Garage sale time

We have so much crap in our garage and attic. Our kids are almost two and half years old and we have a crib, changing table, high chair and so much more. I called in the grandparents to watch the kids a couple weekends ago so Dallas and I could get everything down from the attic. I dropped them off Saturday morning and we picked them up that evening. We worked our rears off but haven't touched any of it since. Linda and Michael took some pictures of their day at Nana and Grand Daddy's. Thanks again for watching them for us! Apparently we are going to have to do it again for me to ever get this garage sale done. I need motivation!!!!

Look an animal
They were looking at a bug. If you blow up the picture you can see that Nana and Grand Daddy busted themselves. Paige has a chocolate chip cookie in her hand! They knew I would notice.


He is so silly. Why do your children act like they don't know rules when they are away from home. Do we sleep on a table at home, no.


Ethan loved playing with some of Grand Daddy's figurines.

Horse battles!


Then it was color/sticker book time. They love putting stickers on every thing and every one!


At first I thought, child labor, but then I was informed they were cleaning off all the crayon marks they colored on the shelf. Oh no, coloring on furniture is a big no no.


Then they wanted to clean every thing. Ha! Gotta try that at home.


Then it was time to run on every stepping stone and touch them one by one.


Up the path and down the path. Ah the simple things that entertain a toddler.


Now we stand on one and play in the little rocks.


Paige was apparently all about her Grand Daddy that day.


and again sitting on the table to color... its like they don't remember a thing.
What happens a grandma's house stays at grandma's house- unless she takes pictures of it! Ha!

Bounce time

I have recently been searching online trying to decide what to give the kids for Christmas this year. I know with the current economy and looming destruction of my job Christmas may be a difficult one this year. The kids are actually old enough to understand what the holiday is about. They may not grasp the concept of Jesus and the entire story but I guarantee they remember the gift part. Ha! While searching on craigslist I found a bounce house for sale in Ft. Worth. It was a good size and a good price so I sent an email immediately.

It took a couple days before I received a response from the seller. I figured it was already sold until I received a message. She was very happy to sell it to us and we arranged a time to meet. Her kids are older and are involved in sports. They had a football game Saturday morning at 10am so we told her we would be there at 9am. That morning we threw the kids in the car and hurried to be there in time. We pulled up to her house at 9 and the place was empty and dark. I was so very disappointed! I had called her all morning and her voice mail kept coming on but I knew she was expecting us. We ended up leaving a note on the door which Dallas had to approve first since I was so upset. Ha! Does my husband know me or what. We headed back home with two anxious kids.

I had promised them a surprise and they were disappointed as well. I ended up taking them to McDonald's to play and eat lunch while Daddy took at nap. I decided to take them to the one in Mansfield because the only one around us that they like is always dirty. It makes me cringe when we go there. We arrive in Mansfield and go in to play. What a mistake that was! The playground was as always too large for them and we had to leave. Why they make play equipment with those huge steps they have to crawl up, I will never understand. The kids always try, get two steps up and start trying to get down. Well of course they screamed and cried as we got back in the car.

I sang songs and begged them to believe me that we were going some where else. At that point I was taking no chances and went to the McDonald's that they love. We arrived and it was clean! The cleaning service had come earlier that week. Mommy was very happy. They played for over an hour, ate lunch and had a wonderful time. They made a couple friends as usual and I made one enemy. Are you really surprised? I swear some people are just raised in barns. I just don't get it.

I should make this another blog in itself but I am on a roll. Ethan and Paige had been playing with a family of three kids that were there with their Dad and Grand Dad. The kids were about 6,5 and almost 2 years old. They were also playing with a little 5 year old named Abby. Paige thought that was cool. She knows her cousin Abby so she could remember that name. Everyone was having a great time until this little mad girl came to join. I had seen the little girl with her Grandma or someone when they came in. She sat in the far back corner and the adult was on her cell phone the entire time. The little girl was chubby with an awful chili bowl hair cut. She did not have on nice clothes and I don't think I saw her smile once.

Her first offense was chasing the 6 yr old boy growling at him. Weird, I know. The little boy ran to his table looking for help but they just starred at her. He continued to run around the table as she would stop on the opposite side of it and growl at him. She was leaning on these people's table like it was hers. Those poor men sat there with shocked and bewildered faces. The poor little boy ran from this girl forever. I did not say anything because the men were very capable of defending the child and he was old enough to say something himself. Then the little girl pushed me too far.

There is one entrance into the equipment and she was now posted up blocking the entrance growling at the kids. She had an awful snarl on her face and was not being very nice. At this point she was blocking Paige and the little girl who was literally toddling around. Now Paige can handle her own but that poor tiny girl just stood there confused. I had had enough. I completely understand that you are mad at the world because you are over weight and obviously don't have the most loving and attentive family but come on. This girl was probably 11 years old and she knew better.

