The big girls performed in their Christmas "play" last Sunday. Their part was singing "Away in a manger" which we had been working on memorizing since Halloween. The May pre-recorded saying Luke 2 8-14 before the play. I have to say I was amazed at how well she memorized it. Thanks to "Charlie Brown Christmas" and especially to Linus for all the help! The highlight of the night was when The Belle gently pushed The May out of the way so she could sing directly into the microphone! Oh, and when Jude (a wise man) tripped over a cable and fell face first onto the stage (thankfully he was not hurt and hopefully he wont be mad at his entire family for laughing hysterically when he watches it on video in years to come)! The Lynn waved wildly at her sisters and cousins throughout the performance.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ok, so I am really behind. That seems to be the new norm in my life. 19 days until Christmas and I have bought 3 gifts. The Lynn turns 2 in 14 days and I have not sent out the first birthday invitaion. Nor, have I sent out the first Christmas card (although I have bought the girls dresses for the picture). We got our tree up on Saturday and there is one strand of lights on it.....not a single ornament. I haven't folded a single piece of clothing since we have gotten back from Disney. That's right we went to Disney for Thanksgiving with Nana and Papa and haven't blogged a single picture. So, what have I been doing? Trying to survive. You know the typical everyday chores....take The Belle to school, groceries,laundry, dishes, lunch, take people to the bathroom (yep The Lynn is potty trained!), pick The Belle up from school, homework, dinner, bath, bed, and then start all over again.

The Pre-K, K-5, 1st grade, and 5th grade had a Thanksgiving feast at school. The Belle made the cuteset pilgrim I have ever seen! Husband and I both went and it was so much fun. The girls have their Christmas program at church this Sunday. Hopefully, I can post some pictures of that before New Year's.....but don't hold your breath!

And she's off!

I know I am really late posting this but better late than never! It has been about 2 months since The Belle started riding her bike without training wheels! This was a huge deal to me. I mean this is one of those things that makes her an official kid. Although, I was beaming ear to ear as she rode off on her own it made me think back to the first time she rolled over, crawled, talked, walked, worte her name, you know all those big milestones. It all just happened so fast.

Trunk orTreat

Our church "trunk or treated" on Saturday night. I took the girls a couple of weeks ago to pick out there costumes. The May chose to be a cow, The Lynn chose (with my help of course) to be a pig, and The Belle chose to be a farmer (with a little guidance from me since there was not a farm animal costume in her size). I tried the animal costumes on in the store and The Lynn pitched a fit when I took it off of her. I frequently asked The Lynn "are you going to be a pig?" and she would reply with a hearty "ses (yes)". So, trunk or treat day arrives. The plan was to celebrate Aunt Sarah's birthday with Grandmama and Pappy and then head to trunk or treat. So, the time comes to put on the costumes. Everyone was so excited, everyone but The Lynn. I try to put the pig on her and she quickly puts her chin down to her chest (with the grumpiest face imaginable) and says "no". I quickly remind her that she loves the pig and all week has been saying "pig, yes". After battling with her for 20 minutes or so I knew the pig costume was not going on. Thankfully, we have costumes from years past so I drove home and got a ladybug costume. She also protested the ladybug but Aunt Sarah and myself prevailed and she grumpily headed to trunk or treat. The girls had a great time and got entirely too much candy. The bucket of candy has currently been moved to the top of the refrigerator due to sneaky little hands constantly going through it (cough, cough, The Lynn and The May). I have a feeling that bucket may be cleaned out by the end of the week (wink, wink). Here are some pictures from the night.

The May Turned 4

Dear May,
I am so sorry that I am almost 2 weeks late writing this to you. You had a wonderful 4th birthday party! 4 years old already?!?! It just doesn't seem possible!
Some of my favorite qualities about you are:
*Your love of singing! Although, you tend to only perform for your immediate family.
*Your sharing heart. Out of all 3 girls you are the first to share with others.
*Your imagination. I love that you make up names for total strangers. If you don't know the name of something you will just make one up (which is very entertaining).
*You play so well by yourself. When you go missing at home, it never fails you are in a closet or corner playing with baby dolls.
*You actually enjoying cleaning; not putting things away, but actually cleaning. You will rub every spot or stain out of the carpet.
*You still want me to hold you when you get hurt or are sad.
*Your love of reading! Madeline is your absolute favorite book right now. Grandmama gave you a Madeline doll for your birthday that says 4 French/English phrases for your birthday. You have slept with her every night since.
*You love to go places.......anywhere as long as you get to go!
*Your daintiness. You may be my tiny little girl but what you lack in size you make up in personality!

