The Howard Family

There's always more...

2011-03-31T20:26:00.003-04:00

Vanilla sour cream poundcake with Nutella buttercream for David's graduation. It was so rediculously good, I can't even describe it.

Jackson's Bakugan ball birthday cake. It ended with horns and we also had cupcakes, but those pictures are on Amy's camera.

Minnie Mouse cake with coordinating cupcakes for a 4-year-old girl's birthday party

Day #12

2011-03-31T13:02:00.003-04:00

Day #12... a picture of something I love...

Cake... what else?!

that picture was taken just after I started my clake decorating class in April of '09. Isn't it amazing how far I came since then?! I truly love it!

And this naughty girl!!! :) She like cake too, well the icing, atleast

Day #11

2011-03-31T12:56:00.003-04:00

Day #11... a picture of something I hate

As previously mentioned, I hate things that waste my time. It will make me crazier than just about anything. This usually comes in the form of making a special trip somewhere for something and the store (or whatever it may be) not having what I made the special trip for. And what makes me even more crazy? When whatever wasted my time also ends up being a waste of money. That is all.

Day #10

2011-03-31T12:45:00.004-04:00

So, here I am again. Geez. Even when I decide to make a commitment to blogging, I just can't seem to make it happen.

Anyway, Day #10... a picture of the person you do the craziest things with (or for, as I chose to do).

This was our attempt Dec. '09 to get a family Christmas picture. It didn't work out so well and just reminds me of the crazy things we do with/for our kids.

I immediately thought of a time I was pregnant with Jackson... a time when I acted crazy for him and he wasn't even born. We had just bought out house and found out he was a boy so the room had to be painted. We weren't in the house yet, and were using the last month of our lease to clean/paint/decorate the house before we actually moved in. I was making 45 minute trips to the house every night after work to Lowes, etc. and doing alot of painting. This particular night, I went to buy paint... white paint that I was going to color match for his very blue room. I go to the shelf and there is NO flat white paint. NONE. Well, I wasn't having it. I was pregnant, tired, hungry and just made a wasted trip (doing something that ends up being a waste of my time is the biggest pet peave I have) and I was not leaving without that dern paint. So there I was in all my "pregnant-ness" literally climbing the paint shelves looking for that white paint and cussing and crying at the same time. I think back on that night and laugh at how rediculous I acted... all for my son who was still in my stomach :)

more cakes

2011-03-22T20:14:00.004-04:00

nail polish bottle for a spa-themed birthday party

purse cake... the picture is awful. It was taken with my phone, but the cake turned out super cute!

sheet cake and smash cake for a 1st birthday party

for a St. Patrick's Day birthday

S0 what have you been doing the last week-and-a-half?

2011-03-08T13:01:00.006-05:00

Here's what I've been doing...

(other than not blogging)

Jackson made this one :)

With a little bit of this in between...

you knew Caroline would end up naked, right?!

Pectus Carinatum

2011-02-16T10:17:00.002-05:00

I thought this would be the easiest place to talk about what's been going on with my chest. I have had the condtion known as "pectus carinatum" since I was little. This is basically a deformity of my chest wall where my chest wall grows out (also called pigeon chest) instead of growing flat. It has never bothered me before. I never noticed any growth, never experienced any pain. I felt like the only time it was noticeable was when my clothes were off, and its not like I walk around often with my clothes off.

Over the last year and a half or so, I have noticed a significant amount of growth so I mentioned it to my doctor just over a year ago. She sent me in for x-rays and there was nothing medically wrong, other than the growth of the bone.

Over the last couple of months, I have again noticed growth, and with that has come alot of pain. It is waking me up in the middle of the night, I can't sleep comfortably, and it really hurts when I work out. You know I work out alot, I have been doing kickboxing almost every day since right before I got pregnant with Jackson. There is alot of twisting involved, and I can't even do it anymore because of the pain in my chest when I do it.

With these new developments, I felt like something must be going on so I decided to do some research. "Symptoms" and things I have always considered normal for me are directly tied to the deformity of my chest wall. When I was in school, one of the things we always did was counting respirations. Our teacher told us to just watch our pateint's shoulders and that would be the easiest way. My classmates noticed that they had to watch my stomach and not my shoulders, which is right. I absolutely breathe with my stomach and not my chest. This is very typical for someone with pigeon chest. Also, I have tried very hard to be a runner, and I have gotten alot better, but judt can't seem to run for a long distance even though I have been "training" for over year. My heart starts beating too fast, I can't catch my breath, etc. even though I consider myself to be in great shape. This is also a very significant symptom of someone with pigeon chest. I also learned that even if a chest wall deformity can be "dormant " for many years, it can get worse as the person ages and have serious medical comlpications as you get older. Doctors and insurance companies no longer consider corrective surgery a purely cosmetic procedure because of the long-term issues.

So, I decided to make an appointment with a reconstructive surgeon at Wake Forest. I met with her last week and we discussed my symptoms. SHe took pictures and upon laying me down and feeling my chest wall, she was shocked, and told me that mine was the worst chest wall deformity she had seen. She set me up for a CT scan, which I had yesterday. She told me she will call me once she finds a thoracic surgeon since surgery would involve breaking my sternum, etc. SHe told me that she wants to find someoone very experienced in doing the surgery on adults. So it might mean having it done at Duke or somewhere else.

I am waiting to hear the scan results, but I am feeling optimstic to know what is going on and that it might all be resolved soon.

I'll keep you posted, and answer any questions you might have, You know I'm an open book :)

Day #9

2011-02-16T10:01:00.004-05:00

A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most...

My mom!

My mom is my BFF. There was a time in my life that I'm not particularly proud of that she was not. I have always loved my mom and appreciated everything she did for me, but as a teenager, we did not get along. I was too wrapped up in my friends and everything else that I thought was important and I know now that she was only truing to do what was good for me and what was going to keep me safe and happy. She has always and I know that she will always do anything for me. She has seen me through every struggle and every happy time I've ever had. She has never strayed, and I am eternally grateful!

I love you mom!!!

Day #8

2011-02-16T09:54:00.004-05:00

A picture that makes me laugh...

Caroline was just over 2 months old in this picture. Jackson crawled into her crib with her and they both started laughing, Love it! And I do laugh every time I look at this picture.

Day #7

2011-02-16T09:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I need to play catch-up. Why is it that I can't seem to just get on here every day?! I really am trying!!!

Day # 7 is a picture of my most treasured item. This sounded strange to me because I not consider myself the least bit materialistic. I thought maybe I could change it to something I can't live without...

My Kitchen Aid mixer. I know that sounds silly, but I'm serious. I LOVE IT! I can't imagine my life before it. I use it atleast four times a week... pancakes or waffles atleast once a week, pizza dough, bread, icing. I use it shred meat, make mashed potatoes, cakes. You name it, a kitchenaid makes it easier!

30 Days of Courtney, Day #6

2011-02-03T07:26:00.003-05:00

I picture of someone I want to trade places with for a day...

This one was absolutely a no-brainer for me... Brandi Carlile

It is no secret that I am slightly (alot) obsessed with her. I have told my dad several times that I feel like she is living the life I should be. Her music is wonderful... she is doing exactly what she wants to be doing, what she loves. She seems like such a real, genuine person. She's not a sell-out. She hasn't become too "poppy" for lack of a better word. She is making the kind of music she wants to be making. To most people she is an unknown, but has an extremely loyal fan-base.

I wouldn't want to trade my life with my babies for anything, but I think just getting a taste of it would be so exciting.

And it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous, either.

Cake

2011-02-02T13:23:00.002-05:00

So, one of the things I struggle with the most is feeling like I am not the best mom. I read blogs and see all these fun, educational, crafty, creative things that stay-at -home moms so with their kids and feel like I am no where near measuring up to that. It's weird, because I do consider myself creative and fun, but I struggle with patience when it comes to my kids and it is hard for me to plan something and it not go exactly as planned. I'm really bad at that.

I made a cake last weekend, and had a small cake left, and had the fabulous idea that I would let the kids decorate. It is something I love to do, obviously, and Jackson and Caroline are always so interested in it...

We had a blast. We goofed off and made a horrible mess, buy we all workd together and got to eat cake when it was all done.

Jackson wanted blue frosting...

Is that a beautiful blue, or what?!

I promise that my kids do wear clothes occasionally. (In fact, just this week we have been working on staying dressed while we are at home. They usually pick pajamas or a swim-suit, but it is progress.)

This girl gives the BEST little kisses!

We even lit candles and blew them out

Caroline and Jackson

30 Days of Courtney. Day #5

2011-02-02T13:03:00.003-05:00

A picture of my favorite memory...

Okay. This one was hard for me and I finally realized that there is no way I could come up with a favorite memory, or even one that was really good, because I remember EVERYTHING. My mom is often amazed at all the things I remember. Even small, seemingly insignifigant details from seeminly insignifigant days in my life are clear in my head.

I love how certain songs or smells can trigger a memory and bring you right back to a specific moment in your life just like it was yesterday. This happens to me all the time. My favorite is when I smell a smell that reminds me of my grandparents house when I was a little girl. I also love the smell of the fair and love when that memory is triggered.

Songs are the best. Sometimes I can hear a song and I literally have to stop dead in my tracks and relish in the monent that I am brought back to. So, instead of a picture, I have a video. It is a song called, "The Song Remembers When" by Trisha Yearwood. It perfectly explains what I have not so perfectly explained, and I can listen to it over and over and over again.

30 Days of Courtney. Day #4

2011-01-31T14:23:00.003-05:00

A picture of my night...

