Days of Our Lives

Random Update - It's Been Awhile! :)

2011-12-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

As I'm on the computer doing some Christmas shopping, I thought I would update my blog since it's been awhile. Here are some pics of what we've been up to the past few months....

We took a trip to see Santa last weekend...on her list this year...Play Wonder Doll, Fur Real Cookie Puppy, Baby Alive, Victorious Singing Doll, Pink Fijit, and Monster High Dolls

Brady took awhile to talk to Santa because he went through everything on his list, including the Blue Fijit, Mario Kart DS game, Kirby Returns to Dreamland Wii game, Super Scribblenauts DS game, Harry Potter 5-7 years DS game, drum set, and Lego Sets

(P.S. Santa is actually already done shopping this year for them...yeah!)

Jason celebrated the big 34....

I celebrated the big 33...

This is Brady, aka Indiana Jones, during the parade at his school

Belle, aka a dead cheerleader, at her school parade. This is the second year in a row she wanted to be this...I caved this year and let her be it.

Indiana Jones and the dead cheerleader ready to get some serious candy!

Our jack-o-lanterns

Cleaning out the pumpkins
At the pumpkin farm

They love to get their faces painted there...

After we finished the corn maze :)

A trip to the zoo...

She broke her right arm falling of the monkey bars at Brady's soccer game on Saturday. After spending the whole day at the zoo on Sunday, we took her to the ER on our way home because she kept favoring her right arm all day and Jason noticed it was a little swollen. Diagnosis at ER was a buckle fracture and we were to follow up with a doctor the next day...and cast it was! She ended getting it off on October 28th....just in time for Halloween! :)

Picture Day...2nd grade

Picture Day...1st Grade

Toothless :)

2011-09-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

In July, Brady lost his first big front tooth. A month later, he lost his second one while eating lunch on vacation. His permanent teeth are already on there way down. :) My little man is growing up so fast.

My Little RockStar

2011-09-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

She just loves to sing and dance!

Vacation 2011 - Myrtle Beach, SC

2011-08-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

This summer we took our fourth family vacation. We went to Myrtle Beach, SC. This was our third time there. :) We enjoyed 10 days of fun in the sun! It was so nice to spend quality time as a family where there was no work, no rushing around, and no schedule. The kids were so excited to go before we left. It was all they would talk about.

We took the kids to their first water park, Wild Water and Wheels. They went down some pretty big water slides. I was always the first to go down, then the kids, then Jason. On my way down the first water slide, I was thinking, "Oh no! The kids are going to freak out!!" I waited for them at the bottom of the slide hoping they would make it down safely. Their response after they went on it..."That was awesome!" I had such a sigh of relief! We didn't get any pictures of us being at the waterpark except for the ones where we ate lunch out at the picnic table area, so that's kind of a bummer.

Alligator Adventure was pretty fun too. We got to see alot of animals/reptiles, including albino alligators and an alligator that was born without a tail. We got to watch an alligator feeding too. This park was at Barefoot Landing, which is full of entertainment just like Broadway at the Beach.

Every day we would hit the pool/beach and then go out at night to either Barefoot Landing or Broadway at the Beach. A few nights we just stayed by the condo and walked down to the pier where they have an arcade, a small restaurant, and live entertainment (dj, kareoke, etc). The kids were so happy to win a bunch of toys at the arcade. They came home with trick bubble gum, ice cream cone popper things, whoopie cushions, bubbles and candy. :)

Brady rode the mechanical bull for the first time, and he was having fun at first but then grew terrified. :( It was funny to watch though. :) Jason zip lined at Broadway at the Beach, and when he got done with that, we went for a pretty fun boat ride. Anabelle loved that! (She still talks about it.) We also went to Wonderworks one day. It's a musuem with lots of interactive exhibits.

One night after eating an early dinner at Margaritaville and then watching the Dangerous Brian show at Broadway at the Beach, we took Belle to the ER because she was complaining that her left ear hurt. She ended up having a middle and outer ear infection. :( After hitting the third CVS (the 24 hour one - only one where the pharmacy was still open), we were able to get her medicine.

On Monday morning (the day before we left), I took a walk on the beach while everyone was still sleeping to watch the sunrise, and I saw dolphins swimming out in the ocean. Later that day when we were at the beach, there were little schools of fish swimming in the ocean. I took Anabelle to see them, and then I took Brady out to see them. As I was showing them to Brady, a large fish about 3-4 ft long swam right by us. I am PRETTY SURE that it was a shark! It looked just like one. I grabbed Brady so fast and got the hell outta there! That freaked me out. I always heard that you should be careful in the ocean when you see schools of fish swimming because that usually means a bigger fish is behind them waiting to feed. I was glad I was in the ocean earlier on the boogie board because after seeing that I didn't go much further in the ocean. I was out pretty far in the ocean earlier that day too. ugh! Then, a few hours later as I was watching Jason out in the ocean on the boogie board, I saw a small stingray swim right by me. Never be fooled by shallow water....the ocean life still comes up! :)

Here's a little slideshow that I put together of our vacation...ending in the kids going back to school pic since we got back the same week that they started back to school. My big 1st and 2nd graders now! :)

This slideshow generated with Smilebox

"Look...He Doesn't Have a Butt Crack"

2011-03-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

The other day we had Tru Tv on, and there was a naked guy walking down the street. His butt was blurred out, and Brady said, "Look, he doesn't have a butt crack." When they showed the guy again, he said, "See, I told ya. He doesn't have a butt crack."

Oh...the things that my kids say! :)

"Love You Mommy. Best Mommy Ever"

2011-03-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

For the past few months, this is a phrase that Anabelle tells me a numerous amount of times during the day. It's so cute and just something that my ears will never get tired of hearing! :)

"Santa...We've Been Very Good!"

