The Musings of a Semi-Domestic Diva

30 was nothin'

2012-01-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

This is how far behind I am in blogging - My bday was months ago and Im just now getting around to saying how much I dreaded it. Turning 32 was sad, sad, sad and yes, I know there are worse things but this was my unhappy time. As my mom lovingly tells me every year when the ol' bday rolls around and I start getting mopey about my age, "Well Brandee, it's better than the alternative." Thanks Mom and Happy Birthday to me with those thoughts. It just sucks realizing your no longer going to be the youngest at the office, out of a group - stuff like that. And the cuteness factor starts to wear off too, now youre just Paige's mom or Ma'm (the dreaded Ma'm!!!) Does it annoy any of you ladies when the checker at the grocery store goes into Ma'm overdrive??? Im not old enough for that, am I???

Anyway - I am grateful to be 32 and not any kind of alternative. Moving on to 33!! Lord that age sounds scary!!! :)

Father's Day

2011-06-20T23:51:00.000-05:00

It was yesterday and in all of my busy-ness I didnt get around to this but Happy Father's Day!! I never really liked celebrating father's day because I had 2 and they really didnt live up to the hype of being celebrated but I seemed to have been smart enough to marry a man that IS worth celebrating!!!
Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful, handsome, loving, energetic, helpful, sexy, funny and just all around awesome man ever!! He always makes time for all 5 of us and he deals with 4 girls in the house like it's no big deal ;)
I love him like crazy!! I dont know how I would make it without him - Thanks for being such a wonderful Daddy Paul! We <3 U!!!My babies daddy with the babies!

We're Curaaaaaazzzzzyyyyyyy!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2011-05-08T23:12:00.001-05:00

To all the wonderful, beautiful, hard-working women out there that take care of their wonderful babies - Happy Mother's Day!!

Being a mother is the hardest, most rewarding job Ive ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I have the 4 most awesome little souls that I get to help nurture and grow and see what they become in life! It's the biggest responsibility I've ever had or will have and I try to enjoy it everyday - although sometimes I really have to remind myself to enjoy them because one day they'll be out of my house and growing their own family (tear!!)

Paige, Madeline, Riley and Slade have been the best blessings and I thank God everyday for them. I love these little babies more than anything and Im pretty honored to be their Mommy :)

Look at these sweet faces!

A Year Already??!! Happy 1st Birthday to My Sweet Boy Slade! What a Ride It's Been!

2011-03-23T17:23:00.000-05:00

One year ago today I was scared out of my mind and a nervous wreck all at once! I was scared about going into a c-section for the 3rd time - Id already had two successfull, amazing c-sections and in my crazy mind Im always ready for the bad news. There was no way that a 3rd c-section could go well and be pulled off but it went perfectly!
My nervousness came from the fact that I just wasnt sure if I could possibly handle 4 kids with 2 of them being under the age of 2 years old!!! Nervous because after 3 girls I wasnt sure if I even knew what to do with a boy. All Ive ever heard is how different boys and girls were and then there was the circumsision and how to care for that and just all these emotions going on. I didnt have a clue what my baby would look like or if he would want to snuggle or would be a total cryer or a zen little buda baby.
You came out a perfect little boy at 6lbs 9oz 20 1/2in long with the most awesome baby hair Ive ever seen - fauxhawk right away - and super blue eyes! Everyone loved you and and you snuggled like a champ :)
I cant believe Im so lucky to be your mommy!! This year has been the hardest of my mommydom - NO ONE ever tells you how tough it is with 2 babies under the age of 2. All I ever heard was, Theyll be such great friends - an instant playmate!, but no one ever says that they both seem to cry at the same time or need a diaper change at the same time, be screaming for snack or juice at the same time. It's like they play off of eachother! No one ever told me how hard it would be. I have so much respect for mom's of multiples. This past year has also shown me how strong I am. I never knew I could be as strong as Ive been but I couldnt have done it without my wonderful hubby and sweet baby girls. We all had to band together and work as a real team - and we did Team Wallace!! We were all so excited to add a little boy to the mix that we've all pulled together.
It's amazing all the little things that happen in the first year that you seem to forget about as they get older. First laugh, smile, when they pushed up on their arms while on the floor, first time eating baby cereal, when they discovered their hands and feet. All those sweet little things that Ive gotten to see again and really enjoy and soak it all in escpecially since this is my last baby. Youre it little dude! Youve now made us a complete family of 6!!! Im so honored and privileged to be your mommy Slade! I love you and cant wait to see what an awesome little boy youll be and the wonderful man youll become!