My nights are usually pretty much the same. After the kitchen is clean and the kids are in bed,

1. Go to the tanning bed. I know its a horrible habit, but it is my favorite part of the day. I'm just not ready to give it up.

2. Curl up on the couch and have a date with my DVR

and 3. Curl up in my bed and drift off into never never land. Probably my 2nd favorite part of the day. I love turning my loud fan on and going to sleep!

is that the prettiest bed?! I might never get out if I had a bed like this!

30 Days of Courtney. Day #3

2011-01-28T14:11:00.003-05:00

A picture of the cast from my favorite show...

It's no secret that I really enjoy watching TV. When Cameron and I first got married, we watched TV on bunny ears and got about 5 channels. And, I was okay with that. I didn't care that much about TV, thought it was a waste of money and had no desire for a nice TV or cable or sattelite.

When we bought our house a little over 5 years ago, we got Dish Network, and listen to me when I say that I will never go back to bunny ears. I love my DVR... I can watch everything I want. And what I like the most is reality TV. Insert you eye-rolling here. Its fine.

I look forward the most to Tuesday night and "The Biggest Loser." It is a wonderful show.

I.Love.It.

And I love Bob and Gillian!!!

Happy Birthday Charlotte!!!

2011-01-27T11:54:00.002-05:00

Amy's mom, Charlotte turned 60 last week.

A few of us girls surprised her by taking her to her favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch and having a birthday cake. (You had to know this blog would continue to be filled with cakes). It was so fun to sit and girl talk and talk about fun memories we all have of each other.

30 Days of Courtney. Day #2

2011-01-27T11:45:00.003-05:00

A picture of me and someone I have been close with for a while...

Although I haven't known Amy my entire life, sometimes I don't even realize it, because it feels like she has always been there. When I was twelve-years-old, I met Amy through a new friend I had made named Amanda. Though Amanda and I are no longer friends, I will forever be grateful to her for introducing me to Amy who is a lifelong friend.

30 Days of Courtney

2011-01-26T20:29:00.003-05:00

So, in an effort to return to blogging, I am trying something new that I saw on my cousin, Shannon's blog. Each day for 30 days, you will learn something new about me. Won't that be fun?!

Day 1: A picture of myself with 15 facts about me...

1. I have to sleep with a big, loud box fan, and

2. I have been known to pack one in my suitcase if neccesary

3. I love to eat ice... all the time... as in addicted to it

4. I singlehandedly keep the chapstick/lipgloss industry in business. I have eight tubes in my purse right now

5. I love my kids, but don't really enjoy being a stay-at-home-mom

6. I love to sing and sometimees feel as though I missed my calling in life

7. I love anything mint- flavored

8. I have pectus carinatum, which affects 1 in 400 people, but only 1 out of 5 cases occur in women

9. I do kick-boxing every day

10. I love watching all the MTV reality shows

11. I make homemade bread every friday. We have bread with peanut butter and jam for dinner and it is my favorite meal of the week

12. I've known I was going to name my son Jackson since I a kid

13. I love doing my make-up

14. If I could, I would go to bed at 8:00 every night

15. I love Lifetime movies

So, come back tomorrow and find out something you may or may not know about me.

Here We go Again...

2011-01-26T15:40:00.006-05:00

Just some pictures to catch you up on the last couple months...

My Ms. Poatato Head

Happy Birthday Brittany!!!

Its the only way to keep her quiet

My crazy, naked babies

Baby Dylan and me on Christmas Eve

White Trash Bash

Howard Family picture

Jackson pretending to be a mannequin (sp?) at Old Navy

Our White Christmas

another cake!

Avett Bros. on New Years Eve!!!

Cakes... what else?

2010-11-07T09:29:00.002-05:00

I went onto Facebook this morning and someone from Mike and April's wedding took a decent-looking picture of my cake. I thought I was going to wait for the photographer.

This morning I also finished a cake for a friend of mine who is having her baby blessed today. She wanted a cake for luch she is having for her family and told me she wanted a cake that looked like it was for a baby shower.

I made the topper out of gumpaste. The cake is covered in butercream frosting and fondant dots.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T16:27:00.004-04:00

My kids LOVED Halloween this year. Jackson knew months ago that he wanted to be Darth Vader. I went back and forth whether to have Caroline be Yoda or Princess Leia and decided she needed to be a girl. Dalene made an adorable little dress and we even got Jackson a red lightsaber. He had a fit at the thought of being Darth Vader with the blue one he already had.

These pictures were taken before our chili cook-off/trunk-or-treat at church. Caroline wouldn't wear her hair and everyone thought she was an angel or ghost, which would still have been cute, but I was going for something more original :)

David and Leda came over Sunday night and went trick-or-treating with us. I always love it when they come over and hang out with us. And the kids love their Uncle Dabid and Yeeda!

Caroline decided she needed to do her own make-up

How'd she do? She actually looked like Darth Vader had her trapped down in dungeon and was beating her regularly, but she was proud of herself so I didn't worry about it. (Amazing, I know)

Caroline kept her hair on the whole time and everyone thought they looked so cute together. One man told me I made his night by having them dressed up as Star Wars chracters, and I told him that he made mine by knowing who Caroline was supposed to be!

Caroline was defintitely a hit. She came home with twice as much and better candy than Jackson. But, Jackson was adorable, too and every time he had on his Darth Vader mask, he even breathed loudly right along with it.

By the end of the night, Caroline was pooped and fell asleep with her Uncle Dabid. They love each other :)

i {heart} fall

2010-11-01T11:29:00.001-04:00

My Big Lady!

2010-11-01T11:16:00.002-04:00

About a month ago I decided to potty-train Caroline. She has always shown alot of interest in the potty so I figured it as good a time as any... or not.

For a week, she never went to the bathroom on the toilet a single time... wouldn't even realize that she had used the bathroom. So, I put the diaper back on her and figured she wasn't ready.

About a week and a half later I am in school one night and I get a text from Cameron that said, "Guess who just pooped in the potty?!?!?" She had gone in without telling him, went to the bathroom and then walked him to the bathroom to show him what she had done. What kid do you know that poops in the potty before they ever pee in the potty. That was all it took and she has been a rock star ever since.

This was taken after the first few days. She loves to put stickers on her chart!

She's so little that she likes to sit backwards. So cute :)

Here's my teenie girl in her big girl panties!

Of course, she's still naughty. Atleast she loves peanut butter... enough to eat it straight out of the jar. Gotta love her!

CAKES!

2010-10-31T17:34:00.005-04:00

I have really been so excited to be getting some good business for my cakes. It is alot of fun, and I'm betting my name out there!

Hello Kitty for a birthday party. White cake with vanilla buttercream.

I made these cupcakes for school. The pink one is french vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream. There was dark chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and chocolate buttercream frosting. And, red velvet cake with whipped cream cheese frosting and pecans. They were a big hit!

Amy asked me to do an Atlanta Bravves cake for Ryan's birthday. It was layers of french vanilla and chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and vanilla buttercream.

My friend, April got married yesterday and wanted just plain poundcake with buttercream frosting. Her husband MIke wanted a the cake to have strawberries on it. This is what I came up with. I hate that the piccture is so bad, but because I'm a genius I forgot to bring my camera. This was taken with my phone in the practically un-lit room where the reception was.

In case you ever wondered, this is what happens to my house when I'm in the kitchen making a cake...

Our ward trunk or treat was Friday night...

these "candy corn" cupcakes were my contribution. But guess what else???

I won the chili cook-off! I won "best white chili" but then I also won "best chili" overall! Yay for me!!!

6th Annual Walk to Remember

2010-10-11T14:48:00.003-04:00

"We walk for the steps they will never take"

I participated again this year with Amy in the " A Walk to Remember" and Time of Remembrance put on by the Heartstrings organization. Again, it was a wonderful experience. I am always moved to tears at Amy's strength... she is a wonder to me. I am so grateful for her presence in my life. I am proud to call her my friend, and even more proud to share the title of 'Mother' with her.

Amy, April, Sharon and Kasey, Charlotte and me

me and my best girl!

This year they made butterflies for each baby and during the reading of the baby names, the parents clipped these butterlfies to the tree. It was really beautiful.

My friend, Brad, snapped this picture of Amy and me during the butterfly ceremony. I love her!

Emma Grace McKinney

Joshua Ryan McKinney

It breaks my heart that I have so many friends that have been lost their babies. An old and dear friend of mine lost her son, Will earlier this year as well. This was his butterfly.

This is my friend, Royale's, memory candle for her son, Dallin

"We Remember Them" - Rabbi Sylvan Kamens

At the rising of the sun and at its going down,

We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and the chill of the Winter,

We remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of Spring,

We remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of Autumn,

We remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends,

We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live,

For they are now apart of us as we remember them.

When lost and sick at heart,

We remember them.

When we have joy we crave to share,

We remember them.

As long as we live they too will live,

For they are now apart of us as we remember them.

2010-10-07T10:05:00.001-04:00

“Parents are entrusted with the education of their

children, and, ultimately, parents must ensure that their

children are being taught what their

Heavenly Father would have them learn…

It is our sacred duty to do our very best.”

-Elder L. Tom Perry

SASSY... all capital letters

2010-10-05T09:44:00.004-04:00

I laughed out loud when I saw this shirt at Target and knew that my Sassy girl had to have it!

My Birthday

2010-10-04T07:36:00.005-04:00

My 29th year is off to a great start! I had a wonderful birthday!

