Creating New Memories

Chris had to go out of town last week for work and it was kind of last minute thing.  I had been sick with a cough and allergies and therefore not feeling like doing it alone, but did not have a choice.  Makenna asked if we could have a special night since daddy was gone. Sounded like a good idea to me. So we had bowls of popcorn for dinner and homemade lemonade.  We opened up a big blanket on the living room floor and ate picnic style while enjoying Veggie Tale movies. 

The kids wanted to sleep with me, which was fine give that I am a scaredy cat.  I double checked all the doors and made sure my guns were loaded. Really! I did not sleep all that well given my king size bed was somewhat crowded with two very wild sleeping children.  On top of that they woke up giggling at 5:45 am. Really!  I told them to go get in their bed if they were going to stay awake.  They had no desire to bail out of the big warm bed so they finally went back to sleep till 8:45. Whew. It was a long two days but a very memorable one fore the kiddos. They had a blast.  We are still finding popcorn throughout the living room despite multiple cleanings.  It is driving Chris nuts.  Oh well, that is what he gets for leaving us. Right?

We have been enjoying these cooler days. We put the pool up till next year which left a huge sand pit in the backyard that both children have thoroughly enjoyed.  I do not mind them playing in it but there is a neighbors cat that has found a way under our fence and was caught meandering in it.  If it potties in it and Chris is home, I fear for its life.  

The kids have also fallen in love with the playset again.  The slide is cool enough to slide down and Makenna and I hunted out and destroyed all unwelcome occupants.  It was nice to go out and have a swing for each child.  Makenna can swing on her own now, Emme likes to chew on her swing, and Maddax well he is a boy and just cannot sit still.  I love it.  Lots of memories made in this back yard.  The best money we ever spent.

All Aboard!!

Chris had the weekend off so we pondered what we could do as a family that was affordable. I had a buy one get one free coupon for the Kentucky Railway Museum so we decided to do that.

Makenna and Maddax have been into trains lately. At Aunt Sherries this past week both of them were loving playing with her Brio Train Set. Maddax spent the next few days saying, "Choo, Choo." Plus the fact that we live in a town where a train goes through about every hour. Maddax has to let us all know when he hears it outside.

We left after church on Sunday and trudged our way to New Haven. This town is not foreign to me since it is were my dad grew up but the roads we traveled were. Most of our trips to my grandmother found me sleeping the entire trip, so I had to pay close attention to the directions I had written down from the Internet. We finally made it, barely, with Chris driving. He was using his police tactics on "Dog legged" roads. Not a good mix especially when there is a prego on board.

We toured the museum first. We did not make it any further than 10 feet from the door. The kiddos were being held captive by 3 train tables. They played and played and would have played longer but the train was on its way to pick us up.

So we left the train tables and stood in line at the bathrooms for what felt like an eternity. Emme found this fun as she made a trampoline of my bladder the entire time I waited.

The train arrived with Maddax in tears. He had never been that close to a train horn and it scared him terribly. He was saying, "Pappy, Pappy." Which translates into Pacifier Please. I had stuck one in my purse for just such an occasion and he perked right up once he saw it.

We boarded the train. The kids were so excited they could not sit still. Chris and I were being wallored on the entire ride by at least one of them. They chanted Choo, Choo. Off we went. They stared out the window naming things that they saw. Maddax would try to repeat everything Makenna would say, but with his still baby like speech and a pappy in his mouth it was difficult to understand. He smiled regardless.

We enjoyed our trip on the train and then loaded back into the car for the long trip home. We had misplaced the directions so we decided to guess our way back home. Yeah we had GPS but where is the fun in that? We made it back to the interstate and both kiddos drifted off into dreamland. I am sure ther were probably trains involved in those sweet little dreams they had.

It was a great day. I love my family.

