Bringing Up Madison & Tyler

Life After Charli

2012-01-25T15:21:00.005-05:00

Jason and I were married in April of 2003. We didn't wait even an entire month before we headed to the Austin Humane Society to get a dog. I wanted a puppy. They had one litter. Every puppy was spoken for except for one. I was thankful. I didn't know how I would have chosen one and I told Jason she was meant to be ours. I knew before we pulled out of the parking lot that her name would be "Charli."

Jason worked a lot when we first got married and jobs were hard to find at that time. I quit my job in Georgia to get married and move to Texas. It took me 10 weeks to find a new one. Charli was my side kick for all that time I spent alone, newly married, and in a new state where I hardly knew anyone.

(Hello 10 year younger self!)

I thought Charli was going to be a quiet easy dog. It didn't take long for her to show me her spunk. We bought her a kennel to help with the potty training. I also heard this would be their home. Their little safe haven. This was about the only moment she spent in the kennel quietly! I'll never forget I was on the phone discussing a potential job interview and she was in her kennel. She was barking, screeching and carrying on. She was shaking the kennel so much it was literally gliding across the living room.

Just like with any child we set rules... She was not to get on the couch...

Charli managed to break all of our "rules.."

I took her to the vet one time for a well check. They wanted to take her temperature. The vet tried for a moment in front of me and then excused herself to take Charli in the back to do it more aggressively.. I guessed. She returned breathless and her hair all a mess and stated that she wouldn't be getting Charli's temperature. Charli stood there shameless.

I use to pose her and take "portraits" of her just like I have with all my babies..

Jason and I even took her photo in the blue bonnets!! I'm sure people thought we were crazy! (Post kids I think we were a little crazy!!)

I think Charli prepped us for our kids. She made messes... big messes...

She howled in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or when a storm was rolling through. The girl did not obey, but she had a kind heart and just thought we walked on water. She took a back seat to the kids once they arrived and never complained.

She welcomed them with love and affection.

She enjoyed their leftovers.

She helped me clean all of their messes.

Jason and I awoke this morning with heavy hearts. We knew today would be our last day with Charli. I tried to hide my tears as I went through my morning routine with the kids. I knelt beside Charli several times to check on her and give her a pat on the head. Madison finally asked why I was crying. I told her that Charli was very sick and that she was going to Heaven today. Madison said.. "Don't cry mama... Evan just lives down the street we can go visit her!!" I smiled and said "no baby, Heaven." "Charli is going to Heaven to be with God. So baby give her a big hug and kiss it's time to leave for school." Madison knelt beside Charli and gave her lots of love. On the ride to school Madison asked me if there were flowers in Heaven. I told her there were lots and lots of flowers in Heaven. She said, "like spring time?.. like my birthday?" I said just like that Madison. She asked me if God had a bed for Charli. I told her that he did and she wanted to know what color it was. I asked her what color she thought it was and she said "pink or purple." That made me smile and cry all at the same time. Madison asked me if Daddy was going to help Charli get there and wanted to know if she would take her leash with her. She finally quieted down and I tried to pull myself together to walk them into school.

I skipped my morning trip to the gym. I skipped my stop for coffee and any other errands I had planned while the kids were at school. I went straight home and spent the morning with Charli. The house was quiet and I sat next to her and cried. I loved on her and looked into her eyes. Jason came home a few hours before her appointment and sat with her too. We talked about how she was our first "child." How she joined our family five years before we even had Madison. She made the move from Texas to North Carolina and back to Texas again. She was waiting at the door when we brought Madison and then Tyler home from the hospital and she almost made it for baby number three. Oh how I wish she had made it.

Jason said it was time and had to pick her up and carry her to the car. I went ahead to open doors. It was pouring down rain. We walked to the passenger side of the car. The door was locked and I had to fish in his pocket for the keys. I stood there sobbing. I gave Charli one final kiss and Jason promised to be there with her.

After school Madison asked if Charli was in Heaven and I told her she was... She would wait a while and ask when Charli was coming home. It was painful for me to explain that we wouldn't see her again for a long long time. Tonight right in the middle of dinner Madison let out a long sigh, put her hands on her cheeks and said, "I miss Charli." Jason said, "we all do honey." Madison looked at Jason and said she wanted to build stairs to Heaven to see Charli.

Life after Charli is a little quieter, a little less messy, a little less work.... but I would trade all of that to have her here with us. I know Abbey misses her too.

Charli Brown (as I affectionately called her). March 2003 - January 2012

Around Here....

2012-01-18T16:21:00.000-05:00

I cried "uncle." I literally did. I ran to Jason in tears and said, "I cannot do this anymore... I want a van." I knew exactly what he was thinking as the smile spread across his face. Two years ago when we bought our last car, the Sequoia, he wanted to get a van. Madison was two and I was nine months pregnant with Tyler. I would not hear of it. If his mouth looked like it was even going to form the letter "v" I would scream, "NO! I WILL NEVER EVER EVER drive a van! Never EVER!"

Check out my new van!!!

I love it! I haven't hit the garage once! I haven't left one parking lot in shame because Madison slammed open her door and smacked the car next to us. I no longer have to put my mirrors in to pull into the garage. I don't have to wedge my ever expanding belly in between the garage wall and door to get Tyler out of his car seat. I. LOVE. IT. I embrace it and everything this new van says about me. I am a mom and I am proud of it!

Now that my secret is out I can move on to life these days.. via my cell phone of course...

Tyler is wearing me out with his climbing. Every time I turn around he is on something or attempting to be on something.

I was putting up dishes when I heard the sweetest giggle. I looked over and the boy was standing up in his high chair. Madison never did this. I am in the process of trying to locate the straps!

(Don't you wanna pinch those chubby thighs?)

This is Madison's first year to take dance. She started over the summer and loved it so we decided to enroll her for the year. Her recital is in May and we recently had her costume preview. You know me.. I was dreaming of fluff and puff and sweet pink costumes when her teacher held up a photo of the three's costumes...

I couldn't help it. I let out a gasp! What?!! Are you serious? I looked around waiting for another mom, any other mom to say out loud what I was thinking. No one did! I tucked my chin down and pulled out my checkbook to prepay for the costume. I left there sulking. I talked to anyone that would listen and wondered if I should keep my opinion to myself or voice it. I just didn't want to look back at Madison's first ballet recital and have this costume in my memory!! I must not have been the only appalled mom because at the next practice the teacher called in the moms and said there was some upset over the costume so they changed it!!! It is pink and fluffy and full of puff! I'll save the picture for when she's actually wearing it! WHEW!

Tyler loves to play in the trash can. He also loves to push it around the kitchen.

Sometimes I have to set the table for five instead of four. Madison's baby doll needs dinner too!

My girl has style!

Tyler was so sick last week! I took this in the waiting room at the doctor's office.

Updates for dad...

He fell back asleep an hour after he woke up one morning with a good fever.

A nice warm bath made him feel better...

Tyler is well now. We took a trip to NC to visit family this past weekend. I only wish I actually pulled my camera out. We left Texas and it was seventy something. We arrived in NC and it was FREEZING. We only left Jason's sister's house once the whole weekend! The trip home was long and included a plane change and mechanical problems that left us parked at the gate for an hour and a half!!! I wanted to be ANYWHERE, but sitting on the plane with my tired babies. The trip was worth it, but I'm always thankful for car seats.

Oh.. and "Happy Birthday" to Madison's sweet friend Avery!

Week 26 and a half!

2012-01-05T14:40:00.001-05:00

Dear Baby,

I did it again! I let half a week pass by before I took a belly picture. At least I'm consistently late and it's a true four week comparison. I guess I'll have to stick to this schedule now. You are moving so so much! I love every single kick you give. You are most active when I am at rest. Madison seems to notice your growth as much as I do! She's always telling me how big you are getting. Of course your big brother Tyler is oblivious. He does appreciate the booster seat you provide when we are sitting together on the couch. I can't say you or I love that! Your daddy and I named you Christmas day. In the middle of all the chaos we agreed on a first and middle. That in itself is a miracle! Madison is now calling you "Will." I love that name too, but that is not you! We will keep your name a secret until your birthday. Poor big sister Madison will have to wait until then too because that girl can't keep a secret!

Love,

Mama

Christmas Eve - 25 Weeks Pregnant ... Next year I'll be making room for one more on my lap and I can't wait!

Photo: Heather Walker

Christmas

2011-12-29T23:01:00.003-05:00

Jason took the kids to see Santa without me this year! He took them the first time to our church while I was on vacation with girlfriends....

and the second time while I was prepping Christmas dinner! Thankfully, the kids did great and there were no long lines.

Madison and I continued the tradition we started last year of building a gingerbread house. She loves it!

Building it and eating it..

I think our house turned out pretty darn cute. The kit came with most everything, but halfway through decorating she asked for sprinkles.... I had hearts so we added those. It was just the touch we needed!

I let the kids open their Christmas pajamas before church on Christmas Eve. Tyler ripped open the box, dumped out the pajamas, and played with the box... typical I guess! Tyler's pajamas were actually Madison's from last year.

I found the matching ones for Madison at the Gymboree outlet! Tyler can wear these next year and the new baby can wear Tyler's from last year!

We met our good friends at church for the "families with young children service." It was a crazy chaotic service. They don't have childcare Christmas Eve so even Tyler was in the service with us. He was trying to climb everything! After service we shared Christmas Eve dinner with some of our favorite people. None of us have family in town so we decided to get together. This was our first Christmas without extended family. I was really sad about it at first, but getting together with good friends was all I needed! The kids had a ball too!

We got home kinda late so Jason took Tyler straight to bed while I helped Madison get the reindeer food and Santa's cookies ready. She also insisted that Santa have hot coco and not just milk. So we whipped that up too.

Christmas morning Tyler woke up at 5 a.m. I know it's because I had to get him up an hour early from his nap for the 4 o'clock church service and I put him to bed late. My kids just don't do well off schedule. I got up with him at five and rocked him for about 45 minutes. He fell back asleep until we finally woke him up at 8 to get our morning started. Poor Madison laid in her room for about thirty minutes yelling... "MAMA... MAAAAAMAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!" I sent Jason up to get them while I got my camera ready.