Cameron and the kids woke me up singing "Happy Birthday" with a card and the necklaces that the kids picked out all by themselves. Cameron told me that when he asked the kids last week what they wanted to get me for my birthday, Jackson said, "a green light-saber" and Caroline said, "a baby." Then Jackson said, "a necklace and a bracelet." They settled on two necklaces. It was really sweet.

Then Dalene watched the kids for me for a few hours so I could go to lunch with Amy and Kasey (whose birthday is just two days after mine). We went to the Olive Garden, of course and it was so nice to have a girls' lunch.

I probably can't even count the number of pictures we have exactly like this one from over the years.

Then the fun started. We went to the fair for my birthday because I LOVE the fair and because they were having unlimited rides. Mom came up and David and Leda came with us, too.

Jackson had fun helping me open presents.

Mom made me my favorite dessert for my birthday instead of cake... pudding dessert

We had so much fun at the fair! Everyone took turms with the kids when someone wanted to ride something that Caroline couldn't get on. Jackson was able to go on everything except the pirate ship and he LOVED it. I'm so glad he likes rides like I do!

This was a pool that had beah balls that were big enough to get inside and walk/bounce across the water. So cool!

Everyone was able to ride the Ferris Wheel and Jackson, Caroline and I were the only ones not freaking out about the height and not beig well secured.

I know you can't tell, but Cameron was freaking out and was about to come un-glued in this picture

view form the top

I made Caroline wear a baby leash... a little white-trashy, but after our experience in Kohls, I wasn't taking any chances. I got a few eye-rolls, but you know what, she was safe and was still able to run and walk and not have to be confined to a stroller. It was a win-win!

Me and mom at the end of the night, It was so fun!

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so wonderful! It was so fun and I feel so loved!

Chocolate Pudding dessert:

crust:

1 c chopped pecans

1 stick softened butter

3/4 c flour with 1/4 c powdered sugar

cream cheese layer:

1 c powdered sugar

8 oz. softened cream cheese

1 c cool whip

pudding layers:

prepare a package of chocolate pudding and vanilla pudding per package directions

Combine crust indredients. Put in a 9x13 and bake A 350 for 20 minutes. Cool completely and then top with cream cheese layer (just combine ingredients and spread over crust). Then layer chocolate pudding then vanilla pudding. Top with cool whip and more chopped pecans.

The Cake Disaster

2010-10-04T07:01:00.002-04:00

There have been times in making a cake where something has gone wrong... it doesn't quite look the way I want to to, it takes longer than expected, I leave the cakes in the oven too long and have to start over, it starts melting out in the heat, that sort of thing. But, nothing I would call a "disaster."

Well this weekend, it happened...

But before that, things were going great, except of course for Caroline getting my kitchen and herself covered in chocolate cake batter. My aunt Kerry asked me if there was anything she doesn't get into. Ihaven't found anything yet that she hasn't gotten into, but I'll let you know :) She also got the cookie monster I made out of gumpaste and took it apart and smashed it so I had to make a new one. Still, not disasters, all things that were fixable.

Then I made four batches of icing... typical for most cakes.

Dad, is your mouth watering yet?!

Now for the cake... it was another cookie monster cake for a 1-year-old little girl's birthday. I did the cake exactly as her mother wanted, and it turned out soooo cute. Usually when I make a cake, I see many things that I would have done differently, but I was so pleased with how cute this cake was. I got it loaded in the car and was so excited for the mom to see this cake because she was really excited about it, too.

I am getting ready to pull onto their street when a car pulls out in front of me and I have to slam on breaks and swerve slightly. Guess what... the top of the cake fell over, the cookie monster broke, and the dowel that is put in the cake to keep it stable made the bottom tier of the cake split in half when the top tier fell off. I was freaking out. What was I supposed to do? I couldn't turn around and go back home. I go up to their door crying, explaing what happened and they are so laid back and wonderful and tell me that I'll be able to fix it and everything will be fine. Thank goodness they are literally the most laid back, go with the flow people I know becuase if someone showed up at my 1-year-old's birthday party with the cake I showed up with I would have been freaking out.

Cameron brought me may cake stuff and I stood at their kitchen counter piecing this cake back together. By the time I was down, they were more than pleased (although I was mortified by how it looked) and told me they couldn't even tell there had been a problem. They were probably lying, but I left feeling better than when I showed up.

So I feel like I have experienced a cake disaster and hope I never experience another one like that!

Not Fair!

2010-10-04T06:49:00.002-04:00

I have always felt like I got the short end of the stick when it came to my hair. Both of parents have rediculously thick, beautiful hair. David got it too. But guess who didn't... me! My hair is so fine and thin that I have to "do" it every day. None of that blow-dry and go for me.

Well Jackson got that thick hair, too. His is so thick, though, that it has to be kept REALLY short becuae it is so coarse and wiry that it sticks out in all directions. I love long hair on boys, but not my boy. It even takes a long time to get it wet because water just rolls right off of it.

A couple weeks ago, I gave myself a trim, put some layers in my hair and the wisps that fell to the floor were not even enough to fill up my hand. I cut Jackson's hair the next day. I use the term "cut" loosely because his hair is always so short that it barely needs a trim, and this is what I get to sweep up...

It filled up the entire dustpan, and then some. It just isn't fair. I could cut my hair as short as his right now and there wouldn't be that much hair on the floor. It just doesn't seem right!

after his haircut.

Candy necklaces

2010-10-04T06:39:00.002-04:00

Except we made them with Fruit Loops and I think the kids loved them even more!

The other week at school, the kids were reviewing colors, so I thought we would a couple fun things at home, too. I got a box of Fruit Loops and we did some fun little activities (and eating).

The first thing we did was separate the colors in a jumbo muffin tin. Caroline even helped with this even though she ate more than she ever separated.

Then Jackson and I took turn making different patterns. I would start a pattern with the fruit Loops and then he would have to guess the pattern and finish it. Then he would make a pattern and I would finish it. Jackson loved this part... we did it over and over and over again.

Hands down, their favorite part was making neckalces with the fruit loops. I had to help Caroline, but Jackson did a great job. They wore them for the whole afternoon and they would walk aroung with them hanging out of their mouths chewing pieces off, just like a candy necklace.

Fall Treats

2010-09-22T06:16:00.003-04:00

The other day I was doing a google image search trying to find some cute and yummy ideas for fall desserts. I love fall and anything pumpkin-y, cinnamin-y, and I came accross this picture...

The caption said "delicious 2-ingredient pumkin cake" and I was all in.

The two ingredients:

box of yellow cake mix

can of pumpkin

When my Aunt Kimmy did weight watchers, she gave us the recipe for some muffins that are 1 point a piece using either a chocolate cake mix or spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin, so I am no strager to this idea, but yellow cake? How come I never thought of that? Because lets be honest... what's not to love about yellow cake.

So, I made it last night. The recipe used an apple cider glaze, but since I don't regularly have apple cider in my house, I just made a cream cheese glaze.

I sneaked a slice before I headed out the door for school, and it was fabulous. I don't know if you've ever made anything like this, but the can of pumpkin makes it so moist, and you can't get easier than 2 ingredients.

And since we're on the subject of yellow cake and how it makes everything better, if you ever need a quick and easy dessert, dump a yellow cake mix over a can of pie filling, canned peaches, jar of applsauce, (you get the idea) cut up a stick of butter and put that on top, and then bake it until it's golden brown and serve with icecream.

Oh, and while searching the food network I came accross two blogs of contestants that have been on Ultimate Recipe Showdown, and they are fabulous so I tought I would share...

http://picky-palate.com

http://cakebatterandbowl.com

Seriously?!

2010-09-22T06:07:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day of fall...

it is September 22nd...

and the forecast says it's supposed to be 90 degrees today...

90!

Did you know...

2010-09-16T21:21:00.002-04:00

that this week is National Cupcake Week?

Well, you know I did.

Of course I had to participate and make cupcakes. At first I thought I would make your typical 'cupcake-looking' cupcakes...

but then I had another thought thanks to my sister-in-law, Brooke. I made 'Better than sex' cupcakes... and they were fabulous. I limited myself to one, but oh, how I wanted another...

You start with a chocolate cupcake... I did dark chocolate. While they are cooking, warm a can of sweetened condensed milk and caramel ice cream topping (mixed together) on the stove over low heat. WHen the cupcakes come out of the oven and are still hot, poke holes in them and pour your caramel mixture over them so it can soak in. Then sprinkle with heath bar so it kind of melts a little bit too. When they are cool, top with cream cheese frosting and some more heath bar bits.

Go for it, you'll thank me. It is National Cupcake Week, afterall.

They're here!

2010-09-15T22:22:00.002-04:00

There are three food items that I wait all year to be able to buy because they are seasonal products. Two of them come out in the fall and when I got out of class tonight and ran to Walmart to get milk, guess what they had?...

these:

And these:

And did I leave the store with both of them?

Absolutely!

The third thing I wait for, you'll have for too, because it comes out at Christmas!

Four hours down...

2010-09-14T06:38:00.002-04:00

One -hundred-eighty-six to go!

I had my first day (night) of class last night. I was really excited and as soon as I walked into the building I got nervous like I was 18 again and walking into a college class for the first time. But then as soon as I walked into the classroom and felt older than many of the students, my nervousness went away.

It was funny to see the difference between those studensts that were 18-19 years old and those of us tha were older. We were the dorks asking and answering questions and they were the ones looking at the clock praying for it to be 10:00 already. Four hours a night, every single night of the week (except Friday) will get a little tiring, I think, but I'm so excited to be there.