You are a very special girl and you continually keep us laughing. I love you more than words could ever express!

Here are a few pictures from The May's girly princess party. *Jude did stop by to tell her happy birthday.

Titanic

I have been a terrible mommy blogger. One of the main reasons I started a blog was that it gave me the ability to journal. I love to scrapbook but the reality of that happening with 3 small children is dim. So the blog allows me to journal and then go back and scrapbook at a later time (like when the girls are grown). But, I have terribly failed. The May turned 4 a week ago, The Belle got her training wheels taken off her bike, and The Lynn is growing like a weed! All of this (plus tons more) has come and gone and I have yet to blog it. I feel like the Titanic. Not like I am on it but I am actually it! I wish someone would have warned me over the summer of the huge ice berg (The Belle starting school) that I was about to plow into. And I just like the Titanic keep taking on water. There is so much going on in our lives right now I don't even have time to list it all. I may be floating belly up before I know it! But I promise I won't sink. I will get back to blogging even if I'm water logged.

Titanic

I have been a terrible mommy blogger. One of the main reasons I started a blog was that it gave me the ability to journal. I love to scrapbook but the reality of that happening with 3 small children is dim. So the blog allows me to journal and then go back and scrapbook at a later time (like when the girls are grown). But, I have terribly failed. The May turned 4 a week ago, The Belle got her training wheels taken off her bike, and The Lynn is growing like a weed! All of this (plus tons more) has come and gone and I have yet to blog it. I feel like the Titanic. Not like I am on it but I am actually it! I wish someone would have warned me over the summer of the huge ice berg (Chloe starting school) that I was about to plow into. And I just like the Titanic keep taking on water. There is so much going on in our lives right now I don't even have time to list it all. I may be floating belly up before I know it! But I promise I won't sink. I will get back to blogging even if I'm water logged.

Tylenol and Motrin

We made it throuh two weeks of school and BAM. The Belle got sick! The May ran high fever all Monday night and into Tuesday. The Belle woke up yesterday morning without a complaint so off to school she went. And then, at 9:45 I got a phone call from school saying that she was in the office with a fever. Poor thing couldn't even hold her head up. We battled fever all day yesterday and then at the spike (around 103 degrees) she threw up. She woke up this morning with no fever and ready to play. Unfortunately, she can't go back to school until she is fever free for 24 hours so no school for her today. I hate it when the girls are sick. They were both just pitiful. But, now they are back to their normal selves. I also hate that The Belle had to miss school today but, it was nice not having to get everyone up and rushed out the door. Now, if husband and I can just steer clear of any sick germs that would be great!

We Did It

I feel like I should burst into the Dora "We Did It" song! What did we do you ask? We survived the first week of kindergarten. I tell ya what though; it just about killed me. I am so glad Monday is a holiday so I have an extra day to recover from pure exhaustion.

More importantly, The Belle loves school (I knew she would)! I am in total amazement with all she has learned this week. She has the most patient teacher I have ever seen. By Thursday night she was quoting Psalm 1 from memorization which is just the sweetest thing I have ever heard. She is also quickly making new friends. How cute is she and Miss Kaci in the picture! The highlight of the week for The Belle was that Kaci had a hot dog with pickles (it was actually relish; obviously The Belle has never had any) and ketchup for lunch.

I have to tell you the first few days of school were really rough on me. I cried driving out of the parking lot. Not because I didn't want to leave her but because she has grown up so fast. After the girls' and I dropped her off on Monday we went grocery shopping. That was a very strange experience with just 2 kids. I am so used to having all 3 with me. The May loved it though! She got to pick out all her favorite snacks and didn't have to compromise with The Belle. The May has adjusted really well this week with The Belle at school. She does ask throughout the day what The Belle is doing. The two of us read alot while The Lynn is napping. I think she is appreciating the one on one time we are having together. We will see how week 2 goes but until then soak in all the cuteness from the pictures!

Water Works

Today was the big day. I thought I was all good with The Belle starting school. Apparently, I wasn't. I started crying last night at parent orientation, continued throughout the night, and into the morning. The tears finally stopped at snack time. Yes, I stayed the majority of the morning with her (I wasn't the only mom who stayed; I however was the only mom who cried). I finally composed myself to leave campus and go to lunch with 2 other moms. The Belle told me at lunch that I should go eat with my friends. Seriously, she kept asking when I was going to leave. When I returned from lunch the class was napping. The Belle has not taken a nap since she was 2 1/2! I asked her if she fell asleep and she said "no mam, I just rested". There are not enough words to describe how sweet her school is. For example, the boy's pull out the girl's chairs for them! It is just the sweetest environment I have ever been in. Today's hours were 9:00 - 1:30. Thankfully, Grandmama and Pappy kept The May and The Lynn for me so I could stay with The Belle. The May was so sweet in the van on the way to their house. She said "Grandmama is going to think The Belle looks beeeuuuuteeful"! Monday will be quite a challenge since we will have to leave our house at 7:00 and I will have all 3 girls in tow. So, life as I once knew it has changed and I am pretty sure reality is about to hit me in the face!

