oh so random

Is it really December already? I have no idea where November went! I have been so crazy busy that I haven't had time to read any blogs at all! Update my own? HA! I wish I could say the next update will be soon, but if you hold your breathe until then...you might be in trouble!

My kids had a great Halloween! Unbelievably, I got them to dress up as a theme! Dorothy and Tin man were borrowed from people my sister babysits for. The scarecrow was an original. Gene still hasn't noticed that the head piece use to be one of his t-shirts. A group from church (about 30 people!) came over and we trick-or-treated the neighborhood on trailers! It was so fun!

We had a great fall festival at church, Trevor's team finished third in the fall state tournament (and is done until the spring), we had a fantastic Thanksgiving with family, and all enjoyed the wonderful fall weather!

As if my life wasn't crazy enough...I now have a fourth child! Her name is Kaya and she is a five month old boxer. We got her October 30th as an early Christmas present for the kids. She is the sweetest dog ever but her house training leaves something to be desired! It is honestly like having another child! Morgan was terrified of her for about a week but then decided she loves her and we practically have to beat her off the dog. It's so sweet! All the trouble is almost worth it when I see how happy the kids are!

Field Trip

Saturday we went with our friends the Andrew's to the Curry Farm's pumpkin patch in Start, LA. It was a last minute decision that turned out to be great! The only bad thing was that since it was last minute, I didn't have my camera! We got to go through a corn maze, pick pumpkins, play in the "corn" box, participate in pumpkin chunkin, race rubber ducks, and go on a hay ride! All for $5 a person! We had the best time!

Today I got to go on Morgan's second field trip of the school year. We went to one of her classmates houses where they got to feed chickens, have snacks, pick pumpkins, and go on a hay ride. They were so cute!


Waiting for the hay ride to start!

Morgan is scared of any animal getting close to her so she squeeled everytime a chicken got anywhere near her. She was content to toss corn from a distance. For a while...


Once we convinced her to hold one, she was sold! All she wanted to do was hold chickens. Now she is insisting that we get her a chicken! A chicken, an apartment, hmmm.... probably not a good idea.


Pumpkins were scattered all over the place and the kids each got to pick one. Of course Morgan chose one of the heaviest! She couldn't even get it off the ground!

She couldn't carry it, but she sure was proud to pose with it!

Rare moments

Although my wonderful parents help out with our kids often, it isn't often that Gene and I get to spend the time the children are away just the two of us. We usually have plans with someone else or one of the kids stays with us. Today after church, all three kids left with Nana and Papa to go to Memphis until Wednesday! What are we going to do with no children for almost four days and no plans? What did we do BC (before children)? This week is intersession for our public schools so I am technically off. However, I am teaching 3rd grade math 8-12 Monday-Friday this week. After that each day... I get to do nothing! I miss my kids already, but we seriously needed some us time! Thanks Nana and Papa!

Last night we went to a birthday party for Aaron Matthews. We don't get dressed up very often so I enlisted Trevor to snap this photo as proof that we still remember how!

A Day at the Zoo

We spent last weekend in Hattiesburg! Yeah! Morgan is going to the flowergirl in my cousin Megan's wedding so Saturday morning she got to try on dresses. She had tons of fun dressing up and looking at the princesses (aka brides)! Later, we went took Chick-fil-a to the Hattiesburg park/zoo for a picnic.

We were suppose to see the zookeepers feed the alligators, but they were not hungry. I wonder if they hairbow and shoe floating in the pond had anything to do with that? Hmm...



The zoo is decorating for their annual "Zoo Boo". The kids loved all the spooky decorations!

This was her "I don't want my picture taken so hurry up and snap it cause I've got stuff to do" pose.

And this was the "I've seriously had enough and I need a nap pose".

Of course my allergies chose Saturday to act up so I look like death warmed over (where did that expression come from?), but we had a great time!

Don't Speak

Right now I'm hearing the No Doubt song "Don't Speak" running through my head. For the second time this school year I have bragged that I actually had 2 sick days roll over from last year (for the first time in the nine years I have been teaching) only to spend the next day home with a sick child! In this case, it's both boys. Neither acts sick but both have a crazy rash. Fifths disease and strep are both going around so we have an appointment this afternoon. I don't think I'll be bragging about my sick days (or lack thereof) anymore!

The unexpected time at home has given me a little time to update - which I'm very happy about! Maybe this will get be back on board the blogging train! I decided that before I tried to start posting more regularly, I should go back a month or so and post some old pics.

