Bouncing with Friends

We have had a very busy weekend! The guys installed our vanity...finally! We cleaned our storage out, put Christmas lights up, I organized my pantry, watched football, mowed lawns and enjoyed some special moments with my Dad. Last night we met some friends at a local bounce place & rented an hour to ourselves. We had a BLAST! It was nice just having a few families that all have kids the same age as ours. After jumping we went to Joe's BBQ for some dinner...soooo yummy!




Jenn & Maddie

I love that we have fun friends!

A Thankful Heart!

My heart is full of love and appreciation. Love for my family. Appreciation for the small things in life. We had a fun morning with friends at the park. A quiet afternoon cooking and napping. A beautiful evening with children laughing and family chatting.
Yancy & Dad "watching" football.

Addie collecting "apples" at Uncle Deuce & Aunt Sue's.



Lorelei never eats...except when she can take Chaddie's food.


♥My two handsome men!♥
Thank you Deuce & Sue, for hosting a wonderful evening. We love you!

Thankful!

I am thankful for my loving family.
My naughty daughter that won't go to bed.
My sweet little boy that hugs me back.
My husband who loves me everyday.
My dog that barks at everyone who walks by.
My dad that comes to visit & helps with the kids.

They love their Grandpa.
Grandpa trying to convince Addie to eat.

I know where Chaddie got his blue eyes!



I am thankful for Chaddie pulling my clean dishes out.


I have so many wonderful people in my life and I am so thankful for all of them.

First Steps!

Last night, Chaddie decided he was brave enough to walk! Grandpa is here for this week & Chaddie is in love! Every time Chaddie sees his grandpa, his face lights up. I have been working with him all weekend to walk to me, but Grandpa trumped Momma. He was happy to walk several steps into Grandpa Mark's arms. Addie walked at 13 months & Chaddie turned 13 months yesterday. Yay Chaddie!

Christmas Pictures 2009

Really, I could have family pictures done every few months! I am addicted! Our friend, Trevor, took our pictures for our Christmas card. I probably could have used our pictures from earlier this year, but Chaddie has changed so much...I wanted to capture this stage. Trevor is a very talented photographer, as you can see! A huge thanks to him for squeezing us in this week.

This will be the front of our card this year!

Chaddie saying "No!" to Trevor!

I love that she has my Momma's nose!

Thank you Yancy, for putting up with my obsession! I love you!

My Girls...& boy!

My boy is busy! He can climb onto almost anything! I love it & hate it at the same time! I have a feeling we will be having a childhood full of bumps and bruises!

Last night Addie & I went to Ellette's 5th birthday dinner!
She loves her furry vest from GG!

Happy Birthday, LeyLey!
We love you!

I love these little ladies!

I think Lorelei looks like a Kewpie Doll!



This week, Yancy helped Gwynni with a presentation.
She gave a speech on the Mars Rover & it was
AWESOME!
She gave it her all!
Such a smart little cookie!

Veteran's Day Parade, 2009

Besides being really HOT...we had a fun time!
We had great seats & met some of our friends there.
The kids loved the marching bands!
and the candy☺

Jack & Addie

Jack, Kaitlyn, Addie & Bella

We are thankful for our service men & women.
Everyday.

Homemade

Last night, Yancy came home with these.




His new cleaning lady, Carmen, brought these to him for the kids rooms. He has only been in his new office for 3 weeks and has already made an impression on her. She made these by hand & I just love their little faces. So sweet! People are so kind.

Gwyneth's Favorite Chicken Noodle Soup

2 Cooked & Cubed Chicken Breasts*
2 Quarts Chicken Broth
1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Bag Reames Homestyle Noodles**
2 Celery Stalks-chopped
2 Carrots-sliced
1 Can Sweet Corn
-Sometimes I add a sliced yellow squash or zucchini.
Salt & Pepper

In a large pot, I add broth, chicken, celery, carrots, corn(including liquid) and simmer until veggies are tender. Once tender, I add the noodles and cream. Simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt & pepper to taste & serve. Enjoy!

*I cook chicken breasts in salted water with a couple sprigs of fresh thyme. Drain & rinse. Chop into bite size pieces.

**My secret...use these noodles! They are the best! I buy them at Safeway, in the freezer section. I have also seen them at Walmart.

What kind of Mother am I?

I take pictures when my children do dangerous and naughty things. I can't help myself.

I let my children watch cartoons in the morning while I check emails & blogs.

I think it is cute when they do crazy things.

I go crazy if my house is crazy. I need an organized & clean home.

I make my children respect Tilly, I do not allow them to chase or tease her.
She is a wonderful dog & she is a part of our family.

Dog germs don't bother me, but people germs do.

My kids eat hot dogs, mac & cheese, pb & j, chicken nuggets & drink organic milk.
I refuse to obsess about every little thing that they eat.
I feed them plenty of home cooked healthy meals.
I think some sugar & treats are okay...in moderation.

I am a homebody, but I push myself to take them out a couple times a week.
The zoo is our favorite place to go (in the Fall, Winter & Spring).

I don't like my double stroller, so I make them share my single.

I don't love it when they get dirty, but I am getting better.

I love to love on them, it is my favorite thing in the world.

I don't let Addie out of the house without her hair being done. It is one of my "things", probably because my mom never "did" my hair & every picture I have I look messy.

I am nutty about their nails being trimmed.

About once a week when I am having a moment, I go "Aaaaaahhhhh!"
It usually upsets my children, but it always makes me feel better.

I expect my children to entertain themselves & to play without me.
I think self soothing is key to a happy child.
I do love to play with them and spend good chunk of my day doing it.

I don't believe that my way is the only or best way.
Everyday I learn something new.
Everyday I ask God for patience & grace.

This is the kind of mother I am.

♥This amazing life♥

Last night, Yancy & I had am amazing night out. We started our evening out with Yancy's co-workers. Our friends Cathy & Ronnie had a going away party for Yancy's previous boss. It was a fun night with lots of laughs & great food!

I snapped this photo from the convertible just after we left our house.
I do believe Arizona has the BEST sunsets!

Afterwards, we headed here:

Domestic Bliss did it again!
It was another beautiful event!
This year, Sue has a booth with some AMAZING belts, dog collars & other crafts.
Go check her out!

Also, we caught up with our previous neighbors & dear friends, The Nielsons.
If you have been living under a rock & you don't know who they are...go here!
Stephanie is the most amazing woman!
I miss them & I am so proud to know them.

Speaking of Stephanie...she was my yoga instructor when I pregnant with Chaddie, before her accident. I thought this photo was appropriate.

♥Addie doing her "Oga"!♥


Before I bred, my car was pretty clean & I never thought it would EVER look like this:

Life is full of amazing surprises!

Chaddie is growing and exploring everyday. I was in making breakfast yesterday & I came in to find this.

Speaking of exploring, Chaddie has discover the doggie door. He hasn't gotten the nerve to crawl out, but he opens it & throws his toys out.

Everyday, I am amazed with my love for this little family. i never knew it would be this good.