I agree...

with Emily. This sounds like tons of fun! Although it may take some sweet talking to convince my little litter bug police that it isn't littering!

Check THIS out!

Look what I did!

This was my first official sewing project. I've had this material for almost a year now. It was majorly on sale, came pre-packaged and was SO cute. I just never got around to learning how to sew! So, I taught myself to sew a few months ago via a "sewing for Dummies" book. And boy am I a "dummy!!" I won't even tell you some of the things I did during the construction of this little beauty. It is in no way perfect, but it's original. I like to call it a "Monet blanket." From a distance, it looks pretty good...but up close, it's kind of a mess. By mess, I mean not square. It's close! But Coco doesn't care!

The sense of accomplishment was amazing. My little Coco loves it and sister can't wait for hers! I love that they will have something made by my own hands to cuddle with! I couldn't help but think about my Grandma (my dad's mom) and how she made all their clothes when they were younger. I found myself thinking about her a lot while I was working away. It may sound completely cheesy but I felt close to her. My Grandma Janie passed away the summer before my 8th grade year due to complications from Huntington's Disease. When I was born, she was already showing signs and wasn't herself. She was bed ridden for years before she finally let go. I would give a million dollars to have a day with her before she got sick. Don't get me wrong, she was a blast to play with when we were kids because you never knew what she was going to do! Plus, we had and endless supply of Dr. Pepper, oatmeal pies and Big Red Chewing Gum!

I feel a real sense of pride that I am learning something new. Something that Grandma did all the time. In a world full of computers, blogs, i pods and playlists, I am excited to adopt a new hobby that has been around for ages. AND I'm excited that it's JUST a hobby! I can't imagine what my family would look like if we had to rely on my sewing skills to provide clothing! Yikes! I've got a long way to go, but as I tell my kiddos..."Practice makes progress!"

A really long post with lots of pictures

First let me start by saying, if you are a blogger, go to http://www.blurb.com/. The thought of having all my memories for an entire year vanish into cyberspace, is enough to make me want to vomit. SO my mom pointed me in the direction of http://www.blurb.com/ and I am beyond excited. You put in your blog info and BAM your blog is automatically transferred to a book! What an amazing keepsake and something to be passed down for generations!!

Here are some pics from last week when Drew came home with us from school. The kids jumped a little on the trampoline and then played talent show for a few hours. They were perfect little buddies!

Drew loves superhero costumes...male or female....doesn't matter!


Claire's headstand.

The flip! She amazes me on the trampoline. Maybe she will be an Olympic trampolinist someday. Those people are crazy!


Drew and Coco



This, my friends, is talent show. You remember..."when I get a character and you get a character and we both talk actual." Yeah, imagine my surprise when Claire explained those rules at the age of two. Oh and she is EXTRA bossy during a game of talent show. Just so you know!


Drew and Claire-Best Buddies


Here is how I keep my kids contained without sacrificing style in my home. Yes, my little lovelies removed the tiles from our coffee table and set up camp. Silly kids!

And these might be my favorite pics ever. Claire's first professional basketball lesson. Well....he's not a professional, but he did play Division 1 basketball! Here's Big Daddy teaching Claire the fundamentals! Oh and for those who have never seen my handsome husband or my beautiful daughter, let me put this into perspective for you. He is 6'10 and she JUST turned 4. Be amazed my friends, be amazed.


Elbows in!

Check out that form!


She can jump too!

"I'm done practicing Mom." (says Claire after a whole 5 minutes!)

Here is what kept brother busy.

"Look Mom and Dad, Landon doesn't have to ride a pink and purple bike that is about 10 sizes too small."
Ahh the perks of being the second child. (Don't tell him but he will be getting a nice new shiny tricycle for his birthday! One that is made for "BIG" kids!)


Dream big buddy. Dream big.

My Hunter

I came across a picture today of my nephew Hunter on his first day of school in 2002. I thought it would be a good time to FINALLY put up his back to school pics from this year! First, here is the picture of him six years ago eating his McDonald's breakfast that Nanny brings every year on the first day of school.

NOW, here he is getting his locker ready for the first day of 7th grade!!

Hunter, I can't remember your friends name! 1,000 apologies!

Serious Jr. High students

Little sister Emma...one of the sweetest little girls I know!

Detective Dad, Leigh, Hunter and Emma

Lookin' good!!!

Calling ahead for reservations at the "cool table" at lunch.

I can't believe that my Hunter is already in Jr. High. I can't wait to go to his FIRST FOOTBALL GAME! I only have a few days left to get my air horns and foam fingers ready so I better go! It seems like only yesterday we were listening to "Elmopalooza" and watching Blues Clues.

Happiness is...

a clean house (basement included!), dinner in the crock pot, a husband home early, two kids playing well together, a light rain, a peaceful dinner and a pan of rice crispy treats!!! Life is GOOD!

Well, the dinner was mostly peaceful unless you count the 10 times that Brother Cohen yells "PRAY!!!" and tucks his little hands under his chin. The dude prays all the time! We were in Sam's a few months ago and I asked him if he wanted this pair of shorts. Of course I was just making small talk because I don't think he REALLY cares. Boy was I wrong! Apparently it was such a big decision that he had to pray on it. He tucked his hands and squeezed his eyes shut and just sat there. The lady standing next to me was on the verge of tears and said, "Well, I never! That is about the sweetest thing I've ever seen!" Have I ever told you how much I love that kid?

This is His world...I just work here.

Do you ever get the feeling that you are infinitely blessed? It's like Claire said just a few days ago, "My heart is all filled up!" That's how I am feeling today. Just plain old blessed! Maybe it's the fact that my kids were dressed and ready this morning BEFORE 9:00 which is when we are actually supposed to be at school. Maybe it's the fact that my sweet girl put on a pair of jeans this morning without complaining (the excitement there is three-fold). Maybe it's the fact that my upstairs (NOT downstairs) is in perfect order. Maybe it's my new beautiful bathroom upstairs that just makes me happy every time I walk by! Maybe it's the perfect cup of coffee I am enjoying in peace and quite while my children are making new friends, new crafts and new memories for just a few hours while I recharge. Maybe it's the thought of my insanely hot husband working so hard so that I can stay at home. Maybe it was the trip to Mama Jean's (the new organic market that recently opened on our side of town!) and the yummy snacks I got for the kiddos and the tea that I can't wait to try. Or, maybe it's just gas...who knows! What I do know is that NONE of this would be possible without the undying love of a Father in Heaven who knows me inside and out. A Father who loves me so much and has so much faith in me that he has given me this amazing husband, beautiful children and heart that is "all filled up." It's amazing.

Check out my little nugget!

In a tux! This was Coco and Grandma Connie at Uncle and Ashley's wedding. I wish I

had more pics of him but I was busy being a bridesmaid! So thanks Steph for snapping this one! LOVE IT!