Oh what love!!!!!

I just needed to tell everyone a few things real quick.

First, Ken's surgery went well. He got a full knee replacement done. They said he had hard bones, which is good for him, bad for the doctors who said they almost needed to get another blade. Ha Ha!! When he got to his room, he told Ginny he wanted food from McDonalds, and the nurses did not like the idea. He had a Spinal done and he still can't feel anything, so they were afraid that if he ate McDonalds so soon he might get sick. Anyway, it looks like he will get to come home on Friday. Here's hoping anyway!!!!

For all those of you out there who want to see Lily dance, her class will be dancing a little bit at McDonalds on Tuesday March 4th at 6:30. Apparently there is some sort of school fundraiser and they asked Ms. Christy to bring a few classes, so she chose Lily's class (since they're so cute), and 1 of her tumbling classes. I am pretty excited about it. I don't ever really get to see her, because she is in another room from where we parents wait. I can understand the logic behind it - the kids get distracted to easy with other people watching. I don't really know what to expect from it, since it is at McDonalds, and there is hardly any room as it is!!! We'll see!!

I took some cute pics of the kids giving each other love, and tickling each other today!! Hope you enjoy them, like I do!!!!

Avery is sitting in Lily's lap. He is so into giving kisses right now, so he was giving her kisses and hugs. It was too cute!!!
Avery giving Lily kisses. You can tell how much they love each other. I can only hope it will stay that way!!!

I was tickling the kids, and Adam was taking pictures!!

Avery was tickling Lily!! He is just SOOOO cute!!!!! Well, they both are!!!!

Our crazy weekend!!!

So I know it has been a while since I've posted. I've been meaning to since Thursday, and just haven't had time. So here goes...I'm going to start with Thursday!!

Around 8:00 or so on Thursday morning the Thunderstorm of ice started. It was really scary. It was thundering and lightening, and raining lots and lots of ice. At one point I was contemplating taking the kids downstairs, cause it really scared me and I just didn't know what to do. Luckily, it only lasted around 45 min or so, but afterward, we were left with about 1/2 inch of solid ice on the ground. It was beautiful. I don't really consider myself a "photographer", but I believe I took some pretty good pictures for your enjoyment. The one above is of our flag after the storm. I do believe that it has had all it can handle!!!

So, later on Thursday, Lily decided she wanted to play wedding (a usual occurance for us!!). At first she was just Lily the bride. Then she decided she was Nana (Adam's mom). She went to her bedroom, and came out with her baldest baby and said it was Pa (Adam's dad). She said it was Pa because it was bald headed...TOO FUNNY! So, anyway, she really doesn't know much about the birds and bees, except that you have to be married before you can have kids. So immediately after she "got married" she was magically pregnant with, brace yourself for this one, a PONY. LOL!!!! She cracks me up!!! After that, she was sitting in my chair with her husband and baby pony. Her and Pa were taking care of their baby pony. It was really cute. Avery decided to crawl up there with her and play, too. I just love my kids!!!!

We went to Branson on Saturday. They were running some REALLY good sales. We went to TCP and Disney and Tommy. I got Lily and Avery both stuff for next winter, and some stuff for the summer. TCP had the best sales by far. They had multiple $3.99 racks. They had sweater, pants, I mean they had REALLY nice stuff. You know alot of times places will have these cheap racks, but the clothes on them are not really THAT great. Anyway, I got Lily alot of stuff for school next year (we're going to put her in a preschool for 2 or 3 days a week). I found this sweater dress, you know the kind that will come a little below her knees and it buttons all the way down, but it is made of sweater material. It is so beautiful, and I am contemplating going back to get her another one. They had $1.99 and $.99 racks also. On the $1.99 they had fleece outfits (jackets, and matching pants). I got 2 of those outfits for her. I was just SOOOO excited about it. I found some great stuff for Avery, also. I found quite a few pair of pants for him, and some really nice sweaters. We just had a great weekend. It's always interesting when we ALL go shopping. Adam loves shopping as long as it is for him. But, for some reason, he gets impatient waiting for me to get done shopping for the kids. And I will say it did take me a while, but I just didn't want to miss anything. It is not often that we run across sales like this when we actually have a little extra money. The pictures below are of Lily in her FAVORITE clothing purchase of the trip. It is a nightgown with matching slippers. You know, the Disney people are so smart at targeting kids. As soon as we walk in that store, Lily's eyes get as big as saucers, and she wants EVERYTHING. Even stuff that she would never wear, or play with. But, because it's in the Disney store, she thinks she has got to have it. I have actually been doing most of my Disney shopping online at www.disneyshopping.com just to avoid taking her to the store.

