Time for Birthday Parties!

Saturday, July 17

Little late on this, but will backtrack...

We got up early to finish getting ready for Alyssa's party.
Swim Party at the YMCA - 10-12 am with iCarly theme
Alyssa seemed to have a blast!!! She had some friends join her at the pool. They swam for the first hour, while I pretty much entertained them in the pool! (another story...poor new girl that was assigned to our party!) Then we got out of the pool to enjoy pizza and carrots. After that, we sang Happy Birthday to Alyssa and dug into her cake. She had requested a chocolate cake with white icing and the number 6 had to be on it! It was delicious! Then she opened her presents before everyone had to go home. I think she really enjoyed her party. She spent her day with her closest friends: Kinley, Ainsley, Sidney, Ryleigh, Mikaylee, Corbin, Ryan, Logan, Hope, Prestley, Meghan, Kendyl, Karsyn, Kolby, Madyson, and Austin. She was also joined by her aunt renee, momo, granny, grandpa, ms. cathy, ms. lori, and carly! THANKS for everyone making it a GREAT party!

After Alyssa's party we headed to the house to prepare for Austin's party.
We did a monkey theme at our house from 4-6 pm.
I couldn't have made it without my sister, mom, and my inlaws! They helped me get so much done! THANKS!!
We picked up sandwiches, and made some chips and dips with fruits and veggies for all to enjoy! We invited some of our close friends over to enjoy the big day with us! Basically the kids all played in Alyssa and Austin's room while the parents mingled for a while. Then we let Austin dig into the cake. He didn't go to crazy with it...he was very mild with digging into his little monkey cake! We tried to let him open presents, but he was not too interested. So, Alyssa got to pretty much open all of his!

It was a LONG day, but a FUN day! I haven't even got to look at all of the pictures yet! I do know that we are truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family and friends!

Happy 6th Birthday Alyssa!

Happy 6th Birthday my sweetie! I can't believe the day has come and gone already! You had such an awesome day that it ended with you saying, "I wish everyday was my birthday!"

We woke up, got ready, and opened up a couple of presents. You loved your iCarly 'messenger' backpack, and you enjoyed playing with the magnets (that I bought at my nerd conference!). Then we went to pick up breakfast at Shipley's - you LOVE your chocolate covered donut with some donut holes, and don't forget the sunny delight! We dropped off Austin at daycare, and then on a whim we went by to pick up your BFF (kinley)! The three of us headed to the bahn for the day - 6 hours of fun! The first thing we did was ride the black knight - you guys loved it! We just played, ate, swam a lot and played some more. Then we headed to our house to get ready for dinner. You chose to eat at Olive Garden. So the five of us went to eat, and then headed to get some dessert. You enjoyed your chocolate chip cookie, and then we dropped off your friend. We headed home where you opened up a couple more presents - clothes for your zhu zhu pet and an iCarly radio with microphone. WHEW! What a fun day!

Some things that come to mind (that I haven't said recently):
-you don't like to wear a swimsuit that shows your stomach for some reason???
-you don't like to ride rides like the congo river because of all the 'noises'
-you do like roller coasters
-you can still be shy at times, but you have truly come out of that shell and don't cling to my leg quite so much
-you are very much a 'pleaser'
-sometimes I wish you would just 'relax' more and 'play'
-you get your feelings hurt VERY easily
-you want to be the one to come up with ideas
-you LOVE your little brother more than I can explain
-you are very patient with Austin
-you like to watch the Bachelorette and Big Brother with me - I probably shouldn't admit that - probably bad parenting on my part but oh well!
-you LOVE to watch TV - especially Hanna Montana, iCarly, and Suite Life

I love you so much, and I hope that you have MANY more AWESOME birthdays! I love you to the moon and back....a bazillion times.

Happy 1st Birthday Austin!

I can't believe it! You really are 1! On Monday we went to Schlitterbahn and had a great time. Chad made the comment, "One year ago we were at the hotel down the road." (the hospital) So crazy to think that! It has truly flown by. For your birthday yesterday we were BUSY! Alyssa went to VBS. You went with mom & dad to do some shopping...even for your present...because I am so behind on things! Then we picked Alyssa up, and went to have your birthday lunch at Chili's - Alyssa's choice. From there we headed to Target to do some more shopping. Then we were on our way to get cupcakes...and you were OUT!

So, we headed to Dollar Tree to get some party stuff while you slept in the car, picked up cupcakes, and headed to the park. You seemed to enjoy digging into the chocolate cupcake. (we took off the icing this time...sorry) After cleaning up we rode the train, and played in the park for a while. You had a great time!!

Some things about you....

Another tooth has popped in on the bottom - left lateral incisor

You LOVE your pacifiers....now you want two when going to sleep

I haven't yet tried whole milk...will get to that this week

You have the most beautiful blue eyes (along with your dad & sister)

You enjoy Schlitterbahn and splashing in the water - although you weren't sure what to think about 2 rides on family blaster... :)

You have the cutest smile & I love when you wrinkle your nose

You are waving hi and bye a lot now

You are walking all over the place

You LOVE other little kids....you tried to go hug one boy yesterday in Chili's

You LOVE playing with your big sister (and she LOVES taking you down slides!)

You are pretty much saying mama and dada....sounded like you said sissy one time and kitty once at Momo's

You were pretty excited about your new slide for your birthday

You have enjoyed walking in to check on Popo when we have been over there

You LOVE the phones and remotes

I love you sweet boy, and thank you for being such a wonderful blessing.

Uploading some pics...

my favorite pic of my kiddos...

my kiddos with their cousins and their momo & popo

kiddos with Popo...praying for you Popo!

The Latest & Greatest on our Family!

