Jadie's Bridal Gown

For Jadyn's Rehearsal dinner, we have decided to bring Ashlyn's white "Cinderella" dress and Ashlyn's pink and black polka dot high heeled ladies shoes. For the past two days, Jadie has been wearing this around the house, veil and all. It is quite a hoot, and she thinks calls herself a princess! I told Johnathan that we were going to remember this moment when she was walking down the isle 20+ years from now! (So we decided that this outfit will have to stick around until then!) Here are a few pictures.

Family Boat Adventure

A coworker of Johnathan's invited our family out on his new boat last Saturday. I actually was quite apprehensive about taking Jadie on a boat and her getting bored. SHE WAS GREAT! ASHLYN WAS GREAT! Everyone had a great time, we stayed almost all day too! The water was so clear you could see your feet! (MY KIND OF WATER!!!)

Below is a picture of Jadie and me tubing. She kept saying faster and so I told her if she wanted to go faster to show Daddy her thumb. This is the picture Johnathan captured! (I of course blew Jadie's face and hand up so you could see it more clearly!)
This is the sweet family we went with. They have 3 boys! THREE! They were angels! Truly the best behaved group of boys I have ever seen!!!Here is their little one Wyatt asleep on the bench! It was too cute. He stayed there for a little over an hour, with kids and grown-ups climbing over him. What a trooper!

Jumpin Jaks and FREEBIRDS!

The girls and I headed to Houston on Friday. We met our friends Stefany, and her two little ones, Carey and Richard Glyn. The kids had a great time playing at Jumpin Jaks. After J.J.'s we headed to Freebirds for lunch! Yum! I sure hope someone builds one in Beaumont sooner than later! It was great catching up with Stefany, and the kids play so well together. I'm glad we were able to go.

L.U. Soccer Camp

Ashlyn has been going every morning to soccer camp at Lamar University. I drop her off at 9:00 and pick her up at 12:30. The first day she came home telling me how much her legs hurt. The next day she came home and told me how hot it was. (It was 100 degrees just about every day out there). The next day she came home asking me if next year she could go to all day camp? (All day camp is from 9:00 to 7:00pm!!!)

The last day she got a free t-shirt. She also went to the little Lamar University Sales stand and bought a frisbee for her daddy. (Because her daddy told her he liked frisbees last time they were at toys r us.)

She has been so anxious each night for her daddy to come home so she can tell him what all she did at camp. I just think that is sooooo sweet.

New Car.....I'm LOVIN It

Alright, so I am very very spoiled! Johnathan traded in his truck to get the family this Saturn Outlook. It has just about every bell and whistle you can imagine. The only thing it doesn't have...is Air Conditioned seats. (But it has HEATED seats!!!)

It has a two sun roofs, which the girls have enjoyed! My most favorite feature is the automatic start. I can walk out of a store, and start the car...AC and all. I can buckle the girls in and then get in the car myself, insert the key and drive away. Before, I would always have to get the girls completely buckled before starting the car. And everyone knows that can take a good 5 minutes with cranky kids. I've never felt comfortable starting the car...then leaving the keys in the car running, while I'm focused on the backseat. I fear someone jumping in the drivers seat and taking my girls with them, or me locking them in the car. So I have truly....truly....enjoyed this luxury. The girls have too.

In addition it has one of those fancy dvd players built in. It is the next best thing to my "limo window" option that has yet to be invented. It quiets the girls when I need those few minutes of silence.

It also has a neat feature, although we haven't explored it yet, regarding the cell phone. It automatically senses that I am in the car (with my cell phone.) If my cell phone rings...it silences the radio and starts ringing in the car. I can then push a button on my stearing wheel and answer it. Push the button again and it hangs up and returns to the radio. Then...when I get out of the car...it senses that I have left and returns my cell signal to my phone. I'm anxious to figure that feature out!!!

Of course...it has an excellent safety record too. It has airbags all around this vehicle. Literally you crash...and the entire car inflates!!!

