Just the pics

Not much time to write, but just had to post a few of my favorite pics :)




The 3 were wearing overalls together for the first time. James LOVES his, Morgan was happy that it wasn't a dress, and Madison had a FIT!  She didn't want to wear them at all, so I was lucky to get a picture!  I did take hers off soon after this shot :)  Thanks Grams & Aunt Suzy for the wardrobe!

 Morgan and her cart.  Bless her little heart - she is my hoarder-in-the-making!  She likes to fill her dollhouse with odds & ends, then transfer them to her grocery cart for easy toting.  I've often tried to remove one item to see if she would notice, and she DOES! Amazing memory!  And yes, Uncle Scott, with a cute face like hers, it is hard to deny her of the cart of treats!

Nothing beats footed pj's and monster trucks with dad!  We've discovered a few short Monster Truck videos on YouTube, and James could spend every waking minute watching them (if we allowed it). Here is his "Puppy Truck" - he has a toy one as well, and amazed to see the REAL one in action!

 

Every weekend, we have a "date day" with the kids. This means they each get a special day alone with either mom, dad, or Grams.  The kids love the individual attention, and we love being able to take them special places - a task not easily done with the entire gang in tow.  Here, Madison enjoys a photo-op on the carousel at the Downtown Aquarium. As soon as the ride started and the shark began moving, the ride was OVER.  Not a happy girl, but I'm glad she poses for pictures before meltdowns!

Have a blessed day!

Some things I already miss....

Here we are - the latest photo with the kids! We all gathered at the Stone's house... we took a million photographs, hoping to get one good shot.  This is one of my favorites - Little James was in my arms, squirming to break free... when it finally happened, he posed - maybe he just wanted a little time  in the spotlight!  The girls were happy being nestled with Grams and Pop, and Uncle Jon got in on the fun as well!

I also realized this week, just how FAST they are all growing up.  Seems like only yesterday they were born, all in the NICU under constant care and supervision. We all prayed for healthy babies - ones that would grow big and strong.  We feel SO BLESSED that our children are all doing FANTASTIC - absolutely no complaints here...

except...

Maybe they ARE all growing up just a little too quickly for my liking!  I get teary eyed just thinking about kindergarten registration.  Yes, I realize that is still 2 years away - but we're almost 3 years old!  I only have 2 years left with my "babies" until they go to school for 5 days a week, making so many more friends, and loving on sweet teachers.

Several milestones we've reached (well, maybe not physical, but big events in my book):

*Eating off regular plates - no more plastic plates for us! No sippy cups or plastic forks/spoons.  Madison is ready to ditch the booster seat as well, sitting in "Daddy's Chair" as often as possible!

*Picking out OWN clothes - I DO like the fact that everyone can pick out their own PJ's at night, and there are no conversations on which ones will be worn - but now they have definite favorites, and often wonder why the "froggy" pajamas that are clean ALMOST every night somehow didn't make the laundry that day.

*Separate baths - yep, you heard it --- we can no longer fit our "3 men in a tub" anymore - they are just too big!  SO we have have "stations" - someone starts in brother's room watching a Dora or Diego video while the other 2 are in the tub. As soon as someone is finished in the tub, they switch places with the person watching TV, and I am able to add that 3rd body to the tub.  By this time, bather #2 is finished, ready to be dressed, and off to catch up on Dora/Diego as well... then the 3rd one is finished.  Sounds confusing?  it was until we practiced a few nights...  It now only takes about 20 minutes to have all 3 bathed, hair combed with teeth brushed - a routine that once took at least 30 minutes - and usually ended with someone in tears or unhappy.  Now we have 3 very happy, CLEAN kiddos!

*Once Upon a Time Stories - Once upon a time, Mommy and Daddy would tell the story right before we tucked everyone under their big "cover blankies" --- luckily, James still likes for us to tell a story while he fills in the characters and events.  But now the GIRLS like to make up their own stories!  WE LOVE THEM!  Usually filled with a long list of people and animals, ending with everyone playing in the sandbox.  The end.  I need to find a way to record their stories.  I know I will miss these as well some day.

Don't get me wrong - I pray (and always will) that my children grow up healthy and strong - just wish I could press the "pause" button every now and then.

Here are a few pics from January :)

James would LIVE in the dirt if we let him.  He can always be found with SOMETHING making tracks!

Morgan, playing with squirrel corn - and of course, her favorite blankie.

Madison watching the fun - right before she took off running!

Morgan enjoying her gingerbread man from Naegelin's bakery (special delivery from New Braunfels :)

My laughing boy - what a hoot! Wearing (of course) a favorite Thomas shirt.

My giggling princess - twirling, smiling, and laughing.

The group discovering Hula Hoops:)

We saw Santa... again!

"Have you had your picture taken with Santa yet?"

