My Posse

Aren't we a good lookin' group?!

My life in bullet points

I'm tired and I have mucho to say, so bullet points will have to do:

• My kids say funny things all the time. All.the.time. Today, was especially hilarious. Case in point: Somehow green crayon managed to make its way in the laundry, through the wash and colored all the clothes in the dryer. When I asked THE ONE who is responsible for this travesty how crayon got on our clothes and his response was, "I don't know. Purple is my favorite color, not green." (sigh) What to do with that boy?
• So while I thought this was funny, Caleb topped it off. I got pulled over on my way home from the gym today for "speeding." I wasn't speeding. Really, I wasn't. So the officer lets me off with a warning. Of course this whole thing is fascinating to my children. F-a-s-c-i-n-a-t-i-n-g. Questions all day long. At one point Caleb says, "But mom, why didn't he give you a ticket?" I had already answered this question is 100 different ways, so I said, "Maybe because I'm so cute and sweet and nice and adorable." To which he says, in total seriousness, "So what does that have to do with anything?"
• Joseph is finally off his month of nights!!!!! The first part wasn't that bad. It got bad when he started doing 12 hour nights. Those are brutal. And thankfully done for a while!
• He has a decent schedule this month and then leaves for a month. This year he will be gone 3 months. Thankfully not consecutive. And so it goes...
• We have had good friends of ours stay at our house for the past couple of weeks. It was fun, overwhelming, exhausting, hysterical, fabulous, demanding, joyful, chaotic and just plain crazy at times. But you would have to expect that when there are 7 children under 7, 4 adults and a skunk dog. Right?
• Our good friends left Saturday night and it was a hard goodbye. Being a military family means that we get used to saying goodbye, it doesn't mean that we ever enjoy it or that it is ever easy. This was the first goodbye that we have done where the boys really "got it." They took it pretty hard. So have I. Fruit snacks makes it easier for them. Chocolate makes it easier for me.
• I didn't take many pictures while our friends were here because Kellie has a better camera and we used it. I'll have to get some of those pictures. And that camera. Too bad our AC is going out and that will be our next big purchase, not a new camera.
• Because our friends were here and I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible, I put all my other "stuff" on hold. Now it is overwhelming.
• Lets take a sharp turn and allow me to tell you that there are two things that I am interested in doing. But am afraid of failure. Okay, that's all I want to say about that.
• It has been ridiculously hot here. Record breaking. You guys know I kick my kids outdoors as much as possible, but it is too hot for them out there. So they have found a new indoor activity to keep them busy. XBOX. It really makes me laugh to watch them play. Caleb of course has it figured out. Luke, on the other hand, plays with a controller that isn't even on. And he is blindly overjoyed. I am very tightly controlling this because the LAST thing I want are kids addicted to the tv and video games. We aren't that kind of family.
• One way I have found to keep it under control is to not own any games for the boys. It makes no sense financially (and that always bothers me) but if we don't have games they can't play right? If we need something we can always rent it at Blockbuster. And take it back when I am sick of the video games. Works for me.

Well, I guess that's it. I thought I had a lot to say, but as I read over that nonsense I realize it was a whole lot about nothing!

You do the math

A 20 week old baby...
2 year old TWINS...
a three year old...
2 four year olds...
a five year old...
a just-turned-seven-year-old...
2 moms...
record breaking heat...
and SEAWORLD.

Really, need I say more? Because if I do, it will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm exhausted! If you'd like some pictures of our crazy day, head over to Kellie's.

No pain, no gain...right?

I worked out with Jillian Michaels on Saturday. Today is Monday and I am still in pain. Bad pain.

Yesterday I was having a hard time walking. Today I'm having a hard time moving.

Jill would be proud.

Is there something different?

Do you notice anything new?!?!?

This is what I have been obsessing over working on over the past week. Okay not just this one particular header but quite a few headers! I'm seriously having so much fun and I already made one for the fall. This could get quite addicting!!!

PLEASE, let me know what you think!

Final update (hopefully) in the Dog vs Wild series

We got news back from animal control...

Titan Dog Mad doesn't have rabies. He lives to shed another day! Fabio will be glad to know that his work isn't finished and that he is still needed.

In case you are wondering...

...If you bathe a yellow lab in tomato juice, he will turn pink.

Because I am sure that you are all waiting on pins and needles to find out what has happened to Tomato Titan, aka Skunk Dog, formerly known as Titan Dog Maddry...