I am becoming a grown-up

The time has arrived! The Belle goes to kindergarten tomorrow! I have very mixed emotions about this. I am mostly overwhelmed with excitement for her. She is going to an amazing school and is going to learn so much more than I ever did. And well, she is so excited about starting (so that helps). But, this teeny tiny part of me wants to break down in tears and scream NOOOO! Because, this all just happened so quickly. I mean didn't I just bring this child home from the hospital?!? The realization of The Belle starting school hit The May yesterday. As we were packing all of her school supplies The May looked up at me with the most pitiful face and said "I want to go to school too". I told her we were going to have school at our house for her and it took her mind off of it. This is going to be a huge adjustment for all of us. All prayers are very appreciated! Pictures will follow soon :)

The White Flag Is In My Hand

We started potty training The Lynn on Monday and here it is Friday and I am ready to quit; and in all honesty I think she is also ready. I thought she would pick up on it really quickly because she has 2 older sisters. But, I think they are more of a distraction for her. I have to watch her like a hawk for her potty cues and then run her to the potty. She doesn't take any initiative to go towards the potty at all. I don't have the time or the energy to do that ALL.DAY.LONG. She needs me to be consistent and its just not happening right now. Every time I turn my back she has already peed all over the floor. So, we will attempt this again in a couple of months.

One of the main reasons I haven't been consistent with The Lynn is because I have started SEWING!!! For those of you who know me you know that I am not domesticated at all. So when my parents bought me a sewing machine for my birthday I knew the time had arrived for me to start sewing. I am not kidding when I say "I have never sewn anything a day in my life"! Somehow I managed getting through high school without sewing the first thing. Sadly enough, my husband knows more about sewing than I do. He has been so supportive and helpful the past couple of days. I bought the easiest pattern I could find and the cheapest fabric and started sewing. I have successfully sewed a minature pillowcase and 2 dresses together (they aren't finished just yet). I really didn't think I would enjoy sewing but it is so much fun! I can't wait to make the girls matching dresses. It looks like a better learn how to make a diaper cover also!

29 and holding......in the bathrooom

Well, today I entered into the last year of my 20's! Shockingly, enough it just felt like another typical day in my crazy life with 3 giggling girls. My sweet husband got me this cute dress.

I loved it so much that when I tried it on it made all my other clothes feel boring. The girls made me some really sweet cards. I heard them "secretly" making the cards for me this morning in their closet. At one point The Belle said to The May: "make sure you color Momma's hair brown". Birthday's are so much more fun with kids! My parents gave me a sewing machine. Which I have to admit I have no idea how to use. Seriously, I have never sewn a thing in my life. I am however ready to learn. My parents also took me out to dinner (Chinese)! But, the best gift of all was from my sweet little Lynn! She successfully pottied 4 times today! This is a huge accomplishment since yesterday she went through 13 pairs of panties and never made it once to the potty. I will have to say we spent the entire day in the bathroom (for the exception of nap time and dinner). I had not seen the sun in the past 2 days until we went to dinner. Potty training is mentally exhausting for all of us. It seemed alot easier with the other 2 girls. I feel like I have said "pee pee goes in the potty" 10 gazillion times. I am determined to have her trained within the next 2 weeks (or at least before my 30th birthday)! So, if you should need me I will be in the confinement of my bathroom.

Summer Summary

I can not believe the lack of posting I have done this summer. I pinky swear I will post more often (even though I have probably lost all 3 of my readers). In my defense it has been a very busy summer. Instead of trying to catch up by posting about each event I will give you the cliff notes version of our summer.

We kicked the summer off by me having an abdominoplasty. Which I have to say I do not regret at all. The pain was terrible but it was so worth it. My husband was a wonderful nurse and took really good care of me and the girls. The recovery time was for 6 weeks. But as you read on you will see it didn't slow me down too much.

The girls were super excited to give their daddy an ipod shuffle for Father's Day. I was super excited that we (all Skaggs children) gave my father-in-law a membership to geocaching. If you have never heard of this it is basically a huge tresaure hunt. It is so much fun!