Happy 1st Birthday Slade!! We all love you more than youll ever know!

Holding my sweet little man for the first time

We were so happy to see and meet you!

My Sweet Girls with their little brother

Such a cool dude at 2 days old!

My tiny man at 1!

It was a Home Run!!!

2011-03-21T22:58:00.001-05:00

After weeks of planning and worrying and just plain driving everyone in my family (including myself) nuts Slade's 1st birthday party was a total success!! Not that there weren't a few mishaps along the way - baseball fell off the cake whily hubby was carrying it from the house to the car and that made us late to the park for setting up and the wind was HORRIFIC but everything came together, looked great and everyone had a great time!

It was a baseball theme'd party - Daddy's been a ball player from babydom all thru college and minor league and will still play on the "old man" league as he calls it when time permits. I just thought red, white and blue and baseball was just a cute theme since Slade is an All-American Boy :)

Slade's party was held at Wallace Field (the park down the street from our house) and we had concessions and hot dogs and cake OH MY!!!! We played wiffle ball and home run derby and ate tons of sno cones and just enjoyed the day, Slade and eachother!

It was so much fun! Even though we had a few hiccups it was all totally worth it to celebrate the first birthday of such a special little boy!!

Dad and Slade

Girls in their shirts

Wallace Field

Lots of Baseball Concessions

All in our bday shirts for Baby Slade

Happy Birthday Boy with his cake!

Yeah he liked it :)

Busy Busy Bees

2011-03-07T11:49:00.000-06:00

that's the Wallace family lately. Between Paige and Maddie's activities and Riley and Slade being sick it's enough to make me think how crazy we are to take on 4 kids!!!

Paige is practicing volleyball twice a week plus doing strength training and trying out for cheerleading while Maddie is practicing soccer twice a week plus wanting to run around and play with her friends when she can find the time - oh and she wants me to sign her up for gymnastics! Riley has tap/ballet/gymnastics on Thursdays and Ive got to find some more activities for this child because she gets so bored so fast - maybe Mothers Day Out?! Paul's in an "old man" flag football league and Im looking for an outside activity so I can have some "ME" time away from being Mom.

Hopefully things start to slow down but so many games and tournaments are coming up in these next 2 months PLUS my baby boy turns 1 in a few weeks :(

I just keep telling myself to enjoy all the craziness because one day they'll all be grown and with their own busy bees :)

A Day for Love! :)

2011-02-14T18:15:00.001-06:00

Every day should be a Day for Love but since it's Valentine's Day it's even mushier ;) This year I have 5 loves to celebrate with and I cant believe how mushy and gushy they can make me! The hubs and I arent getting to enjoy a dinner out until next weekend because of Vday being on a Monday (boo) but I cant wait until we get some us time!!

Here's my Sweets for Valentine's! Geez I <3 Them!!!

Oh You Crazy Texas Weather!

2011-02-04T17:34:00.000-06:00

It was a SNOW DAY today!!! No school for the girlies today and I was more excited about the snow this morning than they were. Paige and Maddie stayed up forever last night and kept checking to see if it had started snowing and then this morning didnt want to get up to see the actual snow - I guess sleep wins out :)
It was literally 80 degrees on Monday and it's snowing on Friday! The old saying - Wait 5 seconds with the weather in Texas cause it'll change has never been so true.
Maddie and Riley had a blast in the snow, Slade didnt really know what to think but did grab it out of my hand and give it a good once-over and Paige came out, threw some snowballs and went back inside (she's 11 and nothing impresses her). All in all it's been a fun snow-day - wonder what's in store for tomorrow?!

My Snow Babies!

Out with the '10 in with the '11

2011-01-19T10:59:00.001-06:00

It's amazing how fast time has flown by. My mom always told me "Once you hit 18 it's all downhill and goes by in a blink of an eye". Now, I hate to admit when my mom's right but this is one time when she's been so right - and I hate it! I hate that time's gone so quickly. My babies are growing up and I'm just getting older and older :( Paige and Maddie are big girls now and Riley and Slade have become a toddler and big boy sooner than I'd like.