Happy Birthday Old Man

Johnathan turned 32 this year. He took me to my favorite restauraunt....Pei Wei for his birthday dinner! What a great guy!!! Ashlyn helped me make and decorate cupcakes for her daddy. After we arrived home from dinner, we put a candle in his cupcake and sang happy birthday to Daddy. Jadie wound up blowing out Johnathan's candle. It was very sweet and cute.

Gymnastics and a P.T. Update

I've started Ashlyn in Gymnastics. She really wants to do tumbling, but she isn't strong enough to do it, per her coach. She is enjoying it...although she doesn't like the bars or the beam. She has learned how to do a back bend, while laying on the floor. She is excited to show anyone who will watch, and is even trying to teach her sister how to do it! Here is a picture of Jadie watching Ashlyn at practice.As far as potty training goes...I gave it a solid 4 days...and well...I'm going to stop and wait a bit. She was still teeteeing in her panties everytime. Granted she would finish in the potty 60% of the time. We have just been too busy this summer to dedicate anymore days solely to potty training. Ashlyn though, has been a huge help. She would take Jadie potty while I cleaned up the dribbles on the floor, and be my runner for a fresh pair of panties. She also enjoyed giving Jadie her reward....an M&M. Surprisingly...she never asked to have one for herself! She really is an awesome big sister...and although they fight and both agitate each other.....they do love each other sooooooo much!!!

July 4th Weekend

Friday the 3rd, Johnathan had the day off of work. We had an invite from some of our good friends in Houston to come over for a nice fajita dinner and an evening at their local pool. It was a great time, the food was excellent, the company was wonderful, and the girls crashed before we even got on the Beltway. All in all...a perfect evening. Thank you Stefany and Troy for the invite!!!

On July 4th, we actually spent the entire day looking at new cars. We don't "need one" just yet, but the truck has 100,000+ miles on it. John also says with the way the auto industry, now is the time to buy. We wound up test driving a Saturn Outlook for the weekend. That evening, we went to our friend's Matt and Liz's house for a Party. Mom and Dad came in to watch the girls for us while we were went. It was nice to visit with friends in a socila setting. We actually were home by 10ish, and played the Wii with my parents. I think they actually enjoyed themselves on it. I also know the girls enjoyed the evening with Grandma and Grandpa.

Let the Potty Training Begin

I have decided to finally potty train Jadie, since she is showing all the signs that she is ready. (Even taking off her diaper and handing it to me after she has filled it. FUN!)

"Ow! Mama, I hurt my tootie!"

Jadie was playing, suddenly stopped, walked over to me, and said: "Ow!, Mama, I hurt my tootie!" I couldn't resist laughing. It was just too cute.

Another thing our little comedian has started saying is. "Oh No! What happened here GUYS?!


She also says "I wanna go WOMEN!" It translates to "I want to go swimming."

I love this age!!!

VBS at Grandma and Grandpa K.'s

Ashlyn Ready to go to VBS. Mean Grandma....She had to tell Jadie "No!"
Jadie found this hat and wore it all morning.

Jadie helping Grandma pick Cucumbers.

Jadie is showing me her cucumber here...although it is cut out of the picture.

Ashlyn helping Grandma pick squash.

Silly girl posing with her squash. At one time she had them on her head making horns.

Jadie and Brenlee blowing bubbles off of Grandma's porch.

I caught her in the act. This shot was nearly impossible to get, as she would turn her back to me evertime she saw me get ready to take a picture of her.

Here are the girls, (Jadie is running away from the ball, Ashlyn is on the right side, almost laying on the ball, and Brenlee is mimicking Ashlyn, although, you only see her backside.) playing at recreational time at VBS.

Our Angels' Birthday Celebration

We hosted a birthday party for the girls last Saturday. It was nice to have everyone out to our house for a relaxing afternoon.

Monkey Milk...Monkey Mud

Jadie told Johnathan the other day that her milk was "monkey milk". We interpretted it as "Yucky Milk", and got a kick out of her words.