It's a question we get asked many times.  I just haven't had the courage to try recently.
A few weeks ago we had our first encounter with the Jolly Old Soul - we were playing in the castle at Memorial City and paid a visit as we were leaving. We walked by, gave him high-fives and hugs, then left.  Didn't want to put the kids on his lap quite yet... just wanted them to SEE Santa.  Great first visit.

Well, yesterday morning we were all in the van headed home from errands, and received a phone call from Grams. Santa was paying a quick visit to the YMCA! The kids were used to the location since they've been swimming there before.  I didn't have my camera, but we thought, "why not"...

We arrived to find a sweet Santa ready in the lobby, a line that wasn't very long, and several tables set out for Christmas activities for the kids!  James was happy to be amidst the crowd, but the girls were clinging to my pants as they tried to figure out what all the noise was about!  The kids made their first stop at the cookie table! Then off to color a picture of Santa... I decided to avoid the "glitter" craft table at all costs!

Finally - it was OUR time to see Santa. 
James jumped in his lap before we had time to grab him! He gave Santa high-fives, told him he wanted a train and a digger... even gave him 2 kisses before he left! We were ALL surprised - thought for sure he would be the one to shy away... we were SO wrong.

Madison was next in line. During James' visit, she spent the majority of her time hiding behind me (who was sitting on the floor next to Santa with Morgan in my lap).  She was shy, had her back to the camera, and mumbled the entire time.  I DID hear her tell Santa she wanted a baby crib :)  About that time, the camera lady said, "Say Cheese!"... and so she whipped her little face around and gave the camera the biggest, cheesiest smile she could - pretty cute, if I do say so myself.

Time for Morgan - and she was NOT going to be leaving my lap for ANY reason --- so I decided to sit a little closer to Santa so they could at least be in the same picture.  Meanwhile, James, who thought the photos were all finished, was headed for the door... we called him back over to join the group, and he did so in protest.  Not being a very happy boy, he flopped his body over my right shoulder.  The sweet camera lady asked if we wanted to try moving him, etc... I just told her to take the picture - this was a great shot of a typical day ... but this day just happened to be with Santa.

So here is the group photo - complete with uneaten cookies and business cards from Santa (not to drum up business, but explain a little about the true meaning of Christmas).

On the way home, I asked Morgan if she liked Santa, and she said Yes! She also said she wanted a baby crib, too!

Love you lots, Santa! We look forward to seeing you again!



Happy Halloween!

The night was perfect.

The kids knew the drill.

Trick or Treat at every door!

What were we this year?  We had 2 princesses (same as last year) and a Thomas the Train! Started the evening at 4:30 knocking on doors - and were very surprised when the kids weren't scared of the neighbors on the other side!  Treat were collected by 5:00, then off to eat dinner.  My favorite part was AFTER the meal.  The kids sat in the front yard and passed out the candy to OTHER trick-or-treaters!... well, the girls did. James was content to sit in the dirt and play with his train. The girls gave LOTS of candy to the princesses and other not-so-scary costumes, and very little to the "yucky" costumes!  I was proud of the fact that they GAVE candy--- not kept it :)

Bath/Bed was easy - and they all slept like logs!  They're still talking about Trick-or-Treat, and it is difficult to explain that it won't happen again for another year... but I'm sure once they see the Thanksgiving treats and Christmas Candy Canes, they'll be fine :)

Princess Morgan - the crown lasted about 2 minutes :)  Glad we got a shot...

Princess Madison - she actually tried to pose for this :) Crown stayed on FOREVER...and I have a feeling this will be a part of her daily wardrobe...

James, the train conductor.  He wears his costume as long as he can... and as often as possible!

Neighbors, the Gibsons - one of the first houses we hit... at 4:30 in the afternoon!

Trick-or-Treating at Maw-Maw's house.  Good thing she gave us some candy from the "good" basket (containing real chocolate) and not the "other" basket (containing tootsie rolls, Dots, and lollipops!)

Grams helps James into his chair so he can see his candy from the night (and I am hoping he didn't notice the Butterfinger that has mysteriously disappeared since this photo!!!!!)

SURPRISE, MORGAN!!!!!

Uncle Jon helps James get a little closer to the airplanes!

Madison relaxing by the pumpkins - and trying to figure out how to reattach the pumpkin stem!



Our best TREATS EVER!!!



Waiting for next year....

Pumpkin Carving!!!

Last night, we had our very first pumpkin carving! What a blast!  Kids LOVED it!!! Here are a few shots from the evening.

Madison watching Dad !

Morgan reaching in and grabbing seeds - we were surprised she did it! She usually isn't fond of getting dirty :)



Madison cleaning out the pumpkin.



James reaching in for seeds.

Although James liked the pumpkin carving, he was REALLY interested to see if the pumpkin could be hauled by his trains, Thomas and Bill.  (the trains did go through the dishwasher that evening).

Happy kids - happy dad - all looking at their first Jack-o-lantern!

Earlier in the day, we spent time outside enjoying the amazing weather. Madison found a toad by our tree and CAUGHT IT!  I was amazed that she was so quick ... and showed no fear!  The toad was not harmed and hopped away as soon as he got the chance :)

Madison peeking from around the tree - gotta love the dirty face!!!