2010-12-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

The kids are so excited that Christmas is just six days away!! Anabelle's big item that she wants this year is a barbie house, and Brady's big item is the DSI XL. I think they are gonna be two very happy kids on Christmas morning! :) Can't wait to see their faces light up! :)

The B-E-S-T Babysitter EVER!!

2010-12-19T16:03:00.001-08:00

We have the best babysitter ever! The kids love her so much and always have so much fun with her. Anabelle cried for quite awhile after we took the babysitter home that night. It is such a good feeling knowing that your kids are in good hands! :)

Anabelle made the babysitter's hair all pretty. :)

Down by the River

2010-12-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

Time to Break the Wish Bone

2010-12-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

This year Brady got the biggest side of the broken wish bone, but the way that they broke it was strange...it broke into four different pieces. :)

Mustache Man

2010-12-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Brady has made himself a fake mustache three of four different times now. I think he's gonna be a mustache man when he gets older....but he'll always be my baby! :)

Bunco!! FUN TIMES!!

2010-12-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

NEVER a dull moment! :) Kudos to Krissy for getting this group going!! Some of the party themes we've had include Cinco De Mayo, Pajama Party, Ugly Christmas Sweater, Halloween Dress up...soooooo much fun!

Best costume ever Tiff! It MADE the night! LOL! Oh boy...the pictures!

80's themed party

My BFF and her 1st BUNCO! :)

PJ Party

A Day With Their Daddy

2010-12-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Jason had to take a day off of work in the middle of a bunch of overtime so he took Veteran's day off to spend the day with the kids. They had a great day together! They've been missing their daddy so much with how much he has been working. We are loving the 40 hour job that he is on now! YEAH!! :)

They took the jeep out to lunch to the Mexican restaurant where Brady loves to speak Spanish to the amigos that work there. They get a kick out of him!

These are the pictures that Jason texted me when they were out and about. They had a great time!

My Birthday

2010-12-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Jason and the kids made my birthday last month extra special....flowers, cake, and dinner! What more could a girl ask for. Couldn't have been any better of a day! :)

My Beautiful Babies

2010-12-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

Off to get their Christmas pictures taken! :) Growing up so fast :(

Popcorn Ball Makin

2010-11-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

After we got home from the pumpkin farm, we made popcorn balls. YUM!! They were sooooo good!!

Family Fun at the Pumpkin Farm

2010-11-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

Last month, we took the kids to the pumpkin farm. The weather was perfect! We saw the farm animals, took a train ride, went throught the corn maze, the kids got their faces painted, enjoyed a funnel cake, and picked some little pumpkins and gourds. It was a great day!

Brady found our way out of the corn maze and was so excited when he got us to the end. VICTORY! :) When he realized, he found the end, he was so excited and the picture that I took is priceless!

Jeans!?!?

2010-11-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

Anabelle doesn't like to wear jeans because she doesn't like how tight they feel. She only owns two pairs, so you can imagine how shocked I was when she got dressed for school one day and came out in jeans! I just had to take a picture! :) My girl likes to be comfy just like her momma!

A Day at the Zoo

2010-11-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

This was our first time to the zoo this year, which is rare because we usually go many times in a year. Hopefully, we will go again before the year is over. Christmas time is supposed to be a great time to go...but it may be a little too chilly for me....brrrr. :)

This seal was so much fun to watch!

Brushing a goat

Me and my babies

I love this picture of Belle and her daddy

Picture Day at School - 2010

2010-11-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ready to go to school - Remember to say CHEESE! :)

2010 - 1st Day of School

2010-11-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

This post is a little late, but better late than never. This was the first day to school for the kids...Brady in Kindergarten and Belle in 1st Grade.

I went to their first parent teacher conferences a couple of weeks ago, and as expected, both kids are doing great! Anabelle is one of the best hand writers in her class and she is at the highest reading level in her class...level 16!! Our preemie baby is such a little go getter!! She makes us so proud!! You GO Girl!! :) Brady also had a great conference. His teacher said that Brady is very intelligent but laid back. He is on his own time. :) He knows everything that he should know and more! He goes around the classroom sounding out the words that are on the wall already! :) His teacher said that Brady just cracks him up and he doesn't know where he gets some of the stuff! LOL! That's our baby boy!! Never a dull moment with him around!! Our kids make us so very proud!!

Getting ready to go to their first day of school - Kindergarten & 1st Grad

"Best Buddies" learning the bus rules

Our baby boy on his first day of Kindergarten in his classroom

Anabelle's class outside with her teacher getting ready to go home

Brady's class and his teacher

More Vacation Pics - Myrtle Beach - Aug 2010

2010-11-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

Finally, here are some more pics of our vacation to Myrtle Beach that we took in August. We had such a wonderful time! So many great memories were made!!

My Little Cutie Patootie

2010-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!

Yes, I am actually blogging...and hope to be posting more soon...lots of stuff to blog about in the past few months that I was on hiatus. :) We've just been busy busy over here.

The weather is beautiful today, which is going to make a great day for trick or treating for the kids!! This year Belle is being a kitty cat and Brady is being Wolverine.

Here are some pics of my babies from Halloween over the past few years....

2009

2008

2007

Lovin That Sweet South Carolina Sun

2010-08-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Sunrise from our condo...

This summer we decided to take a last minute vacation to Myrtle Beach. We had such a blast there last year that we just had to go back! :) We flew out on Friday (8/6) and returned home on Saturday (8/14). We had another great time there and wonderful weather! The kids were so excited...every morning that they would wake up before we left they would ask how many more days until vacation.

Here's just a few pics that we took from our phones...

View from our balcony

On their way to Apache pier with their daddy (mommy was out shopping to the outlet mall :))

She's always posing for the camera!

Ahhhh.....vacation

My beach babies

Belle getting her hairwrap...she was soooooo excited!!