To end the summer we had "Family Fun Day" that included a trip to the Jackson Zoo. The kids had a blast! I must admit - although not the New Orleans Zoo - Jackson has come a long way since we were kids!

Trevor and Peyton's First Day

The boys are both still liking school! Trevor was mad to have to stay home today. Peyton, however, was very excited. I hope that's not a sign of things to come!

Morgan's First Day

(complete with Hannah Montana lunchbox)
Morgan absolutely loves her new school! She is learning so much! Friday she brought home a paper bag vest with flaps that revealed her ribs, lungs, and heart. She also brought home a baggie of blood they had made to discuss red and white blood cells! (AKA corn syrup, red hots, and white dinner mints) She was so proud!

After only being in school for a couple of weeks, she had our first major accident. She fell out of a swing and split her head open. Thankfully Dr. Fairchild was able to glue it back together instead of stapling it! She's all better now, but I still can't get that glue out!

The boys' first Choco Tacos!

Wrapping Daddy tighter and tighter around her little finger!

I need a vacation!

I know, I know, school has only been in session two weeks, but I'm exhausted! There is so much going on at work that I feel like I haven't stopped running since July 28th! It has been so long since I posted it would take days to write/read a catch up post. Instead, here's the highlights. I'll post pictures this weekend.

* We had a "Family Fun Day" the Friday before I had to go back to work. It was a blast! We went to the zoo, school supply shopping, and to see G-Force. (Great movie by the way!)

*Then school started for the boys. Trevor is now in the second grade and Peyton is in Kindergarten. Both boys like their teachers alot and are excited to be back! Of course, Trevor complains that he has homework and Peyton complains that he doesn't!

*Last weekend Trevor's baseball team won the Governor's Cup here in Vicksburg for the second year in a row. They were 4-0 for the weekend and won all four games by eight or more runs. It's amazing to see 7/8 year old boys with that much talent!

*Morgan started at a new school on Tuesday. She is going to Agape Montesouri. She absolutely loves it! She also loves her new Hannah Montana lunch box and thermos!

I will definitely post pictures this weekend!

Princesses

I am finally getting around to posting pictures of Morgan's birthday! I still don't think she understands that she only has one "real" birthday despite celebrating several different times. Her actual party was tons of fun! She invited three of her little friends over for a "princess" party. The girls all got manicures and pedicures (thanks to Aunt Melanie), makeovers (by me-powder, blush, eyeshadow, and lip gloss), and decorated princess crowns. Then they dressed up in Morgan's costumes for a photo shoot! The girls had a fabulous time and it was surprisingly easy!


Super excited to be eating at Sol-Azteco and having birthday cake!

Posing in her new Sharpay (from High School Musical) dress.

Posing in her new Cinderella gown.

Getting her nails done!
The pretty, pretty princesses!

What princess party is complete without Hannah Montana cupcakes? I know they don't go with the them but she loved them!

Practicing with her new helmet, bat, and balls from Nana and Papa!

Notice the t-shirt! Our little princess loves to be girly but watch out boys... she can be rough and tough too! This is after Trevor's practice Tuesday night!

Randomness

I thought that I would have so much free time this summer that I would get the house totally organized, get caught up on my scrapbooking, and keep the blog updated. What was I thinking?!?!?! I may not be doing any of the above, but I am having a great time with my kids!
This post is going to be pretty random. Sorry!

*Yesterday, my friend Torri and her three kids came over and we all went swimming together. The kids had a great time! Please excuse my hideous swimsuit! I have had it forever but it's all I have! I have been searching around town for a new one but so far no luck. It appears that to by a swimsuit I have to be one of three thing. 1) supermodel skinny/willing to show it all 2) wanting the grandma "skirt to the knees" look 3) or willing to spend $65... on just the top of the tankini! AAGGHH!

* Lately I have this thing about reading books before I see the movie. I am currently reading "My Sister's Keeper". I'm not sure why I originally bought it since the movie trailer made me cry, but it is great! I can't put it down! I've already informed Gene that he has to take me to see it as soon as I finish the book!

* Today Dad and Gene went to play golf in Delhi so Mom and I went shopping (I was hoping to find a swimsuit. Ha Ha Ha). We went to the mall (those of you from Vicksburg just visibly cringed I know) and then to the outlets. I honestly think the people who send clothes to our Carter's outlet live in the North Pole. Seriously people! We don't need long sleeves and fleece in Mississippi until after Christmas! REALLY! It's July! While in the GAP, Trevor came with me to the dressing room so I could try on a few shirts. Between shirts he said, "Mom what's that on your belly button?" I said, "This? Oh, that's a stretch mark. It comes from having three babies." His reply, "Does everybody get them?" Me, "Most everybody." Him,"If you get one of those for every kid you have.... you should have like a hundred huh mom?" Thanks honey! I love you too!