2010 was such a crazy-busy year. Baby born in March, the older girls sporting events, my baby girl getting big and starting Little Gym twice a week, Paul doing baseball, flag-football and being completely wrapped up in Fantasy Football and Paige becoming a young lady and being a pre-teen and just wanting to hang out with her friends and be dropped off at dances and such. In 2011 it's going to be just as busy but I'm going to make sure to add a little ME time in there somewhere. Of course I always say that and it never happens - being a mom is a full-time job and running these kids everywhere is enough to wear a person out :)

2011 will be hopefully a year of change. Lot's of exciting things - selling our house and finding a new one (scary!!), Paige being in club volleyball and us traveling all around to watch her! Maddie back in soccer and hopefully all the tournaments we'll be watching her in, Riley starting tap, ballet and jazz! and Slade just hitting all his milestones - crawling, walking and lots of little words. Cant believe he'll be 1 in March!

Hopefully 2011 is our best year as a complete family yet!!

Happy 10th Birthday to my baby Paige!

2010-12-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

Just found this in my drafts section - just a little late :)

I cant believe that today marks my sweet first-born baby turning 10 years old :( TEN YEARS OLD!!!! That's a major bday! Paige has made it thru a whole decade of life (and so have we with her) and she's turning into more than we could have expected. She's a wonderful little girl who's growing into a beautiful young lady. She's THE best big sister and takes such good care of her little sisters - they really look up to her and want to be just like her! Paul and I are so super proud of her and cant wait to see how this next year goes - 6th grade is coming up and she'll be lumped in with the 7th/8th graders which is a bit scary!

Happy Birthday baby girl!! We love you more than anything and Im so privileged to get to call you my daughter and watch you grow - you're one of the best things I ever did :)

And Summer is Outta Here

2010-09-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

Can't believe that Paige and Maddie are starting school tomorrow! The last few weeks I've been saying come on school but now that it's here it makes me very sad :( At least Riley and Slade can get back to a schedule now.

We all had a lot of fun this summer but instead of our usual vacation we did mini-staycations. The girls got to go to the beach with their grandma and then the whole family went a few weeks later to South Padre. It was nice to get away even if it wasn't just me and Paul. Next year when Slade's bigger we'll go more places and get away just the two of us :)

All in all it was an ok summer - everyone made it thru and both Paige and Maddie are ready to start school. Paige will be in 6th grade this year and Maddie in 3rd but it really seems like just yesterday they were my little babies at home just learing ABC's and counting and now they're moving into this whole new world. I'm trying to enjoy them every minute before they're so big they arent around for me to enjoy :(

I'm a horrible blogger

2010-08-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

I need to get my act together and start doing better at my blogs. Who knew 4 kids would totally take everything out of you? Actually it's not even the 4 kids it's having 2 babies so close together that's killer. This is by far the hardest thing I've ever done and I'm in complete awe of mom's of multiples. So many things have been going on so I'll have to do an update very soon! Hopefully I can get my act together :)

Happy Birthday Maddie!

2010-06-22T23:17:00.000-05:00

I'm a few days late in this but I want to wish my sweet baby a super special Happy 8th Birthday! We had a great swim party and had lots of friends come and Maddie got way too many bday gifts!
It seems literally like just yesterday we were bringing this sweet baby home. I know I say this every year and with every kid but it's just too true. The years are just going by too fast and soon my sweet Maddie Belle will be a big girl off and doing her own thing :(
It has been an honor to be this little girls mom and watch her grow into a sweet, beautiful young lady. I've enjoyed everyday of seeing those sweet dimples and shining brown eyes :)

Love you Maddie Belle and Happy Birthday!!!

Introducing.....

2010-04-05T19:47:00.011-05:00

Jackson Slade made his big debut on March 22, 2010 at 12:58pm and weighed in at 6lbs 9oz and was 19 1/2 inches long!! He's an absolute joy and we are really complete as Slade has entered our family! The cutest little boy ever and he has the most AWESOME hair too! We spike it up and play with it - this baby has tons of hair :) He's doing everything he's supposed to be doing at this point in time -

Slade's Schedule:
Eat, Sleep and Poop - repeat :)

Paige and Maddie are just in love with him while Riley is loving him more and more everyday. She wasnt too sure of him at first and has had a difficult time adjusting to not being the baby anymore and Mommy not being able to pick her up right now - so it's been a pretty sad time but she loves to give kisses on Slade's head and tries to help me burp him. Paige and Maddie have just been the best helpers too - Riley has become their little tag-along and if I need anything like diapers/wipes they are right there getting it for me.

We are all just in complete love with this little boy! I'm enjoying what a snuggle/cuddler he is (the girls were too and I enjoyed all that time with them too) and just taking in how wonderful he smells. Our family is complete with the addition of this sweet little boy! We couldnt be happier to have Slade join his awesome big sisters Paige, Maddie and Riley! Paul and I couldnt have asked for a better bunch of sweeties!