Fall Farmal

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Hubers Farm partaking in the "Fall Farmal".  It is not a Hubers activity, but one some homeschool moms developed as a Fall activity for the family. We do not participate in Halloween for many reasons, especially since Makenna is finally over her night terrors but is continually blessed with her sensitive spirit. So we thought this would be a happy alternative.

We all met at Hubers dressed in our Farm apparel. This was our first year to go so being pregnant did not allow me to wear much of farm attire. I felt though like Elsie the Cow. LOL. The kids played on the wrought iron animals, which Maddax loved, then moved onto the slide, petting the animals and riding miniature tractors. They had a blast.

Maddax's favorite person in the world right now is his cousin Chase. Which is a great role model for my little man. The two of them are like peas and carrots. He frequently asks for Chase at home or wants to carry a picture around of him. When we go to my sisters, as soon as we turn on her street he starts repeating "Chase" until he sees his face. It is pretty funny.

Daddy did take a few sweet moments to bond with his little man by a small pond throwing rocks and hanging out.

After all the playing we went over to a nearby apple orchard to take some family photos. There was a Weeping Willow tree that someone had tied swings into on the branches that hung down. Makenna and Maddax had a blast swinging on that tree. I have never heard of such a thing but most of the other kids had.

We ended with dinner at Hubers. Good home cooking. I sure did love my fried chicken, but being pregnant has me lovin about everything. The kiddos fell asleep on the way home. It was such a great time with friends and family. Cannot wait to do it again next year with Emme. Better start looking for her farm apparel now.

A trip TOO fast

Chris and  I have been working extra days saving up for the maternity leave in January. Needless to say we have not been spending as much "quality" time with the kiddos as we or they would like. We decided to take a small over night trip up to Northern Kentucky. We started out at the Newport Aquarium. Note to you and myself, do not take a small child till after 4 when you can take a stroller in. We went early and Chris and I had to take turns juggling Maddax throughout the tour. He really enjoyed the larger fish and the jellies but not much else was entertaining to him. He got really restless about 2/3 through the tour and we caved, much against our better judgement, to let him walk. Thank goodness I had him wear his squeaky shoes so I knew exactly where he was or where he was trying to run off to. It was his lunch time so we grabbed a quick piece of $4.00 pizza, can you say highway robbery, for the kids to share till we could make it to a place to eat.

                                                    Dropping off the stroller. SOB SOB!!!!

Loving little man's hair.

She is getting so big.

We walked around the waterfront area for awhile and this nice lady on stilts made Makenna and Maddax a balloon animal and flower. Makenna was very excited to know that if she ate her veggies she could grow big  like that girl on the stilts, according to the girl on the stilts. Makenna said, " monnie if I grow big like her then I can touch the bottom of the swimming pool." I love her little mind and how it works.

We got to the hotel later that day and decided to go swimming in the indoor pool. The kids loved it and we were hoping to wear the two of them out for an early bedtime. Maddax was getting tired so I left the pool early with him to give him a bath and get him ready for bed. By the time we got back to the room we were both freezing from the pool water so I decided to turn on the heater in the room. It slowing began to get warm then, BUZZZZZZZ!!! The smoke detector when off. Maddax was not alarmed. I think he much enjoyed momma waving daddy's shirt at the round thing on the wall that was making a really loud noise. After what seemed forever, it stopped and I quickly called the front desk to let them know we were not trying to burn down the hotel.

Makenna and Chris soon returned and found my episode funny. With Maddax finally asleep I tucked Makenna into bed. She asked if I would lay with her for a minute. I said sure. Next thing I know I wake up and it is 9:15 PM. Then I notice that Chris was out in the other bed. We were just as pooped as the kids.

We enjoyed breakfast on the hotel this morning and loaded up the car. I really enjoyed getting away with the family but it was much too short. It is nice to be totally focused on your family and not be distracted by laundry and the such.  I think our next venture will be camping. Wish me luck.

