Skarsten Stories

Forty-Four

2012-02-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

Snow day! We got the first snow of the winter last night. The kids had a great time playing in the little bit of snow that we got, you know for Arkansas this was big stuff!

Forty-Three

2012-02-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

Nothing better than a good book!

Forty-Two

2012-02-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Forty-One

2012-02-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

Forty

2012-02-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

Got to love that face!

Hey Daddy! Did you know that you have LOTS of gray colored hair in your hair? It's like polka dots. Got to love the words out of a child's mouth.

Thirty-Nine

2012-02-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

Really, does it get any better than a child's faith?

Thirty-Eight

2012-02-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

A few thoughts for Stella:

1.) Grow up slowly, enjoy being young. You will never get these years back, enjoy being a little girl. Pigtails, bows, smocked dresses, baby dolls, stuffed animals, naps, cartoons. The world around you will push for you to be a young women way before I am ready for it so please just enjoy at that it means to be my little girl.

2.) Girls do get dirty. I am talking about the dirt that God put on the earth. It is OK for you to play in it, roll around in it, have a great time in it. Dirt is not only for boys, Princess' also enjoy it.

3.) Don't let the boys win. You may be a girl and they may be physically stronger than you at times but you will always have a brain, use it. There is nothing wrong with being a smart, powerful women and if the boys around you don't like it then they are not man enough for you. Sports are not just for boys, if you want to play then beat them at their own games. Boys are not the only ones that can be leaders, if you want to lead then be smart enough to step up and do just that.

4.) A handshake says a lot about you as a person. It is one of the first things that a person will know about you, so much can be read into it. Make sure that they know that you are a strong, confident women even if you are not feeling it 100% fake it with that shake, they will never know.

5.) Make-up is a good thing but please remember that less is more. You are a beautiful person, the make-up is only there to help highlight that beauty not to create a mask so no one can see the true beauty that you are all on your own. Lets remember that your outside does not make you a beautiful person but how you act and treat others shines through to make you a glowing, sparkling beauty.

6.) Have faith in yourself. Have respect for yourself, if you don't respect yourself then no one else will. Whatever you are doing, were ever you are, be proud of what you are doing. Have faith in what you are, show that confidence to those around you. God made you to just who you are and would not have it any other way, have faith in the fact that you are being the best that you can possibly be in each moment.

7.) Choose your role models wisely. It is OK if they are not the number one singer of your time, if it is not the same person that all your friends think is cool. It is OK to march to your own drum.

8.) Don't be afraid to love. It is a scary thing for a girl to do, love. It is so hard to trust our heart to another because it can be so easily broken but when we find the right person it makes all those heartbreaks along the way so worth it. Don't ever be afraid to love another, it is one of the greatest gifts in life that we can give and receive.

9.) Don't be afraid to make fun of yourself. You are going to do some really silly things in life, you will belch on a date, you will pass gas really loud at the wrong time, you will make an incorrect statement, you will fall down stairs, you will trip. These are all just part of life, just laugh at yourself. Tell your girlfriends about, I can guarantee that they have all done something just as silly and you will get a good laugh out of it. There is nothing better in life than laughter and to be able to laugh at ones self only makes you stronger.

10.) Expect the man in your life to treat you like a princess. Your father raised you to know that you deserve to be treated like royalty. I do not mean that he needs to drip you in diamonds, buy you extravagant gifts, it would be nice but what I am saying is he needs to treat you right. Open doors for you, pull out your chair, surprise you with a flower, listen when you are talking(and really hear you), make you feel like you are important, tell you how wonderful you look when you are in sweats and a pony tail, be there for you in bad times not just fun, make you laugh, picks you up when you are down. A man that treats you like something of value, that wants you to walk with them not beside them is a man that you will want by your side forever, never settle for anything else. (At the same time you better remember how to treat a man, with respect and kindness, your mamma will come after you if you don't)

11.)Be a Godly Women. No matter were life takes you, what you do, how much money you make, what material possessions you own remember that you would be nothing with out the Lord our God. Stop each day and thank him for all that he has given you, spend time in his word not matter how much is going on around you always make time for him.

12.) No mater where you are, what you are doing, who you become, I will always be here, you can always come home. My arms will always be open, my heart will be full of love,

Thirty-Seven

2012-02-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

Just hanging out around the house

Thirty-Six

2012-02-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

Stella got to go shopping today with Gigi, Mallory, and Aunt Mel. She pretty much had the time of her life. She got some new jewelry, to put on make up and try on some really cool stuff. Stella was pretty much in little girl heaven.

Thirty-Five

2012-02-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Just a few things for Rhett:

1.) When I look at you I see my heart. You make my world go round. I was so worried that when I got pregnant the second time I worried about if I would have enough love to give but the moment that I saw you that worry went out the door. You complete are family in so many ways, I can not imagine life with out you in it. You have taught me there is no limit on the amount of love a person can feel.

2.) I will be happy to allow you to wear glitter shoes, hair bows, pink dresses and anything else that makes you happy. I am learning to understand that in your eyes these things are just that "things". At this moment and time they make you happy and really that is all that matters. (Now, I do realize that later in life, the fact that you wore all of these items of your sister will totally make you turn red in the face, there for I will be taking lots of photos to share should you think of acting naughty to share with all of your friends, this is what any good mother would do!)

3.) Your penis is attached to your body, it is not going any were, you may let go of it! It is not a gun to shoot your sister with, though I admit it is funny to listen to her scream with outrage that you would dream of doing something like this to her the princess! Really the only thing that I ever want to know about you shooting with your penis is the hole in the back of the toilet, if you could just hit that hole with your stream of urine I would be a very proud mother.