Mommy, Daddy and Slade - just after he's made his big entrance!

Sweet Sisters welcoming their baby brother!

Baby Shower!

2010-03-19T11:43:00.000-05:00

Had a great baby shower thrown by some great friends! After 3 girls I have plenty of pink but the only blue I have is the one-off outfit and it's a pretty girl blue - so I was in much need of a boy-themed shower! Food was great, people were great and baby boy got a ton of gifts - which is a big help! Soon I'll be able to put him in all his new tiny baby clothes and enjoy him :)

Nothing's Worse than a Sick Boo-Boo :(

2010-01-29T19:41:00.000-06:00

Poor poor Baby Ry has been sick sick sick. She had a seriously high fever on Wed night so Thursday morning it was off to see the doctor. Start of double ear-infection, chest cold, high fever, runny nose and nasty nasty cough :( Hopefully her hippopotamus milk (amoxicillin) starts working because it's absolutely the saddest thing to see this baby with her sick eyes and cold rag on her little head.
Although she is feeling a little better because she's feeding the dogs her snacks and then yelling at them - go figure :)

Passed!

2010-01-22T08:36:00.000-06:00

Well I passed my 3hr gest diabetes test!! Doc still wants me to try a diabetic diet but I dont have to be completely strict on it. So far, not doing that great with it but I'm trying :)

Truely Awesome ;)

2010-01-18T20:37:00.000-06:00

Today I was a human pin-cushion for 3 hours. I flunked my 1 hr glucose test (for Mommies out there you know what that is) so I then had to stick to a pretty strict diet for AT LEAST 3 days and then fast for like 16 hrs so that I could then go and get blood drawn 4 TIMES!!!!!!! Not a fan of the needle as it is and although it wasnt painful - it wasnt pretty either :) How is it that with 3 girls not one speck of elevated anything - 1 boy and all the sudden my levels are elevated and to top it off Placenta Previa might be going on - not that that's baby's fault - that's the c-sections fault :)

Hopefully everything's good to go because I'm just not ready to have to stick diet of no fun foods :( Oh well, if it means a healthy little baby then I'll do whatever it takes!

Fingers crossed it's all good though!

Weapon X

2010-01-03T22:37:00.000-06:00

That's the name Paul's trying to talk me into for this baby boy - not happening but will be a cute nickname and a cute story.

Weapon X Photo Shoot 27 weeks!

Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!!!

2009-12-28T19:14:00.000-06:00

As crazy as it might seem - it's been confirmed that the 4th and final Wallace baby will be a BOY! Both Paul and I are in complete shock because we just assumed we'd have another sweet baby girl.....guess not :) So everything girly and pink/purple that we've amassed over the last few years (and all of sweet baby Riley's basically new clothes) will be going into storage until I'm ready to let it go to a new home :( That'll probably be a ways away because I get attached to weird stuff but now we get to start the joys of boy clothes shopping. We are ready to take on the complete newness of raising a baby boy - and we can't wait to be a complete family of 6!!!

PS I'm freaking out just a little that I'll be the mom to 4 - yes 4 - babies/kids!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Baby Riley!!!

2009-12-20T22:04:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's already been 1 year since your complete sweetness graced us with your presense. You have been nothing but smiles and sweetness and we all love and cherish you so much that it's ridiculous!!! You love rough-housing and you love being a girly-girl with your little bows and total pinkness and sparkle shoes. You're the biggest dare-devil out of the 3 girls and that's hard to do because Maddie was pretty darn dare-devilish :) It's been such a pleasure getting to be home with you from conception till now and beyond. It's been the best time watching you grow and love and hug and laugh and throw fits and your love of junk food :) You've made me laugh harder than I thought I could and you've made me cry when I watch your sweet little self napping in your crib - peaceful and sweet. You want to be just as grown-up as Paige and Maddie yet you can't wait to be hugged and cuddled. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the next year - I'm sure it'll be just as much fun and exciting as your first year has been!

Love you Boo-Boo!