Tyler ran down and straight to his new grill. (Thanks Aunt Lori!) He checked it out for a minute, but needed his morning milk before proceeding!

In our house Santa sits out the kid's gifts. The gifts from everyone else including mom and dad are wrapped. I fully expected Madison to just tear into everything, but she stood reserved. I was so surprised!

Once Tyler returned Madison slowly started opening her gifts.

Tyler loves to clean up. It's crazy.. he is a big helper to me. I'll change his diaper and hand him the dirty one and he always goes and throws it away without being asked. If there is a piece of paper on the floor he'll just pick it up and throw it away! When I take off his shoes he immediately grabs them and puts them in a basket I keep downstairs for the kid's shoes. It really is kinda crazy. It was no surprise when he took over trash duty and made sure to clean up wrapping paper behind himself and Madison. This was a very clean Christmas!

Madison wasn't as thrilled as I was over her new sheets!

Madison was trying to figure out this gift from her granny... a savings bond she gets for her birthday and Christmas each year.

Santa left one last big gift in the garage!

Look out neighbors!!!

I made cheesy grits and monkey bread Christmas Eve... (I baked the bread Christmas morning.) It turned out so good! It all baked while we opened our gifts.

I snapped this with my cell Christmas Eve.. before it was baked!

I made our Christmas dinner sides two days before and baked them while Jason cooked the Turkey Christmas day.

Twice baked potato casserole (I prefer sweet potatoes, but my hubby likes regular!). I also did fresh green beans. I was going to make corn casserole, but I figured with just the four of us we had plenty!

Let me tell you.. Jason's first turkey was perfect!!! He snapped this photo for my brother! We normally dress up when we are with family on Christmas. However, this year it was an all day pajama kind of day!

I snapped all these pictures during the day to keep family updated on the happenings in our home halfway across the country!

We had a very Merry Christmas. It's amazing to me how much changed over this past year... and what an amazing blessing we have in store for our family next year.

Our Christmas Card

2011-12-22T21:45:00.004-05:00

One of my very good friends happens to be an amazing photographer.... Heather . I have not had a family picture made since Madison was six months old so I had Heather do a session for us. I love her style. She captures life. I feel like her images need no words. You can hear sound and feel emotion just by looking at the photo.

We met early one November morning dressed for cool weather. It was not only hot that morning, but humid! You just never know what you are going to get in Texas! Here are just a few other images from our session that I will always treasure!

Walk Through Bethlehem

2011-12-14T20:47:00.001-05:00

Our church does an amazing "walk through Bethlehem" every year before Christmas. This is the first year we attended. It was wonderful! We met some friends at church so we could walk through together.

The kids LOVED the animals... yes.. this is a REAL camel!

When we started the walk we signed in and received a bag of coins. The kids used the coins to pay for things inside. Madison gave a coin to make this bracelet. She also made an ornament, mosaic tile, and a leather bracelet. There were many other stations, but we couldn't do them all. Tyler loved all the outside activities, but only wanted to cause trouble inside. I was exhausted chasing him around.

However, we had to go see baby Jesus before we left. Madison was amazed! I have to say it moved me as well.

Preschool Christmas Program

2011-12-11T21:45:00.000-05:00

I took this photo of Madison a week or so ago. I love it so much. I was talking to her about Santa and her Elf, "Elfie." Tyler was still sleeping and I took the opportunity to get her picture.

Madison and Tyler's preschool held their Christmas program this past Thursday. It's very short and very very sweet. Before school I attempted to get their picture together in their little Christmas outfits.

It started off something like this...

with a lot of this mixed in...

and only after a sucker WITH a sucker did I get this...

and finally this... (I promised Madison chocolate)

So I wiped the sweat from my brow and loaded the kids along with the sucker and chocolate into the car to head to school. (I said a little prayer it would stay off their clothes. Tyler's sucker color is no mistake.. I dug out the lightest color I could find.)

The Christmas program began with the toddlers and twos. I don't have a zoom lens and so this was the best I could get with my 50 mm. I zoomed in photoshop and cropped for the rest of the photos.. that's why they look so grainy and blurred.

Tyler LOVES his teachers and I love this moment I caught... (they are singing about baby Jesus.)

I stood up for this picture and he spotted me!! I quickly sunk back into the pew and prayed he'd stay put!

Sweet boy reached around and gave his teacher a big hug. She later told me that she faced him forward because she knew I was out there taking photos and figured I'd like them of his face and not the back of his head!

Tyler's class sang three songs and then were quickly ushered back to their rooms to start the day. So then the threes came out.... Can you spot Madison?!! :)

I love that girl!

After the threes finished up their three songs they were seated to watch the fours perform. Madison was too excited that her dad and I were there!

Ohhhh my camera was set so wrong for this shot, but the only one I took of the threes and fours doing one final song together.

Week 22 and a half... :)

2011-12-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Baby,

I meant to take this picture a week ago. Time is just passing too quickly. You have grown so much! Now that we know you are a boy we are trying to decide on names. I asked Madison at dinner last night what she thought we should name you. (I was hoping she had changed her mind from "Girl.") She looked at me and said very matter of fact, "Fashion Show"... "You like that mama?"

Our North Pole Breakfast with "Elfie"

2011-11-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

We flew home on Saturday from Georgia so Elfie couldn't come until Sunday. Elfie brought with him a wonderful breakfast for the family.

We read the Elf story the night before so when I got Madison up that morning she flew downstairs looking for her Elf. It didn't take her long...

Tyler plopped in a chair and seemed really excited. I took the plates off the table to put food on them. Tyler took this opportunity to grab the tablecloth and pulled everything off the table.

That got him a one way ticket to his highchair... and a plastic plate.

Elfie brought snow covered donuts and hot chocolate with marshmallows!

I think the kids had so much fun that Elfie will continue to bring breakfast on the morning of his arrival!

Turkey Day, the day before, and the day after...

2011-11-27T16:38:00.000-05:00

The day before Thanksgiving Day my mom took Madison and her cousin for a special treat.

It was not this carousel ride...

It was a trip to the mall in Atlanta to get her first American girl doll.

I got hardly any photos because Madison was tired and sick. This is how she spent most of the day... in time out. Look at that pout! If you said "black," Madison said "white." I hate it when days aren't what you envision. However, she loves her new baby doll.

I'm awful!! I hardly took any photos of Turkey Day! I started the day off well...

I even took a picture of the beautiful table...

Although I didn't sit there... I sat at the kiddie table with my sister, her husband, and my husband. We all sat down and my sister's husband, Kris said.."Bad news, we are at the kiddie table... good news, there's wine!"

Tyler's lunch.. we ate at three and he just couldn't hold out. Plus he took a little snooze during the meal.

When he woke up he helped his daddy fix the disposal... or try. HEE HEE!

I also took a few photos of him playing with the ducks. Madison was off running around with her cousins.

OHHHH and I got to meet my nephew, Jet for the first time. The day after Thanksgiving I snapped some photos of him.

Jet is the best baby. He hardly ever fusses and sleeps really well. AND he loves his Aunt Shelby.

I also took a few for my sister.... Maddie and Austin

They are four and six and have grown so much. Maddie watched over Tyler for me and was sweet to Madison even when she was in her "mood" at the mall.

Baby Number Three is a.....

2011-11-21T16:46:00.000-05:00

Madison went with me to my ultrasound appointment today. She climbed right up next to me in a chair. She was in a great mood until the ultrasound tech (whom she referred to as "doctor") announced that baby number three is a BOY! Madison said.. "NO! A Girl!!!" I looked over at her and said "no sweet girl, it's a boy..." "NO!! A GIRL!" Madison was not thrilled. I asked her as I was buckling her into her car seat what we were going to name this sweet baby boy and she said.. "GIRL!!!" I said no honey, it's a boy. She said.. "No.. we will name him "Girl."

By the time I took these photos I think she was coming around to the idea!

A teepee should not be mistaken for a quesadilla or a sombrero!!!

2011-11-17T21:59:00.001-05:00

Today was our preschools Thanksgiving Feast! Tyler's class made these adorable shirts earlier in the week and they were given to us so the kids could wear them today. I just love it! I might put him in it everyday until Thanksgiving! That boy rocked this T-shirt for me before school today!

The "Feast" for the toddler room was actually a breakfast. We had muffins, fruit, juice....

and an adorable craft!

I loved how the teachers had the room all set up for the feast. They normally don't have little tables in the room. Adorable tablecloths and ....

place mats that the kids made!

Backing back up to this morning before school... I snapped several pictures of Tyler and then asked Madison if she would come smile for me. She said.. "can I get candy if I do?" Sure Madison... So she gave me a split second of smiles and then was ready for payment! I don't mind.. I'll take the sweet smiles even if it is for candy!

Madison's feast was at lunch time. So Jason met me back up at the school to eat lunch with Madison.

Madison was beyond thrilled to have us there and just kept shrieking with excitement. I had a hard time getting her to sit still and eat lunch! She just couldn't contain her excitement and kept squealing and talking to all her friend's moms. "HI HOUSTON'S MAMA! HI ANSLEY'S MAMA!!! HI ALEXS' MAMA!!!!!"

On Tuesday of this week I asked Madison what she did at school on the ride home. She squealed and said with a BIG smile on her face that she made a quesadilla that you wear on your head!!! I turned and looked at her as she pointed to the top of her head and asked her if she meant a sombrero?! She gave me a blank stare and said "NO!!! A QUESADILLA!!!" I faced forward as the light turned green with what I'm sure was a blank stare and assumed she must mean sombrero, but wondered why on earth that would be making sombreros at school so close to Thanksgiving. Well all this confusion was cleared up as I sat down for my Thanksgiving lunch!!!!

My Little Indian had made a Tee pee out of a tortilla!!!! I mean how cute is this!!! I let out a big chuckle and then cracked up even more to think she assumed it was a hat!

This week has not only been a big week for school, but a big week for teeth.