Husband interviewed for his previous position at Tate and got the job! We are both very excited for him to be returning to our alma matter. He also cut grass as a side job this summer. He has become quite the landscaper in this horrendous heat!

The Belle got her shots to start school! She really has come a long way with the Dr. office. From a screaming toddler who almost passed out a couple of times to a big girl who did not shed one tear when she got her shots. My baby isn't so much a baby anymore.

Husband and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! God bless Aunt Sarah for babysitting our 3 children (along with her 2) so we could enjoy a lunch date to Olive Garden. 7 years......wow! Somedays it feels like we just got married and then other days it seems so long ago. Either way God has blessed me with such an amazing husband and daddy for our girls.

My good friend Carla and I went to the Michael Buble concert......for FREE! A co-worker of hers gave her the tickets and she invited me....yay! It was so much fun (even the drunk lady who sat behind us and claimed that Michael Buble looked like Willie Nelson.....she obviously had way too much to drink)!

We (the Skaggs family) had a beach house booked for a week in July. Unfortunately, BP ruined that for us. We instead went to Charleston South Carolina. Uncle John got us an amazing deal on a house (that we all fit in). It was extremely hot but we had a great time. The girls especiallly loved the water park and the cupcake bakery we went to.

This past Saturday we celebrated Uncle John's departure from the Navy. It was at a beatiful location! The girls especially enjoyed dancing and playing in the sand. We are excited to see what God has planned for this new chapter of Uncle John and Aunt Emily's life.

We celebrated husbands grandparents 60th wedding anniversary yesterday afternoon at the beach. Although we didn't find the $60 gift card treasure and it rained quite a bit; it was still a good time.

We started potty training The Lynn today! Can you believe it my life is about to be rid of diapers........WOO-HOO! She hasn't successfully made it to the potty but we are committed to training all week. The Belle and The May have been very good helpers. Both have successfully made it to the potty about 5 times each (to show The Lynn how to do it). They are also very good at retrieving clean panties for her. I am really hoping that she picks up on potty training as quickly as her sisters did.

I will turn 29 tomorrow! Do you understand that is just one more year until I am 30!?! Worse than that.....................................

The Belle starts school on August 27th! She is extremely excited about starting school. I on the other hand am very anxious about it. I know she will love it; which makes it easier for me but seriously, she is starting school! This is an entirely new journey for us. It is going to be a major adjustment for everyone.

So, that about sums up our summer. I will get some pictures up soon! I am really excited to see what the fall will bring. One thing I know it will bring is another trip to Disney World! Let me just say I.Can.Not.Wait!!!!

To Infinity And Beyond!

We watched Toy Story for the first time last night. The girls were so cute while we were watching it. The May was so excited that her and Andy's baby sister share names. So, throughout the entire movie she kept asking where she was. The Belle was so into the storyline and asked a million questions. She also hid her face behind the pillow during any dramatic part (especially when Sid was mean to his toys). The Lynn went to bed about a third of the way thru the movie. She did however lay very still while she was on the couch with all of us. Both girls were very upset when it went off but I quickly saved the day by announcing "we can watch Toy Story 2 tomorrow night". The Belle was so excited and said "then after Toy Story 2 we can watch Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 and Toy Story 5". Then I had to explain to her that Toy Story 3 had not come out yet but that it was coming to the movie theater very soon. So, she said we could go watch it there.......I was kinda hoping we could wait until it came out on dvd (then we could buy the whole combo 1, 2, and 3) but we will see.

Today was my first day back to normal life after surgery (I'm still not able to lift anything or bend over). We went to church, ate lunch at Grandmama's, and went back to church. I'm pretty tired but I'm so glad to have gotten out of the house for the day. I go back to the Dr. tomorrow for a check-up. I'm really hoping that I don't have to have my belly drained with a needle (to release any fluid build up). Well, I have 2 girls sitting beside me begging to watch Toy Story 2. I hope Andy's sister makes more appearances in this one!

