Happy 6th Birthday Rachel

Our birthday celebrations continued for the week, beginning with lunch at . . .Chuck E Cheese's, Rachel's choice. And all the kids were excited about it. What kid isn't excited about this place? All Smiles! And even more smiles at her birthday party where Grandma Taylor made a beautiful unicorn cake (pink mane and tail per request) and cupcakes. (To those of you who know me, does this cake look familiar? I had one when I was little). The pinata was a big hit, literally. Even though they all tried . . . with even the mightiest of swings, it couldn't be broken. So, the adults took over and the kids had lots of treats!! The cruise ship. And some friends from Rachel's ballet class.

And afterwards, I was happy to see my little princess emerge all dressed up in the usual play clothes.

You are such a blessing to us Rachel and we hope you have a wonderful year of being 6. You are so beautiful and loving and give the best hugs my snuggle bug. We love you so much!

The Sandbox

It's finally finished! Bruce has been working hard on a new sandbox for the kids and ta da! We filled this 6 x 8 foot monster with lots and lots and lots of bags of sand. (2 trips to Lowes, because the truck couldn't carry it all in 1 trip). They like to walk around the edge too. Before Brady had his clothes on this morning he was begging to go play in the huge sandbox.

I think they are going to love it!

On another note, here's Lindsey's silly hat she made for Awanas. She came up with the design herself, pretty creative!

My little guy.

He's a camera ham!

And, let the birthday celebration week begin!!! Rachel received her first birthday present in the mail from Grandma Marsha.

Just what she wanted. Thanks Grandma!

...Sigh...The Haircut

I knew it would happen. One haircut can do that. My baby has needed a haircut for a while, but I kept putting it off....I knew it would change his look from baby to little boy. I was forced...I submitted...


and look at him now. (sniff, sniff). One little boy haircut please.

And now a little boy smiles at me from his high chair where a baby was this morning. (sniff, sniff)

But, he does look so handsome doesn't he? (sigh, sniff)

Flowers Flowers Everywhere

Ahhhh!!! Spring! I love seeing all the trees starting to bud and get leaves, the warmer days, children playing outside and flowers blooming. See look at all these beautiful flowers in my home. In the bedroom...
in the living room...

on the bar...

on the kitchen counter...

all from this sweetie.

He lovingly brings me a handful of flowers every time he comes in from outside. He's going to be a wanted man one of these days! Maybe this fall I'll plant more bulbs so I'll have some pretty flowers outside too. (smiling.....he's so sweet!)

Great times. . .no camera!

It was a great girls day out. . .to see the Disney princess on ice show is a big deal. . .especially for my little girls (one in particular) and a couple of their friends. We saw Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and of course Cinderella. They had a wonderful time! . . .But, do you see any pictures? No, Mommy forgot the camera . . . ugh!!! How could I forget it? Their faces were beaming and their eyes were glued to the rink. So precious to see their little faces!

Fast forward a couple of day. . .Bruce has the week off and we decide to take the kids to TN to the indoor water park. It was absolutely FABULOUS!!! We were there on Tuesday. . .No crowds (one of the many advantages to homeschooling) and the kids had a blast!!! They loved staying in the hotel there too. Then, Wednesday we took them out to the aquarium. Brady was a little nervous, he asked what was there. We told him all about the fish, sea turtles and sharks. (We thought he would really like that idea.) He sat quietly for a few moments then said, "Daddy? Are these sharks mean or nice?" (still a little nervous at the idea of seeing sharks) Bruce said "They're nice sharks." (more quiet moments) "Daddy? Do nice sharks have smooth teeth?" Ahhh! How can he be so precious?

So, that was fun and then we went back to the water park and let the kids swim some more before coming home. But, do you see any pictures? No. . .I forgot the camera again!! I do have some great pictures on my phone and am working on getting them to the computer . . . so be patient with me and hopefully I'll have some pictures of our fun times soon. (And sharks with not so smooth teeth). :)

G. A. P.

We are getting ready for a play date and this little guy...my just turned 3 in November little guy, is in the kitchen and. . .


this little guy enters wearing this shirt. Brady looks at him and says "gap. Mommy, Zach's shirt says gap". I stop what I'm doing and stare at him. I say "yes, it does."


A couple of weeks ago he told me a bottle sitting on the counter said "mist", he was right then too. So, this was enough to get my complete attention. I took out some paper and pen and wrote words like: c a t , d o g, h a t, p i g, etc. He got them all!!!

My little guy is starting to read words!! Can't I just keep him little and enjoying icing on his face from Valentine cookies??

The girls thought this was great and took out a Bob book for him to look at. He did remarkably well. He thinks it's a game...and he loves to play games.

Congratulations little guy, you never cease to amaze me!!

And, an update on Charlie. . .

he is smelling better, but for a while this is how he received any attention. Can you tell that Lindsey has a stick scratching him with it? And is still trying to keep her distance. Poor Charlie!!

Little Stinker

Last weekend the girls got dressed up to go to a friend's birthday party. It was a cute little cupcake party and tea. They had a great time getting all fancy. And, Bruce kept the boys at home. When we got back he said "I want to show you something", and gets the camera out.


He shows me this. Yes, that is Zachary getting the lollipops Bruce put "out of reach".


(Try to focus on the shock and awe of the child, not the disorder of the pantry.) :) Oh Zachary, what will we do with you? But then, you often have pictures like this...


that can charm this Mommy any time. Look at those sweet smiles. Rotten you ask? Yes! But very sweet too!

We all loved seeing the sun the other day and enjoyed getting to play outside.

Lindsey high in the willow tree.

Just a swingin...

and hanging around.

At this moment, Bruce and I are dealing with the stinker pictured below, a.k.a. Charlie. And stink he does after being sprayed by a skunk!!!!! (Yes it is 9pm). So, we have drenched him with beer and we are waiting for him to dry. (yes, the vet told us to) Next we follow his pampering with a peroxide, baking soda and dawn bath. Wait to dry again and rinse. Apparently drying completely between is important. Do you understand how long that takes at 40 degrees at night!??? IN THE RAIN!!! UGH!!!!!

Just remember...skunk, and 9 p.m. and 3 baths, and we're just getting started. (sigh) Never a dull moment!