Tyler fell while in childcare at our gym. He fell into a big plastic tree house in the childcare area. The impact was on his bottom four teeth. I was called out of class because they thought he had busted his lip and there was a lot of bleeding. I went to the childcare area thinking it was no big deal and knew as soon as I saw him that it was indeed a big deal. I sat with him for a few minutes trying to assess the situation. I immediately grabbed my cell and called my dentist. The bleeding was coming from behind his bottom teeth. Jason met me at home to get Madison and I drove Tyler to our appointment. They saw the same thing I did and called for X-rays. Since I'm pregnant I couldn't hold him for the x-ray. A nurse had to hold him while another one straddled the chair to do the x-ray. I was behind the wall while Tyler was screaming and then I heard the nurse say.."OH OH OHHHH!!!" Tyler had gotten so worked up he vomited! All over... THEM!!! The one holding Tyler had to go change clothes while the film processed!! The other nurse came back in and said.. "you won't believe this, but we are going to have to do it again. It was too blurry!" So again the same set up. This time I heard "OH OH OHHHHH!" ... followed by a bunch of laughing. I peered around the corner and found the nurse holding Tyler and Tyler sliding out of the top of the dental chair onto the floor while the other nurse was trying to find the button to stop the chair as she is straddled over the two of them. The chair had malfunctioned and did not stop, but kept going until they slid upside down onto the floor. At this point all I could do was laugh. FINALLY.. some clear x-rays. All FOUR teeth were knocked loose, but there were no fractures. I took both kids back yesterday for their routine checkups and a followup on Tyler. Tyler's teeth are still loose, but seem to be firming up. Thank GOODNESS!!!

Madison received rave reviews on her hygiene. However, her thumbsucking (click link to see more!!)has done quite a number on her teeth. The dentist told me it was time to stop. I feel so bad to put her through this, but I agree that it's the best thing before her permanent teeth come in. So today after school I painted on her first coat of Mavala given to me by her dentist. Madison made her first attempt to suck and about threw up. I heard her gagging and asked her what happened and she looked at me with the most pitiful look and said she put her thumb in her mouth. We've had a few tears and some whining today, but I'll tell you what.. I underestimated my girl. She is doing wonderfully. She has handled it much much better than I thought she would. (Ask me again in a week though!) My dentist warned me that this might take several months. We are committed.. there is no going back.

Tyler is 18 Months!

2011-11-06T15:19:00.002-05:00

Dear Tyler,

You, my sweet boy, are 18 months old. I always to tell people that I LOVE this age at home, but not in public! You are fast on your feet and you want nothing more than to explore and manhandle everything! If we are out in public you always manage to wiggle your way out of my arms. A stroller is a must!! You somehow always get your arms out of the stroller straps and only the bottom part keeps you in. You can stand up while still harnessed in your stroller. I have to keep one hand on the stroller at all times to make sure you don't flip the whole thing over!

You LOVE school! You only go two mornings a week, but you always go in with a big smile on your face. I never have to worry about you being sad when I leave. I enjoy reading the little updates the teachers pack in your backpack. It lets me know your temperament for the day (they always have "HAPPY" checked) and how much lunch you ate. It also tells me what you enjoyed doing that day. It's been the slide a lot... or "playing with cars" or art! Yes you love to color and do art! I leave the slip out on the counter so daddy can get an update when he gets home from work. He enjoys this too.

You HEART your sister very much except when she won't share her toys with you. OR when you are trying to get my attention. You love to get a reaction out of me by pulling her hair or hitting her. I've tried time out on you and I've even given your hair a little tug. You love time out so that is not working for me. I'm sure you will learn that time out is not where you want to be! You also like to push other kids. If they can stand, you push them. Bigger or smaller, older or younger, it doesn't matter. I've been mortified a few times. I know you aren't doing it to be mean. I think you are just curious. Hopefully, you will grow out of this soon.

You have a killer smile and a contagious giggle. I have a really hard time staying mad at you as soon as you flash me that smile!

By the end of the day I use to be just slap ready to have you and Madison in bed. I would rush through bath, books, and prayers so I could go take a shower and watch a few shows. However, these days there is nothing I want more than my time with you after bath. I dim the lights in your room and read you several books. You love it. Before I can close one book you are grunting and pointing at the stack on the table. It usually only takes me a second to get you settled into rocking on my chest once I turn out the lights. I'm not one to rock my babies to sleep, but oh how I enjoy this cuddle time with you. I usually sing "You are My Sunshine," and "Rock-a-bye Baby" several times to you. I know I can't carry a tune, but you don't seem to mind. It's always hard to put you down in the crib.

You enjoyed making Halloween cookies this year. Let's be honest.. you really enjoyed the icing!

I always, always keep a sucker in my bag. That is the only way I have found to keep you still for longer than five seconds. Oh.. and to get you to wear that adorable pumpkin hat!

Guess what my soon to be middle child? Two weeks from tomorrow I find out if you are getting a baby brother or a baby sister! Madison is calling the baby a girl. I have no idea, but I know God has chosen someone special for you to be a big brother to. I know you will be amazing!

Love,

Mama

Week 17

2011-11-03T14:36:00.000-04:00

Halloween!

2011-11-01T21:26:00.002-04:00

Tyler was having none of this family picture taking. Jason had just pulled the wagon out of the garage and he wanted nothing more than to sit in that. Wrestling a 17 (ALMOST 18!!!) month old is no fun 17 weeks pregnant. So this was our one photo for the night!

Happy as a clam... Let's roll mama!!

I did manage to get a few before Jason pulled the wagon out.

Kellie came to trick or treat with us since her hubby was out of town. So that tiny bee is her baby girl, Emily. We loaded the wagon and headed up the street to see our closest neighbors while Jason stayed behind and handed out candy.

I tried really hard to get Tyler to line up in there. What can I say? The boy is not interested in "special requests."

Madison was doing what she does well.. telling him what to do. Tyler was doing what he does well.. ignoring her... HA HA!

My neighbor has an adorable red bench in her yard.. I thought it would be perfect setting for Strawberry shortcake... Not my fav of her, but she was off that bench in two seconds. She was just too excited to sit still.

Tyler and Emily loved it!

My neighbor also had this great blow up pumpkin! Perfect for my little pumpkin!

We loaded the kids up again to see our neighbors in the other direction. Madison trick-or-treated along the way. The babies had suckers so they were content sitting for awhile.

This is Tommy. Madison just LOVES him!! He is so good to her!

I thought this little Harry Potter handing out candy was ADORABLE!

We bumped into the Man in the Yellow Hat and his monkey. This is one of my very good friend's husband and son. That is a trooper of a dad!!

George's costume has a little banana sewn onto the side. Madison thought it was hysterical and just kept chasing him and pulling on the banana. Jackson would run from her and give her the stink eye. It was HYSTERICAL!!

We headed back to the house to get Jason and then walked to another good friend's house to trick-or-treat with them. How cute is spider, AJ?!

AJ's older sister is Madison's good bud, Avery.

Tyler caught on to the whole concept pretty quickly. I was really surprised that he was so into it!

We had such a fun fun night!! We might just might need a larger wagon next Halloween with number three!!

Our Pumpkin!!

2011-10-31T16:31:00.000-04:00

Farms and Pumpkin Patches

2011-10-23T22:29:00.001-04:00

This past week was a busy week for us! We just returned home from Disney and I was actually glad to get back to our normal routine. We had extra fun things planned as well.

First up... Crowe's Nest Farm. We went last year for the first time. I seemed to have taken a lot more pictures last year. I had Tyler in the Bjorn. This year I was chasing down two kids and pushing a most of the time empty stroller! My how things have changed!

We watched a cow get milk.. again. Of course neither child remembered it from last year. They both soaked it in!

Our group is on the front row. This is my Monday morning playgroup. Madison was off to the left sitting kind of by herself. So unlike my child. I guess the cow was entertainment enough!

I have to say all my photos look really biased. Most of my pictures are of Tyler. That is because he is who I am following most of the time. Madison runs ahead and I don't have to worry much about her. Tyler on the other hand runs everywhere and worry I must with him! He LOVES LOVES LOVES animals. Both my kids do.

I took this one of the few times I was able to catch up to her!

Tyler is telling me all about the chickens..

On Friday we made it back to Sweet Berry Farms. It wasn't as crazy as last year, but it was work... worth it work!

I snapped this before we left. It's acually the best picture I got of the two all day!

It was such a bright beautiful day it was hard to get good pictures of the kids.

and a drum roll plese...the BEST most AMAZING group shot of toddlers you will ever see!!

IMPOSSIBLE!!!

This was the only shot I could get of my two..

Tyler began to melt right after we fed the goats.

I put him in the stroller to huff it to the hayride and he screamed the entire way. (That is just not like him). We arrived there and I let him out of the stroller. He like the animals (including a 2 week old donkey!) but he was still cranky. I loaded him and Madison on the hayride and I would have pictures, but Tyler and I had to get off. He was thrashing and screaming and I just wasn't going to put myself or others though that. I gave him a snack in his stroller and that seemed to appease him. We left right after that! It really was a good day! Next year... three kids!! I can't imagine!

Disney World

2011-10-19T22:45:00.000-04:00

We spent this past week at Disney World! We had big plans to go with Jason's entire family in April. However, God had his own plans for us. Since Baby Groff number three will be arriving in April, we had to move our trip up to October and go with just our immediate family. We scrambled and booked a great vacation. I'll have to tell you though... "great" started after the first day! I was really nervous about taking Tyler on an airplane. He is under two and still qualified as a lap baby. My lap baby to be exact. He only wanted my lap. The flight was okay, but after about an hour into the two hour flight he was DONE being contained. We had no choice, but to hold him tight. He was HYSTERICAL. I was mortified and felt so bad for the people around us. We began our descent into Orlando and Tyler began to vomit. It's not like he can say, "hey mom... gonna hurl. You'd better grab a barf bag." It shot out and poured out all of me, Jason, the seat in front of us and the floor. Jason jumped up and was quickly told that he HAD to take his seat. The flight attendant threw napkins and wipes our way. We landed in a torrential down pour in Florida. It was the most rain they have had in over a 100 years in one day. It was unreal!