My teacher had us ago around the room last night (20 students) and tell a little about ourselves and why we were there. It was fun to hear everyone's stories and not be the self-concious 18 year old that was worried about what everyone was thinking of me.

I'm already looking forward to tonight and all that still have to learn!

And I have to thank my mom and dad who are so supportive of my going back to school, and picking up the tab. Thank you both! I love you!!!

What did you do Friday night?

2010-09-13T15:02:00.003-04:00

I spent mine making these...

34 72-hour kits that were all bought at the preparedness fair we had on Saturday at church.

And orders for 32 more!

Like I don't have anything else going on right now! :)

It's because I'm awesome :)

We Remember...

2010-09-11T14:32:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning very mindful of the fact that today was the anniversary of 9/11. I still have a hard time even thinking about that day and the weeks that followed without becoming very emotional.

I had my tonsils out on the early morning of September 11, 2001. My mom still talks about being in the waiting room of the surgery center watching the news with the one other man in the waiting room. Some sort of special alert came on the TV when the first tower had been hit talking about this freak accident in which a plane hit the tower, and as my mom and this man were watching, they saw the second plane fly and crash into the second tower. She siad they were glued to the TV and couldn't even believe what they were seeing.

I remember my mom coming into the recovery room as I was waking up telling me about what had happened. I was so groggy and out of it that I didn't understand, much less comprehend what she was talking about.

As I was at home laying on the couch for the next 2-3 weeks (I do not recommend having your tonsils taken out as an adult - it's horrible) I was enveloped 24 hours a day in the tragedy that was 9/11. I became depressed, as all I saw hour after hour were these horrible images of disaster that I could not take my eyes off of. Once my recovery process was over, I was so touched at the overwhelming abundance of patriotism all around me. Flags were everywhere, everyone loved everyone, no matter our race, religion... we were all Americans, and we were proud!!! How quickly those feelings seemed to fade, but I will tell you that I am proud every single day to be an American, and to be free.

I was a part of a preparedness fair we had today at church, and how happy I was that we started the morning in the chapel with a tribute in remebrance of 9/11. I, of course, was moved to tears as I saw images again that will forever be in my memory, but how proud I was to stand with my hand on my heart and say The Pledge of Allegiance.

I called my mom a couple years ago on July 4th. It was a holiday that we weren't spending together that year for some reason and I old her I was sad that we weren't together on the holiday. She told me that we lived in a free country, so every day was a holiday. I have never forgotten that. I am grateful to her for instilling such a sense of patriotism in me and a gratitude to those that have given their lives so I can live free.

"I'm proud to be an American

Where at least I know I'm free

And I won't forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I'll gladly stand up next to you

And defend her still today

There ain't no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA"

I remember!

Baby Jail

2010-09-10T06:44:00.002-04:00

Because I have a naughty girl who makes messes like this...

And this...

And because she was sleeping places like here...

and here...

She got sent to baby jail...

And after the first couple times, now she loves it!!!

And now I can take a shower or put her down for a nap without my house or her room being utterly destroyed. It's fantastic!!!

Jackson's "first day of school"

2010-09-08T14:40:00.002-04:00

Jackson has been so excited to start school, especially since we started walking down to the bus stop in the morning with our neighbor, Jacob, who started Kindergarten this year.

He tells us that he goes to a pretend school because you ride the bus to real school and ride in the car to pretend school. I guess that means he'll be riding the bus next year and I won't have to drive him. Sounds like a sweet deal to me!

Jackson was so excited to put on his back-pack. He even wore it on his back in the car to and from school. We put his folder in his back-pack and he was ready to go...

Recently when I've gone to take Jackson's picture, he cocks his head to the side and throws up a "west-side" gesture like he's living the thug-life. I have no idea where this came from, but I think it's hilarious!

My big boy!!!

Dana, who has her degree in Early Childhood Education has made our schedule for the year, and school is at her house this week. Yesterday, she spent the time the boys were at her house having them get to know each other and to recognize their own and each other's names. The played name games, matched each others oictures to their names. etc. Jackson came home with a picture of himself and his name that he colored. He has never so animatedly told me about his day and all that he did. What he had for snack, for lunch. his new friends names and things they like. I am so excited to have this opportunity for him and for me!!!

Tomorrow he will go back to Dana's, and he will bring his own lunch. I took him to Aldi, where he picked out ham and cheese for a sandwich, strawberries, friutsnacks, chocolate pudding and juiceboxes. He can't wait to bring his Star Wars lunbox to school and show his friends!

Trying to be organized...

2010-09-08T14:22:00.003-04:00

And STAY organized!!!

With Jackson starting school and me starting school, life is different around here. In an effort to use our time at home more efficiently, and give my kids some responsibility I made some house rules and chore charts. My sister-in-law, Brittany, who puts me to shame when it comes to organization and keeping her house perfectly clean at all times has been my inspiration...

I printed some pictures off the interent for our house rules and laminated it and put it on the fridge nest to our calendar. Every morning we go over the rules and every time someone starts to break one all I say is, "whats our rule" and it nips it in the bud. Now it's only been three days since I made the chart, but it's having the desired effect so far.

I know my kids are young, but they are old enough to understand that there are certain things they can do and need to do. Once again, Brittany made some adorable chore charts that are framed and everything. Mine are just laminated and on the fridge, but the kids love them. Since they can't read, I once again printed pictures off the internet. They love doing their chores and marking them off with a dry-erase marker. his morning Jackson even reminded me that he needed to put away his toys before we left. Who knew?!

Jackson picked a picture from Star Wars to put on his chore chart. His chore are to make his bed, put away his toys, brush his teeth and get dressed. I help him make his bed and I pick out his clothes, but he does the rest. Caroline wanted a baby on her chore chart and her chores are to put away her toys, brush her teeth and get dressed. I have to help her with everything, but she does understand that it needs to be done and she understands that she gets to mark it off when its done.

It has been wonderful to go to bed every night to a clean house, wake up to a clean house and come home to a house that is clean because it was left clean when we walked out the door. I think it will help us all cope better with the changes taking place in our lives if our time at home is more structured. I know it works for me!

Caroline's Arm

2010-09-08T14:04:00.003-04:00

So, about a month ago while vising the zoo (which we do frequently) Caroline severely burned her arm. We were wlaking toward the parking lot after leaving the zoo and the kids (including two friends we had brought) were playing aroung and very interested in one of the golfcart/ATVs that the zoo-workers drive. After repeatedly telling them all to leave it alone, Caroline, of course, ran back to it and fell, catching her arm on the exposed muffler on the back. It wasn't until the screaming that I realized it was still hot and she had burned herself. I was not prepared however, for the way it looked when I got to her. The oly way I can describe it is that simply looked like melted saran wrap or something peeling off her arm. Looking back at it now, I probablt would have run back into the zoo where I'm sure they have a nurse's station or something, but all I could think to do was snatch her up and get her out of there as soon as possible. I poured a bottle of water on it and immediately drove to CVS where I bought burn spray, ointment, and gauze, etc. My teeny girl was such a trooper and has made it through even better than I (and the doctor) expected.

this is a few days after it happened.

a week or two

another week

I took this picture just today. It's just barely pink, and the doctor thinks there won't even be a scar. I'm not sure if it a third degree burn, but it was second degree, atleast. I'm amazed at how good it looks and how she rarely acted as if it even bothered her, My brave girl!!!

I'm Getting Paid for this!

2010-09-08T13:36:00.002-04:00

So, one good thing that has come form all the time I spend (waste) on Facebook is that I have gotten some business making cakes. It's been alot of fun, and the orders just keep coming! Here are the cakes I have most recently been paid to make...

This is the Cookie Monster cake I made for my nephew, Dylan's, first birthday. It was vanilla cake with chocolate chip filling (it had to be chocolate chip for Cookie Monster :) )

Of course I didn't paid for this one since it was Caroline's birthday cake, but I wanted to show it off :) It was white cake (dyed pink, of course)

I made two of these sheet cakes for a wedding reception. They were chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse filling with strawberries. She sliced them and topped each piece with a strawberry.

This was just a plain vanilla cake with fabulous decorations. I made this for my neighbor I had growing up. It was so fun to re-connect with them over Facebook (and cake.)

This is an army cake I made for a 9-year-old's birthday, It was vanilla and chocolate cake , swirled together so it kind of looked like camoflouge.

A "Team Carlisle" cake I did for a birthday. Layers of vanilla and chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling.

I have to say that the Carolina cakes have been very popular. Are we really surprised?! This was white cake that I dyed blue and has white chocolate mousse filling.

I only wish I had a bigger kitchen and an industrial-sizsed kitchen Aid mixer. Maybe one day :)

Caroline's Pink Party

2010-09-08T06:32:00.004-04:00

We've waited for this day all year... now it's two weeks away - it's practically here

Our sweet Caroline is turning 2, so we had to decide what we wanted to do

She's a teeny girl who's so pretty in pink - that made us think...

Let's have a pink party with pink everything - pink hats, pink balloons, pink cake and ice cream

We'd love for you to come to Papa and Gree-ma Howard's house; and don't forget to wear pink - your pants, shoes or your blouse.

That is what Caroline's invitation to her pink party said.

When Caroline turned 1, we barely had a cake so I really wanted to do more for this birthday. It was still just family, but we did it up a little more. The "Dollar Tree" helped me throw a great pink party... we literally had pink everything!

The pink snacks... the cake of course, pink marshmallows, pink iced animal cookies, pink sugar wafer cookies, pink whoppers and pink punch

pink decorations

Our pink waffle bar... pink waffle batter, homemade pink butter, strawberries, homemade pink whipped cream and pink sprinkles, Eaten of course on pink plates, with pink silverware with pink napkins and pink cups!