A few days after that...she was playing in some "monkey mud". Again...we took it as she meant "yucky mud".

The other day, Johnathan and I were enjoying an episode of Dora the Explorer. (I have a few recorded since she LOVES Dora.)

On it...Dora had to go through some "mucky mud" to get to the end of their adventure. So now...it all makes sense!

Too Cute

Swing Independence

After 5 years....Ashlyn has figured out how to pump her legs on the swing!

Making Mama Proud

I just got this from a friend of mine. We went to her house for Memorial Day. Here is Jadie playing basketball with the big boys, (ages 6-32)!

More Painting

I have to admit...I am TIRED of painting. So I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to change the color in my master bathroom AND , my master bedroom. I've lost it.

I bought different color samples to put on the walls to make sure I got the colors RIGHT this time! I asked Johnathan to move the ladders and equipment in for me so I could tackle the job while the girls napped and during the evenings, when he was home to watch the girls.

Needless to say...that was well over a month ago. I have been maneuvering around the 13 foot ladder for too long. My mama offered to come into town and watch the girls while I painted the bathroom. Well...I put her to work! She helped me finish the master bathroom and we almost knocked out the master bedroom. Thank you mom!

I have to say Johnathan and I both have the best parents! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Today and tomorrow, I will be frantically trying to get the house ready for the girl's birthday party on Saturday. It will be low-key as always, but I still have so much to do. I have let the house work go since we have been outside moving dirt and working on landscaping. It's all catching up with me...and the mountain of clothes is almost too high to climb over to even get into the laundry room.

Jadie's Pink Eye Gone...BUT

Jadie's pink eye has cleared up, however, Ashlyn now is battling it. Jadie has now come down with a nasty cough and a low grade fever!

I took her to the doctor this morning thinking she may have strepp. I saw white stuff way at the back of her throat. Obviously, I'm still no doctor, since she just has a severe upper respiratory infection, with throat irritation from all the drainage, and fluid in her ears.

He prescribed us an antibiotic and prescription strength robitussin with codeine. (It has to be strong since I can only give her 1/4 tsp.) He said to be religious about the robitussin for two days so it doesn't turn into pneumonia.

I'm counting down the days until Ashlyn starts showing symptoms! It's about time for some healthy kids around here!!!

Weekend in Recklaw

Stomatitis is Gone...Pink Eye is Here

Jadie Ann has come down with Pink Eye. It started in one...and now is in two! I'm wandering how long it will be before we all come down with it!

I've been Published!

ashlyn ann photography had an image that was published today on about.com

Class of 2022

Ashlyn's Last Soccer Game

Saturday, was Ashlyn's last soccer game of the season. Talk about improvement!!! The girl's played the team they played at the beginning of the season. At the first game...we got hammered. Noone keeps score...but it was a sad beating! This time...we won! AND....ASHLYN SCORED 4 GOALS! She was awesome...aggressive! As a matter of fact...the whole team did awesome. We have two little ones (out of 6 including Ash), who like to pick flowers and socialize with the other team. Those two were even "on" actually getting in there and making contact with the ball. Johnathan was so proud of his girls (he is the coach!) it's still cute to hear him talk about it. He even signed up to coach again in the fall! Too cute! Go Cheetah Girls!

Stomatitis

Saturday Jadyn had a fever of 102.8 for the majority of the day. Sometime during the evening her fever broke. Sunday morning, she woke up with a dozen or so sores in her mouth. After doing my research on WebMD I self diagnosed her with Hands Foot and Mouth Disease. So, on Monday morning we were a walk-in appointment at her doctor. He said she has Stomatitis. I guess that's why I'm NOT a doctor.
Daytime has been a little more challenging than usual, because she doesn't want to eat anything. She doesn't want to drink anything but milk. It has to hurt!!! Nights have been a bear. She is truly miserable. I think the longest she has slept was for a 45 minute stretch. It's been horrible, and we are all tired and cranky.