One more thing before I quit. My father-in-law (Ken Hulsey) will be having knee replacement surgery on Tuesday, Feb 26th in Springdale. I would like for everyone to say a prayer for a successful surgery, and quick recovery. This surgery is a difficult one, and he will require quite a bit of physical therepy. But, as it stands right now, he is in constant pain, and can't do anything. So we are praying that he will eventually be pain free and be able to do all the things that he loves again!!! I will post an update after the surgery tomorrow!! Again, please say some prayers for Ken!!! We love him immensely and want him feeling better soon!!!! Thank you!!!

TOO Funny!!!

Okay, I have one of those too funny stories. I need to give it a small introduction to be completely understood though!!!

I know every woman out there has done this. When we had Lily's party a few weeks ago, I grabbed a lighter out of the kitchen on our way out the door, so that I could light the candles. I put in in the little change thing in the car, and it has been there since. Well, I happened to notice it the other day, and I stuck it in my purse, so I would remember to put it back in the house where it belongs. Now, I know that I am not the only woman who has stuck something in her purse, to "remember" to put it away later. Then a month after that, "found" it when they were cleaning out their purse. Well, in my defense, I hardly ever actually carry a purse. I, to be honest, hardly ever even leave the house. Well, obviously, I did not remember to put it away. My very curious son discovered said lighter tonight in the middle of church. He proceeded to stick it in his mouth. My mother-in-law (bless her heart) nearly had a heart attack. I didn't really think to much about it, just took it away and put it in the zipper part of my purse so he couldn't get it again, and went back to singing. The more I got to thinking about it the funnier it got to me. I can just imagine what was going through her head (and the heads of those sitting behind us). So after church, I asked, "Doesn't everyone carry a lighter around in their purses", to which I got a VERY interesting look!!!! After explaining, of course, she understood. But, like I said, I can just imagine the things that people were thinking about me.

The moral of the story:

"Don't judge a book by it's cover (or what it has in it's binding!!!!)"

My AMAZING Kids!!!

I am constantly amazed by my children!! The things they say and do sometimes!!!!

I'll start with Avery:

He has really taken off with the whole talking thing. He has been saying "Yea" and fervantly nodding his head when we ask him a question i.e. "Are you ready to eat" - very vigorous head nod along with "Yea, Yea, Yea" "Are you ready for a bath" - an even more vigorous head nod along with "Yea, Yea, Yea, Yea"!!! I was beginning to think that he was just agreeing and really had no idea what I was asking or saying until today!!! I don't usually change his diaper until after breakfast. I know that sounds awful, but why change his diaper when he will pee within 20 min or so and I would have to change it again. Anyway, I asked if he was ready for a clean diaper and he nodded and said "Yea". So after I changed his diaper I started changing his clothes, and he started throwing a huge fit. So I asked him if he wanted me to change his clothes - he proceded to grab the pants I had for him in my hand, and throw them across the floor all the while saying very very fervantly "NO, NO, NO, NO". I couldn't help but burst out laughing. I know I shouldn't have, but it was just so stinking funny!!!!! Then later on today, I put in this movie called "Baby Prodigy". It is a cheaper knock off of "Baby Einstein", but suprisingly my kids really like it a lot better than "Baby Einstein". Anyway, I said "Do you want to watch the Ducky?", to which he responded "Yea" (pause) "Ducky". So Ducky is his new word for the day. He had a little rubber duck in each hand, and walked around all day with the ducks and saying "Ducky, Ducky, Ducky, Quack, Quack, Quack"!!!! Now, he is helping Adam with the front door. Adam is putting this metal sheet up on the outside of the front door, Avery just picked up the drill/screwdriving thingy and put it up against the door. I guess he was helping Daddy with the work!!!