4.) Have fun! Make a mess! Learn something! (Now this comment just made your daddy lose a few more hairs sense he is thinking of all the messes that you can make while learning something that he is going to have to help clean up!)

5.) Clean up after yourself. I do not care what you become, how much money you make, were life leads you, I hope that you are never the man that does not know how to pick up his underwear off the floor, put his dishes in the dish washer, iron your own clothing, cook your own food. It might be nice to have someone to do these things for you but be man enough to do them for yourself.

6.)Love others for just how they are at that moment. Never laugh at someone because they don't have the correct answer, help them out. Don't be mean because someone can not keep up, help them to get from point A to point B. Realize that just because someone is not just like you, they have qualities in life that are just as good as yours.

7.)Words of love are always the best. In a world that moves so fast, that is always about the bigger and the better. Some moments it is better to just step back and give words of love that those around us can carry with them and remember forever.

8.) It is OK to show your emotions. Weather it be happiness, laughter, sadness, tears, anger, it is always OK to show how you are feeling. A lot of men in this world think that they are to manly to show others their sadness and tears but really it only makes you more of a man to not be afraid to show how you are really feeling. We are not always happy and it is OK to show that to others.

9.)All those girls that you will some day date and love, remember that they are someones daughter, sister, friend. Always treat them like you would want a young man to treat your daughter, sister or friend. Some of the young ladies that you will meet along the way may have lost the respect for themselves but this does not give you the right to be disrespectful to them, it only means that you should be more of a man and show them what it really means to respect ones self. No matter were you are I will always find out if you mistreat a women that you come across and let me tell you no women will ever be scarier than if your momma finds out your did not respect them.

10.) Keep your faith. This is a big, big world with a lot going on, moves really fast but remember each day to stop and thank the maker for what he has blessed you with that day. No matter how great you become the Lord our God is always greater.

11.) Were ever life takes you, you can always come home, I will always be here with open arms and a heart full of love.

Thirty-Four

2012-02-03T17:40:00.003-08:00

Jason is out of town this weekend so it is just me and the kids hanging out. I am almost ashamed of how much TV I have let them watch today but it is a yucky day and we are on the mend from being sick. Tonight after dinner Stella was watching a little He-Man (got to love breaking out the 80's cartoons) while Rhett was hanging out with me in bed playing on my nook, he loves the app that lets him put puzzles together.

Thirty-three

2012-02-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

Lot's of cuddles for my sick boy. We got to go back to the Dr. today, going to the Dr. two days in a row is not what I would call a fun time. Today we got to see our regular Dr. Cadle, who we love very much. She ran a flu test on him but it came back negative. This means that he more than likely has a virus that will have to run a course but on the good side she gave us some cough meds that should help him sleep. Sense yesterday he has developed a very nasty cough that kept him up all night. I am praying that the meds will help with the cough and get him some much needed sleep. I really hate when my kids are sick.

Thirty-Two

2012-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Very sick boy at the doctor

Rhett has been very sick, running a very high fever. Today we went to the Dr. and they did a strep test but it came back negative. They were not sure why he is running such a high fever, almost 103! It is wait and see if it continues and then back to the Dr. for more test if not gone in the the next 24 hours. I feel so bad for him because the only time he can sleep is if I am holding him but the heat from his body does not do great with my pregnant body! I am trying to be tough it out though because he is just so sad.

Thirty-One

2012-01-31T10:17:00.000-08:00

I love phone calls like the one I got this morning from my mom, "Come by the house and pick up some stuff I made for Cy" I love that my mom sews for my children, things made with her hands with lots of love.

Thirty

2012-01-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

Rhett thinks that his Daddy hung the moon, really that is just how it should be, he does have a pretty amazing father if I do say so myself! Tonight Daddy read him good night ipad before bed, he thought it was wonderful, nothing better than a little one on one time with Daddy.

Twenty-Nine

2012-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

Nobody makes a better bed time snack than Daddy!

Twenty-Eight

2012-01-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is how Rhett likes to carry his sword around the house! Such a silly boy.

Twenty-Seven

2012-01-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

Rhett thought that he was being sneaky and playing on my phone but I caught him! He is just to funny about things like this, everything that sister does he wants to do also. My phone has become the source of many arguments around the house.

Twenty-Six

2012-01-26T22:45:00.000-08:00

Stella found her headbands from when she was a baby and thought she should model them for you! I am thinking that they were much cutter when she was little and had no hair!

Twenty-Five

2012-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

And He will be called... Cyler Ward Skarsten or "Cy" by family and friends. We are very excited that we have finally decided on a name for littlest boy to arrive in May. (by the way this is the only photo that you will ever see of my belly, I can not even believe that I allowed Jason to take these!)

Someone with a much cutter belly wanted in on the action! She just cracks me up some days.

This is totally for my children to have for the future. I do not think that I have ever put on here how we came up with each of their names and want them to have that little piece about themselves.

Stella Emory: I remember when I first told people that they did not LOVE the name Stella but those same people today can not imagine her as anything else! Stella has been a name that I loved for a little girl sense I was a young girl. My great grandmother was a wonderful women, I got to spend a lot of time with her being the only child, grandchild and great grandchild for the first seven and half years of my life. She did not work so while everyone else was off at work in the summer I would hang out with her, she would tell me stories about her life but she always told me about a friend that she had growing up named Stella. I thought that she must have been the most amazing lady. When we found out we were having a girl I new that that name was at the top of my list, you daddy was not so sure but when I told him that the name Stella means "star" in Italian he agreed that it was a perfect name for the little star that was to be born in our lives. Emory was a name that your daddy loved and I liked so we kind of came to the agreement that I could have Stella for your first name and he could have Emory for your middle name. The reason that Emory is spelled with an o is because there is a resort near our lake home that is called the Emory and that is were the name was first put into our heads. It turns out that we could not have done a more perfect job of picking a name for our baby girl. We love you Stella Emory Skarsten!

