busy busy busy

I just looked at the blog and I haven't posted since June! YIKES We have seriously been busier than we ever have! Life is good though. Austin started Preschool. I really didn't think he would like it or do well because he is such a homebody. To be honest I was really dreading it. Let's just say he is loving it and I'm still adjusting...now we see where the real problem is! ha!

We also made a trip north to visit friends, attend a birthday party, and watch my cousin get married! I have no pics from the wedding because the wedding was after the birthday party and the kids were about maxed out of being drug around. But here is a picture of them hanging out with friends:

We also went to a real circus. I say that because I often refer to the kids, dog, and myself as a constant circus. There is always something going on and it's always a bit crazy but this time we weren't the entertainment!

We also have had 2 retreats at Pettijohn, a trip to Clinton to visit cousins, and several friends over to play the last few months. And after all of that Jacob and I left the kids with the grandparents and went on a cruise. We were ready for some relaxation which we did still manage to get even though we spent the trip avoiding hurricane Sandy!

As you can see and read we have been busy but it is all a good kind of busy! Even though the Holidays will continue to be busy and eventful...we get to spend time with family and it is sometimes very chaotic, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Introducing......

I thought it was time for Blog World to meet 2 more of my favorite little boys besides my own. These are my nephews! I love these precious boys so much. This is Jesse:

Jesse is so sweet. I have the best phone conversations with this little man! I love that he calls me Aunt Mayme. I love how he always hugs me when he sees me or when we say goodbye. He is so precious. Now for you to meet his brother...Alex:

This little guy is named after my grandfather. And let me just say he wears his name so well! Shanda decided to name him after our grandfather before he was born. Little did we know he would have the same dimple in his chin that my grandfather had. He is laid back and easy going like our grandfather was. And having him around has been helpful to the healing process of losing grandad. I could sit and hold him all day. I love these two little boys so much and today I am missing them tons! Changing the subject a little....I also got a new cousin this past week. And she is beautiful! I am sooo excited for Matt and Lori and I can't wait to meet Miss Adley! Check her out @ http://mattandloribell.blogspot.com/

My Baby is turning 4.

I am fighting tears today. I keep thinking about Ace having a birthday tomorrow and it just doesn't seem possible. He CAN'T be turning 4! If that's the truth then this is the last year he will be home with me. If that's the truth then next summer he turns 5 and next fall he starts school. And this Momma is just NOT ready for that. I love him being home with me. I love being home with him. He is his sister's entertainment and what am I going to do when he is at school and it's just her and me??? Because I am sure not going to jump around and act out Batman and Robin and she finds that hilarious! It is amazing how much he has changed our lives. How much joy he brings to our lives. He makes me laugh daily. You never know what is going to come out of his mouth. Soooooo tomorrow he turns 4. I'm working on getting use to the idea. Just to reminiscence here are some pictures of my little man...

Batman

Meet my favorite little Batman, also known as, Ace!


He is strong, brave, courageous, daring, full of energy,




Except...

When his precious little sister pulls his batman costume ears and then.....


And instead of comforting him his mother took pictures of him crying so then he pouted like this



But he knows I really love him and as always he forgave me....eventually! I love how he is trying NOT to smile in this picture! Give it up you tough guy batman!

Thank you Allison!

So if you have or have had small children you know that you keep plastic non-breakable stuff in the bottom cabinets. You also know that if you are OCD and like things organized that at some point you have to let that go! Because if you don't let that go you will constantly spend all of your time cleaning up and re-organizing this:



And you'll miss out on things like this:


And lets be honest...what's really important in life? being organized or enjoying hugs, kisses, smiles, and play time with your kids? So if you come to my house be prepared to step over a few things and possibly have to dig to find what you need! And I have to say thank you to Alli for always leaving me little surprises like the little mess I found in the above pics. She also likes to leave toys and books in the bottom cabinets and drawers in the kitchen...you just never know what your gonna find...I'm off to return Hulk to his owner Ace...I think he has been missing!

Out of the mouth of Ace man...

These days you just never know what is going to come out of the mouth of our oh so adorable 3 year old. Sometimes it is cute and sweet. Sometimes it is funny. And sometimes it is down right embarrassing. And those embarrassing ones are usually the ones that fall into my classy moments category. But this one was just funny. So let me set the scene for you my friends....
Jacob and Ace man are sitting on the love seat playing Wii. I'm sitting on the couch with Alli climbing all over me. I have been telling Jacob that she has been watching Ace jump off the furniture and that she was attempting it herself but I don't think he really believed me, that is....till today! So Alli was standing on the edge of the couch, knees bent, holding my hand, ready to jump. (and this is the conversation)
Me: Jacob! Look at her!!!
J: Oh my goodness...(shaking his head)
Ace: Alli! No no! You are NOT suppose to do that!
J: And neither are you...right?
Ace: yeah! Mommy says not to jump off the couch but I just like to do it really bad.
(Jacob and I are trying not to laugh at this point so I pick up Alli and head to give her a bath)
As I'm leaving the room the next thing out of Ace man's mouth: This is really frustrating!!!
and my thought was BUDDY YOU HAVE NO IDEA!

I've been typing up many of his comments and saving them in a word document. I should share thosebecause some of them are just too funny. Maybe next time.... :)

where to begin...

It has been so long since I have really blogged I have no idea where to begin. So here is a short version of what has happened over the last few months...
In June my grandfather had a stroke and spent several months in and out of the hospital, rehab, and Veteran's Center.
During that time Malia got married and Austin was a ring bearer. Beautiful wedding and beautiful bride!
We put our house on the Market the Tuesday before Labor day. The house sold the following Monday.
Grandad passed away that following Friday early in the morning. (I still miss him and can barely talk about it)
And later that same Friday morning Jacob had his wisdom teeth out.
We moved out of our Edmond house Oct. 15 and in with Jacob's parents till we closed on our new house. We lived with my wonderful in-laws for approximately 2 months and are now living in our new house right down the road from Jacob's grandparents, which is a few blocks from Jacob's parents, and 25 minutes from my parent's and grandmother.
We are loving being close to family and are spending lots of time with them! So needless 2011 was a busy, difficult, hard year but the changes that came with it have also been a blessing.
This week my sweet girl turned 1 year old. She is growing and changing everyday. She is now walking and saying lots of words. I took her to her well check and she weighs a whopping 19 lbs. and is in the 26th percentile. She is in the 56th percentile for height and is doing great!
It's amazing how crazy life can get but God is always good!
Here are a few pictures of the new house. Some of it still looks bare!