Caroline, Amy and me

had everyone that wore pink take a picture together

My beautiful mom and me

Amy, Kasey and me. Somehow Kasey missed the pink memo :)

Your fabulous cake decorator

blowing out the candles

My birthday girl!!!

I'm not sure how I can ever top that party, but it will be fun to try! :)

Turning over a new leaf...

2010-09-07T21:14:00.003-04:00

I realize that it has been about three months since the last time I blogged. Nobody proabaly even rads this anymore, but I have mdecided that blogging is really a good thing for me to do and I want to get back to it. I think it is a good release for me and a better way to document our lives than just uploading pictures to Facebook. I have really spent alot of time in the last week organizing and cleaning the house, developing some house rules, helping the kids by making chore charts and helping them with the things that I want them to do every day. I realize that we need to use our time at home more efficiently than we have been.

There is alot going on at our house right now - alot of big changes. First, I am starting school next week... a 3-month course to get my CNA certification. It is going to turn our lives upside-down for a few months, but I am really, really excited about it. I will go to class four nights a week for 4 hours a night. I am one who really needs my sleep, and I just hope I know what I'm getting into. I would really like to work in a hospital when I'm done. I really want to be the best mom I can , and sometimes I feel like I'm not as good at it as I want to be. I really hope that doing something for me will help me in the most important job I have... a mom. My cake business and also really started. I have had many orders in the last couple weeks and more coming in all the time. I am really having a great time, and am happy to be making a little money while I'm at it.

Jackson started "Friendship School" today. Three other moms and I will rotate weeks having pre-shool at our house for four 4-year-old-boys. What's really funny is that the elementary school he will go to is Friendship Elementary. We are all in the situation where we can't exactly afford pre-school, and I feel very lucky to be a part of this. It is two mornings a week for three hours. Jackson had such a great time today... he has been talking about his new friends, Silas, Calvin and Rio all day. He brought a back-pack and a folder and came home with papers in his folder today... how fun. It means Driving to and from Greensboro twice a week, which means putting alot more gas in my car than I'm used to, but we're going to make it work. I know how important this is for Jackson and for me. He is my big boy and is so grown up.

Caroline just had her second birthday. She is my big lady. She is a teeny, smart, sassy, sweet, naughty girl. She is full of energy and loves her "Jack Jack." Anyone who is around her loves her, but also can't believe how naughty she is. We love her so much and can't believe how big she is.

I have pictures of Jackon's first day of school, Caroline's birthday and my cakes that I will post tomorrow. Just wanted to let everyone know We're alive around here and to stay posted.

Brandi Carlile Weekend...

2010-06-07T17:53:00.002-04:00

My dad came this weekend to ake us to a Brandi Carlile show.

All I have to say is, "thanks, Dad. I'll never be the same!"

It was a FANTASTIC show and we had so much fun just hanging out!

these are in Charlottesville before the show...

On top of the show, Charlottesville is a really cool place. I definitely want to go back.

Jackson took this picture of David and Leda on accident. I gotta say that I think I have a futute photographer on my hands.

And because I can't have a post without a cute picture of Caroline...

And now, the fabulousness that is Brandi Carlile...

The Zoo!

2010-06-07T17:42:00.004-04:00

My BFF, Amy, had been talking about taking the kids to the zoo for a long time, so about a month ago we finally decided to do it. I bought a family pass while we were there and apparently that was a great decision. My kids LOVE LOVE LOVE the zoo. We have been five or sox times since then and have more than paid for that family pass!

These are pictures from our first visit with Amy...

Looking at the alligators... Caroline LOVES Jackson. she is never more than a few steps away from him!

Here's to many more zoo trips to come.

We can get discounts for anyone else, so if you're interested, we go once a week!

Why?!

2010-05-23T22:29:00.002-04:00

I love how the beginning she is saying, "cheese!"

It's true... I'm a HORRIBLE blogger...

2010-05-21T16:00:00.005-04:00

Let's start with Easter...

And then there's me, the bad blogger...

My dearest friend, Amy, had a birthday. Cameron was wonderful to stay home with the kids so I could spend some time with friends on this fun night...

me and my best girl

Kasey and me

Amy's husband, Ryan, and me. Love him too!

You knew I would make cake, right?!

Fun times at PaPa and Greema's house...

these cousinds love each other and love riding in PaPa's "tractor"

my sweet girl!

giving Caroline a push-up in the car... clearly not the best decision I ever made!

Most exciting of all, Mom, David and I were able to make a trip to Boston where my cousin, Nikole, was married. We had a fabulous time and it was wonderful, as always to get to spend time with family. I love you all and had a fantastic time!!! Kimmy has promised a CD with more pictures (as she is better about having her camera than I)... I can't wait to share those with you as well

Picture update

2010-04-05T22:02:00.007-04:00

Finally blogging, but really just a picture update... too much to blog about to do it right...

my beautiful girl!

At our "school" Valentine party

At our friend Jake's birthday party...

the cake I made for our RS birthday at church

These pictures are from our trip to Atlanta a couple weeks ago...

Jackson's "psycho" face

Jackson and I went on a train ride at Stone Mountain. He told me the whole time how much fun he was having, how excited he was, etc. He literally couldn't stop shaking... his whole body was full of excitement.

The cake I made for Kimmy's birthday

Dad and Dianne came to visit for Jackson's birthday weekend...

Caroline pretending to eat when we went to Cracker Barrell for breakfast

at David and Leda's house

setting up his new train set with Daddy

we ate Mexican food for dinner and they sang to Jackson... he loved it!

the spiderman birthday cake I made for Jackson. He thought it was "so cool"

opening presents at Papa and Greema's house

Happy Birthday to my big, 4 year old boy! I love you, my Jacksy!

not sure why I was looking at the camera the whole time...

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Snow!

2010-02-12T15:06:00.004-05:00

I know the snow has long-since melted, but we did get alot, and I wanted to show our pictures. This time the snow was alot deeper, alt more wet, and alot colder, so Jackson and Caroline did not enjoy it like they did last time.

We made snow cream for the first time, and Jackson and Caroline loved it!

Caroline could barely walk in it

This is the most "playing" Jackson did in the snow this time

This is what it looked like from the bottom of our cul-de-sac

Jackson making a snow angel

can you see it?

me and my cuties!!!

The Best Part of Being a Mom

2010-01-31T15:01:00.002-05:00

Sweet, happy babies

and sweet, snuggly babies!

Twilight Party

2010-01-31T14:43:00.003-05:00

Can I get a "woo! woo!" ?

Amy has been playing around with the idea of having a "Twilight" party for quite a while, and it finally happened! And, if you are a "Twilight" dork (like we are) it was great...

this is the cake I made... yummy (of course)

We watched the movie and then played the "Twilight" Scene-It game. I realized quickly that I did not know as much about "Twilight", especially the movie, as I thought. I had nothing on the other ladies that were there!

Amy's mom found this movie poster for her. We were tempted to cut out Bella'a face so we could all pose with Edward... that would have gone a little too far, right?!

Amy posing the book cover

Me with our wonderful hostess

my cake, again

Amy even made us goody bags with a "Twilight" bookmark, button, a notepad and candy.

Thanks, Amy for a fun, girls only, day!!!

Florida... Finally

2010-01-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

How I do apoligize for the delay... some minor (which could have been major) computer problems delayed his post, but here it is; with several others to follow shortly...

And another little tid-bit of information... this is my 300th post!!!! Yay!!! How appropriate that it involves one of my favorite places and some of my most favorite people to visit!

Just after Christmas we headed to Florida where we got to see not only my Dad and Dianne, but Papa and Grandma, and Kelly and Dave and Ava, Luke and Logan. We spent most of our time just hanging out and having fun at Dad and Dianne's house, where they had a wonderful fenced in backyard and a neighborhood playground.

For those of you faint at heart, plaese do not look at the next pictures. My Caroline girl can never get enough to drink, and when there are dog bowls around, it makes for easy access to water...

We did decide one day to all go to Gator Land. I haven't been since I was little kid and Papa and Grandma said the kids would love it... which was true!

What a loser am I? This is the only picture I have the twins. I was going to make a special point of getting more, since Kelly is so good at showing them off on her blog... :). Luke is above, and Logan below, and what sweet, sweet babies they are!!!

Jackson and Ava got along beautifuly for the most part and loved being at Gatorland together. They walked around chasing each other and holding hands. Its hard to beoieve how big they are getting.

The big, fake Alligator

They have a small petting zoo area where you can feed the animals, and I must say that this was the favorite!!!

Wait, let me scratch that... it was the favorite until we saw the water area. We did not know there as a place for the kids to play in the water. We did not go prepared with swim suits, so the kids got stripped down to the undies and had a blast!

(yes, she's drinking more water)

(sharing Granddad's protein shake)

How could I forget... Caroline's favorite person in Florida, is not a person at all...

Caroline and her Ry Ry!!! She lovs him!!!

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful, generous family that can make trips like this possible for us! Thank you Dad and Dianne for eveything, and Papa and Grandma, too! e love you all so much and can't wait to see you again!

Some December Fun!

2010-01-09T20:10:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to post pictures of some of the other fun things we did during December. It was full month, and we had alot of fun!

After we had our snow, it warmed up just enough for the snow to melt a little bit and re-freeze. Just perfect for "skating" according to Jackson.

She has to do everything her big brother does!