Well, he has been bathed in baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, tomato juice, dish soap and dog shampoo.

And now smells like a mixture of tomato juice, skunk and burnt rubber.

But because it is 9000 degrees outside, oh and because we believe that Titan is human and are in love with him, he is back in the house. And has been sleeping soundly from his adventure entitled, Dog vs Wild. Spoiled dog spent one night and half a day outside, probably didn't sleep a wink and will now sleep for a week to make up for it! Poor Puppy!

Tomorrow I will call animal control to find out if the baby skunk that Titan murdered had rabies. It makes my stomach hurt to even think about what will happen to Tidy Cat Mad if he has rabies...

Can you smell what we are dealing with?!?!?!?

Words couldn't describe the kind of day that I had today. Really. And since it is currently 1 in the morning I'm not even going to try to describe my c-r-a-z-y life.

Instead I will show you what I have been doing for the last hour and a half:

Here I am ready for battle...

So Kellie and I were playing with Photoshop when all of a sudden we smelled skunk. Strong. Very strong. Very, very strong.

And then I remembered that Titan was outside.

When we looked at him out the backdoor we saw him freaking, rolling in the grass and frantically running all over the yard. Ugh, we knew right away that he had an encounter with the skunk!

After googling what to do to get rid of the smell, Big D Lamar went to get our supplies while Kellie and I got "dressed" for duty. Can you tell by out pants what our husbands do for a living?

And this isn't even the worse part. The worst part is that Titan killed the skunk. The baby skunk! And so here Kellie and I sit and wait for the Animal Control people to come and get the dead skunk. At 1 am.

Did I mention that we have 7 kids to care for tomorrow? I smell another adventure tomorrow...actually I don't smell anything right now except for skunk. Ugh, what a day!!

Yo Daddy! We love you!

Daddy,

Because I'm 7 years old here are 7 things I love about you!

1. I love it when you take me to SeaWorld. I like doing the waves at the water park with you!
2. I love that you know lots about God and that you pray with me.
3. I love that you play the 'wildebeest' game with me.
4. I love it when you take me to get the Oreo frosty at Wendy's.
5. I love it when you take me to breakfast at IHOP and it's just me and you.
6. I love it when you play Battleship with me and last time we played I won!
7. I love it that even when you are tired, you still spend time with me.

Love, Caleb

Because I'm 4 years old, here are 4 things I love about you!

1. I love you so much.
2. I like to play with you. But sometimes I get hurt. And you give me ice.
3. I like it when you take me to Peter Piper Pizza.
4. I love it when we play Zingo.

Love, Luke

Love-Love - in honor of your 7 years of being a papa, I'm going to tell you 7 things I love about you:

1. I love that when the kids are driving you crazy, you always wish for a paintball gun.
2. I love how your face lights up when the kids tell you they love you.
3. I love that when you give the kids a bath and they make a lake in the bathroom, you don't get crazy like I do.
4. I love that you really try hard to speak to our kids hearts.
5. I love how whenever you wrestle with any of the kids, they always end up hurt. Okay, maybe I don't love that, but I do find it fascinating. We won't count this one..
6. I love that you do girl hair. And that it looks like daddy did it. I also love that you paint the shishers toes for them! Soooo sweet!
7. I love that when left on your own to dress the children, they always end up with fascinating outfit combinations.
8. I love that in spite of this crazy life we lead and that you aren't home as often as you'd like, you really strive hard to be the best dad you can be.

We LOVE you!!! Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb,

Today you turn 7 and to say that you are excited about that is an understatement! And to say that mama is shocked at how the time is flying by is even more of an understatement. I often feel like it wasn't that long ago that it was just you and me, playing in the front yard of our little base house in Minot and waiting for Daddy to come home from work. Just mama and Caleb. How you love to hear stories of when it was just us!

My boy, your personality really hasn't changed all that much since then. You were sensitive, curious, spirited, intelligent, cautious and loved being outdoors. You still are all those qualities and more. You love to read, write cursive, learn about animals, draw, play sports and you play outside for hours with the neighbor kids. You have a great sense of humor and love your baby brother and sisters. Oh, Caleb, how they love you!! You have a great sense of compassion and really want to know the truth. You like rules, boundaries and structure, and you never give up. Never! You will work hard at trying to figure something out and won't quit until you have, not only figured it out, but mastered it. As I write all these things, I realize more and more how much like your Daddy you are. And I love that! You would be blessed if you were just like your Daddy.