Recovering

I promise I am still alive. I had my tummy tuck surgery on Tuesday June 1st and so far so good! I went to the Dr. yesterday and thankfully I got the drains out (YAY!). Husband has been really amaznig.....really. He has changed bandages, dumped drains (yuck), adjusted my pillows a million times, cooked meals, cleaned, you name it he has done it. He told me yesterday he was expecting a really nice Father's Day gift (I better get on that). My mom has also been wonderful. Her church has VBS all this week and she has picked up and dropped off the girls each night. It has given husband and I some down time (well, mostly him since I spend the majority of my time laying down). I will be glad when things get back to normal for me. I can't lift anything for 6 weeks. I really miss holding the girls and little things like getting into bed by myself. But I know it will come soon enough. The sad thing is that by the time I heal, the oil will probably have hit our beaches (its already beginning to come on shore). It really is depressng when you see our beautiful beaches and then when you see that nasty oil quickly approaching. Unfortunately, we have cancelled our beach house that we get with husband's family. We are now looking at an alternative vacation plans but really, what can top a week at the world's most beautiful beach?!?!? So, it looks like we will be spending our summer poolside this year. I know I have been terrible at blogging. Seriously, I am trying to get better :)

Mother's Day

We dedicated The Lynn this morning at husband's parents church. It was really sweet that Pappy dedicated our baby girl to the Lord. We went to my mom's after church for lunch. It was a great Mother's day. Oh and I got a new Coach bag too! Here are some pictures from the day.

Elvis has left the building

The May said the funniest thing yesterday. First let me give you a little background in case you don't live in our part of the world. There is a restaurant downtown that uses a triple decker green bus for advertisement. They have an Elvis mannequin that sits in the driver seat. He used to have a mechanical arm that waved but I guess over the years it broke. They dress him up on holiday's and my girls get a kick out of it. So there is the background to catch you up.

My parents are on vacation this week. They were in Memphis yesterday and went to Graceland. (I got a virtual minute to minute tour via our blackberries.)Here is how the conversation between Molly and I went:

Me: Nana and Papa went to see Elvis' house today.

Molly: They went to heaven?

Me: No they went to his house he lived in before he died.

Molly: Oh you mean they went to the big green bus?

That girl is some kind of funny.

Catching Up!

I am so behind on blogging. I was reading some of my old blogs today (thanks Aunt Emily for the reminder) and had completely forgotten about things that happened in the past couple of years. I am so glad I documented these events becasue otherwise I would have no memory of it and if I don't get back to blogging I am going to kick myself for not doing it. So here we go. So much has happened in the past couple of months! We moved, The Belle turned 5, the big girls got their ears pierced, Easter, the big girls got a pedi and mani, The Belle was accepted into a wonderful Christian school for kindergarten, Husband and I competed in a team triathlon with Uncle John, Aunt Emily, Uncle Josh, and Aunt Sarah, my husband got a cell phone (for the first time EVER), and The Lynn just about scared me to death with an eye injury. I know that's alot of information to digest at one sitting so I will be covering these topics one post at a time. Today will be a fun one: the girls getting their ears pierced!

Several months ago Grandmama found a school picture of Aunt Sarah when she was 6 years old. The very first thing The Belle noticed about the picture was that she had earrings. Grandmama told her that Aunt Sarah got her ears pierced for her 5th birthday. Well, that was all it took. The Belle was determined that she too would get her ears pierced for her 5th birthday. So, for several months ALL we heard about was how she was going to get earrings and roller skates for her birthday. At some point Margo and The May also decided that they too wanted their ears pierced. We had lots of discussions about how they pierce your ears, that it may be painful, that you would have to keep them in for 6 weeks, and that we would have to clean them frequently. I have always been very strict about birthday presents. I do not like giving presents to everyone for one girls birthday. For example, if it is The Belle's birthday then only The Belle gets presents (there are some people who give presents to all of their children when it is only one child's birthday). I did however make an exception this one time. The Belle and Margo are 13 days apart so we thought it would be best for the girls to get their ears pierced at the same time (misery loves company.....right?). But, The May wanted her ears pierced also. I knew The May would be so sad to see her big sister and big cousin (who she adores) get earrings and she not get to be apart of it. But, it was The May I was also most worried about (she does NOT handle pain well at ALL)! When we arrived at the mall the girls had decided to let The Belle go first since it was her actual birthday. Well, as the preparations began The Belle very graciously allowed Margo to go first (she had to see it happen before she could do it). Margo chose her earrings first and both of my girls chose the same (thank goodness Margo is not undecisive; we would have been there all day looking at earrings). Margo was very brave and didn't shed a tear. So, up next was The May who shed lots of tears (we were worried we were going to leave there with just one earring). Matter of fact it was so bad she wouldn't let us look at it or even talk about it for several hours. Then next was The Belle who also did wonderful. The worst one of all was Husband and Uncle Josh! Those poor guys were literally feeling faint. It was really sweet of them to be so worried about their girls. Honestly though my Husband was just as nervous if not more than when I was in labor with those children. So here are some pictures from the big event!