My sweet baby girl

At the arcade with daddy

On the pier with daddy...momma still shoppin...lol

Take Me Out to the Ball Game...

2010-07-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

Back in June, we took the kids to their first professional baseball game. Upon entering the stadium, Jason bought four hot dogs for us and won $100.00 in one of the hot dogs. Sweet! It was a great family night!

The kids were digging it!

Peace! :)

My silly girl!

Lovin the Dippin Dots! YUM!

So is Brady!

Birthday Party Fun.....5 and 6!

2010-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already been two months since the kids celebrated their birthdays! They are just growing up too fast! I'm a little late in blogging about their birthday party, but....better late than never! :)

This year we celebrated their birthdays at a jumpy place that had lots of inflatables to play on and video games. The kids had such a fun day celebrating their birthdays with friends and family. It couldn't have been any better!

Here's a few pics from their birthdays and birthday parties...

Brady's Batman Birthday Cake

Belle's Barbie Birthday Cake

Off and running :)

Brady playing a video game with his Daddy

Peek a boo...I see you

Best Buds! The Birthday Kids...aka...my babies!

Belle and Brady's friends and cousins

Present time!

More presents

FUN FUN FUN

Since the party was on Belle's actual birthday, we celebrated with her at night too

This is the morning of his birthday...he finally got his DS!!

The restaurant workers singing Happy Birthday to Brady :)

My Little Man in His New Glasses

2010-07-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

He's already lost his first tooth, and now he has glasses. My baby boy isn't such a baby anymore. Then, it's off to Kindergarten in a few weeks. :(

He's such a little cutie! :)

Poolside

2010-07-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

This summer has been a really hot one! Me and the kids have been spending LOTS of time at the pool and the beach. It's rainy here today, so getting alot of much needed things done around the house and catching up on some blogging! :)

Their favorite treat on a hot day....Sponge Bob Popsicles!

Brady's First Tooth Fairy Visit

2010-07-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

On June 30th, Brady lost his first tooth. The darn thing was loose for about a month, and one night, Jason said, "Brady's tooth is coming out tonight." I can't believe he lost a tooth already...seems so young! He was so excited when it came out! :)

Carnival Fun

2010-07-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Last month, the big carnival came to town. We took the kids on Thursday night but was only there for a short time because Brady was feeling a little under the weather all week. :( We went back on Saturday and he was all ready!! :) The kids had so much fun! There were a lot more rides this year than in previous years, and they even had a jumpy thing that Brady just loved, but Belle wasn't such a big fan of it. :(

Belle's favorite ride

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Here they come...Belle, Brady, and Jason :)

Where's Brady? :)

"That was so much fun!"

"Badlands"

Motorcycles....vroom vroom!

Perfect for her...pink!

Ready for the parade to start to get yummy candy!!

Feeling much much better! YEAH!! :)

Ally and Belle (cousins) hanging out at the carnival. She loves her Ally!

Belle's First Pedicure

2010-07-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Belle and I went to get pedicures. It was her first one. She was looking around wondering what the heck the lady was doing to her feet...lol! She loves pedicures now and can't wait to go get another one! :)

Having Fun at Uncle Danny's House :)

2010-07-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

Cheers!

Having Fun at the Beach! :)

2010-06-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

My Lil Strawberry Pickers :)

2010-06-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

We've been loving our smoothies!! YUM!!

Cousins at Play :)

2010-06-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Pre-School Graduation

2010-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Last month, Brady graduated from pre-school. It's hard to believe that our little man will be going to Kindergarten in just two short months. I'm glad that he'll have his big sister to show him around the school. :)

He just looks so grown up :(

Belle patiently waiting for her brother to come down the aisle

Brady with his teachers

Happy 5th Birthday to Our Silly Little Man! :)

2010-05-20T13:42:00.001-07:00

Five years ago today, our baby boy came bouncing into the world at 8 lbs 10 oz...just one year and four days after his big sister was born and about twice the size. The doctor broke my water around 9am, and Brady was born approx. 40 minutes later. The doctor thought he would leave the hospital and come back around noon to check on me...little did he know that just after getting settled back into his office that he would be rushing back to the hospital to deliver. There was a doctor on standby in the hall just in case my doctor didn't make it in time. ;) I felt like I really needed to push and the nurse told me to hold off...excuse me?!? When it's time to push, you gotta push! :) All ended well...my doctor made it back in time and our healthy baby boy was born.

From the day he was born, he has always been such a little character! He is sure to make anyone laugh even if they were having the most terrible day. He's so lovable, cuddly, silly, crazy, and happy. His favorite thing to do is to play the Wii. It is amazing to me to watch him set it up and play it...to think that a four year old (now 5) knows how to do all of this stuff is crazy! He is so excited when he beats levels on his Indiana Jones game. We bought him a DS for his birthday, and he was so thrilled when he opened it this morning. He's been wanting one for months now and he finally has one.

Another thing that he loves is for me tell him a ghost story at night when it's time for him to go to bed...so it starts..."Once upon a time" in a creepy, scary voice... :-)

He celebrated his day today by bringing in Batman and Star Wars cupcakes to his little preschool friends. The first thing he announced to all of his friends and teachers this morning when he opened the door was, "I'm five. It's my birthday today!!"

He had a blast at his party on Sunday with all of his friends, our family, and our friends. The gifts are still all piled up on the kitchen table being opened up one by one. :) And, tonight we went out to dinner and the workers sang him Happy Birthday! He had a pretty GREAT birthday! :)

When I picked him up from school today, he showed me that he has a wiggly tooth!! Already?!? :(

My dude-eeeee...

We love you sooooooooooooooooooo much Brady! You make us so very proud!! You are the best son that a mommy and daddy could EVER have!! I hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday today!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART! XOXOXOXOXOXO

Happy 6th Birthday to Our Baby Girl!!