We celebrated Christmas with the Howard's mid-December. It's always so fun to get all the kids togehther. They all love each other so much and love to play with each other. (They're wearing the same shirts as in the video because it is the same day... although they did wear those shirts alot, but I liked them)

Greema and PaPa with all their grand-babies. I love how Dylan and Caroline are the same size!

Me and my Woos! I love my naughty girl!!!

Amy and I also celebrated Christmas together. We just got together at her house and had dinner and a movie. We also played the Twilight "Scene-it" game. We're such dorks, but it was fun!

One of Amy's favorite things is the chocolate lasagna that they used to have at the Olive Garden, and you all know how we feel about the Olive Garden. I decided to make Amy a chocolate lasagna for Christmas, and not to pat my own back, but I have to say, it was DELICIOUS!

Yummy!

Our friend, Kasey, also came for another visit, and Jackson was beyond excited to see his new favorite friend, Jake. It was great for all us girls to get together again!

I love this picture... and I love that Jackson and Jake love each other so much

I'm so lucky to have such good friends!

Jackson got this hat made out of glow sticks and he thought it was the coolest thing!

Then, after Christmas we jumped on the plane and headed for Florida...

Do I look excited?!

Christmas Day

2010-01-09T19:42:00.005-05:00

Wow... I can't believe it has taken me so long to blog about Christmas Day!

Anyway... here goes

Christmas was so much fun this year. I think the kids were at really good ages for all the fun that Christmas brings along with it, and I think I will always have fond memories of this Christmas...

We woke up Christmas morning, and guess who had come to our house?

Santa Claus... and the kids were ready. They couldn't open their presents fast enough.

This is a felt Mr. Potato Head that I actually made (I even used a sewing machine...shocking, I know) for the kids to play with at church. I was proud of myself!

After we opened presents, we got ready and headed over to David and Leda's house. Now, I know this may come as a shock to everyone, but I tend to let let things really stress me out and worry alot about things I have no control over.

With that said, let me explain to you the kind of day Christmas was... it was cold and pouring down rain. Just getting everyone in the car and to their house was a miracle. Unfortunately, I did not plan well for the surroundings we were going to be in... a very beautiful and very un-childproof house... I did not bring toys, or a pack-and-play for Caroline to sleep in. There was a real Christmas tree for them to play with, and steep wooden stairs for them to climb up, which Jackson did fall down. Despite all that, we had a great day... and a perfect meal... warm potato soup and rolls on a cold, wet day.

I think our days of posed pictures might be over for a while

They were fascinated by all the things on the tree

We also exchanged gifts with each other...

David was funny and got mom and me some Twilight sweet heart candy. Mom got Edward and I got Jacob, because mom is as white as a vampire and apparently I'm as tan as an Indian warewolf. Let me just say that I only look this tan next to my white mother. She often says that we don't even look like we're related.

They got Cameron coal, ha!

I love this picture... Woos loving on her Uncle Dabid!

We hope you all had as merry a Christmas as we did!!!

Maybe it's just me...

2010-01-07T11:06:00.001-05:00

But every time I see this picture on the sidebar on Facebook I have to do a double-take because I thinks it's a picture of me!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T15:48:00.003-05:00

We spent Christmas Eve at our house. Mom came over early in the day to play wih the kids and David and Leda came over for dinner and then spent the rest of the evening with us.

We ate a delicious dinner... chicken pillows, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, green beans, homemade rolls (which I made, which were rediculous, by the way). We also had egg nog, scotcheroos and chocolate chip bars.

Then we acted out the nativity story which we have done every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember...

AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh

After the Nativity, I decided we needed to take a Christmas picture... you can see how well that went...

You can't win them all, right?!

Last, we decorated sugar cookies for Santa. I love doing it with everyone, and our creative side really comes out.

After we were done, the kids went to bed, we all visited a little longer and all went to bad to wait for Santa!

Snow Day

2009-12-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

It snowed alot... alot for here, anyway. Enough for snowball fights, snowmen and sledding.

Jackson was ready to go outside and play from the minute he woke up. Once we were all up and ready to go, we headed outside...

This is Jackson sledding on the hill behind our house. He really enjoyed himself. But, there is not alot of space at the bottom of the hill and the kids kept running into our neighbors house, trashcans, and boat.

This is the view from the top of the hill

Caroline wasn't so sure at first. She stood still alot because she seemed to slip alot when she tried to walk. Plus, I had her so bundled up I think she could barely move.

After sledding our hill for a while, we headed to one of our neighbors who have a great hill right outside their back door. The sledding was so fun. I haven't done it in forever. I eneded up with a bruise on my back from the sleg I went so much!

Jackson couldn't get enough. Every time he made it to the bottom he immediately asked to do it again.

Even my fearless, lttle woos wanted in on the action. She climbed into a sled and fussed until we let her go down. She went several times... one time the sled even flipped over and she ended up face-first in the snow, but she wasn't done.

It was so fun to hang out with our neighbors and all act like kids again! I can't wait to do it again!

Apparently she thinks so, too!

2009-12-23T08:23:00.003-05:00

Batting at 76%

2009-12-11T13:12:00.003-05:00

Bill Simmons writes a column for ESPN.com that I think is quite funny. Cameron often tells me about it, and more than once has sent me the column feeling that it is particularly relevant to our lives. oday was no exception. He was writing about the Tiger Woods mess and talking about why his wife might or might not be crazy. The reason... she has two small children. I think all of those that have small children can relate.

Bill Simmons just always says it so perfectly...

Tiger's wife gave birth to a daughter (now 2 years old) and a son (10 months). You're reading the same guy who once premiered my buddy Sully's "Twelve Percent Theory" in this same space: that every childbirth makes a woman 12 percent less sane until the kids can fully function on their own. So if you have two kids, you're batting at about 76 percent sane.

Anyone married with two young children can back me up: You don't mess with your wife, in any way, shape or form, during the 12 months after that second kid is born. Her hormones have gone haywire. She isn't sleeping enough. She's dealing with the new baby, the suddenly wounded ego of the first kid who doesn't feel special anymore, and whether she can handle two kids at all. She's trying to lose the weight from Baby No. 2, only she doesn't have enough time to work out yet. So she hates herself and hates you for doing this to her.

You aren't walking on eggshells around your wife during this stretch; you're walking on razor blades. Every comment has to be carefully considered before being spoken. For instance, here's a typical exchange with a mother of two young kids who has a baby 10 months or younger:

Husband: "You look really nice today."
Wife: "Why today? Why did you have to say today?"
Husband: "I just meant--"
Wife: "So I don't look nice on any other day?"

That's the Twelve Percent Theory in action. Again, you can't anger your wife during this time under any circumstances.

There's a chance that Tiger just has a fleet of nannies who deal with his kids, nullifying the Twelve Percent Theory to some degree. I don't think this is true for a simple reason: Tiger's wife was a nanny. Former nannies are less prone to hire a fleet of nannies because they know firsthand how attached a baby can get to a nanny. I think his wife carried much of the load herself. That would also explain why Tiger's mother was reportedly there on Thanksgiving. Not just for the holidays, but to help out. Right?

(I know, I know. I am throwing crap against the wall and hoping it sticks. On the other hand, you found yourself nodding the whole time. I'd bet anything. So let's say that Mrs. Tiger is hands-on with the kids. Fine.)

Anyway, the mix of "facts we know" and "things we perceive from those facts" left a little wiggle room and led to four accepted explanations emerging after the accident. I am leaving out any far-fetched explanation along the lines of "Tiger was going out to buy crack" and "Tiger had been furious at that fire hydrant for months and it was only a matter of time before he went after it."

The Walls of Heaven

2009-12-11T13:05:00.001-05:00

I saw this on Facebook with the caption... "now I know what the walls of Heaven look like"

I would have to agree!

Naughty or Nice?

2009-12-10T15:44:00.001-05:00

I Love this picture because is making the same goofy face as Jackson!

Speaking of the "Naughty One"

2009-12-08T15:25:00.002-05:00

Amy's Birthday Cake

2009-12-08T15:15:00.002-05:00

Jackson LOVES Amy! The other day he told me in was in the kitchen making Amy a birthday cake. When he was done he came and got me so we could sing "Happy Birthday" to Amy.

This was his cake...

Ever since my cake class, Jackson has "made" several cakes, but none that looked like this. It took me few minutes, but I figured out he was copying this cake:

Rose's cake from "Sleeping Beauty." This is the scene that he will watch over and over and over again!

It's Christmastime!!!

2009-12-08T11:15:00.002-05:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Everything about it... the lights, the smells, the food, family, friends, everything!!!

But my favorite part is going and picking out a Christmas tree, a real, live, Christmas tree.

Unfortunately, this year I have a naughty girl and I wasn't going to get a traa at all, but I gave in. And, sadly for me I bought a cheap, fake tree that my naughty woos couldn't ruin. Despite the fact that it's f-a-k-e (which is usually a four-letter word around my house) it turned out very pretty and fills our living room with Christmas light.

And of course, my favorite Christmas decoration...

And speaking of naughty, how do you like the Christmas t-shirts I made for the kids using iron-on letters? Cute, huh?

Merry Christmas!!!

Good Friends

2009-12-08T11:04:00.003-05:00

My friend, Kasey, who lives in South Carolina was up over the Thanksgiving holiday, and we used it as a great excuse to get together a couple times.

On Friday. Amy, Kasey and I met at Olive Garden dinner. It is our "go-to" spot. I was explaing to someone recently that is is my favorite restaurant, but it's not even abou the food. It is about the time I have spent there and the memories that have been made. It's the place we've always gone, and I'm sure it will be the place we always go!