Now, for Lily! Lily has dance class on Monday's. Her dance teacher (Ms. Christy) is a really nice lady. She definately is not one of those teachers that hit the kids legs with a yard stick if they are in the wrong position. Obviously, I would NOT have my child in a class with a teacher like that. Anyway, Lily and I talk about the importance of modest dress. As much as you can talk about all that with a just turned 4 year old. Basically what started it all was when she asked for a Bratz doll and I told her I didn't like them because they didn't wear enough clothes. So then I had to explain that we don't show our bellies, like ALL the Bratz dolls do. I guess yesterday during class, Ms. Christy's shirt raised up above her belly button when she raised her arms in the air. Lily proceded to tell her the following " My mommy wears shirts that are longer than that, because it is not nice to show your belly." Ms. Christy laughed (thank goodness she has such an easy spirit). Lily then proceded to lift up her forefinger and say "No, I'm serious. You need to buy longer shirts." Ms. Christy laughed and of course told me all about it after class. I apoligized, but she was so good about it all!!

Out of the mouths of Babes!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleepy Saturday!!!

I feel like gabbing, so beware!!! We have had a very lazy day!! This morning Avery was running and fell over the feet of his pajamas (they are a little long). He landed flat on his nose. Talk about scaring me - that scared me. He nose was bleeding and he was not just crying, but screaming. I went and woke Adam up, frantically, and of course he took care of things. I had a tendency to get all worked up about stuff, but Adam is ALWAYS cool, calm, and collected. We really do balance each other out well!!!! So anyway, the pictures of Avery are right after that when his nose was still a little bloody. Oh, and the ones of him screaming - this is the fit he throws when he doesn't get his way. He LOVES my camera, and ALWAYS tries to get it. Unfortunately, he CAN NOT have it. I think it is probably the only electronic device we have that he has never gotten to play with. Anyway, he was trying to get my camera while I was snapping away, and I told him no, and stood up where he couldn't get to it, and the pictures capture the fit that followed. I'm always scared that he is going to knock himself out. He just throws himself back with all his might, and of course, he knocks his head on the floor, REALLY REALLY hard. I guess he'll learn his lesson one day!!! Oh, a couple more things about Avery. A few days ago he started saying "Pabby" (for Paci) which is exactly the way that Lily used to say it. SOOOOO CUTE!!! He has really turned into a little mockingbird. He tries to say just about anything. It is absolutely adorable the way that he says "Lily". And one more thing, I have FINALLY figured out why he has REALLY rough nights sometimes (I think). Okay, so most of you know that he is EXTREMELY attached to his blankets. I really just made them when I was pregnant so that I would have receiving blankets big enough to swaddle him for as long as he needed it. Lily had pretty much outgrown the receiving blankets that you buy at the store when she was born (remember, she weighed 9lb 13ozs). We ended up swaddling her in some fleece blankets that we had. They were the only thing we had that was big enough. Anyway, as soon as I found out I was pregnant with Avery, I went to Wal-Mart and bought some really soft material and made some blankets (huge blankets) for him. He has slept with them every night since he was born. Well, since it has gotten cold, I have also been covering him with another blanket after he goes to sleep (usually a big fleece blanket, or something equally as warm). Well, I changed the sheets on his bed Sunday, and put a different warm blanket in there. Well, he didn't sleep well, at all, on Sun, Mon, Tues, and Wed nights. So out of desperation, at about 4:00 a.m. I took out the fleece blanket and put in another of "HIS" blankets. He slept the rest of night without waking up and has slept the last 2 nights with only waking up one time each night. I know, it sounds crazy, but I am hoping this will do the trick, and he will start sleeping through the night soon. Lily was about 17 months when she started sleeping through the night, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!!

Sorry about all my rambling, but I not only see this post as a good way of keeping friends and family updated on our lives, but also an excellent way of journaling for my kids. I tried keeping actual journal's for a while when Avery was a few months old, but I just didn't have the time that it takes to sit down and write in 2 journals every day. For me this is an excellent alternative!!! Well, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend!!!!!