Rhett Samuel: I remember when I found out that we were having a boy as our second child, I was so excited but so nervous about what name we would pick. It seemed so much more challenging than a little girl because we all think and hope that at some point our little girl will grow up and get married and take the name of her husband, so in reality at some point it will change to some degree but a boy, that name they have the for the next 100 years or more! Well, Rhett you got stuck with another name that was your mommy all over it, it comes from her romantic heart, as you will know as you grow up I have always and will probably continue to love a good love story well, what better story of love than Gone with the Wind. I loved the name the moment I thought of it, it was good, strong, and manly but it had that story of love behind it. It also sounded pretty good with our monster of a last name! Your daddy agreed because he thought it would sound good some day when you play sports over a loud speaker! Samuel came from my grandfather, you Papi's father, he is a wonderful man that no matter what life gives us has always stood by his family and loved them. I could not have thought of a better man for you to share a part of your name. He was so excited about your birth and loves every moment that he gets to spend with you. So, Rhett Samuel you were named and could not be more perfect. We love you so much for all the days of our lives.

Cyler "Cy" Ward: When I found out I was going to have a third child I was blessed, when I found out I was having another boy I was so STRESSED, not because I did not want you but because I had no clue where to even start looking for a name! I knew how hard it had been with Rhett and it was even harder with you! Well, as you grow and learn that this family is a baseball family from the start to the finish. You are named for one of the greatest pitchers of all time Cy Young. We chose to name you Cyler because I wanted you to have a strong name for when you get older but as a boy and more than likely as a man to your family and friends you will be known as Cy. I love it and think and hope that you will love it just as much as we do. Ward is a family name, It was the maiden name of my mother's paternal grandmother and it was also the maiden name of my father's maternal grandmother. I loved the fact that you like Rhett will carry a part of my family in your name. Cyler "Cy" Ward Skarsten we are so excited about your arrival and love you so much!

Twenty-Four

2012-01-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

I knew that i was not hearing enough noise today from this little man, I knew I was going to find a large mess and I did! He had taken hiis potty stool and used it to get in the sink. He then made bubbles with the jasmine vanilla hand soap, some ended up in his hair, bubbles were flying all over my bathroom. I am a little scared of the life that we are getting ready to have with two boys! I am pretty sure I just need to cover everything in plastic! They are just going to be a mess! I would not have it any other way.

Twenty-Three

2012-01-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

I have been really proud of myself as of lately, I have been a cooking machine! Anyone that knows me knows that when I am pregnant, my family lives on fast food and take out because I can not stand the thought or smell of food cooking in the house. I am soldering through and have been cooking for the past two weeks and so proud of myself!

Twenty-Two

2012-01-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Rhett is very proud of the fact that he has moved up to using the BIG potty! (Yes, someday he will want to kill me for these photos but I want to remember it poop and all!)

Oh, this little lady is growing up way to fast! I do not even want to think about the fact that she will be FIVE in a couple of months, it just kills me.

Daddy was being a bad influence, got to love how gatorade changed her tongue to blue, and yes, she had brushed her teeth, the blue just stayed!

Twenty-one

2012-01-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Twenty

2012-01-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

Building blocks out of Daddy's scraps of wood.

I love this photo of Stella, the very tip of her tongue sticking out when she thinks really hard.

Nineteen

2012-01-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Choo Choo! All aboard. The kids made a choo choo train this evening while Jason was working in the garage. I love when they use their imagination and do things like this all on their own. I am not sure why this particular train required the use of oars but it did.

Eighteen

2012-01-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

Stella had dance this evening. She was line leader and very excited about that fact! She is doing really good this year at dance, there are moments that I just have to laugh.

Seventeen

2012-01-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to take Stella to school this morning! They never take photos together of their own free will but this morning they were willing.

Sixteen

2012-01-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

We have been cleaning house, getting ready for the new Skarsten to arrive in a couple of months. If anyone is interested in some lovely little girls clothing I will be posting them in http://steelmagnoliasphotography.blogspot.com/

fifteen

2012-01-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

Fourteen

2012-01-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

Today I got to help host a baby shower for Casey and baby Ava Beth. It was very cute and very girly! I can not wait for Miss Ava to arrive, she is just going to be so wonderful!

Thirteen

2012-01-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

Stella, oh, Stella, your personality is larger than life and I would not change a thing about it. You bring laughter to me each day. I love you so much. Here your having a little sassy fun in my glasses.

Twelve

2012-01-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

Bath time! Color time!

My little fish, she loves the water, has fit when it is time to get out.

Daddy was not being so nice with the bath time coloring.

Eleven

2012-01-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Bedtime snack!

He is so funny as of late, he now tells me all the time, I just like Daddy. He wants to do everything just like his daddy.

Ten

2012-01-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

It is always a good night when Daddy cooks dinner. Stella thought it was the best stuff she had every had, Daddy needs to start cooking more often is what I am thinking!

Yeah, I love this man. He will do anything to make his kids laugh. He was not laughing when I took this photo of him though. What a party pooper.

So, I bought these boots for the kids because we thought we might get some yucky weather. Well, Rhett thinks that they are the greatest thing he has every owned. He wears them all the time, just walking circles around the house in them. Stella got a pink pair and Rhett got a blue pair but they are the same size, yes, my 4 year old and 2 year old have the same size shoes! Well, Rhett could not find one of his boots so her just stole one of his sisters, he did not care that it was pink as long as he had two boots to march around the house in, he was good.

Nine

2012-01-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

Children that play together, poop together. What? This is not a normal thing? Well, this is the normal around our house these days.