Preggo my Eggo

2009-12-20T21:17:00.001-06:00

At the end of March we will welcome Baby Wallace #4! It was a VERY big shock when we found out another baby would be arriving so soon after RyRy but we had planned on 4 and it just happened a little sooner than we thought :) We're trying to get everything in order and get to start looking for a bigger house to contain all 6 of us Wallace's!! I've been super cautious because of Swine-Flu and just the Flu in general - it's no fun to be sick when you're big and preg! Hopefully we find out soon if we're having a boy or girl and then the real planning can begin. We're betting it's a girl because that's what we're pretty good at making :) The girls are actually pretty excited and can't wait to feel the tummy kicks, but they've got a ways to go till that starts happening. We all just can't wait but this will make our family complete! March 2010 here we come!

PS - this was typed way back when we found out we were pregnant - I just posted it today though trying to catch up :)

Finally

2009-07-30T09:57:00.002-05:00

It rained thank goodness! Of course yesterday Paul and I decided it would be a good idea to finally break down and give the yard a little sip of water. So it got a good soak last night and a good soak this morning. Oh well. So glad it rained - hopefully it rains for awhile!

One month to go.......

2009-07-16T09:53:00.008-05:00

Well it's gone by too fast and I just don't like it at all. My baby is turning 1 in a month. I meant to post this yesterday on her really 11 month bday but I got busy working and yelling at/wrangling the kids. It has been such a complete joy to have this baby in our lives. I'm happy and sad all at once that DaBooBoo(Paige came up with that little nickname and it's sticking) is becoming more independent and crawling, walking w/her walker and just being loud and letting us know she's here! Cant wait to see what this next month has in store for DaBooBoo!

Riley @ 11 months
She's too cute :)

Who's stupid idea was this?

2009-07-12T13:26:00.003-05:00

14 kids at a skating party and 11 of those then come home for a birthday slumber party. I'm not sure how we got roped into but lord I've never been so ready for morning. The girls decided not to go to sleep until 7 AM!!!! Pick up time was 10ish and then I had to get them fed because who sends a kid home from a slumber party without giving them breakfast?? So pancakes, eggs, bacon and oj were the menu of the morning and all the girls looked like zombies. Paul and I took a little pleasure in waking them up since they'd kept us up ALL NIGHT - except for the little cupcake who only decided to wake-up when all those girls got quite - nice one. House is a disaster and it seems the whipping cream was brought out and somehow got squirted on our couch so there's a nice little mess for me to scrub clean. Some crying/drama went on with the girls and Paige was upset about it but I let her know that in a big bunch of girls there's always going to be drama so get used to it - it's just nature :) Glad it's over but glad we did it and lived to tell about how freaking exhausted both Paul and I are. Nap time all day!

Billy Mays too

2009-06-30T15:01:00.001-05:00

Jeez another one down. First Ed then Farrah, who was overshadowed by MJ dying and now Billy Mays?? So two more to go to complete the cycle. Sad!

MJ

2009-06-26T10:16:00.003-05:00

It's so weird to think that Michael Jackson is no longer here. I grew up jamming and twirling and singing at the top of my lungs to all his music. Even though the last 10 years or so he wasnt the same MJ I will never forget watching him moonwalk on the MTV awards or watching Thriller and doing the dance (or trying to do the dance) and just enjoying his music. He was such a weirdo but his music and dancing were beyond belief!

Happy Father's Day - just a little late!

2009-06-24T12:00:00.005-05:00

I'm so late in wishing my hubba-hubba hubby Happy Father's Day!!!! Paul did really get a proper Father's Day this year due to us flying back from Michigan from a wedding (his brothers - no comment!) so I'm going to do Father's Day this Sunday coming up. He totally deserves to have a day for him to get breakfast in bed and to do whatever he wants! I never imagined when I got married and had kids that it would be with someone that turned out to be the best daddy I could've ever hoped for. We got thrown into parenthood pretty young and Paul has never been anything but a wonderful Father - and to have 3 girls constantly wanting his time and attention (I guess 4 girls if you count me :) ) is something I'm sure he never thought would happen unless it was 4 girls who were completely unrelated to him - HAHA!! He always said he wanted to be surrounded by women but unfortunately 3 of the 4 are his blood - sorry!! These girls are absolutly in LOVE with their dad and so am I! He's nothing like I grew up with for a father, which is a good thing, and he is so wrapped around Paige, Maddie and Riley's little fingers it's not even funny. I am thankful for each and every day we have together as a family and I am thankful that he is not only my husband but that he is the father to my precious little girls!
Happy Father's Day PDub!! I love you more and more everyday!!