I walked straight up to that girl and told her she needed to move immediately. That what she was doing was not very nice and all the kids deserved to play on the equipment. She growled at me! Oh my, now I was pissed off! How dare you. Didn't anybody teach you to respect your elders. I said, do you want me to go get your mom or grandma. I said that little girl is less than two years old and you are growling at her like an animal. You need to move now! She scowled at me and growled some more but she moved. My blood was boiling and the poor dads sitting right there looked like they had just seen a ghost. I could not believe they just sat there as their tiny baby got bullied and scared. Men!

I turn around to gather our stuff up. We had been there a long time and I did not have the energy to deal with this little unhappy child. Then I hear that growl again. I turn around and the little devil was doing the same thing to that little girl one tunnel up. She was blocking all the kids now. Seriously, with her arms extended out blocking the entire way. I walked right back up there and yelled in the tunnel. I CAN STILL SEE YOU! You need to move and play nice now! I was so done we were leaving. She turned around and looked at me and growled again but she did move. By that point she got out and went back to her table. Her 'adult' tells her they are going and rushes her out the door. I don't think the woman even knew what was going on. She was still on her phone arguing with someone. How sad it must be to be invisible. I may have been the only one to notice this little girl in God knows how long. It was very disturbing and I was ready to go home.

We headed out and the dads thanked me for all my help. I had also given them Kleenex and wipes. Men are so unprepared. When we returned back home the kids went down for a nap. I got a call from the lady who was selling the bounce house. Her son's game was moved to 9am and her phone fell apart. She rushed all over town trying to find a compatible phone so she get my number. She was so apologetic. She felt awful for us driving all the way over for no reason. She insisted on bringing it to us and charging us less. When the kids woke up from nap they got to jump in their bounce house. I paid her the original price and it was well worth it. After all it wasn't her fault her phone fell apart and she was really sweet. The kids loved the bounce house and have jumped in it numerous times! I imagine it will be with us for a long long time.


He was ready to jump!



Catching some air and having a blast.


Yes, we did blow it up inside our house! It was hot and nasty outside that day and it fits just perfectly in the living room. I am so happy we have such a large living room.


She kept pushing her face against the net. Ethan poked two holes in the net on the first day and this is why we can't have nice things. Ha!


Silly boy. Oh, it's just too much. :)


Even taking the bounce house down is fun!

Kids new bathroom

I have been trying to decide what to decorate the kid's bathroom for a long time. I really wanted something they could identify with and be excited about. I finally settled on Mickey Mouse. I still have a few things to put up on the wall but you can get the gist of the bathroom. They absolutely love it and I find it very bright and festive.


I think the fluffy, bright rugs make the room.


They even have their own Goofy and Donald cups for brushing their teeth.

I took pictures of them taking their first Mickey Mouse bath but after seeing that story on the couple that lost their kids for innocent bath pictures I decided against it. I will add more pictures of the bathroom when I finish putting everything up.

Surprise!!!

The next weekend after my birthday we did not have many plans. I was looking forward to relaxing and visiting with my Mom. She had called earlier in the week and wanted to come over and visit the kids after work on Friday. She had to go home once they went to bed because she had grading to do. So she came over after work and we sat around playing with the kids. I had bought them tiny flashlights at Target's dollar section since it was rainy and dark outside. We turned off all the lights and let them go. They played with those lights for over an hour! It was so odd to have all the lights off in the house during pouring rain and still have ac. It felt like we were out of power.


We love our Grammie!

Once the kids went to bed Dallas suggested we go out to eat. He had gotten a gift certificate for PF Chang's at work so we could go for free. I was not thrilled about the idea since it was spur of the moment. I knew Mom needed to get home and she did not have her stuff to spend the night. I reluctantly agreed to go since Mom insisted we needed the time out together. So I throw on jeans and a t shirt while Dallas proceeds to take forever to get ready! I talked with Mom to kill time and eventually I was quite irritated. I walked in the bathroom and he was shaving. What! We are going to eat not on a fancy date. By the time we finally left the house I did not even want to go.

Cheyenne had called me and said we should come over to her house and hang out because Kingston was the only one home and he was already asleep. I talked Dallas into going there and using the gift certificate at another time. (Like I wanted to when he originally brought it up.) Now Dallas said he needed to stop and get some beer since we were going to hang out at a friend's house. Where does he go... Albertsons. What? Just run in a convenience store and lets go!!!

It was already after 9pm and I was concerned about my Mom driving home late in the rain. He ran in Albertsons while I waited in the car. I proceeded to make a few phone calls and get madder and madder. He had been in the store so long that people that parked after us were already back in their car and leaving. I finally called him and he said he was on his way out. He got in the truck and I started going nuts. Why did it take you so long? Bickering about why he had to go to Albertsons and waste half of our time we had to hang out. I called cheyenne and told her we were finally on our way. She said just to come in the garage when we got there.