Our fantastic waiter, Jamison, took our picture. Aren't we lovely?!

Kasey's kids and my kids are really close in age, but she has a brand new baby, unlike me. Her son, Jake, and Jackson are about three weeks apart in age, and her son, Nick, and Caroline are about 6 weeks different. Her new little boy, Ty, is 2 months old. We decided to meet at Chick-fil-a on Saturday so the kids could play, and Jackson has been talking no-stop about his new friend, Jake ever since. It was great fun! I went to high school with Kasey's husband, Daniel, so it was great to see him as well!

Nick and Caroline. Caroline is 6 weeks older.

Kasey and me (holding Ty)

The whole bunch of us. That plant behind me makes my hair look crazy. ha!

I Wish!

2009-12-08T10:53:00.000-05:00

You thought she looked like her Daddy before?

2009-11-29T17:14:00.005-05:00

How about now?!

side note: we did not do this... she was done eating her cupcake, and this is exactly what she looked like!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T19:13:00.004-05:00

How grateful I am on this day for all my many blessings... both big and small!

Our fabulous day started with brunch with the Howards (and some Reeses too)

Then we made our way to David and Leda's new home where we had dinner with them, mom, and Leda's sister , Jenna and her family. And of course we had to take some family pictures...

I love Jackson's face in this one! Ha!

Me and my Mama!!!

my turkey cake... not my best, but I didn't have alot of time today! :) It sure was yummy, though!

I hope today was a happy day for your family as well!!!

SHe Keeps me on my Toes!

2009-11-23T13:57:00.003-05:00

It's a good thing Caroline is so cute, because she is so naughty!!! She is constantly into things, up on things and making messes. She refuses to play with things... she wants to always be into something...

I was recently making brownies and I look over and this is what I see... she has pulled the cocoa off the counter and dumped it on herself. I was in the kitchen when this happened, and didn't even hear her. It earned her the nickname "Ninja monkey"

This is just a picture I snapped after she fell asleep in her booster... so cute

Caroline loves to climb up on to Jackson's top bunk and play with toys. Being up there is literally time she will be still and play. She gets up there all on her own and loves it. She was up there the other day and everything got really quiet. You guessed it,

She fell fast asleep on the top bunk!

One of my favorite things is that she LOVES to clean up. She will stop whatever she is doing if she sees us cleaning up to come help. This is not the best video, but she looks really cute and you get the idea.

Turkey Lurkey

2009-11-23T13:55:00.002-05:00

Jackson's Nanny called him Turkey Lurkey the last time we went to visit. So, when he made this hat at pre-school he went around telling everone he was a turkey lurkey!

So...

2009-11-23T13:51:00.002-05:00

Does Seeing "New Moon" twice in less than 24 hours make me a loser?!

I don't think so, because it was awesome!!! On Thursday night, Amy and I saw "Twilight" at 9:00 and then "New Moon" at midnight. This picture is of us just before "New Moon" started! Then, I went with a group of ladies on Friday at 7:00. It was a ton of FUN!!!

Pretty close, huh?

2009-11-02T08:05:00.004-05:00

Sid the Science Kid

My Sid the Science Kid... this is the ONLY time he wore the blue hair that I spent FOREVER making. Oh well, atleast I got one picture!

A pink flower

My pink flower.... and unlike Jacckson, she LOVED her flower headband. I think she knew she looked pretty!

Jackson

2009-11-02T07:37:00.002-05:00

We were at Cade and Brittany's house last night for Teagan's blessing and of course, everyone was there. Baby Dylan was there, and he is the only other baby in the family that is big like Jackson was. I love to hold him and squeeze him because he reminds me so much of Jackson. I made me want to come home and look at pictures of Jackson's fatness... He was soooo cute.

My favorite part is all the bracelets he had from head to toe. What a fatty!

Halloween

2009-11-02T07:21:00.001-05:00

The batteries fell out of my camera somewhere as we were trick-or-treating. It's alwys something with me and batteries...

Anyway, I only got a couple pictures of the kids before it happened, and I will post them as soon as I get more batteries today!

Halloween Preview

2009-10-31T20:45:00.002-04:00

Any Ideas?

Worst Mother Ever

2009-10-28T16:47:00.003-04:00

So I was making lunch today and of course the kids HAD o be in the kitchen with me and right under my feet. I was making under- the- broiler cheese sandwiches and was pulling the pan out of the oven. Caroline was directly to my right trying to pull something out from underneath the sink and Jackson was directly to my left messing with the microwave. I turned around to grab Caroline from pulling out the contents of the cabinet, with the pan still in my hand, and I grazed Jackson's cheek with it without realizing it until he started crying. I couldn't figure out what had happened until I looked at his cheek...

Hello, my name is Courtney and I burn my children with cookie sheets...

Poor thing!!!

My Little Monkey

2009-10-28T13:08:00.003-04:00

There is a small table that we keep in Jackson's room that was actually David's and mine growing up. He loves it. Anyway, Jackson's little school class met here today so I brought it out to the litchen for them to do their coloring and have their snack. It hadn't been in the kitchen for 5 minutes when this is what I see...

Naughty girl!!! She is so much more into everything then Jackson EVER was. I am constantly worried that she is going to really hurt herself because she is all over EVERYTHING.

I'm beginning to wonder if we will have a Christmas tree this year!!!

Do you notice anything different about her?

2009-10-26T17:58:00.002-04:00

Other than the fact that she is getting cuter by the day?

Take a closer look...

That's right, Caroline's ears are pierced. After much debate, I finally decided to pierce her ears, after my wonderful Aunt Kerry offerred to pay for it as her birthday present. And let me tell you... I think she looks even cuter than I imagined she would.

I wondered for a while if I had missed my window of opportunity, because she is at the age where she would mess with them, and that I should have done it when she was a baby. But, other than the initial crying when it first happened (to say she was mad would be an understatement) I don't think she even knows they are pierced. She doesn't mess with them at all and she lets me clean her ears and turn the earrings without a problem.

Plus she looks adorable!

Did I mention how cute she looks?!

A Walk to Remember

2009-10-26T16:45:00.004-04:00

"We walk for the steps they will never take"

A couple weeks ago I went with Amy to the "Walk to Remember" put on by Heartstrings for infant loss. I showed up expecting to just walk, with maybe some sort of list of all those that had lost a baby. I never could have imagined what a sad but beautiful day it would turn out to be.

I also never could have imagined just how many families are affected and how many people lose children.

The day started out with a speaker and a man who had lost a child performing a song he had written. I am still amazed at the calm and serenity that you could almost touch.

Each parent or family that had lost a baby was given a memory charm that was made for their child. At a certain point in the program, their was a memorial service where each shild name was read and their parents were able to able to hang the charm on a tree. There were over 500 familes there that had been affected in some way.

These are Emma and Josh's charms

Before the walk started, a preacher was Westover Church was asked to give a prayer, and even now as I think back to that prayer, I am touched by the spirit. It was one of the most beautiful prayers I have ever heard. I know that the presense of our Heavenly Father was felt by all who were there.

Here is the group of us that walked on "Team McKinney twins."
Julie, Amy, Me, Orena, Charlotte, Bonnie, Erin and Heather

Along the way, each child's name was listed again

Here's Amy acting goofy... excited to be done with the mile and a half walk.

Each family also made a quilt square for the quilt that will be put together.

Heather, Erin, Amy and me.

I feel so honored to have been a part of such a wonderful event. I can only hope that it can help in the healing process for those who are greiving.

At the end of the day, we were looking at the quilt squares and Amy was talking to another woman, and the woman knew who Amy was. After Emma and Josh died, Amy published the blog that she had written after their birth and death and the hospital asked to have some copies that they could give to other grieving mothers. This woman recognized the names on Amy's quilt sqaures and asked if tshe was the one that had written the book. I felt truly amazed in that moment it my dear friend Amy. During the hardest thing that she will probably ever go through, she has found so much strength, and has helped to bring strength and comfort to others.

I love you, Amy!

Just because they're cute!!!

2009-10-26T16:38:00.002-04:00

Even Jackson gets in on the sweet hugging action from Caroline

Jackson had this Cars chair and our neighbor just gave us one with the Disney Princesses on it. They love sitting together and watching movies!

I'm so blessed to have such sweet children... even when they drive me crazy. :)

My Dabid

2009-10-14T10:35:00.001-04:00

Just in case you ever wondered, I have THE BEST brother EVER!!!

I Love you, David!!!

I'm 28!!!

2009-10-02T21:22:00.006-04:00

And it's starting out to be a great year!

My birthday lasted for 3 days this year... what a lucky girl I am!!!

On Tuesday Amy took me out for dinner and a movie. We, of course went to Kabuto, our special place, and had so much fun!!!

happy to be at Kabuto... yummy!

After dinner, Amy took us to see Final Destination in 3-D. I felt 16 again seeing a scary movie with my BFF!

don't we look cute?!

What a fun way to start my birthday!

On Wednesday I left for Mom's house, where she had some fun planned.
Its been a while since I got to go on a trip by myself...

isn't it amazing how little I had to pack?!

Mom took me to see Julie and Julia. As much as I love watching The Food Network, etc. I was excited, and it did not disappoint! I highly recommend it! It made me want to read the book and cook all of Julia Child's recipes.

Mom and me at the movie

We woke up Thursday morning and headed to one of my favorite places... Blowing Rock, NC.

