Under Construction....

As you'll notice, the blog is undergoing some changes. I was getting kinda tired of the same ol' look, but I'd been hesitant about making any changes. I didn't want to lose all of the info that I've had on the blog, but during my daily blog surfing, I would notice how one day, someone's blog would be one color and then a few days later it would be a different color. I just loved how it made everyone's site look fresh and new. So, I've decided to bite the bullet and make some changes. I didn't realize how many changes could be made, so it's ended up being a little more time consuming than I had anticipated. I began the process while the twins were still sleeping this morning, but alas, they are now awake and so the day has really begun! Be patient with me, and hopefully, I'll have the blog looking like I want it!

YAY!!!

After my workout last night at the Y, I got Reese all signed up for SWIMMING LESSONS!! I am so excited about her learning how to swim. I never had lessons; sort of just taught myself, which has only resulted in a mean dog paddle and being able to swim to a place where I can get my footing. Warren took swimming lessons when he was little, and he was a lifeguard for a summer, too, so he knows how to really swim. I would just feel more comfortable in and around a pool knowing that she has some basics behind her. And, the even better news about all of this is that her lessons will be finished BEFORE we leave for the beach. We thought that the timing for the lessons could not have been better; we both wanted her to take the class early in June, and there were several spots still open yesterday! YEEEHAW!!!! Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures of her during her lessons; she'll have class every day for about nine days and they'll last 45 minutes or so. I am so excited, can you tell? :)

A Great Memorial Weekend....

Our weekend was great, well, except for the fact that my mom spent most of her Memorial Day in the ER (that's a separate post itself, and considering the fact that we didn't tell my grandmother what happened, it's probably best to leave it at that!).

But anyway.....

We spent the weekend pretty much together as a family, which I love doing more than anything. We had lunch Sunday at my mom and grandmother's, and my sister and her girls and my brother and sister in law were there, too. My mom bought a slip-n-slide for the girls (pictures posted below), and they all had a lot of fun. Whenever they'd slide into the the little 'pool' at the end of the slide, all the grown ups would clap and yell "yay." Anna & Maggie had a really good time and loved running around yelling "ME" when it was their turn for a slide! I have a great picture of Maggie, I think, running that I'll post later. It's a cute one!

Monday, Warren didn't have to work, so he actually had a holiday for once. YIPPPPEEEEE!! I know that hospitals don't close and doctors/nurses are always available to take care of folks, but I just like it when my hubby is able to be with his girls, ya know? We had invited everyone over to our house for burgers and hotdogs, but Mom's trip to the ER cancelled that. Although, once she was released, our nieces did come over to play with our girls on the slip-n-slide that we got for our house. They didn't seem to have as much fun as they did on Sunday, but I told Warren that they had a bigger audience watching on Sunday. Boring ol' Aunt B and WaWa just aren't that great of an audience by themselves.

Our lunch Monday was excellent though. Warren did the grilling, and the burgers were FANTASTIC!!! I followed my sis's recipe for baked beans, and on my first attempt at her version, I think I did pretty well. They really hit the spot! We even had enough food left over for supper last night and lunch today! Wow!!! Had everyone been able to come over, I know we wouldn't have had any left!!! :) But, that would have been okay! I'm hoping that we can get everyone together for another cookout for the 4th of July! Here's hoping!!

Enjoy some of our holiday pictures below..........

Big Sissy Loves the Water, too

My beautiful big girl---I cannot believe how big she's getting. Seems like just yesterday that we found out she was on the way. The past four years with her have been such a blessing to me. I love her so!
Doesn't she look too cute in these pictures? I think so! She loves the water just like her sisters, although she hasn't really mastered the whole 'sliding on the belly' thing. But, she does it her own way (as she does most things anyway) and has a blast nonetheless!