Tyler finally just passed out on the bus ride from the airport to the hotel.

We had to wait almost six hours after we landed for our luggage to be delivered to our room. Jason took Madison to the Magic Kingdom in the monsoon while I gave Tyler a bath and put him to bed in a diaper until our luggage finally arrived.

The next day it continued to pour. Thankfully, we had invested in a stroller cover.

The first day we went to Hollywood Studios. We loved the Toy Story ride and watched a few shows. I booked our lunch at the Sci-Fi Drive in and it was so cute! Tyler and I sat in the back seat of a car while Madison and Jason were in the front seat. Unfortunately, because of all the rain I didn't even take my nice camera to the park.

Day 2 we went to Magic Kingdom. It was just a short boat ride from our hotel... accross this lake!

Madison and Tyler on the boat... That is the most Tyler sat still on the boat.

We had lunch that day at the Crystal Palace. The characters were from Winne the Pooh. Madison liked Eeyore and that was it

She remained under the table for the rest of the characters.

Tyler was curious.

and trapped!

Jason snapped this while I ran Madison to the potty and I just love it. That sweet genuine smile is all for that sucker!

Tyler eating his sucker and Madison clapping along to the Pooh parade.

The tea cups was one of our first rides.

Magic Carpet ride... (the night before)

One of our favorite things was breakfast at Chef Mickey's. I HEART this photo.

... and this one I snapped while there. I just love Madison's real expression and how Tyler is hugging her so tight.

Another morning we had breakfast at the Norwegian Palace in Epcot. This is with all the princesses. Three was the perfect age to take Madison. EVERY princess was THE princess.

Halfway through breakfast they do a princess walk. All of the girls walk with the princesses through the "palace." Madison was so shy.. we had such a hard time getting her to go. Can't you tell? HA HA HA!

Tyler entertained himself by playing peek-a-boo with his napkin. Or by throwing food, silverware or just about anything he could get his hands on.

This was my attempt to force them to have a picture together.

Cinderella's castle was really Cinderella's castle. Madison was enamoured! That was the only park she wanted to go to day after day.

Tyler was happy to be out of the stroller!

We spent a lot of time doing this...

One afternoon we happened by the castle and got Madison's picture with Cinderella's wicked stepmother.

The very next day we had lunch in the castle!

Ascending the stairs to the Royal Table.

Madison was given a magic wand... (She looks so angelic in these photos. However, she was actually turned around playing swords with a little girl off to the right.)

Tyler was given a sword. I mean really!!! They loved it, but Jason and I were on the defense the whole meal.

Tyler spent a large portion of the meal trying to cut his food!

More one on one time with THE princesses!

I loved this trip. I loved it because of what I saw through Madison's eyes. I would not trade that trip for anything. However, I for sure needed a vacation from my vacation when we got home.

Disney made me appreciate car seats! I spent the entire trip trying to contain Tyler... on the plane, bus, boat, stroller, highchair, lines, rides and so on! This was Tyler on the ride home from the airport.

... and Madison!

How do you explain three year olds playing soccer?

2011-10-03T20:42:00.001-04:00

Three year olds playing soccer is...

I'm chasing a ball... oh look there's a butterfly... I'm chasing a butterfly. It's... I'm running after a bunch of other three year olds that are sort of running after a ball.. Oh look there is a mound of dirt in the middle of the field and I think I'll just drop right here and play in the dirt instead of chasing the ball.

It's I'm right in the middle of a game and I've had my fill of this sport for the day.. I think I'll just go sit in my moms lap.

Sometimes it's social time! I know this girl is mine...

Jason is her team's assistant coach and I just love this special time they have together.

Madison's biggest fan is always at her games to cheer her on.

I just know he's thinking... "Get the ball girl! Be aggressive! GO BLUE!"

Madison has lots of friends playing soccer. Unfortunately they did not end up on teams together. (Madison may or may not be showing just a little bit of 'tude in this picture.)

Catie's uniform is FLORESCENT greenish-yellow and casts a horrible hue on the girls' faces. B&W is a must!

We will be playing soccer for a few months. Hopefully I can convince her to play longer than 10 second intervals!

Because my family thinks I have disappeared...

2011-09-21T15:02:00.003-04:00

In reality I can't seem to keep up with anything. My house, my kids, my sleep, working out.. and oh man don't I know it's just going to get harder. I think a maid is in order. I haven't been feeling well.. At. All. This is by far far my worst pregnancy. I'm almost 12 weeks and I'm really hoping it's a magical week.

First thing first. My Mack and Catie welcomed their first baby at the end of August.

Jet McKnight.... I just want to hold him. They live too far away. I keep trying to convince everyone to move from GA to Texas. I'm having a hard time since everyone is there and I am the only one here.

Here they are in the hospital in Georgia texting me... it read:

Dear Shelby,
We really wish out of everyone YOU could be here.

Here is a picture of Caitlin and her sisters. The one on the right is Mendy. She was my college roommate! I love her, but I hate her too. She has already held Jet. :( Mendy is also pregnant with her third baby. Her oldest is 8 (mine is three) and her current youngest is almost four (mine is one). I tell her every time I talk to her how much harder my life it going to be. She appreciates this. :)

You know how the IPhone has an insanely annoying spell check? Well here is a conversation I had with a friend. This gives me a good chuckle every time I think about it. I took a pic of it and I read it every so often. We wanted to go to a children's boutique warehouse sale. She also has a one year old son. Our older kids were at dance camp and we were discussing what to do with the babies....

Tyler is not the most steady walker. He fell twice in one morning and smacked his head on the tile. In his defense Madison was trying to shove a witches hat on him before the first fall. The second fall was completely his fault. If this had been my first child I probably would have dialed 9-1-1. This being my second child I took a photo to share with friends and Jason.

My witch princess who just returned from Hawaii.

I sewed Madison a skirt for the first day of school. I paid about $5 for the material and it only took and hour to whip up.

Sadly she did not wear it the fist day because I thought it was matchy matchy with her new blue apple backpack.

One afternoon Tyler was annoyed with Madison so he leaned over and bit her.

This ALWAYS happens to me. I spent what felt like 8 hours at my first OB appointment. The nurse who works there and draws blood ALL DAY LONG, every day... missed. She told me that I must not drink enough water. I walked out looking like this.

Pregnancy cravings? Yes..

Madison's lunch one day for school...

This was the first day of football games. The boys were watching football and the girls cooked!

Swim suits I found for on sale for next summer. I HEART them!

Tyler will ONLY eat if he can feed himself. That is wonderful and all, but a complete mess for me! It usually ends up in his hair.

Madison started soccer. The old me would have taken her outside and taken a dozen pictures.. I gave her a sucker and prayed for a quick shot with my cell phone. Don't you love the clothes all over the stairs. Some clean to go up and be put away and some dirty to be taken into the laundry room!

My Love and Logic class taught me about the time timer and it has come in handy. You turn the dial and to reveal red. As time ticks away the red disappears. So if Madison has been eating for thirty minutes (which happens all the time) and we need leave the house in 15 more, I set the timer for ten minutes and that is how long she has to finish up. It works!! Another BIG thing we use it for now is naps. She is three and a half and does just fine with no nap. However, mama does not. So I put her in her room and set the timer for one hour. She can do anything she wants in there as long as she is quiet. When the red is all gone she can come on downstairs. She falls asleep most of the time, but if she doesn't it's fine. I plan for my kids to always have quiet time. I think it's good for all of us! I have my had up there trying to show my friend the size. I had a tiny one that I can't find anywhere! I figured this one would be hard to loose.

I saw these adorable dishes and couldn't resist. I love that they have just two compartments. Most of our dishes have 4 and Madison must have each section with something different. Sometimes I just want to give the girl pizza and fruit.. you know? I think that was a big seller for me. I bought them at Baby Earth. They are pretty much a website, but their warehouse is really close to my house and they have a store inside the warehouse. I just love that place! I went in for ANOTHER car seat and came out with these plates too. Oh and the bowls. Gotta have matching bowls!

... I don't get it?? Missoni is all the rage.. just don't get it. This was in my US Weekly style magazine. I know I'm lacking in the trend department. Watch me be all into this next year. Last year I swore I would NEVER wear leggings and this year I have already bought three pair!

My son has an addiction to balloons!

I did not take this photo! It was taken with a phone.. but cute all the same! I had a wonderful night out celebrating Emily's birthday. I missed having some wine, but we had a ball!

We were fortunate enough to go to the beach with some friends a few weeks ago. We have not been in a few years! I can't believe I'm saying that, but it's been hard since having a second child and not being as close as we were when living in NC.

Poor Tyler sporting a pink life jacket!

He didn't care too much for the sand. I know he's my child because of that!

Love...

Our THIRD Blessing!!!!

2011-09-06T20:54:00.000-04:00

Arriving... April 2012

First Day of School

2011-08-31T20:41:00.001-04:00

I can't believe Madison started her third year of preschool. She started when she was 15 months old. I couldn't favor one child over the other so Tyler started this year too!!

Tyler was fed, dressed, and ready before Madison so I took him out front for a few photos. He is doing this new thing now when he wants me to pick him up. He reaches for me, waves his hands and squeals with such urgency. I just love it.

Tyler normally runs around in pedipeds, but for school he needed solid shoes and socks.

(Oh.. and yes he is the cutest boy that ever walked the planet!)

I didn't get nearly as many photos of Madison. She smiled for about two ... these two and then wanted her treat!

Jason met me at the school to help get a few more photos and get them to class.

Madison and her buddies... I love all the apple outfits!

2010

Madison - 2009 (Tyler's age... toddler's class)

2010 - Two's

2011 - Three's (look at those long legs!)

Both kids had a great day.. as did I!! I asked Tyler's teacher if he had a good day and she said.. "Oh yes.. and boy does he like to get into everything.." Ha Ha.. the story of my life!

Lilly Pads and Bad Bugs

2011-08-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was our good friend Emily's first birthday! Her mama and I go way back...!

We started at picnic tables for food and cake. This was the best I could do with my two.. Tyler looks thrilled right? He was off that wall as fast as I put him up there.