We finally arrived at Cheyenne's house and the garage was shut. Why did she tell me to come in the garage and then shut it. Gggrrrr! I was so extremely irritated at this point that I threw the garage door open to discover my surprise birthday party!!! I was so shocked! We had already celebrated my birthday the weekend before or so I thought. Dallas had been planning this for over a month and with the help of Cheyenne and April he pulled it off. I really had to idea. It took me a good 30 minutes to fully grasp everything. My Mom had all her stuff to spend the night and was in on the entire thing. Dallas had been standing in the bathroom the entire time stalling because of the weather. Stacie and Michael were driving from the Garland area and were running late. Dallas said he knew the only way to stall a person like me is to make them mad. It was so funny! He had literally just went in Alberstons and sat on a bench while he talked to Stacie. I can't believe what an amazing husband I have!!! I am also blessed with wonderful friends and family. I think the most surprising thing was my Mom holding a secret from me. She apologized a lot for having to lie to me. It was a good reason Mom so I forgive you. Ha! I had so much fun hanging out with friends, listening to music, playing pool and eating all the yummy food. Thanks everyone!!!

Another football addition

The kids rooms have been a work in progress since a few months before they turned two. We completed the painting and most of the decoration but we can not seem to finish them. I still don't have curtains in either room. I have wall hangings in their closets and name letters that I have even painted and not put up. It does not help either that Paige rips more of her wall paper off every time I fix a section of it. Grr! I finally decided to not worry about it and just finish them little by little as time and money allowed.

I recently found a football toy box that I originally wanted for Ethan's Dallas Cowboy room but the cheapest one I found was $60. Forget that! So I waited and finally found one on craigslist that was only $20. I think I am going to order some new stickers from Little Tykes but otherwise it is good to go and it looks great in his room. Now if we could only keep them from dragging it in the living room to get in. Ha!


Where is Bubba?? They both had a really hard time waiting and taking turns. The minute one got in the other one started saying "My turn" over and over.


"Cheese" Mommy! Ethan literally trying to dump her out because it was his turn.


There is Paigey!


She had a blast putting the lid on top of her brother.


Yes it has air holes...


Bopping him on the head was fun too. She decided he was taking too long so she would just go ahead and get in on top of him.


and there is... Ethan!

The birthday continued...

I have to go back to my birthday weekend where I left off almost a month ago...

We had taken the kids to Dallas' parents so we could enjoy some time to ourselves. It was Labor day weekend and we were off on Monday. The kids stayed at their grandparents until Monday before lunch. Sunday I enjoyed a marvelous trip to the salon which included a pedicure and manicure. It was a very slow day at the salon and I absolutely loved the peaceful music playing in the background. I think I even fell asleep for a while.

After my spa time was over, I headed home to get ready to go swimming. I was meeting Dallas over at Cheyenne's moms house when he finished the alien movie he was watching with friends. No thank you! I will take a spa date over a suspense flick any day. We had a great time swimming and hanging out without any kids. It is not very often that we actually get to swim when we go swimming. Kingston was the only kid so it was easy to keep an eye on him. Dallas had ordered an amazing strawberry cake from Cooper St. Bakery. Yum, so good! We really had a great time. Thanks again Leann for having us over.


Kingston being a silly boy and my yummy cake.
Those are all the pictures since the kids were not there. Who wants to see all of us adult in our swim suits? Definitely NOT all us adults! Ha

On Monday morning we got up and headed to pick up the kids. We were going to try and go to Katie's birthday party even though it started in the middle of nap time. The kids are always exhausted when they come back from Nana and Grand Daddy's house so we tried for an early nap. It actually worked pretty well. We fed them early and put them down early. We woke them up at around 2pm and hurried over to Diane's house for the remainder of the party. Katie and I share a birthday and I love to celebrate it with her or at least see her that weekend. She is my bosses grand daughter and was my littlest flower girl in our wedding. She threw one petal at a time like a little angel. Aw and now she is 7 years old! It is just crazy, I am so old.

We showed up just in time for presents and cake.



Look at my little man waiting so patiently.


She was a good girl waiting too. Then it was time to head out to the blow up water slide on the front lawn. Paige was not in the mood for water that day and spent most of her time with her Daddy. Ethan and Emily were connected at the hip. He went down the slide over and over then they played in the puddles together. He was laughing and screaming with delight. I was a little worried about bringing him and almost left him behind with Dallas. He had been complaining about his ear hurting and was being extremely cranky. Since we live so close to Diane we decided we would go and could easily leave if he was a pain or in pain. I am so glad we let him go since he had such a wonderful time. He ended up waking up with fever the next day and sure enough he had a big fat ear infection.


He had so much fun!


Paige would have liked this more without the spraying water. She hates to be strayed with anything.


He loved going by himself even though it was difficult with so many older helpers. Ha!


This is Emily's puddle game he enjoyed so much- splash, splash.


It was nice to have all the adults lined up perfectly to chat and watch the kids.

I love this girl!
We are counting the days until she is old enough to babysit!!!


Paige found the easel they were using as a happy birthday sign by the front door and she was good to go. Even Ethan took a little time to draw. Paige was already in the playroom in the house by this point.

The only time Emily let anyone else play with her Ethan. :)


and we ended the day with a loud rendition of some song. Ha!

I was so happy to have had such a relaxing fun filled birthday weekend. I really am blessed with an amazing husband, kids, family and friends!