Love you all!!!

Fashion Fever!!!

In the mail today Lily got the rest of her birthday presents. To make a long story short, she got some money for her birthday and wanted to get "Shoggy" (her very FAVORITE Cabbage Patch Doll) some clothes. We found a place on ebay that sold Build-a-Bear clothes (that also happen to fit the Cabbage Patch Dolls really well) for a really good price. So we ordered quite a few, and have been waiting 3 weeks for them to get here. Yeah - they WON'T be getting a positive feedback from us!! So, anyway, she got out "Shoggy" and "Bonnie" (her rabbit that she did at Build-A-Bear right before I had Avery - it was her baby present) and has been sitting ever since dressing and undressing and redressing them for a LONG, LONG time. It has actually been about 3 hours and counting!!! I'm glad that she is so happy about them. I just wish it hadn't been such an ordeal to get them here. I think she has tried every outfit on both of them at least twice. She'll get one dressed and then immediately change into something else!! Now - if I could just find something that would keep Avery this entertained, we would have it made!!!

I hope this entry finds everyone happy and healthy!! We love you all, Have a GREAT weekend!!!!!

I just love this "poser" smile!!!!!

Avery was feeling a bit left out, so he went to Lily's room and got a Cabbage Patch Doll of his own to play with!!!!!

Our poor little Avery!!!

Last night, the kids were playing in Lily's room. Adam and I were in the Living Room. They were just laughing and playing, and having such a great time. We were having a great time just listening to them. Anyway, Lily started busting up laughing and, of course, since she was laughing so hard, Avery started laughing hysterically. Lily came running in the Living and said, "Mom, Dad, look at Avery, look at Avery". Out came Avery with one of Lily's night gowns on. We all had a huge laugh, and Avery just loved being the center of attention. So, I had to grab the camera and take pictures. Adam was like, "Our poor, son", and I said "At least now we will have some good blackmail pictures for when he gets older". He was a little upset when I took it off of him a little later. But I didn't want to do anything to alter his thinking!!! Ha Ha!!!

Love ya,

Heather

Lily was so proud of herself!!!!

To top off him wearing Lily's nightgown, he was "vacuuming" with their toy vacuum!!!

Our Queen!!!

Lily was in her first pageant on Saturday Feb 9, 2008. She did such a good job. She didn't place, but she still got a trophy and she had a GREAT time. She loved getting all dressed up, with make-up and her hair looked beautiful (even if I do say so myself). There were, of course, little proper pageant girls in it that won. You could tell that even though they were just around 2 or 3, they had probably been in hundreds of pageants. I can't stand it when you see moms standing behind their kids telling them, "remember to smile", "stand up straight", "look at the judges", etc.... Those poor girls just don't stand a chance of being normal. They have to be "on" all the time. For us, it was just a great time getting all dressed up. Anyway, I couldn't be prouder of "MY QUEEN". I have attached a few pictures of her. She is so beautiful!!!!

I also wanted to say a quick "Thank You" to those of you that came to my Mary Kay party yesterday!! I had such a great time, and I hope everyone else did as well!! Thank you to those of you who booked parties as well. I will definately help you all out with orders!! Jennifer, thank you for the kind words that you said about me (thank you to the rest of you too!!). It really makes me feel good to know that I have been an influence in all of your lives. I would like to say that I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for all of you. It is such a blessing to have a christian family. I can't imagine how difficult it would be. I have married into such a fantastic family, and I don't know what I would do without all of you!!!!

I hope that you all have a GREAT week!! We love you all!!!!

Heather

Lily getting ready!!! She was a little nervous!!

Don't you just love her smile for the judges!! It is just so cute when children have that fake smile!!

She at least remembered to keep her "smile" while walking!!!

She absolutely refused to walk by herself. I even had to help her do her turn. But I wasn't about to make her go out there by herself. She was nervous, and there was no reason to make her afraid.

She is SOOO beautiful!!!

I did her hair myself!! It turned out beautiful (to give myself a compliment!!)!