After cake we headed off to the "Lily Pad" as Madison called it. We have this brand new AMAZING splash pad near our house. This was our first time to visit and we WILL BE BACK.

It's great for small kids because it's pretty well contained.

Tyler preferred the sidelines with me or being held.

The party was right in the middle of his nap so...

he was slightly cranky...

Not this girl!

Until we made her leave so Tyler could take a nap.

In other news.. we were trapped like houseflies yesterday. Madison came down with a stomach bug Sunday night... She's had just a stomach bugs before this one, but never quite like this. She woke up screaming at 11 p.m. I ran up there and she was crying and said she "spit out." Sure enough there was "spit out" everywhere. Oh.. and let me mention she sleeps with three full size pillows, two baby pillows, twelve thousand stuffed animals and a duvet. I just stood there and yelled for Jason in the monitor .. "I need back up!!" He stripped the bed while I took her crying downstairs to put her in my tub. She was pretty upset and I didn't want her to wake Tyler. We put her in bed with us on towels and sure enough we relived the whole thing a little while later... bath number two.

Madison NEVER sleeps with us so we had a very long night. She didn't feel well and kept waking up and asking us if it was time to get up. "Mama, the sun is sleeping, but we can still get up. Won't that be great?" She was completely fine by the next morning. I was exhausted and was not thrilled to start my Monday with a mountain of laundry. Shortly after Tyler drank his morning sippy of milk he started to "spit out" all over me, the couch, the rug, and the tile where I finally sat him down. I threw him in my tub and after bathing him I returned to a clean floor. Thank you Charli the dog. (Don't worry.. I wiped up behind her!)

Looking pitiful!

He was feeling much much better today...

Tyler - 15 months

2011-08-10T21:50:00.000-04:00

I remember the days when I took Tyler to the doctor for a well check and he would just lay on the table waiting for the doctor to come in. I always made his appointments while Madison was at preschool so I could talk to the doctor while Tyler cooed. Madison is on summer break and my baby is not a baby anymore. He's a toddler...

...and he doesn't sit still for one single second. I prayed that our visit would go quickly. I tried to entertain Madison and Tyler with yogurt melts. Madison wanted to "help" and poured half the bag on the floor so Tyler could eat them....off the floor.

While waiting for the doctor to come in Madison announced that she had to "go potty." So I left our things and carted the two of them to the bathroom. I threw her on the potty while trying to keep Tyler cornered and away from the toilet. He threw a fit. I lugged them back to the exam room when the doctor finally appeared. Madison played kickball with the stuffed animals they had in the room while I tried to answer the doctors questions. "What words are Tyler saying?"... I gave her a look and said "none... " She said.. "Oh that's fine. He's a boy. I'm not worried." I wasn't until she said that! "How much milk does he drink a day?" "Can he point to different body parts when you ask him..." uhhh errrr.. "I haven't tried that out yet.. I guess I should?.." "MADISON SIT DOWN!!" "Madison be patient while I talke to the doctor." Meanwhile I'm trying to keep Tyler from ripping all the paper off the table roll. I'm sure she thought we were just a mess!

32 inches tall

25 lbs 15.5 ounces

(75% for both height and weight)

In other news...

Today was Madison's last day of ballet... I should have taken my camera, but I didn't.

Y'all it's HOT! and I will not "PIN" in vein....

2011-08-01T16:31:00.030-04:00

I know it's no secret that it's hot. It's August, I live in Texas, so yes I know it's going to be hot. However, this kind of no rain since the spring, in the hundreds no mercy heat, skunks invading my backyard looking for water and spraying my dogs hot is KILLING me!!! My poor camera has been sitting stale on the shelf because we just can't brave the heat anytime of day to go outside and take fun pictures. Oh wait.. Madison did BEG Jason to set up her pool in the backyard last night.... have me strip her down to her undies only to run outside and declare she "didn't feel like it." She changed her mind and wanted to retreat inside. Jason gave me a "seriously" look. I might add that when she stated she wanted to have that pool set up outside I was the one that said, "ask daddy, I'm sure he'd love too."

I would also like to randomly add that Madison told me to "stop freaking out" at dinner last night. I'm not sure what I was seemingly overly excited about, but that statement from my three year old... well.. freaked me out a little. I didn't know how to respond so I laughed. I really need to work on that.

Tyler is slowly transitioning to one nap a day. I thought I would dread the day that my morning quite time ended (on the days Madison is at school). However, I have found myself doing things I did with Madison when she was a baby. I love this alone time with him. Tyler and I attended story time at the library these past few Thursdays. He LOVES it. He runs around and claps and almost seems like a totally different baby. Oh and they have bubbles!

I got a little annoyed at our last visit though. Tyler made his way through the crowd to get closer to the bubbles. He can still be a little unsteady on his feet so he grabbed onto a little girl's head for some balance. I was RIGHT THERE about to pry his grip from her ears when her mom came flying over and yanked her up causing Tyler to fly to the ground. She clasped her daughter's head to her chest and gave me the most disgusted look. (I'm not making this up.. my friend saw her!). I said, "I'm so sorry" because I didn't know what else to say after that look. She said.. get this.. "Did you see what happened??!!! What was he doing to her?!!" I said "he lost his balance and grabbed on to her. He was not trying to hurt her!!!" I wanted to warn her that one day her daughter WILL do something wrong (not that Tyler did..). I hope she gets that same nasty look she gave me!

This has been a BIG month for Tyler. He did start walking. He took a few steps and pretty much had it mastered in a few days. (Except for the aforementioned balance issues.) I like that he is up off the ground, but I don't like all the running he has me doing in public!

I kept hearing about Pinterest. I steered clear of it for a while and then I just couldn't take all the talk and not be able to involve myself. I jumped on to see what it was all about and OH MY GOODNESS the fun and ideas you can pick up on that place. It's like taking all the good stuff off blogs and websites and placing it in one cool place and summing it up with a picture. So I've been pinning. I try not to spend to much time on it, but the time I do spend I swear it won't be in vein.

So far I have used several yummy recipes. I served a few at Bunco last week when I hosted. I also saw this...

(credits - House of Smiths)

I felt inspiried and did this...

I found the tall skinny containers at IKEA just like she said and I found the square ones at Target. The Target ones were more expensive, but I needed the size.

I also found some great projects to do with Madison that I hope to share in the next week or two.

Complete and utter randomness, but memories all the same.

2011-07-20T16:36:00.003-04:00

My love for the IPhone has gotten a little out of hand. I realized I might need a reality check when I chose it over my wallet. There have been break ins at the gym. The morning after I heard about them I parked my car in it's usual spot. When I opened the glove box to throw my cell in with my wallet I had a little voice tell me not to leave it. So I eyed my wallet and phone and grabbed my phone. I took my cell with me to my step class. It wasn't until I was stowing it under my step that it occurred to me that I chose it over my wallet!

Speaking of.. I found out about another camera IPhone app. This one was not free like histagram, but I couldn't resist. I paid $1.99 for "Hipstamatic" this morning and I've played around with it a little. I'm not smitten with it, but I think I need to give it a little more time.

I snapped this with the app before ballet this morning. Madison has insisted on wearing her pink skirt the past few classes, but this morning I got her in our only other option.. blue. I love it.

Who loves herself?

At ballet the moms stand behind a two way mirror to watch the girls without distracting them. As I was watching Madison gab away with a little girl another mom said.. "Oh Shelby.. Madison just loves to socialize.. ha ha!!".. I don't know where she gets it from? Although I have a stack of report cards from growing up that all have the same note on it to my mom... "Shelby talks too much in class." Well at least she gets it honest.

I took a small video of her in class. This happened to be one of the few moments she ...

a. was NOT kissing on her friends or complete strangers

b. was listening to the teacher

c. had her thumb out of her mouth for more than 5 seconds

d. was not running her mouth to the teacher or her friends.

A conga line.. I could not stop laughing over this!

How cute are these?!! I got them in the mail today. I got them on sale for next summer.

When my sister was here over the fourth she thought I had told her that Tyler WAS walking. So she stood him up and gave his little bottom a pat and the poor boy ate the floor face first. I looked at her like she was nuts as I scooped him up. I screamed.. "He can't walk!!!" She started laughing and said.. "I thought you said he could??"

So here you go Jennie.. he's close, but NOT YET! (P.S. I think you should just move here so you know what's going on.)

Wanna keep Tyler still? Give him milk...

Facebook Phone Pics and THE Winner!

2011-07-14T11:20:00.002-04:00

I seem to have my IPhone in my hand at all times. Maybe a little too much. However, it comes in handy when I need to snap a photo. I tend to upload funny shots onto facebook. Here are some of the ones that have made the cut.

I sat Madison on the potty and ran to throw away her pull up. Of course the trash was full so I decided to quickly take it out to the garage. I was gone less than a minute and returned to this. Tyler was emptying her potty wipes and she was emptying the roll. Life.

He's a great student of Madison's.

I caught him red handed in the pantry. He loves to destroy!

Tyler pitches a major fit if I take him straight out of the car. He likes to stay in a while and play. I am in control at my house.

Dear Saturday,

Why must you always look like this?

I sent this to my dad who is an AMAZING cook. I asked him if he got his start in a pink kitchen too.

His response: "Afraid not. Funny thing I never started cooking until I was in college in an apartment. Always loved food and was around my mother a lot in the kitchen. Never cooked though; just picked it up through osmosis. Cooking is three things, desire, experience and taste." I love that.

I got a sitter for Tyler and took Madison out to lunch after ballet. I let her pick the place. She said "that sandwich shop where we met da da." We met Jason one time there for lunch months ago. I'm amazed at what she remembers.

Hair cut number two this week took all of five minutes. He sat still and really seemed to enjoy himself!! I took him while Madison was at school this time. I let her cut a little more off... It's hard to let go.

"M" is for Madison!

Did you see that Pioneer Woman is doing a phone picture contest?? I entered one I've posted on here before.. Pretty sure it won't make the cut, but it's fun!!

OHHHHH and the winner of the Vinyl Designs giveaway?!!

Leah!!

If you didn't win you must go purchase your own!! They are only $10 and I LOVE mine!!!