2010-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today, our little angel baby was born...two months premature. Ever since the day she was born, she has been a little fighter.

She amazes me everyday with everything that she does...her reading, her writing, the way she plays soccer, etc. You never would know today that she was a preemie...that is for sure! :)

She had a pretty awesome day today having her birthday party with her friends, our family and friends of the family. Thank you everyone for making her day extra special! Then, we headed to my brother Ronnie's for a cookout and she loved playing with all of her cousins. It was a SUPER fun day! She is currently in bed sleeping as she was an exhausted little birthday girl from all of her birthday fun! :)

I just don't know where the time goes. She is six going on 16...just the other day she asked me if she could wear my shirts when she is in high school. :)

Here is a video I made a couple years ago, and every time I watch it, I just get all emotional. We have been blessed with such a little miracle!

We love you Anabelle sooooooooooooooooooo much! You make us so very proud!! You are THE best daughter that a mommy and daddy could ever have!! I hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART! XOXOXOXOXOXO

Meeting Ronald McDonald

2010-05-14T04:33:00.001-07:00

Last month, the kids got to meet Ronald McDonald. Brady even got to help Ronald with a magic trick! :) I was glad to have caught a video of it...very cute.

My Two CuddleBugs

2010-05-11T20:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

Here are my two cutie patooties that make me able to celebrate Mother's day today! :)

Joke of the Day From My 5 Year Old

2010-05-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

So on our way home tonight, Belle asked me, "Mommy, what's your name?" I said, "Kelli." Then she said, "How do you spell it?" I started to spell my name and she started cracking up laughing saying, "not your name. How do you spell IT?" lol. She got me! We were laughing the whole way home. :)

Happy Birthday to my BFF!!

2010-04-01T18:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday today to the best friend a girl could have! Hope you had a great day!! (Well...of course you did...you talked to me..lol) Love ya!

Happy Birthday Allybug!!

2010-03-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my niece, Allybug! I can't believe that you are already 12...my how time flies!! I still remember the day that you were born like it was yesterday. It was a warm and VERY windy day. I thought that I was going to blow away with your balloons and gift bag when I was walking to the hospital to come see you for the very first time. I was so excited to see you. You were such a cute little peanut that has grown into a beautiful young lady. :) Hope you had a great day!! We love you!!

A Night Out With My Girls

2010-03-21T09:20:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, three of my best friends and I went out to dinner. We had such a great time! A night of fun, food, and laughter...can't beat that! :)

Kurli*Cues Boutique

2010-03-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have little girls, be sure to check out Kurli*Cues Boutique's etsy site. There are a bunch of really cute girls hair accessories that are handmade. I just won a free giveaway! YEAH!!! I am SO excited!! I will be receiving a pink and brown argyle headband for my daughter that she is going to look just darling in!!

Kurli Cues Etsy Site:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kurlicues

Kurli Cues Blog:

http://kurlicues.blogspot.com/

CHECK THEM OUT!!!!

My Favorite American Idol = Lee Dewyze

2010-03-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Watch Lee performing "Fireflies" on Fanpop

He had a great performance last week. He is improving more and more each week! He had so much more confidence last week than the previous weeks. Go Lee!

Ready for School

2010-03-14T13:33:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of pics I took a few days ago of the kids and I getting ready to leave the house to start our day.

Here's Brady....can't forget his Leapster, which will be soon replaced with a DS for his birthday...that day can't come soon enough. :)

Here's Belle...sporting her ON pajama pants and her most favorite shirt in the whole wide world from one of her favorite people...her grandma...my mom. She is also wearing a headband of which she has come to love wearing all the time.

Helping Daddy Make Mashed Potatoes

2010-03-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

Last week, I made stuffed peppers for dinner, and the kids helped their daddy make mashed potatoes. Brady even helped peel the potatoes!

15 Minutes of Mommy Magic

2010-03-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

All Clean!! Well as clean as it gets...these kids have soooooooooo many toys!! :)

Can you tell which room the kids were playing in????

2010-03-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Roundup :(

2010-03-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

So...I received the Kindergarten Roundup letter in Brady's pre-school folder yesterday. I cannot believe that my baby is going to be in Kindergarten already. I will be calling first thing Monday morning to set up his appointment for May 5th. I just wonder what teacher he will get. I would just LOVE for him to have Anabelle's teacher as I think she is one of the best! Someone once told me that having the teacher that Anabelle has was like winning the lottery. What Anabelle has learned so far in Kindergarten is truly AMAZING! The other night when we were at the library, a woman commented how good she reads for only being in kindergarten. Whoever Brady gets as a teacher will be the lucky one. He is a great kid and is sure to make them smile everyday! :)

What a Sweetheart

2010-03-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Last night as I was waiting for my friends to pick me up for our girls night out, Brady looked at me and said, "Mommy, I really like your hair and your shirt. You look pretty tonight." It was the sweetest thing ever! :)

No Cavities!! YEAH!

2010-03-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went for my 6 month checkup/cleaning at the dentist office, and I'm happy to report that I have no cavities and that all my flossing has paid off! YEAH!! :) It was interesting listening to the two people next to me that came in for their appt. I heard the one guy say that he hadn't been to a dentist since 2008, and the dental hygienest was giving him a hard time for not being in to see a dentist in so long. When she asked him if he was having any problems with his teeth, he said, "Three of them." Then, he went into a lengthy conversation with the problems that he had been having with them. Oh boy! When the dentist came in to see him, I heard him say, "Sounds like we have alot going on here." The guy chuckingly said, "Yes, we do." I hate to be an eavesdropper, but he was RIGHT by me. I got a good little laugh out of the guy's demeanor about the whole thing. He just didn't seem to really care and just wanted them to fix his problems. :)

Then, there was a lady patient on the other side of me that struck up a conversation with her dental hygienest. She also had not been to see a dentist since 2008. She didn't understand how it could have been so long because she takes her kids to the dentist quite often with them having braces. Then they got to talking about some police/ambulance activity that took place at the lady's kid's school, so the lady called the school to make sure everything was okay. The school let her know that her son was fine and that it was to do with something else. The dental hygienest then proceeded to tell the lady that some 16 year old girl had just passed away from a car accident. The lady told the hygienest that she lost her sister at 30 years old 15years ago, and that time doesn't heal a loss...you just learn to cope.