Eight

2012-01-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today was a very fun day. I got to host a bridal shower with a few other lovely ladies for one of my best friends, Ms Gracie! It all went so wonderful, everything looked so good and the food tasted fabulous if I do say so myself! A big thanks goes to my wonderful mother for letting me use her home for this event. I am so excited for Mike and Gracie and feel so blessed that I get to be a part of their special day.

Seven

2012-01-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

It's pretty sad that my son can do a better job of walking in my high heel shoes than I can!

I love this boy! Watching him walk around in black high heels and his skull and cross bone boxer briefs is just to funny.

Six

2012-01-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well, if you have not already heard, we will be adding another boy to our team!

Five

2012-01-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Anything that Stella does/has Rhett must also do or have, Stella gets a hair clip, Rhett must get a hair clip. I am pretty sure that some day he will really not be happy about this but right now at two he thinks that his sister is the greatest.

Four

2012-01-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

This always make s me laugh, Rhett, who is just as loud if not louder than the rest of our family HATES loud noises. If anything is too loud he is the first person to put his hands over his ears and beg for it to stop. I am not sure how is going to make growing up in this family if he does not get over this hate of loud noises!

Three

2012-01-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Bath time!

Two

2012-01-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

(I'm not sure why but my photos are uploading in the wrong order but oh well) Stella amazes me each day with how smart of a young lady she is becoming. (I know that I am her mom but she is a genius!) This evening she was showing her brother how to put a puzzle together on the floor. This is one of the first puzzles that has multiple pieces that is not on a board and she put it together with no problems. Well, other than her brother throwing the pieces under the couch were she could not find them, isn't that what brothers are suppose to do though.

Yes, my son spends 99% of his time in his boxers. I put clothing on him and then he just takes it off. When he is 16 and sees all these photos and gets mad that he is always in his underwear he can just be mad at himself that he would not keep clothing on his body.

One

2012-01-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Today we did our final Christmas, my brother and his wife were unable to attend Christmas at the lake so we had Christmas with then this morning at my parents house. The kids thought it was great getting to open more presents.

Rhett was looking at my like "Mom, I'm hanging with my Papi, could you just leave us alone"

He is my little pirate.

Oh, then Papi had to be the pirate and Rhett became a dinosaur!

Playing a little calico critters with Brandi and Gigi, telling them how this works!

Playing with the play do game that they got for Christmas.

When we got home this evening he thought he should be a pirate for bed and this is how he went to bed, yes the sword is in bed with him!

What I have learned in 2011

2011-12-31T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have learned and seen what comes with love and solid faith, these things can get you through the happiest of times and the roughest of times.

I have learned that there is nothing so time critical that I can not stop and play with my children for 5 minutes, these are the things that they are going to remember some day, pretty sure that they are never going to know that I had laundry in baskets to be folded or toilets might not be clean enough to drink from!

I can never say I love you too much, weather it be to my children, my husband or my family

My family is my everything and that is OK, some might think it is odd but for me it works and that is all that matters.

I have realized that thought my husbands jokes are horrible at times, they bring me laughter that brings tears to my eyes at other times, the really bad ones are worth the ones that bring me to tears. (Love ya babe!)

I have learned that I'm a better person with Jason by my side, when I want to go wild, be lazy, complain or fill sorry for myself he is there to step up and tell me the truth or just to listen, he makes me a better person each day.

I have learned that my husband is an amazing father, he may not do it all the way I do it and he may not do it on my schedule but that does not mean that he does not do it with all the love in his heart. My children are so blessed to have such an amazing father.

I have realized that my husband does not like to fold laundry, I have come to appreciate (with a little grumbling) baskets of clean clothing that just need to be folded and put away.

I have learned that some of the most important photos I will take are the days that we are just at home in our jammies doing nothing of important but spending some time with one another, these are moments that we will want to look back on, not just the birthday parties and Christmas trees though those are wonderful also.

I have learned not to let my children eat pop tarts in the living room, they are really hard to clean off the leather couch!

I have learned to stop and listen to my children, I mean really stop get down and listen to what they have to say, sometimes those little minds will remind you have the things that really matter. They have a faith that I find amazing.

I have learned to enjoy moments on the couch cuddling or holding a baby in my arms rocking before bed time because I know that in just a moment those children will no longer want to sit by me or let me hold them. I must cherish this right now.

I have learned to keep learning, some of the best teachers are a four year old and and two year old!

I have learned to cherish bath time, Daddy does bath time, this is my moment to take a deep breath and remember the good of the day or just go use the other restroom by myself with no one touching me, whatever I do in those five minutes while Daddy is in charge I have learned to cherish.

I have learned that it is OK to do things that are going to be messy as long as they bring smiles to faces and joy to our hearts.

I have learned that it is OK for kids to run naked in the backyard, as Stella told me Adam and Eve did not need clothing then why does she?

I have learned that falling asleep at night with the man of my dreams by me, makes me one of the luckiest girls in the world.

I have learned that I may be up 15 times in the middle of the night with my children and exhausted that they are still going to be going strong the next day, always keep coffee in the house.

I have learned that I really am blessed each day with the greatest gifts a women could ask for, friends to laugh with, children to play with, a husband to love, and faith in a God that can do all things.

Here is to looking forward to all that 2012 has in store for us.

and a Merry Christmas was had by all!

2011-12-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

My kids, I love them, bed head and all, waiting to come down stairs to see if they had been naughty or nice in good ole Saint Nick's eyes this year.

Coming down

Oh, how she loves her some fancy nancy ballerina!

Does this book have a tutu on it? It must be for this girl!

and he was done after he saw this, who cares about the forty other presents under the tree, this was the MOST important one!

OK, well, the other trucks and cars were pretty cool too.

Calico family and more was in heaven!

Dress up clothing so that he can stop wearing princess dresses!