She also has other items too...

True Random Number Service

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-07-14 15:01:03 UTC

"Fun Daddy Weekend".. that is what Jason calls it.

2011-07-12T16:37:00.001-04:00

I call it.. "let's ensure not a tear is shed while mama is away.."  or "hopefully by the time mama gets home I still have all my teeth."

While I was on my girl's beach trip Jason took the time off to stay with the kids. I would be relaxing and chatting and maybe self portrait taking on the beach when I would hear a "ding" on my phone. It would be the latest photo upload from "fun daddy weekend" onto Facebook. I loved it. I loved seeing the kids and what they were up to...   Jason never told me what he had planned.. just that he "had everything under control."

So let's rewind to the morning they dropped me at the airport, curbside. "Tuck and roll" is what Madison was chanting as we slowed to a stop. (Jason assisted her in that phrase)... I glanced back at her and casually got out of the car. I heard laughter fade to tears as Jason lifted the back to get out my suitcase. I opened Madison's door to give her a kiss goodbye.  She tearfully grabbed my face with both hands and told me "not to forget to bring her a kangaroo home from the beach." Sure thing Mad.. I'm sure that will be a cinch to find at those seaside shops.

That very morning as I was fading in the review mirror, curbside, they were headed to the dinosaur park near the airport.

After Madison climbed and Tyler petted every plastic dino, Jason took them to his favorite lunch spot.. "Players." Players is a hole in the wall burger joint. You order at the counter and wait to hear .. "ORDER UP" ... ding.. before you make your way to the food window. (Jason once took me here for a date night.. not just any date night, but a surpise date night. I was less than thrilled. My argument was that you could take your kids there.. oh and they have a serve yourself drink policy. I much prefer a wine list on date night.)

This is also where the healthy food ended.

I do know that he wiped the table first. HAHA!

After lunch Jason took them home for a nap. They played a while after naps and then headed to ....

Chuck E Cheese..

Legal??

The next day Jason loaded them in the car for the "Keep Austin Weird Festival." I bought this stroller off Craig's List right before I left on my trip. Jason put it to good use.

Loving the Carl's Jr. Bag.

They next morning they got up bright and early and headed to Krispy Kreme. Madison is watching the donuts get made.

"Tyler.. what would you like to eat??

Notice Madison's shirt??

Next up.. The Luling Watermelon Festival!!! I don't know how he finds this stuff!

They had an hour long drive to Luling and then home. The kids napped in the car. Jason said they seemed pretty entertained!

They rested up and then headed to the Austin Zoo the next morning. Jason said he pulled up to the gate and almost turned around. I guess it was a little sketchy looking, but he said once inside it was great. (Notice the bow? I think he was tired of me texting him to brush her hair!)

Are those guinea pigs?? (Jason is at work while I'm typing this post... I'm seeing this photo for the first time!)

Jason sent this picture to me. She was missing me and wanted to wear one of my Sweaty Bands!

This day also happend to be Jason's birthday. I told him to make sure he let the kids know and to celebrate. So they all went out to dinner for steak. (Well.. Jason had steak.)

"Happy Birthday Daddy!"

Jason packed Madison's lunch for the first time. He dropped her at school. He wrote on facebook for this picture.. "Headed to school.. YES MOM.. I had a bow in, but I took it out!"

After school he took them to a little amusement park in town.

..and to the grocery store...

.. and out to dinner.. We are testing the theory that kids do not get sick from eating off restaurant tables.

On the last day, Jason drove them to the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory.. or creamery.. or whatever.

On the long ride home Jason stopped at this cute diner for lunch. Jason said this sweet old lady in line behind him told him that Tyler is the most beautiful baby boy she has ever seen. I have to agree with her.

The ride home.. Madison has her blue bell cow and her car that housed her hamburger.

To Jason - You are the most amazing father. Thank you.

Ballet

2011-07-10T11:06:00.000-04:00

Madison loves to dance. There is this commercial that comes on while she watches some of her shows that is for some sort of Dora product, I think. Anyway.. it's a bunch of little girls in doing ballet. Madison always jumps up and starts trying to do it too. When she turned three I enrolled her for a summer class to see if she would like it. She started this past week. Time got away from me and I had to buy all her clothes and shoes the morning of her first class. This stressed me out to no end. I was shocked to see a lot of other moms in there that morning doing the same thing. She LOVED seeing herself in the clothes and it was hard to drag her from the mirror at the store.
A quick shot with my phone on the way to class...

I arrived a few minutes early so I could get a few shots of Madison with Ansley. We arrived to a crazy chaotic lobby of two year olds getting out of one class and three year olds arriving for their first class. The excitement was in the air! Madison was running around like a crazy lady.

However, she was thrilled to see Ansley. Don't they look like little pros?!

This was the best I got of Madison alone before class... She was paying me no mind. She was practicing her skills!

after class... (Notice the tongue? She has started sticking it out when she's concentrating!)

and during... (she's right in the middle.. keep in mind I am taking these photos through a mirror from outside the class! Not bad!)

Unfortunatly, she got a little bored. (I'm not sure you can tell from this photo.. haha!) The class is 45 minutes. She asked for me several times.

On the ride home I asked her if she like tap or ballet better. "Neither mama.. I not going back." Then yelled to have her leotard and tights taken off. In her defense it was over a 100 degrees outside. Now that we are getting close to her second class she is saying she wants to go back. I think 45 minutes is a long time to keep a three year olds attention. Hopefully, she will get the hang of it!

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Don't forget to enter my Vinyl Designs giveaway!

YA-YA Beach Trip 2011 and a GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-07-07T11:23:00.002-04:00

I missed my girl's beach trip last year with good reason... I was kind of busy.

(AND by the way.. he turned 14 months yesterday!)

Click here and here to see Ya-Ya trips of years past. It's my college girlfriends and we've been going since we graduated in 2000. This year we went to our favorite place, Seaside. Most of my girlfriends still live in Georgia so Flordia is a good destination. I really wanted to go this year and with the impending arrival of my nephew, Jet, I finagled a baby shower/beach trip reason to fly home to Georgia. My college roommate and sister to my brother's wife, picked me up at the airport. We drove to her parent's house to throw the baby shower.

Meet Mendy... (she is also pregnant with baby number three!!)

My sister - Jennie, me, Caitlin (mom to be of Jet), Mendy, and their other sister, Ginny (who is married to a Chris.. not to be confused with my sister's husband, Kris).

The shower was adorable! Mendy and I gave kisses goodbye after it was over and ran to the car to make the 4 hour drive to the beach! We stayed in this AMAZING house. (By the way.. I did not take my camera and I have stolen all of these pics from friends!)

We played in this amazing pool....

Were were served by amazing waiters. I deemed him "Circa 1988" because somehow I found out his age and COULD NOT BELIEVE I had gotten so old or he was really that young. He didn't seem to mind... obviously.

This waitress loved us too...

We played on the crystal white sand beaches....

I took a self potrait or two.. or three... or I can't count them all.. (someone in a purple bathing suit loves herself).

We ate yummy food!

Took silly photos.... (Let me just add.. I'm in my pajamas in this photo. It was 11:00 p.m. and I was beyond ready for bed. Such a party pooper!)

Our final day at the beach it rained until after lunch. You would not find us crying... we made ourselves at home at the beach club with Circa 1988 serving us mojitos and get this.. we played UNO!

Mojitos became our "Aloha." We used it for hello and goodbye and it now serves as our salutation in e-mails. I said to Circa 1988 as he laid my lunch in front of me.. "Mojito".. and he responded.. "and also with you..."

So my friend Holly (the one in green in that last group photos.. also pregnant with her third.. MAN WE ARE OLD!) made us the most adorable cups for the beach...

She has an etsy shop and a facebook page. She is giving away a tumbler of your choice/design!!

Here's what you do to enter...

Lke her facebook page, Vinyl Designs. Leave me a comment saying you did so. That's it!!!

If you don't win.. they are only $10 and SUPER SUPER CUTE!!!

One comment per person, US residents only! I will post winner one week from today.

Uncle Jennie and Addie Shampoo

2011-07-05T11:13:00.000-04:00

I like an orderly blog. One that starts at the beginning and ends at the end. However, I'm so behind... which I'm not apologizing for because I'm just busy with life. So I'm going to start at the end and end at the beginning. (Translation.. I'm starting with yesterday and working my way back until I'm all caught up.)

Happy Fourth of July!!! Bahahaaa!

Okay.. seriously... Happy Fourth!

Now rewind to last Friday after we touch on last Wednesday. (Hang in there.)

I returned from a girls' beach trip this past Wednesday evening. That is part of the beginning that I will get to later... any who Jason had texted me while I was on my trip that he would need to have my car to move offices on the Friday after I returned. I know that doesn't seem like such a big deal, but let me explain. Jason having MY car = home with the kids all day. So I wasn't happy about it, but I figured I could work on getting the house cleaned. I returned to a somewhat orderly house, but not clean. That is where I usually come in anyway. (OH and my plants were dead. I really don't know how he doesn't hear them begging for water.)

So Jason spent all of Friday morning moving offices while I "cleaned." You see, the vacuum had made it out of the closet and into the middle of the kitchen and did get plugged in... But I didn't get any further than that for two reasons. 1. Madison and 2. Tyler. I'm sure you understand. Jason called around noon and told me that he was going to stop and pick up BBQ to bring home for lunch. We ended the conversation with me saying.. "Don't get too much food!" Jason always gets too much BBQ. He walks into the house with a huge bag from Rudys. I take the bag and start pulling out pans of meat and huge containers of sides. I'm facing the wall complaining about how much food he got.. "Why did you get all this food? I told you not to get so much food! You never get this much food even when we have company.... What were you thinking?!!" I turn to face him and standing in my kitchen straight from Georgia is my sister and her family!!!!

My brother-n-law took this fab picture with his phone.. I'm sure you can make out my jaw on the floor?!

They all had this planned for over two months. I was beyond excited. I hadn't seen them since Christmas.. except I did see my sister the weekend before they came to Texas.. (I'll get to that in another post too! HA HA!)