Needless to say, it was quite an interesting dentist appointment! I was just glad to have no cavities and to learn that the inflammation in my gums have went down! :) Back in six months! I just hope that Belle and Brady have as much luck as I have had in the teeth department. Anabelle has already had one cavity filled, so hopefully when the kids go back for their checkup in May, they both get good reports too!!

Belle's Kindergarten Concert - Part V (Her 15 Seconds of Fame)

2010-03-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

Her line..."We sing adios amigos"

Great job Sweetheart!!!

Belle's Kindergarten Concert - Part IV

2010-03-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Belle's Kindergarten Concert - Part III

2010-03-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

Belle's Kindergarten Concert - Part II

2010-03-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

Belle's Kindergarten Concert - Part I (Walking Out)

2010-03-08T18:45:00.001-08:00

Spring is Almost Here

2010-03-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

It has been so nice out this week. I think winter and the snow are finally over!! Spring will be here in a few weeks, and it has me thinking of how our yard will look very soon and how the kids will be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Belle's Kindergarten Concert

2010-03-06T09:51:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Anabelle had her Kindergarten concert. It was really cute, and all of the kids did such a wonderful job! Belle looked like such a little grown up up there on that "stage"...seems like just yesterday we were welcoming our little preemie into the world. She has grown up so much in her first year of school...can't believe she will already be in 1st grade in the fall! She will be able to show her little brother "the ropes". :)

Brady having his own little party in the audience :)

So Silly!

Belle with her daddy

Another Vaca Pic - Myrtle Beach @ Sunrise

2010-03-06T09:49:00.001-08:00

Our Scary Little Man

2010-03-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

The other night Brady came out to the kitchen looking like this...

He had his Jason mask on with one of his swords poking through the eye of the mask.

Our silly little man! :)

8 Years and Counting

2010-03-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

Last week, I celebrated by 8 year work anniversary. I can't believe it has already been that long! I started working at my job pre-marriage and pre-kids....life was sure different back then, but I wouldn't have it any other way now. Right after college, I started working as an accountant for a moving company. My commute was waaaayyy too long, and I knew that my next job would definitely be much closer to the house. After about a year of working there, my good college friend, Jill, let me know that her new company she started working for had a job opening for an accountant. I quickly updated my resume and went in for a couple of interviews and it was history after that...and eight years later, I'm still there and don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

There are so many things that I like about my job...the people, the commute, the atmosphere, the benefits, the flexibility when my kids are sick, the fact that we are still busy in these hard economic times, etc. One thing that I am not too fond about is the vulture who cannot be decent around food. Slurping the fruit out of the ladle is a little much for me.

I am glad that I chose to be a working mom. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but I think that it has benefited my kids in many ways...they have play dates every day, they learn A LOT, they are very outgoing, their immune systems are building, they get to be in many activities/sports, they get to go on vacations that many kids may not have the chance to go on, they are provided for very well, etc. If I was a stay at home mom, I don't think they would have the opportunities that they do now. They sure wouldn't be able to go to work with their daddy for "Bring Your Kid to Work Day". Anabelle LOVED coming with me to work last year, and this year Brady will be able to join us...fun fun!! :)

The next few months should be interesting at work as there are a lot of changes taking place. Not to mention...within the next few weeks we should be learning of our raises and bonuses! :)

Next week, I just need to push that second box of candy bars a little harder that I am selling at work for Belle's cheerleading fundraiser. :)

Our Little Performer

2010-02-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Every time Anabelle's "teenage" shows come on, she always dances to the theme song.

She has a rockin good time cartwheeling and all :)

She's Got a Style All Her Own

2010-02-28T12:02:00.001-08:00

Belle certainly has a style of her own. She loves picking out her clothes for school everyday. Many of the outfits she picks out are stylish...let me tell ya! She loves to layer like the girls on iCarly. She likes to wear tank tops over her shirts. One day Jason asked her, "Why are you dressed like that?" She said, "Well, iCarly does it." I basically let her wear what she wants to wear to school just because I think kids at that age need that feeling that they can do stuff on their own and not be corrected. There is only one time where I had to tell her to change her outfit. She was wearing a dress with her ON fleece pajama pants...it looked a little crazy. :)

Her favorite thing in the whole wide world to wear is her jammies. On the weekends, she lives in them! She even wears her pajama pants to school (the ones from ON that can be passed off as being a fleece pair of pants :)).

Whenever I do laundry and put her clothes away, all of her drawers are disshoveled as she changes many times a day...searching for that perfect outfit!

Here's a pic that I took of her a couple of weeks ago...you will she that 1) she has her shirts layered and 2)she has her pajama pants on...with a little flair...a scarf and sunglasses...and let's not forget a headband, which she has really started to love wearing...definitely Hollywood material! :)

Mommy!?!?!....What?!?!...I LOVE YOU!...I LOVE YOU TOO!