You are a natural leader Caleb. I have noticed that in the past couple of years. While you are the youngest in the neighborhood, the kids all follow your direction. Your teacher said the same thing about you last year. She called you a "Peer Leader" and you even got student of the week for that quality. I pray that you are aware that people are following and that you lead them in the right direction. That will be hard, buddy, but I have faith in the one that YOU call, "Savior." He will always lead you in the right direction!

I love all these great things about you Caleb, but what I love most is that you know Jesus and you know His Word. I'm proud of you for scoring high on all your tests last year, but what I'm most proud of is that you scored so high in your bible knowledge and comprehension. I love that God continues to reveal Himself to you and that you understand concepts like "grace" and "mercy" and "Turkish delight". I love that you try to explain God to Luke and that you really want him to know more about your Savior.

Caleb, I love you and am so proud of you. I'm thrilled to see this light inside you shine through brighter each year. My prayer for you is that you continue to love learning about God and sharing that knowledge with others. I pray that people are drawn to you because of that bright light within you. You are an amazing little boy, so full of life and promise, and I pray that you always remember that, "to whom much is given, much is expected" and that with Christ all things are possible.

I love you Caleb,
Mama

The rest is over, now back to work!

I have been in Houston visiting my family for the past week and will go home tomorrow. And I'm not happy about it.

I have said it before, and will say it again, I love being home. It's such a nice reprieve from my not-so-normal life. I spend more time with the kids, more time relaxing and more time refreshing. I spend less time running errands, less time being busy and MUCH less time cleaning. We've been hanging out with family and going to the pool. It's been fun.

And now I go back to reality. Translation of the word 'reality': Joseph's terrible work hours, lots of work with the spouses club (did I mention I'm President next year?) and lots of cleaning!! Yuck. Yuck. And yuck.

But, there are things that make coming home more appealing. I have missed my man something fierce and am excited to see him. Even if it is for 30 min a day.

And on my way home from H-town, I will swing by the airport and pick up a friend I haven't seen in almost 5 years! The last time I saw her was shortly after Luke was born. I have never met her baby daughter and she hasn't met the Twinks!

Then right after she leaves (literally right after) my BFF is coming to stay with us before they move to Korea for 2 years. That is going to be crazy and fun all rolled into one. 7 kids, 3 1/2 adults (Lovey only counts as a half since he is hardly around!) and a dog all in our not-so-big home. I smell an adventure.

Yep, I have a couple of things to look forward to when I get home. Now I'm getting more excited...

This face makes me crazy..

...crazy irritated,
...crazy SMITTEN,
...crazy annoyed,
...crazy in LOVE,
...crazy frustrated,
...crazy in AWE,
...crazy with laughter,
...crazy shocked,
...crazy aggravated,
...crazy hungry (he's delicious!)
...crazy speechless,
...crazy, CRAZY!!

And usually all these feelings at the same time!!!

My Luke is something. Seriously, something. And I absolutely love him!!

Boston recap

(Emily and I back in April. I have pictures of us from our trip, but have to find them...)

I think that this may be the longest blogging break that I have taken in a while. The truth of the matter is that I'm too busy living life to blog about it. Living each day in the Mad house is an adventure, that is for sure.

But now that I have a few minutes, I want to catch up a bit and tell you about my time in Massachusetts.

Boston was wonderful. On my way there I read 4 (yes, really) magazines and learned a whole lot of nothing, ate, people watched, spent a ridiculous amount of money in the airport and talked to NO ONE! For those of you that know me, you know that was a feat in itself.

Once I got to Boston, Emily and I ate at this brewery across the street from the "Garden" and then got on a train to Gloucester, Mass. On my trip we shopped, went to a cocktail party at this fancy house, slept in sleeping bags by the ocean, slept on a fancy estate, went to a crazy beach party, met people that I don't even remotely run into in my neck of the woods, ran in Boston, ran by the ocean, rode in trains/subways/buses and had so many adventures that I really could write a book about my 4 days away.

I was so far removed from my "normal" life, it was crazy. And it was so fun. But, in spite of all the cool, eclectic, interesting, artsy, rich people that I met - none filled me up like my little family does. I missed my kids like mad and missed my man something ridiculous!