Good gracious I can not believe it has been a month since I have blogged. So much has happened since my last post. The most recent event was The Belle's 5th birthday. Seriously, my baby girl is 5. I can literally remember everything about the day she was born (including the clothes I was wearing when I went into labor). Time really does go by way too fast. These are just a few pictures from her party.

Dear Belle,
I can not believe I am writing you a happy 5th birthday letter. 5 is such a big milestone age and yet in so many ways you are still a little girl. But, I think you will always be a little girl to me. You have changed in so many ways. You can do almost everything independently; dress yourself, buckle yourself, clean up, prepare your own peanut butter crackers, bathe yourself, read, write a letter, and so much more. As I watched you fall asleep (with your newly pierced ears) the night of your birthday I couldn't help but wipe away the tears. So quickly, you have grown into a beautiful girl and it scares me to think how quickly the next 5 years will go by. When I found out I was pregnant with you all I knew was that I wanted a baby. I never dreamed I would have been given all the joy you have brought into my life. You are such a sweet little lady and I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday! Momma

Tubes and a Bottle

One week ago The Lynn got tubes. The 2 of us got up at the crack of dawn and headed to the hospital.*Thanks to Grandmama and Pappy for letting The Belle and The May spend the night with them!* Thankfully she was the first surgery so it went pretty quickly. Since we had been through this with The Belle I knew what to expect. But still, when I changed her into that little blue hospital gown it was hard to fight back the tears. I think the worst part for me was just knowing she would be put to sleep and I wouldn't be there with her. She didn't mind the gown. Matter of fact it was easy access for her to pull her diaper off in the pediatric waiting area. Once the nurse came in and gave her some "princess juice" she was good to go. It took about 5 minutes for the loopiness to begin (she couldn't even hold her paci in her mouth). She would just look at me and smile. Notice the difference in the pictures (pre princess juice and post)you can really tell in her eyes. Her Dr. came in to talk to me (wearing a Mike Zowoski hat from Monsters Inc) about the procedure and The Lynn was talking to his hat the entire time. I'm assuming he wore the hat during surgery becasue when he came out to tell me how it went it was still on his head. When the anesthia team came into get her she went right to them with no problem (which made it easy for me). The procedure took less than 10 minutes. I quickly went back to see her (I actually heard her before I saw her). It isso sad when a baby is coming out of anesthia becasue they have no clue what is going on. The nurse told me that she was upset because there was no formula in her bottle. I told her um she hasn't been on a bottle in several months. She added some apple juice (which I have given to her just a few times with mostly water)to her "bottle" and it didn't take long for her to remember what to do with it. She sucked it down like a little piggie. The nurse gave us 4 bottles of apple juice to take home. When I loaded her into the van she was very happily showing me her bottle and I let her know that as soon as we got home those were going in the trash. I took a few pictures of her excitedly holding her "bottle". She napped very well when we got home and was happy when Nana brought her sisters home. I haven't seen a big difference in her speech yet but I feel like within the next few weeks I will. Thanks to all of you who prayed for her it was so comforting to know that you were praying for my baby girl.

Details are important

Most of you probably already know about this but I thought it needed to be documented somewhere. So, Uncle John(aka Shoe Lace Hero; see older posts) is in the Navy and was abruptly sent to Cuba at the beginning of February to assist with Haiti relief. He really had no idea how long he would be gone. Aunt Emily asked all her friends and family to begin praying for John to return home by March 6th. Now I am a firm believer in asking God for specific details that are in His will. Several friends and family members prayed for The Lynn to arrive on her birth date. Anyways, it looked as if Uncle John would be flying in on Saturday March 6th.....awesome right? Well guess who called us last night from HOME?!? I'm telling you our God is amazing. He cares about every detail in our life! This was just too good not to tell about.

*other good news: The Lynn got her tubes yesterday and is doing great. I will post all the details soon.

flying solo

For the first time in almost 7 years Husband and I spent the night apart. He left early yesterday morning for a work conference. I can't wait for him to get home tonight. I have a new appreciation for couples who spend lengthy times apart and especially those with children. I have only been "alone" for 28 hours and it has been tough. I'm usually not a happy camper when one of the girls get in bed with us in the middle of the night but I was so happy when The May snuggled up with me at 3:00 am. I slept like a log from that point on. I wouldn't make it as a military wife. Thanks to all of you wives who have spent many sleepless nights way from your husbands.

Snow Day/Marraige Retreat/Valentine's

I can't believe it has been a week since I have posted. Lots has happened since then. Including a 3 pound weight gain. I curse you Valentine's Day. I'm trying to get back on track. Several things have been going on in the last week so I'm just going to hit the high points.