2010-02-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

This is something that you would hear in our house probably about 10+ times a day. If I am not in Anabelle's sight, she starts to freak out a little. So..throughout the day...she'll yell, "MOMMY?!?!". I yell back, "WHAT!?!?". Her response is, "I love you!" and I tell her, "I love you too!" She is then at peace knowing that I am still in the house somewhere and didn't run off. :) At times, I will not say "What!?!?" just to see what she would do...uh...yeh...bad idea...she starts freaking out running through the house searching for me crying, "mommy...where are youuuuuuuuu?" Then I pop out of nowhere, and she cries saying, "Why did you do that?" ...bad mommy :)

I thought this would be an issue with her starting kindergarten, but she has done just fine. I guess being in daycare since she's been 15 months old has made her adapt very well to these kind of environments. However, her teacher did tell me that she does get worried at the end of the day about missing her bus. :(

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I was such a worrywart when I was little too. One of the many things that I used to freak out about when I was little was about my parents' gas tank being close to empty. ;)

Vacation Pic - Myrtle Beach

2010-02-28T11:40:00.001-08:00

I was going through some pictures a couple of weekends ago and finally putting some up on the walls that haven't made their way up yet. I came across this vacation picture from Myrtle Beach and just LOVE it! We had some professional pics taken on the beach one morning at 6am (for sunrise) and this is just one that I just absolutely adore! Such wonderful memories!

Countdown to My New Cell Phone

2010-02-27T07:54:00.000-08:00

Exactly one month from today, I will be sporting a new cell phone...the Iphone! I cannot wait!! Jason got one back in December and just loves it, and I do too! I didn't think that I would want one, but after seeing his and seeing all the stuff that he can do with it, I really want one now. I'm up for a new phone on March 27th, so hopefully the one that I have now will hold out until then. It is dying a slow death. It makes for texting a pain in the butt because it's been freezing up; doesn't receive long texts all the time; doesn't have a keypad...the list goes on and on. We do a lot of texting...between the both of us ...incoming and outgoing there are about 5,000 a month! Lots to talk about I guess. :) Thank goodness for the unlimited text plan!!

Goodbye Goodnights!

2010-02-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

For about the past month/month and a half, Brady has been wearing underwear to bed every night and has only had a couple of accidents. He has finally grown out of wearing Goodnights to bed!! YEAH!!! :) I thought this day would never come as he used to have accidents very frequently at night time. We are so proud of our big boy! He is just growing up more and more every day. He'll already be on his way out the door to kindergarten this August. :(

P.S. Goodbye Goodnights...you won't be missed. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T17:13:00.001-08:00

She's Got a "Crush"

2010-02-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, Belle and I were working on her Valentine's cards for her party that took place today. When we were going down the list of classmates making the Valentine's, she pointed to Cole's name and said, "I think he's cute." Then, tonight she showed me the Valentine's cards she received at her party today. I saw that Cole gave her a BIG Valentine's card, so I was teasing her that he gave her a BIG card. Then, she looked at me with a smile and said, "I have a crush on him." Oh boy...here we go! :)

We May Just Never Move

2010-02-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago when we got a few inches of snow, we came home from work with our driveway snow blowed. It was so nice knowing that after a long days of work that Jason wouldn't have to shovel all night. Then, tonight when we come home from work, our driveway and sidewalks were cleared again!! I'm thinking that it has to be Patty's husband, Greg. We are going to have to do something extra special for them!! I just hope that they know how much we appreciate what they have done for us! It's the little things just as simple as this that count. Life is so busy, and it is so nice to get a little break once in awhile. :) We will surely miss the neighbors that we have once we eventually move as we have great neighbors who are great to our kids.

Strawberry Cheesecake....MMMMMM

2010-02-07T14:01:00.001-08:00

Jason surprised us one night with bringing home a cheesecake and fresh strawberries. It was soooooooo good!!:) Anabelle has much more of a sweet tooth than Brady does...think she gets it from her momma!! She just couldn't get enough of the puppy chow that I made today...YUM!! She kept yelling at me when I was eating it telling me, "SAVE SOME FOR LATER!!" :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Drake!!

2010-02-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we went to my brother's house to celebrate my nepehew Drake's 3rd birthday. It was a good time, but then it always is hanging out with my family. Never a dull moment! Good times...LOL

HAPPY 3rd Birthday Baby Drake!! We love you!!

My nephew Drake - about to start crying when we sing Happy Birthday...for some reason, he doesn't like it :)

Cake and ice cream time

Baby Drake

Present Time

My cutie patootie

My nephew Nathan...felt so nice seeing him...haven't seen him in quite awhile!

My crazy lil man

just hangin out

My niece Ashley

Brady "Jofes"

2010-02-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last week, I videotaped Brady saying his name. His name is Brady Joseph, but that's not the way he says it.

He says it like this...

I just had to get it on video before he grows out of it and starts to say it correctly.

Such a little cutie that is sure to brighten anyone's day! :)

2nd Verse Same As The First (with a little tweak)

2010-02-06T12:10:00.001-08:00

Eight days after losing her first tooth, out came the second one. This tooth came out the same way that the first one did with just one difference...the use of baby anbesol. There we were...in the bathroom, her sitting on my lap, her head laying on my chest, and her daddy pulling it out. Jason got a new idea this time though...he put baby Anbesol on her gums around her teeth to try to ease the pain before he worked on the tooth. A little fear and some tears later, out came her second tooth. Another popsicle and another $5. We keep telling her she is gonna be rich!

Currently, there are no loose teeth! :)

Today's pic of her teeth...you can see that the two permanent teeth on the bottom are making their way in pretty fast! :)

Cheerleading Competition

2010-02-06T11:46:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Anabelle had her first cheerleading competition. It was really cute, and all of the girls did a great job! Belle's team won first place! Our town also won for the most spirit...we have some loud girls! :)

I was surprised to find that my brother, Ronnie, and his wife were there at the competition as well. Their girls were also competing that day...so I had a nice surprise visit with them in the stands.