Farm time fun

My sister, God love her, took me and my two munchkins to Huber's Farm the other day.  I have been wanting to pick blueberries to make jam but did not know when they would be in season.  She called to tell me they were ripe for the picken as well as raspberries and green beans. Despite the fact I still am not to par I decided to go for the conversation, exercise and fresh air.  The winding road that lead to the farm about put as all over the edge but at last we made it.

We picked blueberries first. It was so easy.  You put the bunch of berries in your hand and rub your thumb across them and only the ripe one would fall off the vine.  We picked 6 buckets in 45 minutes.  We would have had more but Makenna ate more than she picked.  I thought they might end up weighing her and making me pay for any poundage increase. My niece Callie, who is amazing with little ones, managed Maddax while she picked.  She said as long as she fed him blueberries has was quite content.  We loaded the wagon for the ride back to the farm to weigh and pay for our berries. Then we walked down to the lake for a picnic lunch. It was all shaded and nice breeze was coming off the water.  As we started to chow down on our PB&J a little voice said, "I need to potty." No, not Makenna.  My darling sister saved me and graciously trucked back up to the farm to potty my poor child.  I was forever thankful.  The kids played for awhile feeding the geese and fish.  They, the geese and fish, both loved the Chex Mix I had made. (severe craving for that lately)

We loaded back up on the wagon to pick raspberries.  It was creeping into the hotter part of the day and the kids fatigue was starting to set it.  The raspberries were much harder to pick and the thorns that accompanied them added to our frustration.

I picked enough to make 2 batches of jam and half a gallon to flash freeze.  The kids were burning up at this time and complaining about being tired. So we loaded up again to go weigh and pay for our raspberries.

Maddax feel asleep on the ride back and after much thought we just decided to buy the green beans instead of having to pick anything else in that heat.  The kids were relieved.

The next day we got to canning green beans, pickles, sauerkraut, and pickled cauliflower.  Sherrie and I were so proud of ourselves. It was like I was a kid again watching my mom do canning but this time I am the mom.

Speaking of mom.  Her and dad decided to drive in to save us from the long journey.  I am so thankful that they did.  I think my sister would have thrown me out of the car after the first hour of nausea set in. So I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks and all the time we get to spend as a family.  I cherish all the moments we get to spend together, all of us.

My Savior Lives

HAPPY EASTER

Today we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  What an awesome day that brings new life to whoever seeks it.

We spent last night at Aunt Sherries reading Easter books like Miss Pattycakes Resurrection Egg book and The Story of the Easter Egg.   Followed it up with decorating Easter eggs, which Makenna L-O-V-E-D.
Then off to bed. 

Our families try to focus on the real meaning of the holiday while enjoying all the fun activities.  So to find their Easter baskets they had to do a scavenger hunt.  However, the clues were found in the story of the Resurrection. So they got to read and hear the story of  Easter while hunting for their baskets.  We have done this for many years and it never gets old.  The hardest part is coming up with new clues from the same verses of the Bible.  I usually pick the story as told by Luke but maybe next year I will venture to Matthew or John.

Then we all went to church together.  Worshiping together as a family is priceless.  It really bonds our family.  The Word of God never grows old and His promises are always new.

We ended the afternoon with an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.  They hunted eggs filled with money and, you guessed it, organic candy.  Very tastey I might add.  This was Maddax's first Easter egg hunt so he was a little overwhelmed.  Missing his first nap due to church made him a little squirelly.  However, he must have known there was money in them there eggs because he had a very tight grip on his basket.

We hope you also had a great Easter Holiday and no matter how you spent it, that Jesus was glorified.

ice cream trip

We had been promising Makenna that we would go get ice cream the next day that daddy was off.  In downtown LaGrange they have a mom and pop ice cream shop that screams character especially since it is nestled next to the train tracks.  Makenna has been in love with trains since she was a baby.  I know, strange for a little girl but nonetheless she loves it. 
So Monday daddy took off work and off we went to get ice cream.  Oops! We forgot they were closed for the season and not yet open for spring.  Makenna was heart broken.  We had to come up with a plan B and fast.  Daddy said, "Mommy don't you have a coupon for Graters?"  I did.  I bought an Entertainment book this year for the Flash photo coupons and it has some really great coupons for resturants and stuff.
So off we went to Graters.  All the way to Louisville.  A 3 minute drive turned into 40 minute reound trip to get ice cream.  We decided to eat it there and enjoy the ambience. 