The Twins: Memorial Day Fun

Since the slip-n-slide was such a HUGE hit at Mimi's, we decided that we needed one of our own at home. I cannot tell you how much my girls love playing in the water; no telling what our bill will be for this month! YIKES!! But, it's worth it to see them having such a good time. These pictures were taken yesterday! Aren't they just precious? I love how Anna's just decided to lean on back and get relaxed on the pillow in pic #3. She is a hoot!

They LOVE the Slip-N-Slide

I am beginning to think that Maggie and Anna are going to be real water lovers. Whenever they hear water running in the tub at bathttime, they take off running to the bathroom. And they just love the sprinkler and this slip-n-slide that my mom bought for the girls to play with. Of course, these are small bodies of water, not like a pool or the ocean. We'll just have to see how they do when we're on vacation. But, as you can see, they had a ball on Sunday afternoon!

More Slip-N-Slide Fun

The girls had such a good time with the slip-n-slide Sunday afternoon at Mimi's. It was so great seeing all the girls playing together and having a good time! I love it when we're all together with family. Erin and Reese really had a big time playing in the water, and so did the twins. A collage of their fun is coming....

Any Ringing Endorsements????

I need some advice about a product that I'm thinking about purchasing. But first, backstory:

Each summer, my family attends Tabernacle's Campmeeting; it's a weeklong church revival, but for us, it's more like a family reunion. It is my most absolute favorite place to be even in the sweltering late July/early August heat! :) Ever since Anna & Maggie came into the world, folks that don't see them very often (and even those that do) have a hard time telling them apart. Last campmeeting, it was "Which one is this" or "Who is that"? So, to minimize confusion and not have to answer those questions ALL day long, I had a brainstorm.

We have bought the girls some basic cotton shirts from WalMart recently. They're really cute and simple, and if something gets on them and stains, it's not like we've lost a whole lot of money, right? Well, I thought about seeing if my mom (and mabye DamDam, if she doesn't mind) might help us buy several for campmeeting week. And what I really want to do with them is get those iron on transfer pages that you can print out on the computer. You know what I'm talking about; they're usually over on the aisles with the card stock and computer paper, etc. So, I am wanting to make some cute designs with their names on the computer and use the iron on transfers on the shirts. I'm thinking that this will turn out kinda cute, if it works. And as much as I LOVE monogrammed things, this will just be a lot more budget friendly!

So, the advice----has anyone out there used those iron on things? If so, what is your opinion 'bout them? Should I even bother?

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!

Making A Change....

I decided to remove the music player from the blog. Not a permanent change; just temporary. I don't really know how to set it like I want it. When I'm blog surfing and find others' that have the music, I do enjoy listening to their songs, and it surprises me when I go back the next day and a different song is playing. Whenever I go and check ours, the same first song plays everytime. So, instead of going into the player and rearranging songs and trying to figure out what's going on, I just decided to remove it from the blog! Maybe in a couple of days I'll change my mind and put it back on. :)

All Aboard the Barbie Express

The girls LOVE this Barbie Jeep. They have even figured out a way for all three to ride together. Poor Anna, though, being squished down in the floorboard. She didn't seem to mind though. They love to ride by me and wave! So sweet!!!

Just Call Us Mr. & Mrs. GreenJeans

(I used to LOVE Captain Kangaroo & Mr. GreenJeans! So, this is my homage to the man in green!)

The first two pictures were taken Friday afternoon. While the girls are playing outside, I have been making it a habit to walk out to the garden and take at look at its progress. Well, I was shocked and excited to see these two small squash on two different plants! YIPEEEE!!!! I'm just so glad that our garden is producing the veggies we want. I have mentioned before that my thumbs are more black than green, but I haven't really done much to the garden. Warren's been doing a great job of taking care of it all! ;)


And.....

I took the third & fourth pictures today. What a difference just a few days have made. Warren's dad told us that since we had so many squash/zucchini plants that we'd be overrun by 'em. I'm getting anxious to see more and for them to be ready to EAT!!! The fourth picture shows a couple of buds on our green bell pepper plant, I think. I can't wait 'til my mater plants and hot pepper plants start showing some veggies. Maybe a couple of these squash will be ready next weekend. I hear the grill a callin'! ;)

Photo of the Day #30!!! I Did it!!!