My two men sound a sleep after a good meal and lots of running around.

This photo is so funny, I asked Stella to try on her new clothing to make sure it fits and she goes "Mom I don't have to try it on, see it fits" and procedes to lay down on top of it!

Twas the night before Christmas...

2011-12-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

and my children were running through the house full of laughter and sugar!

We had a very relaxing day at the lake house, just hanging out and being a family. That afternoon my grandparents, the kids great grandparents arrived and had dinner with us. The kids love getting to see Grandpa Sam and Grandma Mary, probably because they know that whatever I say no to Grandma Mary is still going to let them do it! Gigi is always wonderful about making memories that I know the kids are always going to look back on with such joy and happiness, she really is an amazing Gigi. Gigi and the kids made sugar cookies for Santa, well Gigi did not think about giving Rhett flour and what would happen, needless to say he is ALL boy and one giant mess!

What? I have something on my face, NO I do not!

So here is a funny fact, my wonderful husband can not stand a mess, it just makes his skin crawl. So, every year as the kids and Gigi are making the cookies for Santa at some point it never fails that he steps in and takes over BUT it always turns into an even bigger mess!

While the cookies were backing we left the kitchen for a few minutes and took baths! When the kids got done they decorated the finished cookies. Well, I should say Stella decorated and Rhett ate the cookies!

UMMM, who gave the two year old a knife? NOT a good idea.

We could not forget the reindeer, they have a very important job and we need to make sure they have some food to give them energy.

Needless to say the kids did finally make it to bed and Santa was able to get his jobs done. We are hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas Eve.

Santa is coming to town!

2011-12-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

We went and meet up with Santa this evening to let him know what the kids would like for him to bring them for Christmas. Please excuse Stella's dirty tights and the drool all over Rhett's shirt, this is real life and how we live it these days you take what you can get and run with it. I was very happy that neither of the kids were scared of him this year, Stella did smile in one photo and Rhett pretty much looks stoned in all three! Oh some day he is going to love me for my comments on this blog! Stella did tell Santa that she would like a new Barbie and Rhett just said the word TRUCK over and over again!

The kids did great while we were with Santa but after Santa it was a whole different ball game. We were that family dragging their children out of the mall screaming and crying! Stella did not take a nap today which equaled a melt down about wanting to stay and ride the car ride in the food court. Oh, the joys of parenting! I love my kids and am so proud to be there parent (well, when we are not having a melt down in the middle of the mall!)

Christmas Cards

2011-12-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than waiting till the last minute to do things! Today I took the kids out for a little walk and to see if I can get a photo of the two of them in the same shot that looked good enough to send out for our Christmas card this year. These are some that I got, not great but will work for our last minute cards. It is scary to think that next year we will have three kids to try and get a photo of for cards.

Christmas Program

2011-12-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today we got to attend Stella's Christmas Program at school. I have to tell you that I was so proud of her. This year she stood in her spot and sang all of the songs. She did not lift her dress up, she did not do twirls, she did not lay down and take a nap. What a difference a year makes! I do love the fact that she is not shy about being on the stage, she just gets up there and sings her little heart out.

New York!

2011-12-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

This weekend was so much fun! I got to go to New York for Gracie's wonderful Bachlorette Weekend. It was a weekend full of good food, good friends, good shopping, and good laughter, really what more could you ask for in life?

We went on the Sex and the City Tour. It was so much fun to be able to see were some of the major scenes and some of the back story to the scenes. It was also a great way to see all the city in one day. Don't you love Gracie's fascinator? I mean really what could be better for a bride to be on the Sex and the City tour than a gold glitter shoe? I'm not sure that she loved it as much as I did but she was a good sport and wore it around town.

While we were on the tour we were able to stop at Jimmy Choo and get Gracie some wonderful shoes for her wedding day. I have to tell you that they are pretty amazing!

The five of us ladies having a great time!

**I had to take all these photos from Gracie's facebook page because I forgot to take a camera with me this weekend! Thanks Gracie for the photos from our trip.

Pigtails

2011-12-09T10:46:00.001-08:00

Someone is very excited that there hair now fits in pigtails!

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the best daddy, husband, and best friend. We love you very much!

We are having a grand celebration this evening with cupcakes and balloons! Jason we hope that you have wonderful day and are blessed by you in so many ways.

Potty and Cartoons

2011-12-05T08:03:00.001-08:00

Does it ever get better than this? I know that most men are jealous that Rhett gets to have his potty in the living room.

2011-12-04T20:53:00.001-08:00

I am very behind in blogging and have not really given any updates lately as to the kids and what is going on. I have broken the main lens to my camera and we have to send it off to get fixed, I can use my other lenses but they are a lot more work and I have just been lazy and not taken nearly as many pictures. I like to blame it on the monster growing in my belly so hopefully as I am starting to feel a little better I will get more photos up on here but for the time being this post is probably going to bore most of you but it is more to help me remember this time in our lives.