*last Friday was a snow day! We had so much fun but are so thankful we don't live where it does snow frequently. I'm still trying to catch up on laundry.
*husband and I went to a marriage retreat Friday and Saturday. It was so much fun getting time to ourselves and getting to know other married couples who are striving to grow closer to Christ and each other.
*valentines day was spent watching the girls valentine gift: "Minnie Mouse Bow-tique". Don't you just love their valentine shirts?
*in other news The Lynn gets tubes on March 2nd. The doctors exact words were "her ears are just awful" poor girl.

I know that's lots of info in one post. I'm going to try to get better at posting more frequently...we shall see.

Thigh "less" Thursday:-3.0

Thigh less Thursday is Weight less Wednesdays substitute. That's what happens when you have umpteen million things going on (including 2 ulcers which are probably caused from the umpteen million things). But hey I lost 3 pounds ....holla! I will try to post an update of all that is going on but don't hold your breath. It looks like Monday will be the earliest I can get to it. Here's something that will shock the pants off ya: husband is off work tomorrow for a snow day! That's right Florida is expected to get snow ......maybe even an inch. The girls are super stoked me not so much. But if it's going to be this cold I guess we should get to see snow. And believe me snow pictures will be posted asap if it happens!

Tubes For The Lynn

Things have been so crazy this week. The main event has been The Lynn and her ears. She was up all night on Wednesday with fever. So Thursday morning we made a trip to the Dr. Sure enough, a double ear infection. It didn't take much convincing on my part or the pediatricians to get tubes. I'm sure most of you remember the saga we went thru with The Belle and her ears. I'm so glad we will be getting The Lynn's tubes at a younger age (so hopefully she won't go thru the trauma that The Belle did). I hate the thought of my baby being put to sleep but I love the thought of no more ear infections.

Weight"Less" Wednesday: Choices

It's been so long since I have weighed that I am starting over. After the migraine issues I had (which now seems to be resolved; thanks to my new glasses, which I will try to post a picture of soon) I fell off the wagon. Seriously, I had no motivation to eat healthy or exercise. I spent the majority of Monday in a funk (so what did I do: ate like a pure hog). I got really sad about the lack of exercise and the lack of healthy choices I have been making. So, yesterday morning I had what I like to call "a coming to Jesus meeting." I literally went to Jesus about it (which I should have done on Monday but I digress). Everyday I make millions of choices. All the junk I have been eating and my laziness those were my choices. I spent yesterday drinking LOTS of water (holla Emily!) and eating my allowed calories. I also ran a mile and did my mom's new biggest loser wii workout. It felt good! I got up early this morning and lifted weights. I finished 64 ozs. of water before 12:30 and am eating my healthy foods at my designated times. I was pleasently surprised that from yesterday to today I lost a little over 1 pound. So, here it is I am CHOOSING to stick to it because obviously the alternative choices were not working for me. Here's to next Wednesday and a lighter/healthier me!

MIA

I'm still here. I do apologize for the lack of posts here lately. I know all of you have been anxiously awaiting a post (ok you probably haven't but in my mind you are). Anywho, there is nothing exciting going on around these parts. Unless however, you consider rounds of breathing treatments, nasal spray, humidifiers, and ample dosages of cough medicine exciting. That's right all 3 girls have been sick. Which means lack of sleep for us. Although I did score a 2 1/2 hour nap with The May yesterday (thanks Hubs!). The one funny thing about all this sickness......I was reading the back of the cough medicine box and it honestly says "do not give: to make child sleepy". I will let you be the judge on that one.

Moving On Up

So instead of admitting myself into the psychiatric hospital (see previous post) I'm now looking into a good nursing home. Friday I got my eyes examined and got a double prescription. Before I go any further I need to give a disclaimer *I know nothing about vision/eye glasses. A nice and very fashionable gentleman (his glasses were dolce and gabana) helped me pick out a frame that he said complemented my face very nicely. So he takes me to fit my frames *which have a separate cost from lenses*. I learned so much at Lens Crafters. He explains to me that I have a double prescription and wants to know if I want both filled. I thought this meant I would need 2 pair of glasses so I told him that I just wanted reading glasses. So I get home with my new glasses and realize that I can see great while reading but can't see a thing when I look up. My dear husband (who has been wearing glasses/contacts since he was 16) explained to me that the prescription I got was for bifocals! And I said "come again; I'm only 28 this can't be possible. So now while I'm reading I have to wear my glasses on the end of my nose so when I look up I don't get "sea sick". Now here's the kicker to the story. I go to tuck the girls into bed and The Belle is laying in bed with a pair of sunglasses on the tip of her nose reading a book. Husband asked her what are you doing and she responded with "being an old lady"! Talk about kicking you when your down! So after doing some research I found out that I can get a progressive lens so you can't see the bifocal. But it costs an extra $100. I wonder if my social security will kick in soon so I can cover the cost?