Go Me! I completed the challenge!!!! Well........I did have that one 'cheat' day where I posted that picture of Reese and her friend, Eason, that I didn't actually take on the Monday. But, all in all, I think I did an okay job, even if I didn't post every single day. I did have 30 pictures plus, so I'm patting myself on the back! ;)

These pictures were from the graduation breakfast at Reese's school today. The four year olds were the ones actually doing the graduating, but the three year olds (Reese's class) did sing two songs, but guess who got stage fright at the last minute.....yep, Reese! I wasn't about to force her to get up in front of all those people if she didn't want to. I was just like that when I was little, so I'm hoping she'll outgrow it!

Pic #1: Reese sitting at the table waiting for the go ahead to eat!!!
Pic #2: Jamie opening her gifts from the class. We, with the idea and coodinating talents of Sara, Heather's mom, gave Jamie a scrapbook that each child and parent did a page of two for. Everyone included pictures of their children for her, and I wrote her a note with a picture of our whole family. It was really sweet; what a great idea, Sara! And, the kids also put their handprints on an apron for her. So cute and another fantastic idea. Jamie seemed really touched. We are really going to miss her!
Pic #3: Reese & Ms. Jamie
Pic #4: Reese and some her friends saying good bye {boo hoo}

Photo of the Day #29 from Wednesday, May 15

These pictures really were taken yesterday! And WARNING: THIS POST IS REALLY LONG!!! But, I had to include everything running through my mind!

Yesterday was Reese's last full day (if you can call three whole hours a full day) at school. It was such a bittersweet day for me. She, of course, really hasn't grasped the concept that she won't be going to school again until the fall, but I know she'll figure it out soon enough. We all have had such a great year. This first 'real' school experience has been so great for her and for us as well. She has met so many new friends, and I've gotten to know most of the moms, and well, we've just been so blessed by this whole experience. Sadly, most of the friends won't be back at the same school next year since most of them belong to military families. Their parents are being called elsewhere, so we're losing some of our buddies. But, I am extremely confident that she'll make many new friends next year, and keep the ones who will be returning!


Anyway, when I dropped her off yesterday, Ms. Jamie, her teacher, handed me a brown grocery sack that had several things in it. One was the ziploc bag that had a change of clothes in it for her. On our very first 'supply list' we were aked to bring a change of clothes in case there were any accidents during the day. Luckily, Reese never had to use hers!! (I had even forgotten what I had sent for her; September seems like such a long time ago). I put her a pair of shorts, a shirt and a dress in hers--wanted her to have the option of dressing in a dress and to make it a lot easier on Ms. Jamie so she wouldn't have to 'fight' Reese on it. The second thing was a paper back book that we haven't gotten the chance to read yet, but it's on the to do list. And, lastly, her pink binder that was also on that first supply list. Reese & Jamie turned the binder into a scrapbook. Every child in the school made one; isn't that fantastic? I cried while looking in it the first time, and have gotten misty with each subsequent reading! This scrapbook includes lots of artwork and drawings, and the best part....lots of pictures!!!! There are about 44 pages in the scrapbook and about half of those pages have pictures on them. We were asked once to buy two rolls of film, and I wondered why each child would need to bring two. I never had pictures taken of me when I was that little in school. But I love it, and I told Warren last night that now I see where all those supplies went to and how our tuition money was used. That made us feel really good about our decision to put Reese in school. It's made things a little tighter, budget wise, but we couldn't be happier with the final results.


I really am in awe of to the amount of time that Jamie put into our book. I can't imagine where she found time to do THIRTEEN! Wow!!! Bless her!! I am truly grateful for all the pictures because I was going through my photo library yesterday, and I realized that while I had a lot of pictures of her friends from various birthday parties, I know I didn't have a picture of all her classmates. Our scrapbook has at least one picture of everyone! What a great job!!! Can you tell I love this gift!?