*Last weekend, Trevor's baseball team participated in the BPA State Tournament in Flowood. Trevor's team is a U7 AA team meaning all the kids on his team are 7 and can turn 8 after May 1st. All this to say that last weekend there were only two U7 AA to register for the AA division so they made us play in the 8 year old division (these kids are mostly 8 and some are 9). Nobody expected our boys to do well since they were a year younger, but boy did they prove everyone wrong! Out of eighteen teams the Billies finished third! We were so proud of all of them!

I have more pictures to post but they are still on the camera. I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!

Happy Birthday Princess!

Where the last three years have gone, I have no idea! Today my little princess is three! She woke me up this morning saying, "Mommy, I not two anymore! I three!" To celebrate today we spent the morning swimming and tonight we are eating at her choice of restaurant. She has informed us it will be "Sol Aztec-O"! Her party is Sunday afternoon and once again she has chosen a princess party. It's going to be small but should be fun!

Happy Birthday Princess! We love you so much!

Rednecks and the Cement Pond

So far, we are having a great summer! It is going way to fast though! Last week, grandma came to visit and brought my cousins, Dusty and Cody. My kids were so excited to see them! My Dad called me Wednesday afternoon and said that there were tons of crawfish in a creek near his deer camp and asked if the boys wanted to come and catch them. I thought it sounded fun so us girls tagged along too. We had a blast! The crawfish were everywhere! The kids doned thick gloves and took to the creek snatching up crawfish and tossing them in buckets. I wasn't very crazy about standing in the creek so I tried out Dad's method of "fishing" for them with turkey neck tied to a string. (I think I am hearing the Beverly Hill Billies theme song right about now!) It actually worked! We were catching 6-7 at a time! We ended up catching enough to cook 4 pot fulls and fill three other coolers! Boy were they Yummy!

"Fishing" for Crawfish




Not into crawfish at all but the water sure is fun!

Cooking and Eating!

That morning we went swimming at our complex. We've been swimming several times this summer already. The kids love it! Trevor

is getting pretty good at swimming alone. Peyton is pretty scared of the water and was spending the whole time on the steps. Last week, however, I convinced him to try floaties. Now he will swim all over the pool! He still doesn't want his head to go under but hopefully we can overcome that soon. Morgan on the other hand is completely fearless when it comes to water. Once I put on her floaties she was all over the pool. She'll even jump off the side, go completely under, and pop back up laughing! She doesn't want anybody to catch her! I guess I better hurry! The kids are begging to go swimming now!

Jumping as long as somebody catches me!

Canonball!

Yelling, "Su-per-girl!" as she jumps in!

PS Trevor's baseball team came in second at the USSSA State Tournament this weekend! I'll be posting to their blog Vicksburg Billies later today!

Happy 5th Birthday Peyton!

I cannot believe that my baby boy turned five today! It seems like only yesterday that he was born! To celebrate today, Nana watched Trevor and Morgan while Peyton and I had a lunch date. (Calling it a date was a bad idea. He said he didn't want to go because I already had husband. When I told him it wasn't that kind of date, he said, "Well.. do we have to kiss?") We had a great time being together just the two of us! We had his birthday party two weekends ago at the YMCA. It was a great place to have a party. All we had to do was bring the cake!
He had a super cool Spiderman cake that had all the villians and Spiderman swung around the building.

He got a lot of great presents but his favorite by far was his Nintendo DS!

He loved swimming with his friends in the indoor pool! Nobody wanted to go home! Happy 5th Birthday Peyton! I love you!

Trevor's baseball team played in a tournament in Clinton last weekend and finished runner-up (2nd) with a record of 4-1 for the weekend! We don't have a tournament this coming weekend. I wonder what we will do with all that free time? What did we do before baseball?

"I've had one too many sno-cones!"

Not only is today Peyton's 5th birthday, but it is also our 9th anniversary. I can't believe that we have been married 9 years and together for 14 years. It seems like only yesterday that we were sitting next to each other in Mrs. Blush's algebra class. Gene, I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. You are my very best friend and you are an amazing dad! I am so proud to say that you are my husband! God has blessed me more than I will ever deserve and I thank him for all the years that he has given us and pray that we will have many more together! I love you!