A great mother's day!

Wow, I couldn't have had a better day I don't think! We took my mom to breakfast at First Watch, one of our favorite breakfast places. They even gave all the mothers a box of Russel Stover chocolates. We thought that was pretty nice. Then we had noon pedicure appointments...just Taylor, Mawmaw Jan, and myself. Much needed and relaxing for all of us! My kids and lovely husband got me a kindle as my gift, which was totally a surprise! I've already read a whole book since sunday which is crazy and so unlike me. Then we barbequed at our house for Jason's parents. It was a great dinner of turkey tenderloin, chicken kabobs, pork steaks, fresh broccoli, and sweet potatoes...yum! The day was topped off by me winning $100 on a scratch off from my in-laws! Wow...I never win a thing! It was my special day I guess!

Too bad we didn't get Taylor in any of these pics :(

 The whole weekend was fun filled. Friday night we went to the baseball game with my dad (who was in town for the weekend), aunt Cindy, and Julie (who got the tickets for us). We were in the Bank of America suite which was all free food and beer! Nice, except for it was almost the fastest game in history! The game was over by 9:15pm, so we met Janece over at Kilroys for a few more drinks.

Saturday we met Jason's parents at Fairmount Park for Derby Day! I've never gone to the track on the day of the derby, but it was pretty fun. I wish I would have worn my hat now! I told Jason that everyone would be wearing their derby hats, but I don't think he believed me. You should have even seen the girls wearing fancy dresses and gloves?? I don't think they were really anyone. I think they just did it for the fun of it.

We did win some money on some of the races, but nothing on the derby :( We were over at my gpa's by the time the derby started for another BBQ with my dad's whole side of the family. Those are always good times. Its still so weird without pawpaw there, but I know everyone loves still gathering there...its comforting I guess?

Happy Mother's Day!

I shared this last year, but I love it that much! Its a good reminder of how important moms are and to think just what they have created! Amazing!

A Mother’s Prayer


The Most Important Person on earth is a mother.

She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.

She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any Cathedral--a dwelling for

an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body.

The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.

They cannot share in God's creative miracle to bring new saints to heaven.

Only a human mother can.

Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other human creature.

God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation...what on God's earth is

more glorious than this:

TO BE A MOTHER

We've got a little cowgirl!

Last year she was all about the whales...orca's everywhere! This year its horses! We can't have enough of them, horse stuffed animals, small play ones, horse movies, we play Flika around the house. I swear this girl will be a vet or an animal trainer. I know it!

Finally after much anticipation, today was her first riding lesson! The only start the small ones with half hour lessons which we thought would be plenty, but I think she could have rode all day! She can't wait to go back. Looks like we will start doing weekly lessons and we'll sign her up for their summer camp "Little Britches" where they will learn to take care of them and ride them for a whole week!

It was really adorable to see her ride. Her eyes and smile said it all!

Some videos....

Its almost May!

Wow, I can't believe its almost May! I love love love summer, but this year is flying by! Why doesn't the winter go this fast? The weather was great a couple weeks ago...almost 90 degrees and we got out to Forest Park and the backyard for some fun, but lately all we've had is rain and tornados! Its devistating all the damage that was done in Bridgeton, we were really lucky not to be hit by it.

May is going to be a fun and busy month and then its vacation time! We're having a garage sale this weekend and I just can't wait! I'm getting clausterphobic in this house. We really don't have as much stuff as I think we would if we were in a bigger house! We defintely have outgrown the place, but in the meantime until we move I'm gonna get rid of whatever I can! I'm the person who looks at things and says "oh I remember wearing this, I can't get rid of it", or "oh, this would be good if I ever go to _____", but a year later, still haven't worn it, but not this year! This year it all goes! AND.....I can't believe it, but I'm getting rid of lots and lots of baby clothes! That was the hardest! Yes, I still want another baby, but I figure its a 50/50 chance of having a girl and one baby can never wear all the clothes we have, so Im getting rid of any that aren't my very favorites. My very favorites are the little polo dresses, or the too cute matching outfits or special things they were given. It was really hard and I was almost in tears, but I manages to come up with about 5 tubs of clothes and shoes. I have to send the kids away too cuz I'm gettin rid of tons of toys too! They will never miss em! It will feel so nice to de-clutter and have some extra money for our VACA!

So vacation begins Memorial weekend...can't wait! The girls are going with Mawmaw and Pawpaw and driving down to Gulf Shores. Mommy and Daddy are going to the Indy 500 with my dad and the family for memorial weekend. We are taking Granpa's ashes to be spread at the track...at his request! I would never miss that in a million years. The man went to Indy for over 50 years and kept those same 16 tickets and took so many people over the years. They are some of my greatest memories of him and the tradition will continue. After the race on Sunday we will drive down to Gulf Shores to meet them along with Jason's aunt and uncle, cousins, and kids for the week. It should be a great time! We've got two condos which will be nice for cooking, sleeping and letting the kids play. There are a couple nice pools and we are right on the beach too. The kids will have some friends to play with and Jason's cousins are close in age to us, so it should be fun for all. counting the days....

These are some sunny pictures we took at Turtle park a couple weeks ago. It was hot that day. Tried to get a few spring pics, but we didn't get as many as we hoped. Still I love a little girl in a shirt dress! Aww...

Happy Easter

I think I said this last year, but Easter is turning into Christmas! I do definitely like for my kids to get something other than candy, but presents and big items really aren't necessary! Last year they got a swingset. This year the Easter Bunny brought a water table...along with all the other stuff....DVD's, bubbles, toys, etc. And not to mention the other gifts and baskets from Grandma's and aunt Julie.
It was a good Easter, besides the wet weather :( We were sad we couldn't go outside for our Easter egg hunts, but we did get one in on Sunday. Of course I didn't get very many good pictures because by then they were tired, crabby, and not looking so pretty anymore! lol!

Spring Break for Taylor

Taylor had a busy week on Spring Break! She got to go to Mawmaw Lisa's one night and day, she had a day with Mawmaw Jan at the library, painting pottery, and bowling with Haley and David, she had a day with Daddy fishing and playing at the park and on Friday Mommy took off work and we had a family day. The weather was nasty of course on the day mommy was off, so we decided to go to the Magic House. It has been a long time since Taylor has been there, so it was all fun and new! Parker had a blast too! It really is a fun place. It was a little backed, but a great time.

 this thing was Parker's favorite! It was so funny! You put soft little balls in this vaccuum tube and they fly through and shoot out at you. She was screaming and jumping! lol!

 Parker really loved watching the choo choo's!

 of course the water tables were a hit!

Parker's Horsy Ride!

This had us rolling last night! She decided she wanted to ride Taylor's horse! LOL!