So you can imagine my disappointment when not 1, but 2 planes that we were supposed to get on in Boston were broken!! Thus making us miss our connecting flight home in Atlanta.

I cried at the gate. The airline lady looked at me like I was nutty. Then gave me a free ticket. That didn't make me feel better, since all I wanted to do was see my little family

Trans Air (who by the way was fabulous! I have never flown with them before and was super impressed!) was able to get us on the last flight out of Atlanta and upgraded us to first class! 18 hours, 3 planes, a bus, a train and a borrowed truck later I arrived on my doorstep. Everyone was sleeping and Joseph was at work, but had left a surprise for me in our room.

He pulled a "While you were out" on our room and gave it a much needed makeover! Is that man a keeper or what?!? This was all his idea and I was shocked. Here is a sneak peak...



While it was fun to escape my "normal" life for a while, it really was good to come home and be with my little family. With that said, Em and I are already talking about what we are going to do with the free airline tickets we got!...

Long overdue!

I'm finally getting a few minutes to post some pictures of my little Twinkie's birthday par-tay. I'm just slapping them on here in no particular order so we're gonna go with it, peeps!

My good friends Stacy and Karen.
Lily Kate coming out of the bouncy castle. To say that it was a hit with the Shisher's is an understatement. They LOVED it!
My BFF's Kellie and Emily.
Little Ella girl.
My attempt at a Ladybug cake. Not super impressive, but homemade nonetheless.
Stacy and "big buddy". That is one of the girlies friends, Caleb. Isn't he cute?
Cake action.

Silly Shishers. I heart these girlies.
Luke and his girl, Rayna. Her big brother is Luke's best buddy.
Pinata time!!!
Silly, taking her stab at it...
After the rain cleared up we put the bouncy castle in the backyard.
These sisters have some mad cake eating skills. They get that from their mama.

The boys took over the bouncy castle and had a blast. Seriously, it was like a mosh pit for little ones. Amazingly there was no crying!
Sisters getting some pinata loot.


The girls went to bed before the party was over so they opened presents the next day. It didn't take them long at all to figure out that if they ripped the paper, there would be something fun inside! And they had LOTS of ripping to do!! I took note of who the gifts came from, but someone accidentally threw that paper away so I wasn't able to write thank you notes. And it's still bothering me!

The day before my exodus

It's 7:28am and all is quiet at the Mad House. All my little people (and Daddy) are still sleeping. I hope that this is a glimpse of what heaven our summer mornings will look like.

I leave tomorrow for Boston and haven't even started packing. Which is really unusual for me. Usually when we are going anywhere I start packing and getting things ready a week in advance - making list and piling things on the guest bedroom that we will need for a trip. You can imagine all that we need (and don't need for that matter) for this Mad House.

This trip is different. It's just me. I don't need 2 pack'n'plays, 30 diapers (which lasts us barely 3 days, people!), backpacks filled with toys and games for the boys, 8+sippy cups, minimally 41 sets of clothes for the kids (daytime and pj's)....really the list is ridiculous.

It's just going to be me, my suitcase and -this is the most exciting part- a magazine or book!!!!!

What I have been working on for the past week, though, is a schedule and notes for when I am gone. I really should post that because it will give you a glimpse into my very psychotic mind.

I'm just not sure you are ready to go there. It would be fun though...

Oh, yeah - I have had many an inquiry about why I am going to Boston. One of my BFF's, Emily, is there and I am going to go and hang out with her for a long weekend. She is there for her brother's shwanky wedding and wanted a date. I've never been to a shmancy fancy wedding celebration, so this is exciting. Oh, and I have never been to Boston either. And I really don't know what else I will be doing or where else I will be going.

The whole trip is going to be an adventure and I love adventures. Before giving birth to my oldest child, I used to be quite adventurous. Some would even say wild and carefree. Some would probably even say too wild and carefree. I haven't seen those traits in a looong time. I thought I pushed them out with my placenta, but have decided that they are still there. Somewhere. Somewhere deep.

And my goal is to find them this weekend.

My sister is coming to love on and take care of my chillin's. Please pray for her. I don't think she has the foggiest idea what she is embarking on. Seriously. This is a girl that doesn't get out of bed before noon and thinks a long day is going to class for 3 hours and then to the gym for 30 minutes. I.kid.you.not. She told me that once. If she thinks that is a long day, she will think these days are marathons. I have faith in her. My notes should guide her. And Joseph will pseudo be here and my mama is coming in for the weekend to help her too. 3 people should be able to do my job, right?