Stella is now 4.5 years old, I can not believe that my baby girl that was such a chunk is now growing so tall and slender. She is very much a first child and still just as strong willed as ever. She will always be my child that pushes the rules to the edge to see just how far she can go before getting into trouble. She also does not care what anyone else is doing, she is going to do what Stella wants to do. She is still very out going, not afraid to go up to anyone and speak with them but at times she likes to act shy. She has the best smile and the biggest tears! She loves her brother and is such a good big sister but at times likes to annoy him, but isn't that what siblings are suppose to do? She has become a big helper around the house, she has started making her bed in the morning. She is also very proud of the fact that she can put on her shoes on her own most of the time. She is her own person and wants to do her own thing and very strong willed but at the same time she wants to make people happy, gets upset when she thinks that others are hurting and sometimes has a hard time understanding when she is being teased and can end up with her feelings being hurt. I am loving that she wants to cuddle more and more with me. I am pretty sure that she is getting ready to grow again on us, she has been an eating machine as of lately. I think that if I hear the terms, my tummy is rumbling I am going to scream! I can not have enough food in the house right now to keep her going. We have pretty much stopped taking naps, she does go to her room and have some silent time for about an hour each day, about once a week she sleeps but we have had to move bed time up other wise our evening would be horrible!
She is going to school three days a week and I have to say it is going great! She looks forward to each day, loves the kids in her class and loves her teacher. She actually tells us all the time that she has a boyfriend in her class named Gabriel and they are getting married and going to have babies, this often makes her father growl and more hair turns gray each day! I have been so impressed with the art work that she brings home from school, she is really getting into coloring and has started doing such a great job of staying in the lines (when she wants to). They are working on letters at school and it just amazes me the way she recognizes letters, words that start with the same letter and the sounds that letters make. She loves reading books. She loves school so much that when I pick her up early she gets very upset with me. It makes me really happy that we made a good decision last year when we moved the kids school. ling.
Stella is in dance once a week and loving it! I do not know what she loves more about it, the tutus, the shoes, or seeing her friend Lauren each week. I have been very proud of her in they way she actually doing what she is suppose to be doing. There are moments when she likes to pretend that her legs are broken but you know the princess has got to get some attention!

Rhett Samuel is all boy now at almost 27 months old. He is growing into a tall, red headed boy. He is only 4 inches shorter than his sister and almost caught her in weight. You can tell that he is a second child. He can pretty well go with the flow, take a morning nap some days have an afternoon nap other days. Rhett is very laid back for the most part but every once in a while he will show his strength, most of the time it is with his sister. He is learning ways to get her when she is being ugly with him, as of late he has been biting her but mostly he just tells on her! His speech has improved so much in the past couple of months. I can pretty much understand everything that he says, other people have trouble at times but it is still so much better. He is a climber and a jumper, there is no mountain to high for him and he has no fear of falling. You can never put things to far back on the counter cause he is going to get them! I do not know how he keeps growing because he never eats! He drinks so much milk, around 40 to 50 ounces a day if not more. I can not get him to eat meat, he will put it in his mouth and chew it up then spit it back out. He does love apples and fruit, cheese pizza is always a big hit for him. I have started giving him some protein drinks once a day to make up for the food that I can not get him to eat. I know that it is a faze and will get better in time, just worry that he is not getting enough iron and other important vitamins. He is full of smiles and laughter but at the same time when he gets mad you had better watch out, he has a temper that most people think that I am fibbing about. We started potty training last week and he is doing great! I am still in the the stage were I ask him a lot but he goes on his own also. We still have some accidents but am thinking that by Christmas he will be 100%. Rhett loves to color, loves to watch Yo Gabba Gabba, reading books and riding around bikes or anything with wheels. He loves his sister, but I think he is enjoying our two days alone time while she is at school.
Rhett is in school one day a week. He is doing great! I laugh because his teacher always tells me how wonderful he is and never gets in trouble, I am sure he is not an angel but when he knows he has been naughty he gives her his cute little innocent smile and gets away with murder. He loves doing art work at school, mostly painting! He has a friend at school that he always ask to play with on his days and would be very sad if he was ever not there.

Baby #3 is looking good. We are 15 weeks into the last pregnancy. I went to the Dr. two weeks ago and the heart beat was 150 beats a minute. They thought everything sounded great. I am still having some tummy issues but they are much better than what they were three weeks ago. I love apples and eat them all the time. I figure that is not a bad thing to be eating a lot of. We will find out the sex of the baby the last week of Dec. I can not wait because Jason will not even talk about names until we know the sex.

Well, that is it for now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T22:47:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving! This year we drove to my Great Aunt Faye's home and had lunch with my dad's side of the family. My dad's cousin LeAnn did most of the cooking, it was such good food and fun to see people that we do not get to see nearly enough. The kids had such a great time with some of the older cousins getting to play outside in the large leaf piles. I am so thankful this year for all of our family and the time that we get to spend together.

Good Night

2011-11-18T16:53:00.001-08:00

Really does it get any sweeter than this little guy telling you that he is ready for bed. Love him!

Our Little Indian

2011-11-17T17:21:00.000-08:00

Stella was Chief Running Deer today for her pilgrim and Indian feast at school today. She was pretty proud of the costume that they had made to wear to the feast.

Couch Time

2011-11-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

This seems to be happening a lot around our house. We sit down to watch a little TV and the next thing you now they are a sleep!

The Princess'

2011-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Stella loves the Barbie cartoon about the 3 musketeers but when she watches it she must get dressed up to watch it. Well now she is nice enough to include her brother in the dress up. Of course we only have princess dress up clothing so he does not even bat an eye at the fact that he is wearing a dress and using spoons as his sword.

Halloween

2011-10-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a wonderful time for the kids. Gigi and Papi came over to see them in their costumes. Daddy and Papi took them trick or treating while Gigi and I stayed at the house and handed out candy to all the trick or treaters. When they got back Daddy helped them carve a pumpkin and paint a pumpkin. (yes, we should have done this weeks ago but with as much time I spend with my head in the toilet right now it just did not happen.) I am pretty sure the kids had a wonderful time!

Har-Ber Museums

2011-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Our Community Group from Church went to the Jones' Museum in OK. It is really neat, they have all these buildings that had been donated that hold all the items that have been donated. It was so neat to see some of the old items. The kids had a great time just walking around and looking at everything.

Halloween at Papi's Work

2011-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I took the kids to trick or treat at Papi's work. The kids had so much fun and got so much candy! I missed getting a photo of our little farmer before we left but here is Cinderella. (I have to admit that I am getting pretty sick of this costume by now!)