A funny little story...at the competition, all of the cheerleaders sat on one side of the gym and all of the spectators sat on the other side. Anabelle ALWAYS has to know where I am or else she will FREAK out! We were waving at each other the whole time during the competition so that we wouldn't lose eye contact with one another! :) The people sitting around me were probably thinking..."Damn lady, why the hell you keep waving?!?" LOL! I would wave a million times to my baby girl if it gave her the comfort of knowing where I was! :)

Here's just a few pics...lots more to be posted on facebook later along with a couple of videos...check them out! :)

Brady fell asleep...it was a long day

Sporting her 1st place *pink* trophy with her momma

Brady and Kyra gave her flowers for a job well done...awww

Can't wait for the next competition in a few months!

Losing Her First Tooth

2010-02-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

After we made our snowman, I was getting the kids cleaned up for the night. I noticed that Anabelle had both pemanent teeth already coming in behind her two bottom baby teeth. Both of her bottom teeth were loose, but one was way more loose than the other. When I saw the new teeth popped through, it brought me back to when she was a baby and her baby teeth were coming in. My little girl is just growing up so fast!

I called Jason into the bathroom to show him how she already had two permanent teeth popped through and how loose the one bottom tooth was. I had Anabelle sit on my lap with her head on my chest while Jason worked on pulling the tooth out. Out it came, and while she was a little scared and cried some, she was super excited to look in the mirror when everything was all said and done. We gave her a popsicle for such a job well done. She made sure to put her tooth under her pillow, and sometime during the night, the tooth fairy left her $5. She couldn't wait to tell all of her friends at school the next day. To me, she aged a couple of years that night. :(

First Snowman

2010-02-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, we made a snowman with the kids. It was their first snowman that they ever made, and it turned out great! We had a fun family day together.

Here are some pics of our fun snowman making day...

Our little diva

Getting the base of the snowman made

Our little charmer

Me and the kids

Daddy with his babies

Almost done

Ta da! The finished product. :)

Coloring Fun

2010-02-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Brady's coloring has improved dramatically...staying in the lines and using many different colors! He is becoming a little artist just like his big sister!

Brady and his Daddy having some coloring fun...

So Much Fun, So Little Time (to blog)

2010-01-30T17:33:00.001-08:00

This month has been a busy month. I had a week off of work at Christmas time, and ever since then it's been a busy January. I can't believe that it is going to be time to flip the calendar tomorrow already! I haven't been blogging as much as I would like to, so I'm hoping to blog about our fun and eventful January very soon.

Since Christmas break, we've jumped right back into our busy schedule...Jason on OT, Belle's gymnastics, Brady's story time, Belle's cheerleading, and kids' homework. Belle lost two of her baby teeth this month, which was really exciting for her and a little devastating to me. She looks a couple of years older. Her new teeth have already popped through and are coming in fast! :) Last weekend was Belle's cheerleading competition, and that was a really fun day. Her team took first place. We can't wait for the next competition in May! Soon, the kids will be starting spring soccer. It is just so fun to watch them play. Anabelle has become quite the aggressive little player...knocking them boys down! :)

In the next coming weeks...Anabelle's Kindergarten concert, parent teacher conferences, parent night at daycare, groundhog story time, and the usual stuff...gymnastics, cheerleading, story time...GOOD TIMES!! Loving it! :)

okay...gonna go now...hubby is coming home from store and will be making us nachos for din din and then it's movie time (The Ugly Truth)...Belle's been asleep since about 6pm and Brady's playing his Hot Wheels bike game...life is good ;)

Quote of the Day from my 5 year old Daughter

2010-01-24T15:55:00.001-08:00

Today, Anabelle asked me, "Mommy, do I look fat in this? Does my butt look bad?"

I could NOT believe it! I guess my baby is growing up. After all, she did just lose her first tooth a week ago today! LOL! :)

Shoveling Buddies

2010-01-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago when it snowed, Jason and Brady shoveled our drive. Brady was such a good little helper and had a blast doing it!

Last week, when it snowed again, we came home from work and someone had our driveway snow blowed clean! How great it is to have such nice neighbors...not sure who did it yet...but have a pretty good idea. It was very much appreciated!! Thanks!! :)

Christmas 2009 - A December to Remember :)

2010-01-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so nice this year. The kids are at such a fun age for it! Santa sure did spoil them. Jason and I don't exchange gifts, but boy did he surprise me this year! I knew I was in trouble when the kids started shouting, "Mommy you have something in your stocking!" There were two cards and a little box. I was already starting to cry when I read the cards he bought and the little letter that he wrote to me. The tears really started flowing when I opened the gift. He got me an emerald and diamond bracelet. Emeralds are Anabelle and Brady's birthstone. When Anabelle was born, he bought me an emerald/diamond ring, and when Brady was born, he bought me an emerald necklace...now I have an emerald bracelet. :) I felt so bad because I didn't even have a card for him.:( Anabelle just loves telling everyone that her mommy cried when she opened up Daddy's present...kids! :)

The kids loved all of their presents. Anabelle's big thing that she wanted this year was an American Girl Doll, and Brady wanted a big bulldozer that shot out fireballs. :) Then, a week before Christmas, he changed his mind and said that he wanted an imagination movers shop....silly kid! :)Santa did bring Anabelle an American Girl Doll. It was her very first one ever. She LOVES Gwen so much!! Santa got Brady a bulldozer...but it doesn't shoot anything out! :)

After we had our family of four Christmas, we headed over to my brother Danny's house in the afternoon. Every year we switch who has it, so next year will be my turn...(that bigger house can't come soon enough). There had to be 30+ people there, including my mom, stepdad, brothers Brian, Danny, and Ronnie along with their families, my stepsisters Stefanie and Kelly, and stepbrother Chris and all of their families...kids galore!! It was so nice to see everyone and to catch up with everyone that I haven't seen for awhile. I even got to meet my newest niece, Lea, for the very first time! I couldn't put her down! :) The kids had a blast playing with all of their cousins and seeing their grandma and papa who they only see a few times a year.