My kids will be fine.
My kids will be fine.
My kids will be fine.

I really hope I find that carefree part soon...

Leaving on a jet plane

In one week from today I will be on a plane to Boston. And are you ready for this...

My husband will not be with me.

(drum roll please) and neither will my children! Two words: WHOOO-HOOOO

Yep, I am going to Boston without my beautiful family. This will be the first time that I have been on a plane in SEVEN years without a child. The first time in SEVEN years that I have ever been on a trip without my kids and my husband at the same time. And this trip is the longest that I have ever left my kids.

And I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

I seriously, have for years watched people in airplanes or airports and marveled when I see them by themselves. They get to sit and read? They get to put their table tray down in their laps? They get to get a drink without worrying their gorgeous child is going to spill it on the businessmen next to them? They get to sit? They get to layover without wandering the terminal in hopes that the baby will fall asleep? They don't have strollers? They get to read? They aren't worried about using all their snacks before the plane even takes off? And I bet they even get to go to the bathroom without holding a baby!!!??? Wow.

And I will be one of them in a week!! Can you tell I am giddy with excitement? That's because it is a week away.

Next week I am going to be a nervous wreck!

Caleb's Kindergarten Graduation

Caleb graduated from Kindergarten and had his ceremony last night! He was so excited and we are so proud of him. Here are some pictures of the big event:

Caleb and his class lined up and ready to go.

My little graduate! Is this child beautiful or what?! Gosh, he is a cute kid!!

Caleb receiving his diploma from his teacher.

A mama and her boy. I cannot believe that I am old enough to have a first grader! Didn't I just have this child yesterday? Time is flying by me.

My three favorite men.

Mad Highlights

A lot has been going on and I want to recap, but everytime I sit down there is so much to write I close the computer.

I am NOT closing the computer tonight. I decided bullet points might make this easier. Here goes:

• One of the things that we have been obsessing over lately is purchasing a new car. It has been a BIG decision because now that our little family, isn't quite so little, there is a lot to take into consideration. Do we buy a replacement car for me? Do we buy another big vehicle to accommate all of us? Do we buy a commuter car? Do we buy older or newer? And on. And on. What has made it even harder is that we don't have a car payment and really don't want one. We both have very strong feelings about debt and have no desire to go into it. So, we finally decided on a car. When we finally get it (which will hopefully be tomorrow) I'll let you know what the decision was...
• Another thing that has been consuming our time is swimming lessons. The kids have their lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays and while I like them, am glad that we are doing them and really enjoy the time I get to spend with my friends, next to the pool while our kids take their lessons, it is still time consuming. But, I'm glad we are going it. Most days. I will have pictures soon...
• Joseph's schedule has been amazing! Simply fabulous-o!! In the past two weeks he has only worked 1 time past 3pm and even called one morning to say that he was on his way home! I totally wish that this was how it would be for the rest of my life... Wake up, Sabrina. Your dreaming again!
• Soccer is still going strong! Both boys are playing, so we have games on one day and practice on the other. Add swimming to that and, whew, it's exhausting. But they love it, so I deal. Y'all know I wouldn't have it anyother way than...crazy!My weightloss program is going s-t-r-o-n-g! I know, suprises you doesn't it? Me too. I currently weigh less than I have in 10 years. Feels good!! And I think I may just keep going...

So, yeah, we've had a few things goin' on. But y'all know I like it that way!

SeaWorld

I'm getting caught up on some pictures from our recent adventures and here are some pictures from SeaWorld. I took the kids by myself a couple of weeks ago and we all had fun. Last year the girlies didn't have much interest, but this year was a different story. They really enjoyed all the animals, especially the penguins.

Diva's taking a break and enjoying a snack.
Obsessed with flowers!

Can I please get a picture with all four of my Darlings smiling?!
Nope.
And nope.
This is Ella enjoying the sand. In about 1 minute she will start saying, "Yucky, yucky!" while crying because she can't get the sand off her hands.
Yep, there it is!
Brothers. Yum!! Aren't they cute?!
Lily Kate, crackin' me up! She just stood there, frozen, crying about the sand. Apparently she didn't like the feel of it under her feet!
Diva's riding in style.
My Darlings, gosh I love them! They make me crazy, but I think they're keepers.
Nascar fans.
Lily Kate, yucky face and all...
...and Ella, crooked glasses and yucky face. I love those shishers!

