pick the forth file and then the forth picture. I just got a brand new laptop last weekend, so my pictures are pretty recent. This is the Lucky picture, which works out well because I never got to blog about Emma Grace's B-day because of all the issues with my old computer.

Emma Grace turned 4 on September 10th and boy did she enjoy celebrating with yummy cupcakes! (mommy cheated and bought them form Harris Teeter, ) This is a picture of Kiley and Emma Grace enjoying those cupcakes! I can't believe my baby girl is 4. She has really growin up in the past months, especailly since her roll as a big sister has taken place. She is an awesome, free spirted, giving, loving, girl. She loves playing dress up and on any given day you will find her in some type of dress up attire. She loves dresses that fly up when she spins and when putting a dress on she always has to test out the spin factor. She has a heart of gold and reminds me so much of my mom. I love spending time with just her and I. She loves her family, each one of us in her own way. She is a gift from God and I feel so very lucky to call her mine. Happy Birthday Big Girl, you will always be mommies Baby Girl.

I will tag Kell, Holly and Dawn, I can't think of anyone else who reads my blog, that hasn't been tagged:)