Walking again!! She is so proud of her trophy! It is on display in her bookshelf!! I am just glad that she had such a good time, and that she wasn't heartbroken about not winning!!! I don't really even think she noticed that she didn't "win", because she got the trophy. I'm glad that they did it that way so the non-winners wouldn't feel so left out!!!

Guessing Game!?!?!?!?!

I've added 2 more. These are easier. Have fun!!!!!!

I really don't know how often people ask me who Avery looks like. I always say the same thing - he looks just like Lily. For some reason nobody EVER believes me. So, I have a test for all you viewers. Which ones are Lily and which ones are Avery? There are 2 pictures of each of them. You can post your answer in the comments at the bottom of the post!! Good Luck!!!
Heather

Getting better!!

Adam pulled a muscle in his neck on Sat/Sun. It was hurting him so bad on Sunday night that he couldn't sleep. He sat up in his chair all night. He went to the doctor on Monday, and he said he was having muscle spasms. He put him on a pretty strong muscle relaxer and some 800 mg ibuprofen. He was feeling good enough yesterday to go to work. Then last night after the kids went to bed he moved his chair in front of the computer, so he could play, but still have "HIS" chair and the heating pad. Ha Ha!!! I told him that I was going to post a picture of it, so I am. I just thought it was so funny. Thankfully, he is feeling much better. Oh, and he stopped and got me flowers yesterday. He has only bought me flower one other time and that was after we had been dating for only 3 months. To say that I was shocked was an understatement. I was like what are those for. He said it was for taking such good care of him the last 2/3 days. AWWWWWWWWW, how sweet is my husband!!!! Hope everyone is well!!!

Love you all!!!!

Our Snow Family!!!!

We have spent the better part of yesterday and today making our snow family!!! Aren't they so cute!! I have to say that the last three days have been so great!! My kids absolutely LOVE the snow!! Avery throws a fit when we make him come in, well...Lily does too for that matter!!! It's to bad that it will all melt today. For those that are wondering, Lily has all but forgotten about her wasp attack. THANK GOODNESS!!! Oh, and one more thing...the pageant has been postponed until next Saturday the 9th. Same time (starts at 5:00 p.m.) same place (Alpena high school gym) different day!!!! Enjoy the pics!!! Have a Great Weekend!!!!!!

Lily running in the snow, and Avery rolling in the snow!!!!

Lily pegging Adam with a snowball!!!

What a poser...isn't she so adorable!!!

My boys...What cutie pies!!!!

Avery giving me lots of kisses!!!

Avery and I playing in the snow!!!!

Yes, I was rolling my daughter around in the snow, and she LOVED every minute of it!!!

Our beautiful family!!! Happy snow day!!!!!

WASP ATTACK!!!

And we were having such a GREAT Morning...

To fully understand what a complete catastrophe this is there are a few things you need to know...

Over the last year or so Lily has changed her mind serveral times about what she is scared about. First it was spotted elephants (I don't know where it came from!!), then it was owls (kinda understandable), and now for the last 3 or 4 months it has been stinging bugs (as she likes to call them) i.e. bees, wasps, hornets, etc.... Well since it is winter Adam and I have kept her pacified by telling her that all the stinging bugs are sleeping for the winter and there is no reason for her to be scared. We also tell her that even if they were out and about they would not sting her unless she bothered them...if she left them alone they would leave her alone. Well, I guess one of the little bugers (a wasp) decided to sneak in the house out of the snow. It was on the floor (you know they don't fly when they've just woke up), and Lily sat down and her leg hit it. It stung her!!! Now you tell me, what are the chances of that ACTUALLY happening. I have NEVER seen her so petrified!! She jumped up screaming and ran and hid under the covers on her bed (still screaming). I killed it and threw it away. But it was like pulling teeth to get her to just poke her head out of the covers. You talk about feeling like a terrible parent...I have never felt so bad. And, of course, her saying (over and over)(and over and over) "You told me they would sting me""You said they were sleeping""Why did you let that wasp get in the house" etc.... Poor little girl. I think she is better now, she is eating lunch, anyway. I really hope she forgives and forgets soon!!!!!

Heather