We all went out to dinner that night with the kids... Iguana Grill.. our go to!

Meet "Addie Shampoo." This is Jennie's oldest.. Her name is "Maddie," short for Madeline NOT Madison. Jennie and Kris call her "Maddie Moo." Madison calls her "Addie Shampoo."

and this is "Uncle Jennie..." Madison is still trying to figure out who is an "aunt" and who is an "uncle."

We took the kids to the sand park one morning while Tyler napped at home. Madison LOVES sand and dived right in...

Okay.. maybe not. This is me trying to convince her that playing in the sand would be fun.

Jennie's kids had fun.

Madison liked the splash pad.

I know one day we will look back and love this photo. I also know one day it won't be a problem to get everyone to look at the camera, smile, and not mind doing it... I'm willing to wait. I love the babies and I don't want them to grow up!

Jason also got a sitter for Saturday night and the adults were able to go out! I just wish I could stay up past my bedtime!

Thanks for the surprise! I doubt you'll be able to pull that off again! :)

WINNER!!!

2011-06-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

I have not been blogging lately because I've been REAL... REAL.. busy...

True Random Number Service

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-06-30 14:27:07 UTC

Sweaty Bands Giveaway!

2011-06-20T20:01:00.001-04:00

I make a point to try and keep my posts relevant to the title of my blog.. "Bringing Up Madison and Tyler." Occasionally I post about things I feel are too good to keep to myself. If it's something I heart and helps me out then I want to share with anyone who will listen.

Genetics gave me a rather large forehead so I've had bangs my whole life. I love to run and was so sick of my bangs hanging in my face. I spent half my run trying to keep them tucked to the side. I tried bobby pins and looked pretty pitiful wearing them. I know you shouldn't worry about your hair when you are working out, but I'm a girl.. Ha ha!

Enter my good friend, Leslie. She works out a lot and even teaches spin. We are both stay at home moms and find enough time to get in a workout, but not always a hair washing until maybe nap time. She always looks so cute when she shows up for play dates... I would be hanging out with my sweat slicked bangs and she would be sporting a cute band.. a "Sweaty Band." Leslie has a million in all different sizes so she gave me several to take home and try on. Not only are they adorable, but when you workout they don't slip or pop off like some cheaper Target ones I found. They keep your hair in place looking cute! (I jumped her before heading into the gym this morning to steal a picture.) She is wearing a thick band...

I'm wearing the super skinny.. (It's my blog so I can keep my picture small... HA HA!) They also carry an in between size which I REALLY love too!

SOOOO... Do you like the thick, the thin, or the super skinny? Would you like one of your own? Go to their site http://www.sweatybands.com/ and leave me a comment telling me which one you would like for yourself. (The ones below are just examples.. you can pick ANY on their site!) I'll do a random integer drawing Thursday, June 30th and have it sent to you! One comment per person ....US residents only please!

The thick from the side... self shot this morning.. forgive me!...

My Potty Mouth

2011-06-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

I know I know.. I have such a potty mouth and I am so sorry, but that is what my life is consumed with right now. I thought we had a breakthrough with Madison. A complete weekend of pooping in the potty. Then she started summer preschool and it was back to pull ups. UGHHHHH!!!! I picked her up that Tuesday afternoon and girlfriend was in her spare clothes. I looked down at her and said, "OH MAD!".. I looked up at her teacher and asked if she had an accident.. Madison pitifully replied.. "That's okay mom." So this morning after I parked the car at the school I turned to Madison and said in my most high pitched, sweetest voice ever... "YOU KNOW WHAT MADISON?! If you poop on the potty at school today, I'll take you to get cake and ice cream!!" She scrunched up her tiny little nose, looked at me sideways and said, "MOOOOOOMMMMMMM (in a disgusted grumpy voice...) that stuff makes my tummy hurt!!" I was taken aback for just a second (I was dazed in this boxing round, but not knocked out yet.. ding ding.. round two). "Okay Madison... WELL THEN YOU KNOW WHAT?!! I'll take you to Target (yes my three year old is very familiar with that place) and you can pick out ANY TOY YOU WANT!!!!" (That was delivered with the same juicy sweetness jello pudding grin...)

Do you know what that turkey said?? "MOOOOMMMMM!!! (disgusted voice again).. "UH! (insert grunt and sideways glance..) We have plenty of toys at home!!"

That was it.. I was knocked out. I have nothing left.. and the winner is...... MADISON!!! I let out a huge belly laugh... I mean what do you say to that?

Here's a few cell phone pictures.. I need to get going on more photo taking of the kids. Tyler is such a fast, no fear, crawling baby that I can't leave for a second. Not even to grab my camera that is usually upstairs when I am down or downstairs when I am up. So thank goodness for the IPhone and instagram!!

Madison doing dot art. She got this as a birthday gift and it's so cute!! It's also not really messy and easy for her to do!

Tyler.. see what I mean? I ran to the restroom (yes, I do that sometimes) with Madison right on my heels and when I came back all was quiet. Where was he? So I rounded the corner in the kitchen and saw my pantry door wide open.. He was tucked in the side just tearing it up! BUSTED!

My Girl Can Swim....

2011-06-10T16:01:00.001-04:00

Madison began swim lessons a week ago with an amazing instructor. After just three lessons she was full on swimming. She completed her eighth and final lesson this afternoon. Some days I dropped her off at our neighborhood pool for her lesson. (The first two lessons included a lot of crying...) Some days I stayed and played in the baby pool with Tyler. However, today was our day. Her instructor wanted to show me how to help her grow in swimming so Tyler stayed home with a sitter. I took along my camera so I could capture her....

SWIMMING!!! Madison made her instructor laugh because she likes to float. Picture snorkeling.. she just moseys on along calmly kicking with her arms out to her side checking out the view.. then she realizes she is running out of air and starts vigorously kicking to get to her destination.

I brought along a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt today so her instructor (who by the way is 35 weeks pregnant with her FOURTH baby!) could show her how to swim and get out of the pool if she fell in with her clothes on.

She has also been learning to float on her back...

and play.. Here she is diving for toys.. I'm so amazed by my own child. She loves it and I feel so much better about her being in or around the pool! I just can't say enough about her wonderful instructor, Mrs. Lara... Thank you!

Memorial Day Weekend and then some..

2011-06-07T11:26:00.001-04:00

Let's kick off this post with Madison modeling the dress Nana knit her!! My girl is growing up.. Gone are the silly nose scrunching smiles she gave me in the past. I welcome her new sweet smiles given on command!

We actually had a pretty busy weekend. We went to the lake for a cookout with friends. Our view..

It was HOT, but we managed to find some great shade.

We were with one of Tyler's good friends, Emily.

Tyler was in a good mood as long as he was being fed.

Tyler does something Madison NEVER did. He ventures of the picnic blanket. Madison never left it when she was a baby. She never liked how things felt off the blanket. She hated grass, sand and dirt. I guess it's true what they say about boys... they like to get dirty.

Here Mr. Tyler was venturing off the blanket. I was going to take a little photo of him when Miss Madison waltzed up and stood next to him. What a sweet little moment I found myself capturing when WHAM!!!! Madison smacked Tyler in the face with that doll. I was still looking threw my lens crouched on the ground... not yet grasping why Tyler was screaming when WHAM!!! Madison smacked me on top of the head knocking my sunglasses to the ground. I took a moment to gather my balance and composure before sending her to time-out. Jason scooped up Tyler as our spectators tried not to laugh at the whole thing.

We found ourselves at our neighborhood pool the next day to try and beat the heat.

Once again Tyler was happy as long as he was having a snack. He is currently not a fan of the pool. I'm hoping he will get over this soon. We seem to find ourselves there everyday!

We met a bunch of neighbors up there and Emily came over again to play! (Tyler needs to learn a thing or two from "HAPPY IN THE POOL" Emily!

We got a sitter Sunday night and went out with a bunch of friends. I'll tell you.. living in Austin provides you with wonderful places to eat! We felt we were on vacation just 20 minutes from our house at Uncle Billy's on the lake! (I took this with my cell phone from my seat at dinner.)

I love my babies, but it's so nice to get out with friends and Jason!

Our neighbor is getting an in ground pool as we speak. They have all kinds of trucks at their house. Madison asked what was going on and I told her that they were building a pool. She responded with.. "I want that dump truck to bring me a pool too!!" (In a sweet whiny voice.) She started begging Jason at dinner last night. He gave me a look and I had to swear I didn't put her up to it.. which I didn't!!! I did tell her to point to her pinkie finger and look at Jason and say.. "right here, daddy.. right here." She did and it was hysterical. (As in he's wrapped around her little finger!)

We hit 103 degrees yesterday and needed a way to cure after dinner boredom. This was the best Jason could come up with after all that pool talk.

They both loved it. It kept Tyler's attention for a record ten minutes and then he crawled out. Just like that... I was too lazy to put a swim diaper on him. It's amazing what a pair of pampers can hold. And would you look at all that dirt on my son? Madison has begun referring to Tyler as "your son." She hears me say all the time when he is up to no good or being really cute and funny.. "hey Jason, look at your son." So Madison will say.. "Mama.. look at your son!"

I need to have my license taken away...

2011-05-26T22:47:00.004-04:00

I JUST CAN'T MAKE THIS UP! I wish it weren't true. I wish I could say I was trying to avoid hitting a small child or even our dog, but I can't. I'm just going to say it. I have a Sequoia. A new one... so it's big. Not just big, but big big... and WIDE. My garage was built for two cars. Two CARS!!! Not a freaking tank! I have just inches to work with on either side pulling in and out. That is AFTER I manually fold the mirrors in.. every time. I also have to park on the left side of the garage for various reasons. So when I pull into the garage I try to cut the car to the right so I can GET OUT!!! May I also mention that I have to get Tyler out of the seat behind me? UGH! So I was carefully monitoring the mirror I mangled yesterday when WHAM I smacked the side of the car. How does this happen? I finish pulling out and jump out of the car all the while Madison is yelling at me to come and pick up a rubber duck she dropped. I call Jason and he answers. I just start crying.. and yelling and saying "I DID IT AGAIN!!!" "I'M SO OVER THIS!" I'm causing this scene in my driveway all the while I run back to Madison's seat to retrieve the duck. (She was creating an even bigger scene if you can believe it.) I always try to seem "together" when I'm around my kids, but I for sure lost it. She begins to kiss my arm and tell me that it's okay. AND would you believe that my husband is laughing on the other end?? Laughing... He gets my picture of the car and responds with "no big deal.. I can buff that out." A saint I tell you...