Pic #2 is my favorite page, at least it is my favorite today. It says:

"In September my height was 37 inches and I weighed 29 pounds." (she's a light weight!)

"In January my height was 38 inches and I weighed 32 pounds."

"In May my height was 38.5 inches and I weighed 33 pounds."

I guess this page is my favorite because it shows how much she grew and changed this year, right before my eyes without my ever REALLY noticing. I mean, I'd look at her wearing some of her clothes, and the shorts, skirts, and nightgowns all LOOKED shorter, but not by much, or at least I thought. I was just amazed to see that she's grown an inch and a half and put on some weight!!!






The last page in the scrapbook before her final 'report card' page.

With a wonderfully sweet poem "Practice Your ABC's" (don't know the poet; never heard of the poem--just wanted to share it with you. hope I'm not guilty of plaigarism here!) :)

Act silly
Believe in Magic
Create adventures
Daydream every chance you get
Enjoy life as much as possible
Find time for fun
Goof off
Hang upside down from trees
Imagine...
Join clubs
Keep it simple
Love all creatures
Make time for friends
Nap when you can
Open your mind to new ideas!!!!
Play when you feel like it
Question the answers
Run with the wind
Sing favorite songs
Take days off
Uncover your talents
Venture out
Walk on the wild side
X-pect the best
Yield to the moment
Zzzz peacefully at night

And Jamie had the sweetest note for Reese:

"Dear Reese,

This year was so fun with different adventures around every corner. I enjoyed each and every day that I had you in my class. You are such a well mannered, sweet kid who puts a smile on everyone's face, especially mine. I just want to thank you for making me laugh, for helping me, and for being so good. You never caused any problems and were always willing to help.

I have so many wonderful memories of you. I don't even know where to start. I loved your enthusiasm each and every day. You would always put a smile on my face the second you walked through the door. I loved all your hugs, I love you's and how well you played with everyone else. I love your little southern accent and your precious smile. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and putting a smile on my face.

The time has come for you to leave and meet new friends and teachers. I hope you leave a lasting print on their hearts as you did mine. I really enjoyed this year and I thank you for being in the class that made it so wonderful. Help take care of your mom, dad and sisters. Good luck next year and the years to come. Have a great summer.

Your preschool teacher,
Miss Jamie"

Photo of the Day #28 from Tuesday, May 15

I really did take these pictures on Tuesday; just haven't had a cooperative computer. Mine takes forever to do anything now; guess it's just gettin' old! :) Anyway, while Warren was watering our ferns on Tuesday, I was cleaning out the van a little bit. It's amazing how much 'junk' we accumulate in there. As he was bringing them down to get them to the water, he said oh my goodness. Thinking that something was wrong, I walked over to see what was going on. He told me to look in the ferns, and this is what I saw.....a small nest with a tiny egg inside. We have another fern, too, and it also had a small nest with one egg. Amazing!

I have some more I'd like to write about, but gotta get all the girls ready for school. Today is Reese's very last day of school. The four year old class is 'graduating' and there is a breakfast for all the families. Will share that event later today!

Photo of the Day #27 from Monday, May 14

I have to be honest, I didn't actually take this picture on Monday. But, I had to share it with y'all. This is Reese's friend, Eason. We met him at school this year, and he is the sweetest little boy. And, it turns out that Warren knows Eason's mother's sister from Delta State's Renaissance group. Small world, isn't it?

Anyway, after I snapped this picture of the two of them at school, his mom, Mandy had the sweetest story to tell us. She told us that Eason really doesn't get all into saying much about girlfriends or getting married. (I mean, what four year old actually has that on their mind anyway, right?). Well, Mandy told me that she tells Eason that when he grows up that he will marry a sweet girl. She told me and Warren that Eason told her the other day that he was going to marry Reese! He reminded Mandy about how she tells him about marrying a sweet girl, and he told her that Reese is a sweet girl! I told Mandy that we'd take him in a New York minute! We just love him!! That story absolutely just broke my heart! I mean, we all think our own children are sweet and precious, and we're all right, but when someone else tells you how sweet and darling your kids are....well, that just does a mama good, doesn't it? :)

Photos of the Day #26 from Sunday, May 13

MOTHER'S DAY with Mimi and GG.