Exhale...

Well, it's finally over. I have had the two busiest weeks of the year and the finale was tonight - the twins birthday par-tay! And it was the perfect ending to a crazy couple of weeks. Seriously, my every day schedule is what most of my friends call 'busy' so you can imagine that my level of busy is...ridiculous. But it is over and I can finally kick my feet up and relax. For a few moments anyway!

Today we had the girlies b-day party and while it poured torrential rain, it cleared up and was sunny and beautiful just in time for the party. We bought a bouncy castle and the girls LOVED it! Just loved it!! So did all the rowdy boys that came to the party. When they were in it, it was like a WWF wrestling match. I think everyone had a great time and I am so thankful for the great friends that came out for our big celebration.

Have no fear, I will post pictures and updates soon. Right now, though, I am going to rest. Much needed and deserved rest...

Happy Birthday Lily Kate and Ella!

Little Twinkies!! You are two years old today and I can't believe it! Really, little loves, it seems like yesterday that I was in the ER - sick as can be - when the doc says, "Well, it looks like there are two babies. Congratulations! You're having twins!" I was so shocked and happy and worried and excited and nervous and sick and overwhelmed and... And now you girlies are two and I am nothing but absolutely in love with the two of you. We all are!

Lily Kate, happy birthday little beauty. When I think of you I smile because you really do have the most amazing smile. You crinkle your nose and it melts our hearts. Especially Daddy and brothers. You have them wrapped around your little finger. Lily Kate, you are the little mama. You particularly love to boss people around and Luke and Ella are typically the ones you are bossing the most. They don't listen to you, but that doesn't stop you. You love to clean and will use a box of baby wipes to clean furniture, walls, floors and even Ella! You also like to do Ella's hair and have figured out that when we have Ella pinned down to change her diaper is a great time to wipe her face and fix her hair. It's so cute. Lily Kate you are sweet, smart, really mechanical - your fine motor skills are impressive!, nurturing (when Ella is crying you will say, "What's wrong Ella" or "What's wrong sisher?"), stubborn, sensitive, girlie, loving, and thoughtful. Little Kate, I pray that you grow up to be a woman who loves Jesus and lives that out loud. I pray that you stay sweet, loving, stubborn, sensitive and thoughtful and that God uses those characteristics he blessed you with to draw others to him. My prayer for you is that you are a little light to those around you and that others are drawn to you not only because of who you are, but more importantly because of who God is in you. I love you Lily.

Ella girl, you make me laugh. You are such a mama's girl it is ridiculous! And I love it!! You don't know it yet, but you are perfecting the role of "youngest of four." You love being the baby. You walk around here sucking your two fingers and carrying your very best friend, "Pingy" all over the house. You take that little friend everywhere you go. Ella you are sooo girlie (you love bows, dresses and will turn in front of the mirror and say, "pretty") but while you are girl, you are also adventurous. You like to play in sand and dirt, but you just don't like to be dirty for too long. When big brothers want to play rough, you are their girl. You like to be all rough and tough, but after you are done playing their game you want the boys to sit still so that you can put bows in their hair! Ella you are verbal, funny, silly, loving, spunky, particular and out-going. My girl, I pray that you grow up to love Jesus with every ounce of your soul and that you are passionate about it. I pray that you grow up with strong convictions that are rooted in Christ, but that you are also compassionate and loving to those that don't share your convictions. I pray that you are never ashamed of the Gospel and that you live that out loud in all you do. I love you little Ella!

My prayer for both you little shishers is that you grow up and marry a man like your papa. You are blessed with a Daddy who has integrity, wisdom and loves his God and his family. Please my little babies, don't settle for less. I pray that you have a strong relationship that stands the test of time and distance, and that you always cherish one another. And lastly I pray that you both, along with your big brothers, grow up, grow strong and grow close together. I picture you all like four strong tall redwoods, reaching up to Jesus with tough, thick roots that are intertwined with one another.

I love you girls, with more love than I ever thought I had in me. You are such joys and I am blessed to be your mama.

Happy Mother's Day!

My friend, Dana, sent this to me and it made me laugh! No, mom, it isn't real!!!

"Bush Tees?"