Well...so much to report about from the past two weeks! First of all, Chad and I went on a much-needed all-adult, all-inclusive get-away last week! It was absolutely amazing. We stayed at Excellence Playa Mujeres....what an awesome place! The rooms with a rooftop terrace and pool absolutely made the resort! It was great for us to have some time, along with some relaxation and sun. The kids stayed at their grandparents, and my sister's too. Austin officially took off walking while we were gone. The first day back at our house he had fun just walking from room to room! I think he thought he was big stuff. On Saturday, July 3, I also discovered a tooth on the bottom right...in the back...maybe a molar?? Which is crazy because he still has the same 4 on top, 2 on bottom, plus this one! Austin has found the little car 'coupe' at my mom's house - he LOVES it! Although he gets VERY frustrated when he can't get the door to stay open. He likes to scream a bit when things don't go just his way. Not sure where he gets that from???? :) He is all about the remote controls and phones! He even points the remote at the TV to turn it on. And, he will start to chatter with the phone up to his ear! He is absolutely precious...his hair is getting a bit lighter, and he looks like he could use a haircut again. I can't believe he will be one in less than a week! I get sort of sappy at times thinking that this is it for the baby stages since we say we are done. I think about having 3 and that it would be nice, BUT then the reality of me trying to balance all that slaps me in the face! I would not be very good at balancing more than two...I struggle now!

Alyssa is counting down the days until her pool party....she is SUPER excited! She had a lot of fun while we were gone. She even collected cans to earn some cash while we were gone! Hopefully she wasn't drinking any beer from them....she was with my sister so who knows....J/K! She has, unfortunately, picked up one of my addictions - playing card games on the computer or my phone. She loves to play solitaire or spider! We have been to Schlitterbahn a couple more times with friends, and we have visited a couple libraries. We also went to the farmers market a couple weeks ago, and she enjoyed that. Alyssa LOVES to take her brother down the slides at s'bahn or the park. She wants to hold him all the time now too. She is also into putting on some of my jewelry, and playing 'office' with the computer and her notepad. It's pretty cute! I do have to admit she is not too much fun to play games with sometimes. If she is losing, or loses, it is NOT pretty. She is not a good loser! Definitely some more 'sassiness' creeping in as well...definitely tests me! She has already picked out her cat to take from my parents - it's name is Mittens! How am I going to adjust to this...we always had cats growing up. But, I don't know how to make it an outdoor cat? And what if it runs away? So, do we just keep it inside? UGH!!! I guess if it runs away...there are about 15 more to choose from at my parents!

My dad is doing okay. The chemo is taking its toll on his body right now. He is very tired, weak, and having lots of stomach cramps. So, we continue to pray for him and his strength.

We are really looking forward to our upcoming beach trip with the whole family...should be lots of fun! Can't wait to see Austin soaking up the water and sand!

Alyssa & Austin...I love you both so much! We enjoyed our trip, but we missed you both. It was so great to see you when we got back! When we talked on the phone, you told me...'Everytime I think of you mommy, I cry.' Oh, my love....I hope you will always feel that way about missing me! :)

couple quick notes...

Austin is on a mission....
He is starting to take many more steps at a time! He is off to at least 5-10 at a time, and he is practically RUNNING! Oh, how I am in trouble! Although he made me sad today when his momo picked him up from his granny's. At first he didn't want to leave granny for momo, and then he didn't want to leave momo for ME! :( He is clapping more often. ALSO, Chad is gone for 8 days, and we have had lots of phone calls. Well, Austin was playing on an old phone tonight....put it up to his ear, and said 'dada'....oh so cute, but so sad too! Miss you my love!

As far as Alyssa.....
CUTE story from tonight! One of her BFF's gave her a call tonight! They miss each other so much, and her friend Ainsley wanted to call and talk to her. They were talking about a sleepover and Alyssa's upcoming party. Alyssa even went into the other room because she didn't want me to listen! That happens already???!!! And, then she randomly started crying when we got out of the car this evening because she misses her daddy. We miss you & love you daddy!

Doing lots of reflecting these days with everything....oh how I need to be a MUCH more patient person and I need to SOAK up the moments that are flashing before me! Life is so precious, and I need to 'chill' out a bit more.

I love you Alyssa & Austin! Thanks for brightening my day!

Random Things....

Well, this summer is not quite what I expected it to be! Our goal was to hit s'bahn at least 30 times....not sure that will happen! Between Alyssa being sick for over a week, and then a couple more days...that set us back. Then Austin was sick for a few days too. We also got our sad news about Popo, so we are spending lots of time with family. Which is good play time with cousins...when 'jealousy' and 'bossiness' is not an issue! Popo is doing much better this week. 7/10 radiation treatments are done! He is eating much better, and he is definitely up out of bed much more. Momo had to get a hospital bed to help him be more comfortable. And, he is definitely bossing Momo (and all of us) around! Austin is becoming a Momo's boy...he has her picking him up the instant he crawls to her and whimpers! Alyssa might try to bring home all the cats if we let her! Not sure what we will do when we leave and don't take one home with us! Chad is currently in AZ - we were all supposed to go, but we stayed to help take care of Popo. I won't miss the HOT temperatures, but we are missing Chaddo! We will not get to spend Father's Day with him...but we hope to have a nice little surprise for him when he returns. The week after next is supposed to be mine & Chad's get-a-way to Mexico....not sure what will happen with that.

While I am selfishly sad at times, I am also doing my best to simply treasure this time with family and no work! Just have to be creative in entertaining my children out of their 'environment' for over a week. I am truly blessed, and I will continue to remind myself of that! OH...and I am sooo thankful that my mom finally upgraded her internet service so that I can actually update my blog while here! And, keep in touch with civilization through email!!! The dial-up took about 10 minutes to get to one page! The things we become so accustomed to in our fast paced lives....Peace.....