Since Warren was working, the girls and I spent most of Sunday with my mom and grandmom. We took them a happy for Mother's Day; it wasn't anything big, but I thought it was a special gift for them. When my nieces were here a few weekends ago, I managed to get a picture of all five great granddaughters/granddaughters. (There is a picture of the day post that has the pic on there). I had one of the shots enlarged to a 5x7 and put it in frame for them. I think they liked it! I even had a 4x6 copy made for my mom so she could take it to work with her. It's rare that all five girls are together, so I thought it was a sweet and appropriate thing to give them on mother's day!

I even had a copy made for myself and my sister, too. So, Brandi, if you or Erin are reading this, I have a copy of it for you, too. Will try to mail it soon, or I'll just hold it until y'all are back for a visit!

Thank you to my mom and grandmom for being such strong women and the two best moms a girl could ever have. I've always told people that my grandmother was my second mom, and she truly is. I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is the BEST!!!

Photos of the Day #25 from Saturday, May 12

Warren had to work Mother's Day weekend, but he was able to get off of work early on Saturday. It was a complete surprise for all the girls (me included) to hear his key in the door at 5:30 instead of 7:30! Anyway, he had gotten off early and had done some Mother's Day shopping for me. I really wasn't expecting anything, and didn't even know of anything I wanted. I have my family and we're all healthy and that's a gift in and of itself. But, Warren did something for me just the same! He picked out this great card. I am really into buying the Hallmark music cards--don't know why, especially that they're $4.99 each. Seems kinda silly to pay that much for a card, but I just LOVE 'em and Warren knows that. So, my Mother's Day card plays "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye, and the girls love opening it and hearing the music; I do, too! :) And the words in the card, well, they just melted my heart!

Outside: "We (I, but Warren turned it into we) don't know where we would (from I'd) e without your patient understanding...your sweetness and affection, even when life gets demanding...your way of making good times better, just by being there..."

Inside: "And we (from I) just want to thank you for the life and love we share."
Signed by the girls and Warren. Reese even did a little decorating on the inside! :) Love that!!!!

And Warren's note to me was very very sweet. I hope he won't mind my sharing it with all of you. Just want to show you how special he is to me.

He wrote:
"I'm sorry it's not much. At least not what you deserve. It is a blessing having you as the 'MAMA' of my children. I know I don't show it often, but I love you 'BIIIIIIG' much.
Warren"
It made me cry!!! And still gets me teary even now.


And.... I got this very cute top! I cannot wait to wear it!!!


Thank you to my sweet hubby and my precious girls for a special early Mother's Day! Every day that I get to spend with my girls is a Mother's Day! I am truly blessed!!

Photo(s) of the Day #24 from Friday, May 11

Yesterday was the 'Transportation Fair' at Reese's school. Several businesses in town that have large trucks/equipment brought some of them to the school so that the kids could check them out! There was a fire truck (Reese & Alex looking up at the fire truck's rescue ladder in pic #2), a wrecker (in the driver's seat of this one in pic #1), a postal truck (pic #3 although you can't tell what kind of truck it is), and a big yellow piece of equipment (pic #4, and I deeply apologize to those of you who read our blog and know what this yellow thing is called--sorry, I'm not a machine kind of girl!). There was also a small tractor, a pontoon boat, an ambulance, a police car, a brand new 18 wheeler truck, and a Ford Excursion stretch limo! (That one was my favorite)

I have several more pictures from school on Friday that I want to share, but all the girls are asleep, so I think I might try to catch a couple of winks myself! Until later......