The "Shisher's" (that's how they say 'sister') are growing up SO fast and in the past month their vocabulary has expanded immensely! Listening to them talk to one another brings me pure joy! They seriously crack me up! Their bossy and loving all in the same conversation. They take turns telling on another to "be kite" (be quiet), "no, no shisher" (no, no sister), "come" (in the bossiest voice I have ever heard, and "put...back!" And then after all the bossiness they love to hold hands, kiss one another and when one is crying the other will run and get her lovey for her.

I love these little Twinkies!

Their lastest fav is brushing their teeth. Seriously, they love to brush their teeth! Here is some of that absolute cuteness:

The little people I missed!

Love and I are back from our little weekend getaway and it was delightful! Absolutely perfect. I only had 1 breakdown. It was about 4 hours after we had been away and I cried about missing the kids. Love looked at me like I was insane, recovered quickly because he knows how I hate it when he acts like I'm crazy (when I am!) and then said, "I know, it's hard being away from the kids. Now, lets do some shopping!" Does that man know me and how to cheer me up or what?!?!?!

My little Darlings didn't want to talk to me on the phone and the one time that Caleb did he told me that he didn't miss me and forgot I was even gone! What?! I give you everything I have, pour my heart and soul into you, and adore the ground you walk on AND this is how you feel about me?!

*sigh*

Then, today, when they saw me they both ran up to me, hugged me tightly and cried. I knew they loved me.

It was reinforced at dinner tonight when we asked the kids our nightly dinner question, "What was the favorite part of your day?" Both boys said, "When I saw you and you came home." Gosh, I love those little people

I really did have a wonderful trip. The B & B that we stayed at was absolutely charming, our hosts were a total hoot, we did some fun hiking in a spot that looked nothing like Texas and everything like Colorado, had fun shopping (I had a lot of fun, Lovey said he had fun buying me things - I heart that man!) in the cutest little town, and ate at some fabulous restaurants with live music and great food.

Best of all we were without our little Love's, able to finish a conversation, and able to refocus on our marriage and the kind of parents we want to be.

Delicious!

IF...

• ...the girlies lay their changing pad out, lie down on it with diaper in hand while yelling, "iper anchge," are they ready to be potty trained?
• ...the girlies pat their bottoms while saying, "yucky" and then run and get a diaper, are they ready to be potty trained?
• ...the girlies take their own very wet diaper off and then hand me a new diaper, are they ready to be potty trained?

Hmmm. That's what I was thinking.

Now if only they had a mama who was ready TO potty train!

Excitement has many different faces

He was up, showered, dressed and packed by 7:30 this morning. On his first daay off in weeks. I think my man is ready to go.

Now, if only I could drag myself out of bed.

I'm still here!

I am in the mood to ramble. Consider yourself warned...

Have y'all missed me? If you haven't, don't tell me. My very fragile ego could be broken!

Whew! It has been a crazy 4 months. In case you haven't read the past 50 posts, Joseph's hours have been terrible. We haven't seen much of him and it has been hard on all of us. The good news is that it is OVER!!!! Today was the end of this rotation and tomorrow Love and I are going away...BY OURSELVES!!!!!!!

Cuh-ray-zeee!!

Remember a while back when we were talking about Mexico? Well, we decided at the beginning of March that neither one of us felt "good" about going. It was really weird. We both loved the idea, had the money and still want to do it at some point, but didn't feel like this was the right time. And I am so glad that God gave us that "feeling" and that we both were in agreement. Because... Swine Flu! We have enough issues around here without the swine flu hitting our house. Sheesh, I get crazy when we catch a cold... Seriously.

While we are not going to Mexico, we are going away and I've heard it's really pretty where we are going. In reality though, we could be in a tent in the middle of nowhere (preferably not Mexico) and I would be thrilled just to get some time alone with my man! It has been...actually I don't remember how long it has been since Joseph and I have had a couple of days alone together. So this is much needed!

I'm so excited!

When we reminded the kids that Gigi was going to come and take care of them tomorrow Caleb(in the most theatrical voice you have ever heard) said, "I don't know if I'll make it without you!" D-R-A-M-A. Get's that from his papa! (Snicker)

On to other news. My girlies are turning 2 next month and I am beside myself with emotions. They are so cute and funny and I really want time to freeze for a little while. Sometimes I feel like, with the twins, it goes twice as fast. Clock, slow down...