It was such a GREAT day!! It couldn't have been any better!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Cookie Day

2009-12-31T12:28:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago the kids and I made Christmas cookies. They had so much fun cutting them out, icing them, decorating them....and tasting them! :)

Brady had to cover the entire cookie with sprinkles :)

Anabelle's Christmas Party

2009-12-30T09:15:00.001-08:00

After Brady's party, I went to Belle's Christmas party. The planner mom read "The Polar Express" and passed out santa bell necklaces at the end of the story. Then, I got the kids started on an elf project. It consisted of coloring, cutting, and pasting the shapes together to make an elf. It was a little more involved than I thought it would be. :) As the kids worked on that, the planner mom went around the room and did face painting. I was so proud of Anabelle....she was one of the few kids who cut out all of the elf shapes by herself! She did a great job! Once that project was over, the other helper mom set the kids up to play fill the stocking with the candy game. After the game was over, it was snack time and then time to go. It was a fun day with the kids...great memories were made!

Brady's Preschool Christmas Party

2009-12-30T09:06:00.001-08:00

This year I was lucky enough to go to both of the kids' school Christmas parties. Brady's party was in the morning, and Belle's was the same day in the afternoon. The look on their face when I walked through their rooms was priceless! They were so happy to have their mommy there with them.

Lots of goodies!

Gift exchange time!

Brady with all of his little buddies

He loved his book

Brady's Preschool Christmas Program

2009-12-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Brady had his preschool Christmas program. This is his last year for a Christmas program as the kids in Kindergarten don't put on one. :( Belle was really happy to be sitting with us in the audience to watch her little big brother perform.

Brady's class sang "Winter Wonderland." He sings that song sooooooo well..."Sleigh bells ring...are ya listenin?" Soooooooooo cute! :)

Just getting warmed up

Starting to break it down :)

Waiting to walk off the stage, so mommy can get a picture :)

The big Finale

After the program

Gingerbread House Making Time

2009-12-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

Play Time

2009-12-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

with their daddy...

Our Christmas Trees

2009-12-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

This year we bought two new Christmas trees. The one that we have been using for the last six or seven years is just too big to fit with our new furniture. Maybe we'll use it again once we are in our new house. We went with the non pre-lit trees this time. We had bad luck with the one we bought years ago. Quite a few lights went out, and we ended up having to cut the wiring out...and that was NOT fun!

The tree in our living room

The tree in our family room

Santa Visit #1

2009-12-13T14:26:00.001-08:00

Last month, we took the kids to see Santa at the tree lighting ceremony up town. It was quite chilly, but we had a great time. Santa took a lot of time with the kids asking them what they wanted and if they've been good...and to make sure they go to bed early on Christmas Eve! :)

Hugs (())

My Little Man

2009-12-12T19:07:00.001-08:00

just being his silly little self! :)

Off to the Circus

2009-12-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Last month, Nicole and I took the kids to the Barnum & Bailey Circus. It was a blast. We all had so much fun! Those circus people sure do have some talent!! :)

Here are some pics of our fun family day together...

A Very Proud Mommy

2009-12-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

I received this parent teacher conference email from Brady's preschool teacher yesterday...

"Hello. I just wanted to let you know Brady has been doing great! He is doing well with transitioning from room to room.He gets along well with other kids and is very caring towards others as well. Brady is doing awesome with his writing and letter recognition. He also does great with counting, shapes, numbers, and colors.He knows his numbers and colors in both English and Spanish. He comprehends to stories that are read at circle and is very anxious to read the book as soon as circle is over. Brady is a great listener and he is also very attentive at circle. I really don't have concerns with Brady. He is doing very well and makes us laugh! We really enjoy having him in our class."

Way to go buddy!! You sure do make us very PROUD!! :)

A Day of Pampering

2009-11-22T18:09:00.001-08:00

A couple of weekends ago, I took the kids out for a day of pampering. Jason has been working six days a week, so its just me and the kids on Saturdays. Anabelle had been talking about wanting to get her nails done for quite awhile, so I decided to take her to the nail salon to get her her very first manicure. She looked like a little pro sitting there in the chair. It looked like she has done it a million times before. :)

After her nails were done, I took Brady for a haircut. He looks like such a little man when he gets a haircut. I love it! Once we were done at the salon, I took the kids to Subway for lunch. It was a nice fun day for us. Now, I just need to find a day of pampering for me! LOL! :)

Here are some pics of our fun day together!

Taking the old polish off

My little princess

getting her nails all pretty

Drying her nails...don't want to mess them up! :)

Drinking her Chocolate Milk at Subway (always posing!)

Just being his Crazy little self...sporting his new haircut

Halloween

2009-11-13T06:48:00.001-08:00

Our subdivision has got to be the BEST place ever to go trick-or-treating!! We've got the Beetlejuice house, the jello shot house, a couple of different houses that have haunted garages that you can walk through, a really cool house that has their yard totally decked out in scary creatures, etc. Each year we go with a group of friends and we have a blast! The weather was fairly decent as the kids did not have to wear any type of coat that would cover up their costumes. This year Anabelle was Morticia, and Brady was a pirate. Even Jason dressed up this year as a scary backwards clown. The kids got a kick out of it!

After we got home from trick or treating, we headed to my brother's house. He has a whole haunted house themed yard that he puts on each year scaring anyone who comes up for candy. His yard looked really really good! Jason was all set to be part of the action as he was still in his costume, but the "party" was already over. :)

ARRRRRRGGG MATEY!

Miss Morticia

Belle acting all silly

Our neghbor, Patty, taking a pic of the kids. She had a special treat just for them! :) So nice!

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

The Three Musketeers

Just strolling along

On to the next house!

So happy!

The gang...all trick or treated out!

Addison, Ashton, Brady, and Belle

The kids with their daddy!

Cousins....so cute!!