Oh You Think I Am Kidding

Do you think there is Internet access at the psychiatric hospital? I'm telling ya if I don't get some headache relief soon I will be admitting myself. 5 days of this headache is driving me crazy (not that these 3 girls haven't already driven me there). Maybe they will let me bring my "crack"berry so I can blog.

Weightless Wednesday

So I know today is not Wednesday and to be honest I'm not sure if I was weightless. I was running a million miles an hour yesterday and didn't have the chance to weigh in. I would venture to say I probably didn't lose. So here's my excuse: I experienced my first ever migrane this week. I must say it was terrible. The best description I could come up with for my headache was contractions behind my eyes. I didn't feel like eating or exercising for a few days. Once I got my appetite back I didn't make the healthiest choices. Needless to say I will be getting my eyes examined soon. I have kept a dull headache since the migrane left. I know this is an excuse and I should just get over it (and I will just as soon as the contractions subside). Don't worry I will be lighter in no time.

WeightLess Wednesday -1.0

Ok I know its not a huge loss but its a loss. I had hoped for a bigger number. It has been hard fitting exercise back into my schedule and not to mention the arctic temperatures we have been experiencing. I have however been eating really well and drinking lots of water. The weather should be warming up this week so I'm hoping to get lots more cardio in. Here's to next week!

Shoe Lace Hero Part 2

After Aunt Emily read the previous post ("Shoe Lace Hero") she emailed me some pictures that she had taken of the "band". I have to admit playing in a band is way more fun than learning to tie shoe laces.

Shoe Lace Hero

We spent some time at Uncle John and Aunt Emily's house over the Christmas break. I always feel like I am at a 5 star hotel when we stay with them. Everything is so clean and their house is decorated to a "T". Before we went to lunch and shopping at the outlets Uncle John tried to teach The Belle how to tie her shoe laces on her new shoes she got for Christmas. Now I know some of you are thinking "isn't she a teacher?" Well, yes a matter of a fact I do have a degree in Elementary Education and feel pretty qualified to teach children. I did however attempt to teach her and it didn't work out so well. The May and The Lynn were crawling all over us and I quickly lost my patience. So I did what any good Mom would do; I sent her to her Daddy. I got a good giggle when I saw him google "how to tie shoe laces". He had about as much luck as I did. I then had the brilliant idea for Uncle John to teach her. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He is a lieutenant in the Navy. He has driven a Naval ship thru the Panama Canal. I felt confident that he could teach my 4 year old to tie her shoes. He taught her the first step (which she has just about perfected). But, before I knew it they were downstairs and no longer tying shoes but, playing "rock band hero". I didn't get a picture of this because, well, ahem, someone had to be the lead singer.

Weight"less" Wednesdays

That's right folks its back! Let's just say I enjoyed the past few months a little too much. The influx of junk I have eaten and the lack of movement caused my behind to expand (9 pounds worth!). So I'm back to it! That's right all water, fresh food, running, lifting weights, journaling, the whole shebang! Aunt Emily has modified our biggest loser competition to a points system and I'm ready to smoke my competitors. So tune in next Wednesday....hopefully my behind will quickly shrink back into place!

Quite The Bowler

Over the Christmas break we took the girls bowling. The May scored the highest out of all the 5 kids (and scored higher than a couple of adults; you know who you are). She scored a whopping 81 points. I think she gets it from her Mama but I digress. She had quite the technique. It started out with her holding her arms straight above her head and progressed with holding her leg up behind her. She held this position the entire time the ball rolled down the lane (which felt like eternity since it was a 6 pound ball pushed by a 3 year old). It will probably be a while before we return to the lanes. It cost us 22 bucks (with a coupon) for 2 adults and 2 children to bowl one game. Do you know how many groceries we could have bought with that $.

The Princess and The Frog

We took The Belle and The May to their first movie (in a theater). They were so excited that they each wanted to wear a dress and high heels. I will never understand why scary previews are shown at a "G" movie. We covered their little eyes throughout the previews and during the scary voodoo parts of the movie. The May was so cute; when she would get scared she covered her own eyes. They are already asking to go see another movie. Next time we will get there after the previews.