More news to report - I have lost 7 pounds in the past 2 weeks. I have been accused of "going on and on" about my weight loss/gain, so if you are sick of hearing about it...TOO BAD, don't read! I am excited now about my recent return to the "program" and that this time I have accountability and friends on this journey with me. And even though my bff that is doing this with me is nursing a child and gets 9,000 more points that I do (okay, maybe it is more like 12) she is still quite encouraging. But, don't think it hasn't crossed my mind to find a baby and start nursing again...

Okay, I need to go to bed. We have a big day tomorrow!!

I have tons of pictures and many posts that I will try to get to next week. Love has the whole week off, so I will finally have time to do a few "extra" things around here. Hopefully blogging will be one of them.

I'm pulling out the red pen

So I think it's time to check in for a little accountability. Remember when I posted my New Year's Determinations? Well, I'm three months into the new year and my hope is that there has been some change. Let's see...

• Run at least 2 half marathons this year. I wrote this goal before I had to take 8 weeks off from running because of my uncooperative knee. And because I live in the desert, race season ends early here. So, realistically I've had to adjust my goals to 1 half marathon in November and a fun mud race in October. The important thing here is that I am running again, with minimal knee pain! Whoooo-hooo. Bottom line I'm giving myself a A+ in my efforts so far!
• Learn something new. Two words: Yoga, Baby!! I have been faithfully going, twice a week, for the past couple of months and LOVE IT! A+ in my efforts so far!
• Have monthly "dates" with each member of my family. This one has been hard because Joseph's schedule has been so awful. I have been able to do a good job with a couple of members and then no-so-good with others, namely the twinkies. Must...do...better. C+ in my efforts so far.
• Invest in my quiet time. There has been a lot of growth in this area. There just needs to be more consistency! B+ in my efforts so far.
• Memorize scripture! Three words: MUST...GET...MOVING!! I have done a very poor job with this one. FAILURE in my efforts so far. F+
• Find an accountability partner. Oh, yeah, baby! I am so excited about this one. God once again proves faithful! This has been life changing and I plan to blog about it soon. A+ and check plus!

And there you have it! Thanks for holding me accountable (even if you don't know you are) and for walking this journey of change with me.

BTW - how are you doing with your resolutions?

Easter EGGstravaganza!

We had our second annual Easter Egg dinner/hunt at our house this year. I love the holidays, love having people over and love having parties! Love it! Here are some pictures of our great day and our great friends!!

The sisters having a grea time playing with their friends.
Heidi and her foster daughter Lillianna. She's also pregnant! Whew!
Last year the dads hid the eggs while the moms kept the kids busy. This year the moms hid the eggs while the dads played with the kids. It was fun and I think we did a great job!
My gal pals Jess (above) and R-to-the-becca (below).


The kids all waiting to be let out for the HUNT!

Jackpot!! Caleb found the eggs I hid for him!
This place was baby central! Those babies are so sweet, but I was so glad that none of them were mine!
Speaking of sweet babes, Little Miss Tessa was hiding a few eggs of her own. Do you see them?
Sisters! Kellie now has caught my bug - she is getting the feel of how fun it is to dress your girls alike!
Lily Kate, once again, eating her candy and not really hunting.
Sisters will you please stand together and smile for 1 easter picture?! Please? Nope.
Daddy look at my egg! Can you see it?

It was a fun day!! He is risen!!

Easter Egg hunt at church

There were some baby chicks and baby bunnies for the kids to pet/hold. Caleb, my animal lover, was so excited and it was hard to get him away from his new little friend!
Luke and his very best buddy, Luke, were side by side on the easter egg hunt.
Ella and her loot

Lily and her loot. She was much more interested in opening the few eggs she had and eating the candy than doing any hunt.
The best buddies! These two really are amazing together. They stick together like glue, never fight and can play together for hours - just the two of them. Luke's best friend is moving to Korea this summer and it's going to be hard on all of us!

Happy Easter!

This one is for you mom...

(I have tons of pictures from our Easter celebrations that I will post later!)

That's My King - He is RISEN!

Unfortunately this is what happens when you smuggle paraphernalia into your crib...

...your hairbrush gets stuck in your hair, wakes you up from nap and leaves you in a very sad state for the rest of naptime! Lesson learned...right Ella?

We have another blogger in the family

So, I log on to blogger to post an entry and I see that there has been activity on Caleb's blog. Apparently he has things to say. And apparently we need to revisit the 'I must have permission to use the computer' rule!!


BTW - it's 2:52am. How painful do you think tomorrow is going to be for me?!?