This is what I feel like every day!

For the record here is a list of all the accidents I have caused with a car in my LIFE..

1. In highschool I hit a tree (my windows were iced over except for a small circle in my driving view. I was on a dirt road and was just wondering to myself if I was still on the road when WHAM I hit a tree.. I was not on the road.)

2. Two weeks after incident number one I backed out of my garage with my back door open and took it off. It bent all the way back.

3. In college I hit a deer. Totally not my fault.

4. I hit a concrete pillar in my apartment complex in Atlanta right after I graduated college pulling out of my parking spot.

5. I hit one of those gas station pillars by the tank...

6. My garage over and over and over

see a trend? I don't.

This is my son today in action (the blurriness should give that away).. He did this all himself and proceeded to crawl around like this.. very happily

I stopped nursing him just a week after he turned one.. Now I'm trying to ween him off the bottle. Could he be any sweeter drinking it?

Hope your day was better than mine.

My First Haircut - Tyler

2011-05-25T16:16:00.005-04:00

Dear Mama,

What were you thinking? My first haircut seriously needed to be a magical event for just the two of us. You brought Madison along and sometimes I think you forget she is new to three and still needs to be monitored. I am really glad you brought along Mrs. Ange and her kids. Not sure we would have made it out of there without a complete meltdown if Avery and AJ weren't there to entertain us. (Oh and you might want to start remembering my shoes. My knees and feet were black by the time we left that place. Geeze.)

By the way mama.. Madison's haircut is not straight. I wonder if that kid ever sits still.

My before photo... You can't really tell I even needed a haircut. I know I did though.. my hair was starting to catch on my collar and had great potential of turning into a mullet.

I love how you told the hair stylist that you wanted my "cut" to look like "reverse growth." I think we both gave you a funny look. "HUH?" I know.. you just didn't want me to look like I had gotten my haircut. You wanted it to look the same, but shorter. I am still a baby after all.. I get you mom.

I love my "after." I'm still your sweet baby boy.

Love,
Tyler

P.S.

Mama - you really might want to look in to getting a smaller car or a bigger garage. Neither is faring well with your driving skills these days...

You and daddy crack me up....

e-mail to daddy with this picture attached:

Mama: "Hit Garage...again"

Daddy: "great"

Mama: "Ugh, my car is all beat up from the freaking garage"

Daddy: "Not the garage... your driving in the garage.. it doesn't move"

Don't worry mom.. I don't think he's funny either.

Three is the New Two

2011-05-10T11:11:00.004-04:00

I've decided that three is tougher than two! Terrible twos? HA HA! Madison has a mind of her own and developed an attitude to go with it. She is as sweet as she is sour. Have you seen those Sour Patch Kids commercials?

She can turn it off as quick as she turned it on. On Mothers Day Jason decided to take me and the kids out to breakfast. Madison ran into my room and yelled "Happy Mothers Day!" with a giant sweet smile on her face. I told her we needed to get dressed to go out to eat.. then it began. Our new morning routine. She burst into tears and said, "I don't wanna get dressed.." "Well Madison, we need to put clothes on to go eat breakfast!" She ran out of the room.. "NO!!!" I followed her and gave her an option. "You can get dressed or you can go to time out. It's your choice." So she informed me that she would do it herself. She wanted to dress herself so I pulled out an easy outfit, but she didn't want to wear underwear. She wanted to wear her plaid shoes with her striped outfit and do it herself. She wanted me to put her in the car and not Jason. She didn't want to hold any one's hand across the parking lot. She didn't want to sit in a booster. She didn't want to sit by mom she wanted to sit by dad. She wanted my muffin. Not just a piece, but the whole thing. She wanted my yogurt. Not a bite or a small bowl of her own, but the whole thing. She didn't want to share her eggs with Tyler. Oh and be sure to insert tears and crying with each demand. (.. and for the record, I only gave into the shoe and seating requests!)

Every evening around 5 p.m. she becomes extra pleasant! She's tired and hungry and I get that. She will cry at the drop of a hat and will whine for milk or her show or dinner. I usually say, "Madison, make your voice match mommy's and I'll be glad to help you." She replies with, "Stop saying make my voice match YOURS!"

I caught her giving Jason a little 'tude the other night. She was basically telling him to stop telling her what to do.

For every sour fit there is a sweet. At breakfast when she wanted my yogurt she first whined for it. Then stopped, flashed a smile, held up her milk and said, "here mom, you can have my milk and I can have your yogurt!" She always wants what Tyler is playing with. I tell her not to take his toy. When I turn my back she snatches it and then exclaims, "AH MOM! Look! Tyler is sharing with me.. he's so sweet!"

A friend dropped off a birthday gift for her last night. When Madison woke up this morning she saw it from the stairs. She ran downstairs to open it while I stayed upstairs to dress Tyler. She was all excited and talked to me about the "BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS" on the wrapping paper. I could hear her ripping through the paper and all of a sudden she said, "OH. MY. GOSHHH!!!" I said "What is is Madison?!!" "MAMA! It's a BOX!!" I started laughing and asked her if she thought there might be something inside. "Well.. Maybe!" She opened it up and said .."MOM! It's a blanket to keep me nice and snugly!" Oh that girl makes my heart skip a beat.

I'm reading "Love and Logic" and putting it into action. (That is where I got the whole make your voice match mine.) I really think the book makes a lot of sense and so far it's working! Three seems to be a little more challenging than two, but honestly I am really enjoying this age. Her little personality is just shining through. Her sweet makes up for the sour!

One Year Old and Three Year Old Photos...

2011-05-08T17:07:00.001-04:00

When I upgraded my camera this last time I made a promise to try and take my own photos instead of paying a professional. I usually agonize over clothing before we meet with a pro for weeks and maybe just maybe months. However, I got to leave everything else up to them. The where, the when, the props, the worry over making my child smile...

(I did manage to snap this sweet photo at the first location.)

Since both kids just celebrated a birthday I knew I had to set a picture date with Jason and stick with it or we would always find a reason to "reschedule." So on our set date, he quickly became my assistant without applying for the job and got the wrath of my stress! I had a vision in my head... We drove to what I thought would be a great location. Turns out the field was way too open with winds whipping us about, the grass was ugly, and there was a kids birthday party going on complete with a pony and jump house. Madison wanted to crash that party and I wanted to cry. It was 7 p.m. and the sun was sinking fast. Jason quickly thought of another location before I fell apart and corralled us and all my props back into the car. We raced to the second location as Tyler screamed in the back seat. We were approaching bedtime.

We pulled up on this little spot around 7:30. I basically threw kids out of the car as Jason unloaded my props.

I just started snapping away some photos of Tyler. He was my priority because I know he'll change so much even in just a few weeks. Madison has lived with the paparazzi and I knew I could put photos of her off a little longer.

Prop number one was a favorite...

I made Jason run to party city for these.. I waited in the car with the kids while Jason waited in the store for 20 minutes. I don't think either of us enjoyed it. I should have called ahead!

Totally worth the wait.. The balloons provided sweet smiles from my tired baby!

I paused for a brief moment to switch lenses. I swear I was sweating as I race against the clock.. both for light and attitude. I shouted orders at my assistant.. "Don't let him fall off that horse!!.. Get Madison's tutu on.. DON'T forget her bloomers...Keep her happy.. HE'S eating ROCKS!!! MOVE MOVE MOVE!!!"

"Okay.. let's try and get a few of Madison." And Madison says... "what's in it for me?" Okay.. not really, but she said "NO!" So I said.. "how about an M&M?" My assistant pipes in with promises of suckers or anything else she might want. (I'm thinking he just doesn't want there to be a second day of photo taking...)

"One more sweet girl and we'll be all finished!"

I have to say it's a lot easier to just worry about clothing and not the whole kaboodle! However, I had a lot of fun and I was really excited about some of these photos. A special thanks to my assistant!

Tyler!

2011-05-06T10:09:00.000-04:00

Bringing Up Madison & Tyler

Life After Charli

Around Here....

Week 26 and a half!

Christmas

Our Christmas Card

Walk Through Bethlehem

Preschool Christmas Program

Week 22 and a half... :)

Our North Pole Breakfast with "Elfie"

Turkey Day, the day before, and the day after...

Baby Number Three is a.....

A teepee should not be mistaken for a quesadilla or a sombrero!!!

Tyler is 18 Months!

Week 17

Halloween!

Our Pumpkin!!

Farms and Pumpkin Patches

Disney World

How do you explain three year olds playing soccer?

Because my family thinks I have disappeared...

Our THIRD Blessing!!!!

First Day of School

Lilly Pads and Bad Bugs

Tyler - 15 months

Y'all it's HOT! and I will not "PIN" in vein....

Complete and utter randomness, but memories all the same.

Facebook Phone Pics and THE Winner!

True Random Number Service

Random Integer Generator

"Fun Daddy Weekend".. that is what Jason calls it.

Ballet

YA-YA Beach Trip 2011 and a GIVEAWAY!!!

Uncle Jennie and Addie Shampoo

WINNER!!!

True Random Number Service

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Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:7Timestamp: 2011-06-30 14:27:07 UTCJennifer @ Dance Like No One's Watching!... You win!! e-mail me your mailing address and name of the one you want!

Sweaty Bands Giveaway!

My Potty Mouth

My Girl Can Swim....

Memorial Day Weekend and then some..

I need to have my license taken away...

My First Haircut - Tyler

Three is the New Two

One Year Old and Three Year Old Photos...

Tyler!

Here are your random numbers:
7
Timestamp: 2011-06-30 14:27:07 UTC

Jennifer @ Dance Like No One's Watching!... You win!! e-mail me your mailing address and name of the one you want!