Bad Things Happen

2011-10-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

When Mommy is out of the room. I was having to get rid of the food that I had eaten this morning, I guess Peanut did not like it :) Rhett must have gotten hungry and helped himself to a little cereal. Stella joined him to share in the snack. There is never a dull moment around this house!

Halloween at Dance

2011-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had one very excited Cinderella when she was told that she got to wear her costume to dance class. All the little laddies looked very cute.

Nap Please?

2011-10-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is what Rhett looks like on the way home from school when he has had no nap, it's not a fun time.

Happy Birthday Nicolas!

2011-10-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Nicolas had a Rock and Roll party that was full of fun! The kids had the best time!

Sleepy Time

2011-10-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

I do not know how he sleeps like this but it happens often.

It May be a Full House

2011-10-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

but it is going to be a blessed house! That is correct, we are expecting our third blessing this May! We are very excited. I am filling the full effects of the first trimester, spending a lot of time on my knees in front of the toilet. I just keep reminding myself that this means we are having a healthy baby! I have to give big props to my wonderful husband for really stepping up and helping out with the kids while I struggle through these weeks of sickness. I know that come May I will completely forget about this rough patch and just be filled with joy to hold our baby in my arms.

Showering baby Anna Marie with Love!

2011-09-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today I got to help host a shower for Abby and Eric. They are having a little girl and going to name her Anna Marie, I can not wait for her to arrive.

All of the hostess

Mrs. Abby

OK the blonde next to Abby is her sister, I have to say this, she is so PRETTY! I loved how she was dressed and just thought she was very pretty.

The grandmothers checking out all the goods.

Staci had all these cute shirts made at Monogram It, they were so cute!

Alison made these blocks and the super cute A photo.

Stock the Bar

2011-09-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

This evening I got to help throw a Stock the Bar shower for Staci and Preston! They are getting married in Nov. and we are so excited for them. It was a great time had for all and a big shout out to Gracie for doing such a wonderful job of getting everything done!

Daddy came to dance class....

2011-09-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

and someone decided to put on a show for him.

Daddy Come Home

2011-09-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jason has been in CA all week and we are ready for him to come home!

Rhett stood at the bottom of the stairs and was not moving until he saw his Daddy!

Dance

2011-09-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Every week at dance class is a new adventure!

Soccer Practice

2011-09-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Rhett's Party

2011-09-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

We had Rhett's 2nd Birthday party at Boingo Bounce. I'm pretty sure he was one happy boy! Thank you everyone for coming and helping us celebrate.

Someone found the water fountain we later had to take his shirt off it was so wet!

Yes, this is the face he makes when he opens up each present.

Soccer Game

2011-09-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Stella's first Day of Dance

2011-09-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

This evening was our first day of tap and jazz class. Stella has been begging to go to dance classes for months so she was very excited when I told her it started this evening. She is in class with Lauren and they had a great time with each other.

Mrs. Lauren

Oh this was very sweet of Stella, each week one of the girls gets to be line leader for that class. This week it was Stella's turn but when her teacher told her to lead, she was like no it is Lauren's turn and the teacher had to explain that Lauren would get a week to be the leader also. I thought it was sweet that she was trying to make sure her friend got a turn also.

Rhett's 1st Day of School

2011-09-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today was Rhett's first day of school. He loves going to school and this year he will be going on Wednesday's from 9-2. I am looking forward to having him with me on Tuesday and Thursday while Stella is in school so that we can have that one on one time.

Rhett had a great day at school and he even went pee pee on the potty for them!

Stella's 1st Day of School

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today was Stella's first day of 4 year old class. She will be going Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-2. She was very excited about it this morning. Her teacher this year is Mrs. Cindy, and I think that they are going to do great. One thing that I love is that Stella's class only has 6 children, I love that the classes are smaller, they get better one on one time and end up learning more each day. I really do think that they are going to have a wonderful year.

I have to tell you it was wonderful to pick Stella up from school this afternoon and listen to her be so happy and excited about all they had done. I am really looking forward to a good year.

2-That is correct my baby is 2!

2011-09-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

My baby is no longer a baby. He is a toddler, sure he has looked and acted like a man beast for a while but it became for real to me today that he is older, wiser, and no longer my little baby. He is fast on the go, singing and talking more each day, and full of smiles and giggles. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful little guy. Rhett is now 33 pounds and 37 inches, which puts him in the 90th percentile for his age. (This just means that he is bigger than 90 out of 100 kids his age.) Rhett's favorite word is NO but he smiles and giggles while saying it to you. He loves his mower and would spend all day in the back yard mowing our grass. He still has his bunny and passey but he has to have them at the same time, one does not work with out the other. Rhett is still not sleeping through the night, we get up and give him something to eat at least once a night, and yes he is hungry, he is a big boy got to keep that shape up! He loves to run and kick a ball, he just loves to run! Rhett is still my cuddle bear, when he is getting sleepy he will crawl up in your lap and lean back and just hang out. I love these moments. Rhett loves to have a book or 20 read to him. Rhett has learned to tell secrets to you in your ear, this is the only way that he says I love you, momma loves to have some secrets told to her.

To celebrate today we had Gigi and Papi, Uncle KyKy and Brandi come over for dinner and presents. It was a pretty good time. Funny thing, Gigi and Papi got Rhett and bat and baseballs stand. Papi and dad took him out to the yard to play with it, his daddy is set that he is going to be a right hander (Not real sure why considering that Stella is a lefty) Well, they set Rhett up to bat from the right side and over and over again he can not hit the ball. Papi says lets try him on the left, Daddy says no there is no way he is a lefty. So, Daddy finally let up and let Rhett try from the left, and first swing is a base hit! It was so funny and he was so proud of himself.