On Tuesday, I sent Ashlyn to school since she did not have any sores in her mouth. By 5:00 Tuesday afternoon, she had dozen or so of her own! I guess we are all going to pass this around.

Back to Back

Sunday, May 10th was Mother's Day. Johnathan and the girls did a great job pampering me. At school the girls made me MD gifts, and I cried when I opened them both. Johnathan got me a set of pyrex containers and a Wii. We have been wanting one, as it is great Family Fun. I'm anxious for it to arrive.

Monday, May 11th, was our 7 year anniversary! Mom drove in town to stay with the girls while Johnathan and I went to dinner and a movie. We saw Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. It was cute, but very predictable. It went along the same story line as Scrooge. I enjoyed our time together. It isn't often the two of us get to have a date. (Thank you Mom.)

Tuesday morning, mom drove Ashlyn back to her house for a few days. She came home and told me story after story of their time together.

The Girls LOVE Playing Outside!

We have been spending the last few days outside. Literally from 7-7 (with the exception of lunch and naps!)

I actually mowed the back yard...all by myself (with a riding lawn mower of course) and I fertilized the entire yard. I even watered 3/4 of the yard. Each task took all day.

The girls are thoroughly enjoying their playset!!! And Jadyn loves the sand box!

Ashlyn Turned FIVE

Ashlyn turned 5 on Thursday. I can't believe it! She is reminding me of all the things I have told her she could do when she was 5. Like....Chewing Gum....and No More NAPS. (What was I thinking?!!?!!!)
We went to Chuck-E-Cheese after soccer practice with James, Courtni, and their two kids, Alexander and Maddie.

Jadie Ann Turns TWO!!!

Where did the last two years go???

Our baby is 2!

She now tells us when she needs to use the restroom...although I haven't started the potty training business yet. She will even go into her closet, (if the door isn't shut) climb on her changing table, and holler "MAMA...MAMA....MAMA" until I come in there when she needs a new diaper.

She can speak in 4 word sentences.

Her favorite phrases are "I did it!" and "Eeeeee hold you?"

She loves to mimic her big sister.

She is exploring the reaction she receives when she SCREAMS!!!

Last week her favorite show was Little Bear...this week it is Dora. ("Dora and Boots Mama")

Her favorite food is a hot-dog...NO BUN.

She LOVES ketchup (more etch-up Peeez)

She adores her Daddy...so much that going to Ashlyn's soccer games are quite a challenge for me. She wants to be out there on the field right next to her Daddy.

She still eats play-doh and dirt, no matter the reaction I give her.

She loves acting like a puppy...even going as far as drinking out of Sally's dog bowl and chewing some of her dog food. Yuck! She loves the stuff though!

She loves her milk and Sprite. Sprite is my friend!!!

She can't get enough books in her hands. She loves them, and loves to be read to. Although, I think she enjoys making up the stories herself better than us reading to her. She will spend 30 minutes to an hour before each nap...sitting in her crib reading books. She even will get out of her crib to trade them out some days.

She puts her dirty dishes in the sink (even if it goes in the trash.) But that is better than I do sometimes!

She still prefers to be in the buff. Typically she is running around the house in just a diaper, as she immediately takes off whatever I put on her.

She has yet to cut her 2 year molars, but loves brushing her teeth. The only way I can get her to open her mouth is to ask her to "Show me your bugs." and she opens nice and big. I have to chase the bugs around in her mouth to keep her interested.

She has figured out how to open the exterior doors and to lock them...fortunately...she does NOT know how to UNLOCK them yet!

She hasn't mastered the interior doorknobs yet. Whew!

She still isn't a big junk food person....but she loves nerds, lollipops, and the idea of candy. She will try anything but usually pushes it away if it isn't one of the items listed above. She only picked the sprinkles off the icing of her birthday cupcake...leaving the rest un-touched.

I still call her my little "snuggle bug" because she loves to snuggle!!! I LOVE IT!!!