Maddax even got his very own scoop of strawberry.   This was the second time in his entire life to have ice cream.  Everytime we thought he was done and got up to throw the rest away he would wig out at Chris.

Makenna enjoyed Chocolate by her choice and then a little of mommy's and daddy's.

Chris got himself a DOUBLE SCOOP of Blackraspberry  Chip.  This was not on his P90X regimen.  Though both of us have kinda fallen off the P90X wagon.  We must regroup and get back on the wagon.  He looks like he got caught red handed with his hand in the cookie jar.  BUSTED!!!!

The best part of the trip was having us all together.  It is rare that we get to spend alot of time together since Chris works so frequently.  I can tell a difference in Makenna when she speds quality time with the both of us at the same time.  I love our little family.

Mister Mobile

Well my little man continues to amaze me.  He has about conquered, yes it is sad, walking.  I have watched him go from a helpless little infant to Mister Mobile.  He is growing up so fast and I cannot help but want it to slow down.  He has slown down a bit from Makenna.  She walked when she was 9 months old and was everywhere.  Maddax on the other hand does not tend to wonder off too far from me in the house.  Now at Aunt Sherries he loves to explore. 

Tonight in the kitchen he kept chasing around this little red ball. Reminded me of a dog.  He would pick it up, throw it, and then chase it down.  He loved it.

Then when he tried to zing when he should have zagged, down he went.  I wanted to reach out and catch him but I realize it is all apart of learning.  So he fell and then he did what we should all do. He got right back up.

 

I try to teach my kids the same thing in life.  Do not give up.  Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" and that God says"...I will never leave you or forsake you"  Deut 31:8.  I want my kids to know that even when mommy and daddy are not there that their heavenly Father is and he will ALWAYS catch you when you fall.

I love being a mommy

Well I turned a whopping 34 on Sunday and enjoyed every minute of it. Spent the day with family. You know those people you would have never been friends with had you not been genetically tied to them. Just Joking. I could not have asked God to give me a better family. I am so blessed to have a sister that I am extremely close with and that we are "like minded" with our parenting. So I give her the go ahead to treat mine like hers and vice versa. It is all good.

The best part of my birthday was being with my loving husband and kids. I told Chris that I would like to be in more pics with the kids so that when they look at their scrapbooks they do not wonder where I was. (Behind the camera) So needless to say Chris went Crazy taking pics when we ate lunch at Macaroni Grill (YUMMY).

I will spare you the one of my hilarious brother-in-law trying to sing happy Birthday to me in Italian like the waitress did. He and I go way back on acting like fools in restaurants. If you ever see my sister ask her about Red Lobster.

Sorry for the tangent, back to my kids. I love being a mom. I see my kids faces light up when they see me in the morning and that just makes my day. I am experiencing so many new things with Maddax that I missed with Makenna since I worked so much when she was a baby. I cherish all these silly moments that some may take for granted. I thank the Lord for providing a way for me to stay at home with my kids. I know that they and I benefit from this new position I have taken in the home. I try to capture some special moments that my kids stumble upon to have for years to come. I hope that they will always love each other this much.

I caught Maddax red-handed playing with Makennas princesses.

Maddax never seems to amaze me with the places he will end up in when I turn my head for a minute. He is such a little investigator in our home.

I feel so much less stress being home more and working less. Chris said he actually likes me better now. Silly boy. I like me better now too. Maybe God will bless us with more kiddos. Maybe a quiver full (that is 10). I could be a mini Dugger Family. HEE HEE.