Might need to teach him to keep his eyes open!

He loves his Daddy just a little bit!

Happy 2nd birthday Rhett! We love you so much!

Soccer

2011-08-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

This evening was Stella's first soccer practice of the year. I have to say she did much better this year and I think really enjoyed herself.

They had a little wreck

At the end of practice they handed out the kids uniforms, when we got in the car and were driving off Stella looks at me and says, "Mom, they gave us all shirts that look a like, I don't like looking like someone else, we are going to have to do something to make it special!"

I think I have created a monster!

Tile Layer

2011-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

We are finishing up two bedrooms and a bathroom in the basement of the lake house. My Uncle Mike let Stella lay the last couple tiles to finish up the job. I think that she might have a future in laying tile!

Sitting by the Fire

2011-08-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

We drove over to the lake house this evening, papi and Uncle KyKy had a surprise for us, a new fire pit to roast marshmallows. The kids thought it was wonderful.

Happy Birthday SB!

2011-08-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday SB!

Grapefeastival

2011-08-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful evening at the grapefestival. The kids love the music and danceing, good food and some fun on the rides.

Rhett's Growing Up!

2011-08-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

Someone is now able to unlock the fridge and loves to sit and hand me things.

This is Rhett's new thing, he likes to make a grumpy face, and sure can put that lip on major pout!

Happy Birthday Gigi!

2011-08-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

We hope you had a wonderful day Gigi! We love you.

Aunt Mel, Happy Birthday

2011-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

We hope that you had a great day Aunt Mel!

Homie G!

2011-08-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Gangster Rap has moved into our house, What up my dog!

Princess

2011-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of Pretty little Princess around our house these days!

The Creek

2011-07-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful evening at the creek!

Swim Ranch Day 5

2011-07-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Swim Ranch Day 3

2011-07-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Swim Ranch Day 2

2011-07-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we live to tell another tale! Today went just as good as yesterday. Stella woke up this morning saying how she did not want to get in the water and half way through Rhett's class she was ready to jump in that water. They are both doing great!

I have to say that today has worn me out! It is very hot and sitting at the pool for three hours is about to do me in but I know that it is worth it for my kids to be really good swimmers.

Always good to start the class off with smiles.

I have to give props to big sis for sitting for an hour waiting on Rhett's class and then another hour until her class, she does pretty amazing. It does help that I have netflix on my phone

Floating on her back like a pro!

Look at that smile, it could be because she is swimming with no one holding onto her!

Jumping in and going underwater, no problem!

Swim Ranch Day 1

2011-07-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today was our first day at Swim Ranch and it went GREAT! I have to admit that I was really stressed about it this morning. I knew that Rhett would be a breeze, he is still in the water babies class which Jason was doing with him. Stella this year got to move up to the Lane 1! This means that she gets in the water with her two teaches and three other children but no parent. Stella had been telling me all weekend and all the way there that she was not getting in that water, she was not swimming. I was like, you have to go with us but you can decide if you get in or not, we will not force the issue. One thing I am learning with a very strong willed child is that if she is making the decision then life is going to be way better. Once she realized that it was her choice and she had to sit for an hour and watch her brother have a blast and then another hour until her class time, she was so hot, she decided to see how that water felt after all. She did so amazing and I am so proud of her!

Jason and I on the drive home, were in pure shock over how the day went. You just never know with kids, the things that you worry about go great but the things you think are a no brainer turn into crazy time. I have to say prayers of thanks for a wonderful day and pray that the rest of the week goes just as good.

I have to give props to my husband because he is the only dad in the class! Thanks for being wonderful and getting in the water with your kids.

It does not get much better than this!

Getting a little one on one time with Mrs. Virginia, his teacher

OK, so I was really worried because the one little boy in her group was freaking out at first about getting in the water. Stella kept looking at him and looking at me and I thought "OH NO, we have gotten her to make up her mind to get in the water and now this kid is crying going to freak her out. It was not the child fault because if I was the only boy with all those girls I would not be happy about it either! In the end, he calmed down and they all did wonderful.

Summer Fun!

2011-07-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

This evening we went to a cook out at the Miller's house. It was a lot of fun watching all the kids and the BIG kids run around and play. They have a pool and the BIG kids made a slip in slide, they forgot the age and how bad it was going to hurt tomorrow morning! Stella was very excited because Ms. L was in town for the weekend. I don't think I spoke to my daughter all evening because the two of them were off having a blast playing with each other.

Nothing but trouble those two!

Rhett sporting a hair clip, he thought it was cool that they had a lawn mower, he loves him a lawn mower.

Ms. L was brave and went off the diving board.

Does it get any cutter than this?

Stella was always there to cheer her friend on but did not want to get in, swimming lessons next week should be fun.

Little toes!

This is when life became a little dangerous

How cute is little Ms. AK!

It was a fun summer night! Thank you Miller's for letting us take over your house and yard!

Dog Wash

2011-07-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

We have spent a lot of time outside in the sprinkler the past couple of weeks. This evening the kids were playing and we decided to give Max a bath, they thought it was pretty cool and Max was happy to be clean!

Please excuse us rednecks, Rhett is running around in his diaper cause I was too lazy to get a swim diaper and suit out!

Fun Times

2011-07-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot this week, the kids just can not be outside for very long at all. We are having to be creative around here to keep them entertained and from driving me crazy! Stella asked or a tent today, I thought, I why the heck not? So I put this up and she played and read books, she was even nice and let her brother in for a moment!

4th of July

2011-07-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

We had a very relaxing 4th of July. Jason, Papi, and Rhett got some stuff done around our house and Gigi, Stella and I ran some errands. We did not do anything very excited and just hung out.

Poor Cooper dog gets the brunt of Stella's controlling love.