James - lately he is fascinated with airplanes flying overhead!!! 

Morgan eating goldfish.

Let the Slumber Parties BEGIN!

Well... the day we NEVER thought would arrive has finally come... the day all the cribs are gone!
James received his big boy bed back in June - he mastered the art of climbing out of the crib and disturbing his sisters!  Our guest room was transformed into his bedroom, and the girls shared their original room.  We knew the girls would "escape" naps as well, so we ordered their beds.  After measuring, ordering beds, remeasuring, canceling the original order, and ordering a second set of beds, our beds finally arrived.  The girls' cribs were disassembled.  I cried just a little.  We rearranged the room and took away everything that could get in the way of sleep... and waited... waited for bedtime.
Once baths were over, Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw waited in the hallway with the kids so I could sneak in the room and get the video camera ready... I just had to capture their reaction on film. SOOO glad I did!
See for yourself ... and feel free to press the stop button whenever you need to! Although the laughter, jumping, and giggles last less than 4 minutes on tape, they last MUCH longer during what we ONCE referred to as "nap time"...

Hello Again, Mr. Sandbox!

With the incredibly high temps this summer, we have spent much of our time indoors - not much fun for any of us.  Thank goodness, we've had some beautiful weather for the last few days! We were reintroduced to one of our favorite items - the sandbox!
James enjoyed digging/covering things, Madison enjoyed patting sand to make hand prints, and Morgan sat on the side to blow some bubbles (she's not a fan of getting dirty).

Here are just a few pics from this morning...

Yea, Sandbox time!!! 

Morgan blowing bubbles!

Madison making hand prints

My sweet boy and his dump truck!

Shelby watching over her crew

And the race is ON!

Madison

Morgan playing peek-a-boo

James got a head start on his sisters!



A boy after my own heart - feet on the dashboard, letting someone else drive :)

Back to School?

Hard to believe it is time for school already --- back-to-school sales, teachers decorating classrooms, team meetings are well underway.  AND ... for the first time in 21 years, I will not be a part of it.

Will I miss the teachers.  No doubt.  I love the friendships formed, the way we always were "there" to listen, the great ideas shared, and the professional growth.
Will I miss OKE? ABSOLUTELY!  I can never thank Malynn enough for my support while we established our new little family.
Janet - how will I ever be able to survive without your humor and subtlety? (especially your "special" b-day treats during planning time) 
Taylor - Will I be suffering from ADM withdrawal and creating my own "football fields" in my sleep? (hmmm...let me think about that one)
4th grade team - will I miss your lunch conversations - and catching up with boyfriends, weddings, & babies?  You bet! Guess I'll just have to come back to visit sometime and catch up on all the good gossip!

Will I miss the paperwork.  Nope - sorry! That's an easy one to dismiss!

Will I regret staying home and being a teacher to these 3 little guys?  NEVER!  Seems like the Lord gave me 21 years in the field of education so I can apply what I have learned to my new small group.

Here's a little bit of our latest lessons at home:


Anatomy - we often sit together on the floor and have "surgery". Everyone giggles as I reach into their tummies and pull out trains, Veggie Tales, dirty diapers, and anything else they suggest.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE having everyone looking up at me and laughing --- wish I could record the giggles and play at the same time... you'll just have to use your imagination!

 

Rest time! After a busy day with our new coloring books and a snack of Cheerios, we all settle down for a quick rest while watching Bubble Guppies!!! It also gives me a chance to change diapers while everyone is still (quiet moments are few and far between!).

Make believe - we were all hiding under the table when Daddy got home! Everyone was so excited to see him that we couldn't stay under the table for long, but once in a while, we had everyone together for one picture. Notice how Morgan has already managed to get Daddy's cell phone - good thing Dad can lock the keypad!

Hide-and-Seek - Lately we have discovered fun uses for laundry baskets. They can be used as boats, as "private spaces", as platforms from which we can jump (yes, I know, not the safest choice)... and in this case, the basket was used as a place for 5 people to hide! Uncle Scott and Cousin Rebecca joined in the fun, too!

Community Pets - I guess many elementary classrooms have pets.  We have 2 frogs (thanks, Becca) and our beloved Golden Retriever, Shelby. For those who are wondering if she gets along with the babies, YES! I had to take QUICK pictures as the entire crew decided to sit on the dog! After a BIG lick across the face, Shelby decided to stand and leave the fun. She sleeps really well at night and gets as many power naps as possible.

I have to leave you with a video clip. I was in the kitchen trying to recover from a dinner when I heard giggles and belly laughs coming from the front room.  I had to grab the camera, and thank goodness, caught some of it on film.  James has recently discovered that his sisters are very good at playing and interacting!  Words can't replace the sound of laughter... ( for 1 1/2 minutes).  I don't think I've posted a video for a while, so if you haven't seen us in action lately, enjoy the show!