Cuz

My baby cousin, Presley, moved out today for college. This saddens me. She is like a sister to me. I am so happy for her to begin this season in her life, yet, so sad to see her go. We love you, Winnie!!!

Happy Birthday Phil!

 

Happy Birthday, Love!

The Master

After a LONG four semesters, I am proud to have my master's degree. Although it was tough at times, it was such a happy time in my life. I had three of my best girlfriends with me along this journey and enjoyed getting to spend two, sometimes three, nights a week eating at Guthrie's followed by great classes. I really will miss the time I had with these girls! I love you Jodi, Randi, and Laurie! 

Our Last Hoorah!

As a tribute to our last day of summer, we traveled to Tennessee. I really thought this would be an extremely exciting and educational trip. We were up early and actually left on schedule. Our plan was to get there just as they opened so we could take our time and just enjoy the day. The drive was great. The girls were calm and had very few arguments. When we arrived at the aquarium, we couldn't believe the awesome park we were able to snatch. Little did we know, after two attempts and twenty dollars lost, the parking lot machines that print tickets were not working. We had to call the number on the machines and wait on an attendant to arrive all while trying to explain to the girls what patience means. Thirty minutes later, we were refunded our money, given a parking slip, and on our way to see the fish! Let me just say, we covered the ENTIRE Tennessee aquarium (both exhibits) in less than an hour. WHAT!?! 

This is how it played out: 

Mommy and Daddy: "Ohhh, girls! Look at these incredible jelly fish. If you get near one they will...

Mallory: (cutting us off mid-sentence)"That's neat, let's go to the next one."

This was pretty much how the entire trip went. I will say, the highlight was actually outside of the aquarium when they were able to walk through a stream and climb stairs. Hmmm, these little exhibits were ALL FREE. Wish I would have known that before traveling two hours, paying for tickets, and buying toys at the gift shop they will never play with. Next time, we will go to a park. :)

Six Flags

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star..."

(Please notice how the husbands are completely tuning the singing out...)

After eighty-two renditions of the song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", we finally made it to Six Flags! I was very apprehensive because I had not been in YEARS! I certainly had never been with toddlers which in itself was enough reason to think of medicating before the trip. To my pleasant surprise, the park was not crowded! This really excited me because every time I think of Six Flags, I get this stench of body odor in my nose. There is something about walking by hot, smelly, and wet adults that can really trigger your gag reflex. 

There were soo many rides for the girls! This too, was a huge surprise! I guess because I never have stepped foot into Bugs Bunny Land. I mean, why would I before now? Anyhow, the girls had a thrilling time! They even rode a roller coaster! Apparently, this new ride, Canyon Blaster, is a mini version of the Mine Train (which they were not tall enough to ride). We were able to get them on Splash Waterfall and Thunder River also! I would also like to add, that we were SOAKED! I highly recommend taking a change of clothes. It was really ridiculous. It felt great at the time, but thirty minutes later of my wet thighs rubbing together was not FUN! At one point, I looked down and saw sparks igniting. Ugh. All in all, it was a wonderful day full of fun, thrills, and laughter! 

 

A day on the lake...

We had a spectacular day on the lake...

There is no calmer time than riding on a boat while you look over at your children. It's just something about being on a huge body of water and seeing God's perfect creation all around.

On a funny note...Ms. Randi decided to ride the inner tube. I am so glad that I was able to capture that pivotal moment when she glided across the lake!!! hahaha

Wordless Wednesday

Off to take comprehensive exams for my master's degree. Puke.

R.I.P.

Rest In Peace

 

It has been five days since Sophia has had her "paebi". I could not be happier! Yet, I feel a bit sad because seeing her with it let me think of her as my baby. Now, without it in her mouth all day, I actually see that she is not a baby at all! I can also hear what she is saying because it's not muffled by the nipple in her mouth!!! I LOVE YOU FIFI!!!

Fairytales...

The girls had a very exciting day! The place where they take gymnastics had a special camp for Fairytale Princesses. They wore pretty dresses, tiaras, and even had wands. They glittered up, read stories, and danced! At the end, they presented what they had learned for all the parents! Priceless...

 Sophia chose to SIT WITH ME instead of dancing. Surprise...Surprise!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

Gym again!

My girls waited frantically for their next gym class and today it finally arrived! Sophia had a little trouble though. She was feeling extra shy...As you can see below, Phillip is trying to "take off" before she has a melt down.

Of course...it did not work and I immediately scooped her up and loved on that baby. I had been gone all day to a workshop so I am sure she just needed a little mommy time.

 After about ten minutes, she perked up and my sweet friend Crystal was able to take her back into the class. I am happy to report she stayed the rest of the hour and had a blast!!!

Birthday Monkeys

Happy Birthday to our sweet friends Laura and Isabella! Laura is my lifelong friend. She and her daughter share the SAME birthday! Mallory and Isabella are only two weeks apart. It was so fun to be pregnant with Laura. I was actually with her when my water broke! We love you girls!

 The birthday girl!!!

Jumping on the trampoline is not good for the hair.

Mallory had rather jump in the bouncy!

Shots and Toys

Today the girls had an appointment for a "well" checkup.

 Just the wait alone was enough to get them TORE UP!

Next came the shots! Sophia got four and Mallory only got one! During this time I would have promised my girls ANYTHING to get them to stop crying. Fortunately, they settled on going to see Toy Story 3 (in 3D) and to buy some special toys afterwards!

My Sweet Mallory Lou

4 years old

38 pounds and 39 inches tall

My Precious Sophia Peri

2 years old

26 pounds and 35 inches tall

Gym Class Heroes

Today was a momentous occasion. My baby girls started their very first gymnastics class. This is something I have been looking forward to for a very long time. I remember going as a little girl and being so excited to get home and show my mommy everything I had learned. When I myself became a mommy to two little girls, one of my exciting visions was of them dancing and tumbling in their little leotards while we anxiously bit our fingernails and shook nervously while holding our video camera. Today was bittersweet. I am so happy to have my vision come true, yet so sad to think my little babies are growing quicker than I can handle. 

 I love this little booty in that outfit!

Grace, Fifi, and Presley. 

Mallory showing off some moves to her girls: Presley, Grace, Madison, Chandler, and Sophia. 

Out of control!!! 

 The tent...those poor women teachers....

Diddy...

Dear Phillip (Diddy),

Thank you for being the greatest man I have ever known. You have shown me how a man should treat a woman and most importantly how daddies adore their baby girls. I never had the opportunity to see the joy a little girl has when she looks at her daddy. So, Phillip, thank you. Thank you for giving my girls that joy and sparkle in their eyes. They look at you and see not only a daddy, but a strong Christian influence. They see someone who believes in them. They have someone to teach them about life, art, and literature. They even have the great advantage of knowing all about history and all its wars and heroes. Thank you for all that you do. We love you so much... 

Your girls,

Mommy, Mally,and Fifi

Daddy with Mallory on her very first doctor appointment.

2006

Daddy holding Sophia for the very first time.

2008

Daddy and his precious helpers...

2010