It is a wonderful place to walk, shop, eat, relax and just get away from it all. I love it so much I think I might move there...

let me zoom in on that a closer for you...

yes, that says, $3,500,000. So maybe I won't be moving there, but I'll visit any chance I get.

Mom and I spent the most perfect day with perfect weather walking, shopping, laughing, eating and smelling! Yes, I said smelling...

Like the sign says, they have the most fabulous chocolates, fudge and ice cream, and they literally pump the delightful smell outside. The minute you get out of the car, you are starving and craving fudge and ice cream...

you can't go to Blowing Rock without peppermint crunch ice cream from Kilwins!

Thank you, mom for making my birthday so fun!!!

After sitting in horrible Charlottel traffic so I could get home before my kids went to bed, I finally got home to very tired kids and this...

(I love how Caroline's said "Caroline loves Mama" and Jackson's says "Jackson loves Courtney" since thats what he calls me!)

And these...

It meant so much to me to celebrate with Cameron and my kids, too! Thank you, bunny!

And then, to add a perfect ending to an already perfect birthday, David and Leda got me these...

Coldstone cupcakes! I guess that's one of the perks of having a brother who works at Colstone! And yes, they do taste as good as they look!

I also received many cards, phone calls, emails and well-wishes! I feel so loved and I truly feel that I could not have had a better birthday!!!

It Must be Love!!!

2009-09-29T16:39:00.003-04:00

No explanation needed!!! They love, love, love each other!!!

Happy Family Day 2009!

2009-09-28T17:55:00.003-04:00

Apparently today is Family Day 2009... a national "holiday" on which families are encouragd to sit and eat dinner together... a usual occurance around here, but a good excuse to make a yummy dinner and take a picture.

Cameron and I had sweet and sour chicken with peppers and onions over rice (yummy) and the kids had a nutri-grain bar and banana... their favorite!

Here we are!!!

Don't you love Cameron's basketball shorts?!

It's A Boy!!!

2009-09-28T10:26:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Cade and Brittany had their little baby boy!!!

Teagan Reese Haderlie

September 27, 2009 @ 12:02 pm

8 lbs. & 20 3/4 inches

There was little scare and Brittany had to have an emergency C-section, but mama and baby are both doing great. We were able to go to the hospital yestersday and see them.

They are not letting children under 18 into the hospital because of the swine flu so David and Leda watched the kids for us.

Oh my goodness, thereis nothing in the world like holding a sweet newborn baby!!!

I definitely got my baby fix!

Christal and me didn't fight over over him too much! Isn't he lucky to have such wonderful aunts?!

Baby Blue

2009-09-28T10:17:00.003-04:00

Last week, Jenifer, Christal, Brittany and I went and had a girls night out. We went and got pedicures and all got our toes painted blue in honor of Brittany's baby boy!

Jenifer, Christal, Brittany, me. Brittany's toes even have little baby feet painted on them.

Then Brittany treated us all to ice cream at Coldstone. I am so lucky to have such wonderful sisters-in-law, and we always have so much fun together. Thank you, ladies for our fun night!

I Love my Girl!!!

2009-09-26T15:41:00.003-04:00

My Caroline has turned into the most snuggly, cuddly girl ever! She gives the best hugs!!!

Labor Day in Atlanta

2009-09-26T15:02:00.004-04:00

Well now that it's been almost a month ago, I thought I would share with you the fantastic trip that mom and I took with the kids over Labor Day. We went down to Atlanta to visit with Kimmy, Ken, Shannon and Maya. And needless to say, we had fun, fun, fun!

I drove down to mom's house on Friday so we could leave for Atlanta first thing Saturday morning. The kids always love being at Nanny's house so it was great way to start our trip.

When we got ther on Saturday, we headed out to this wildlife reserve where you can pet and feed the animals. It sounds like a glorified petting zoo, but I had no idea how fun it would be. The animals literally walked out and around with us.

How fun is that?!

This pig was so huge and so fat, and Caroline wasn't scared at all. She went right up to him and was even trying to steal his food. My big girl!

Okay, you might not find this as funny as we did, but this donkey just about made us pee our pants we were laughing so hard. Maybe you had to be there, but it was hi-lar-i-ous!!

On Sunday, we of course went to church and spent alot of time out on the porch swing. Jackson and Caroline loved it. I spent some time out there with them and mom did as well. Jackson also loved ringing all of Auntie Kimmy's wind chimes. It was just a nice relaxong day. Sometimes just getting away, even if you don't do much, makes for the best vacations!

On Monday morning, the two girls took a bath together, which is always fun, and then spent some time playing before we headed out the door.

Thank you Regans for letting us invade your home again. It was so good to see everybody!!!

We made great time getting home and when we got home our neighbors invited us over for a cook out. It was a great weekend!

Its been a while...

2009-09-24T06:36:00.002-04:00

I must admit that I have found myself slightly addicted (maybe its more of an obsession) to Facebook. It is eating up my internet time and I have horribly neglected my blog.

I do not have much to post as explained by the afore mentioned obsession, but I promise to be posting soon!

New Jersey

2009-08-29T15:31:00.005-04:00

The other weekend we went to New Jersey for a family reunion of sorts. My dad's side of the family had not all been together since right after Caroline was born and none of us had seen Kelly or the twins since they were born. We used all those reasons as the perfect excuse to spend a long weekend together!

We arrived on Thursday afternoon and quickly settled in for a fun, busy, crazy weekend .

Of course, Caroline immediately fell in love with Sheeba!

On Friday we went to a place called "Storybook Land" which is amusement park that is centered around faiy ales and is especailly for kids. I went to one in New Hampshire when I was a little girl so it was fun to go back with my kids!

In line for the first ride... little did I know what little thrill-seekers I would have on my hands.

Listening to the "Goldilocks and the three bears"

I have a picture of myself as a child at the zoo drinking from an almost identical water fountain.

We had such a blast at this fun park. Jackson and Caroline loved all the rides. Caroline would smile and laugh the whole time. There was a small roller coaster that Caroline was too small to get on, but Jackson rode again and again... he couldn't get enough. I hope that means that when he's older he'll ride the big ones wiht his mommy!!!

David and Leda arrived late Friday night just in time for family pictures on Saturday. My grandma has been trying to get family pictures taken for 3 years, and we finally did it!!! We were more than pleased with the results.

These are pictures of pictures... you had to pay an arm and a leg for the CD, so sorry they don't look the best!

My beautiful babies

Papa and Grandma with their granchildren... me, David, Ava, Luke & Logan, and their great-grandchildren... Jackson and Caroline. I love the generation gap. Their great-grandchildren are older than their two youngest grandchildren, and their is a 20 year difference between David and Ava! Amazing!

The twins (Luke and Logan) at almost 14 weeks

this time Logan's on the left and Luke on the right. Aren't they precious?!

Papa and Grandma

David and me with Dad

the whole bunch!

On Sunday we went to church and then little miss Caroline had another birthday party. It was so much fun to get to celebrate with both sides of the family even though we don't all live close to each other. Thank you Kelly and Grandma for the her party!!!

Jackson and Ava watching a movie before the party. They were best buddies this trip. They held hands everywhere we went, and Jackson informed quite regularly that Ava was his favorite sister!

My (unhappy to wear that hat) birthday girl!

she's ready!

she didn't need any help figuring it out this time!

Jackson's cheesy face!

She wasn't about to miss a crumb!

Thank you Kelly and Dave for opening up your home to everyone. Dad, I'm so glad you got to come so we could spend some time with you, and a special thanks to Papa and Grandma for making this trip possible for us! We love you all and can't wait to see you again soon, hopefully!

Fit for a Princess

2009-08-25T20:56:00.003-04:00

We were out of town on Caroline's birthday, the week earlier we a family birthday party for her at Cameron's parent's house.

Everyone showed up, and we had a really great time... especially because we got to eat this...

When Jackson saw it he said, " aaaahhhhh, mom, Caroline will LOVE it!"

Caroline LOVED her HUGE balloon form Papa and Grandma Howard

Kyrah liked the princess cake, too!

With Grandma, while we sing "Happy Birthday"

blowing out the candles on her very own little cake

At first I don't think she realized she could eat it. She liked playing with the frosting but we had to put it in her mouth before she realized she could eat it. That's all it took...

SHe even got some help from Nanny!

My birthday girl!!!

Thank you to everyone who made Caroline's birthday so special. How grateful I am that she has so many people around her who love her! She is one lucky little girl!

Drumroll, please...

2009-08-25T20:29:00.005-04:00

My baby girl is...

ONE YEAR OLD!!!

I cannot believe how the last year has flown by. When I think over the last year, my heart is so full. The first time I saw Caroline I thought she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen, and she has just gotten prettier. How excited I was to have a girl... she has completed our little family. We cannot imagine our home before she came.

She adds so much fun within our walls. She is always smiling and laughing and she loves us as much, if not more than we love her. I think back to the first couple months of her life (when I didn't handle having a baby very well) and I could never have imagined that she would fill my life with so much joy. I look forward to all the years ahead...

How we love our BIG, little girl!!!

Finally, after weeks of walking, I got a video...

Posts of her two (yes, two) birthday parties will be following soon!

What Else Can I Say...

2009-08-15T19:30:00.006-04:00

Except that, Jenifer, you are awesome!

Jenifer took some family pictures for us today, and I am thrilled with the results!

Caroline is almost 1 and I have never had any pictures taken of her and it has been over a year since I have had any pictures taken of Jackson!

Here are some of my favorite...

(I tried cropping this one and it shrunk, but you get the idea)

(this really is not a sad face, she's just talking)

Again, thank you, Jenifer! We love you!