10 Months - The Riley Update :)

2009-06-15T22:14:00.002-05:00

Growing, changing and just making me sad all around that she's such a big girl now :) I guess not really sad but it's just all going so fast this time. Everything Riley does is like it's the first time for me and for Paul too because it's been so long in between kiddos. You forget how amazed they are at pulling up, taking a first step or drinking a juice box for the first time. In two months Ry will be I guess a toddler (but I dont think of them as toddlers at 12 months old) but it's getting closer and closer to the big milestone!!
Happy 10 months baby Ry!

Happy Bday to my Maddie Belle!!!

2009-06-10T23:55:00.003-05:00

I cant believe that 7 years ago today I was blessed enough to be chosen to be your Mom. Maddie was my baby for 6 years and I couldnt imagine not having her around. She was a complete and total surprise although Hubby says she was planned (guess I was out sick that day) but I'm so glad he decided to "plan" a baby because Maddie is a true joy! Paige complains that Maddie never gets into trouble, and that might be true sometimes, but it's so hard to look at this little girl and not just melt. She has the biggest, brownest eyes I've ever seen and the cutest dimples that let her get away with a ton of stuff plus she's super tiny and petit! Sometimes I look at Maddie and wonder how I have such a munchkin of a child. Both Paul and I are on the taller side and here's this teeny little girl. We call her mighty-midget (very PC I know) because she can lift anything and is so short. Madeline just doesnt hold back with anything - if she likes you she likes you and if she doesnt well sorry. She lets you know exactly how it is and then turns the dimps on and does her little smile - gets me every time :)

Thank you for letting me be your mommy! The last 7 years with you as my sweet little baby have been some of the best times I've ever experienced. I feel honored that I am the one that gets to hear Mom come out of that little mouth and get the best hugs and lovin'!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!! I love you more than you'll ever know!

Busy Weekend!

2009-06-09T11:39:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was one of the busiest I've had in a looonnnngggg time! First I just have to say Congrats to my baby brother Jacob for making it thru High School! It was touch and go there for awhile but hopefully college will get him on the right track - we'll see.
Saturday morning brought the last games for both girls - Paige played volleyball with her Daddy as the coach and she's a really good player! I was so proud of both Paige and Paul for working together so well and Paul was a really great coach! He never yelled at the kids and was very calm while I wanted to scream and rip my hair out when they missed the ball, but that's why he was the coach and not me :) Maddie's last soccer game was so freaking hot that I think the kids just played as fast as they could to get it over with. Maddie turned out to be such a fireball on the soccer field that Paul and I would both just watch her with total amazement. She wasnt scared to get right in the middle of things and take a fall or two if it meant getting that ball. The coach of her team was really impressed with how aggressive she could be for being so tiny! It was great to watch both my babies out there and I cant wait to get them signed up again in the fall!
Saturday Maddie had her awesome swim party for her bday! I cant believe my baby is about to be 7!!!! It just doesnt seem possible that time has gone by so quickly.
Then we ran over to my friends house who was also having a bday party for her little boy Noah because he was turning 1. We missed his party but still stopped by to chit-chat and give Noah his gift.
Sunday was brother's graduation party with lasagna and cake. Paul had a baseball game but made it over afterwards to help celebrate.
All I wanted to do on Sunday night was crawl into bed and sleep, sleep, sleep. It was a jam-packed weekend but alot of great things happened!

Hasta La Vista 20's

2009-05-19T15:12:00.002-05:00

Well I'm officially 30 (shudder) and I dont feel like I'm some old woman - so I guess that's something right???? I'm just trying to take it day by day which is better than hour by hour so I'm sure I'll survive. I can't feel too upset about the big 3-0 though - I've accomplished so many wonderful things by just 29 that turning 30 is like starting a whole new chapter and having all my babies and my sweet wonderful hubby!!

We'll see how next week goes!

Totally Awesome!!!

2009-05-17T21:28:00.010-05:00

No I dont usually talk like I'm back in 1985 but last night my super sweet and totally awesome hubby threw me THE ABSOLUTE BEST Surprise 30th Birthday Party!!!!

Paul did such an amazing job and had me completely surprised! He had me thinking that there was no party and nothing planned for me at all. He really had me worked up, I dont know why cause I'm not a drama queen at all ;), so that when we got to the actual party I wasnt expecting anything other than eating dinner. WRONG!! Walk in and there's my family and friends w/a DJ, the most beautiful cake and a big billboard size banner - 2 actually - with pictures of me as a kid and saying Happy 30th! It was way more than I ever expected and Paul did all the planning and knew just what to do! I loved it and LOVE him even more!!! You did an awesomely amazing job P-Dub!

Paige Robot's it.....Yeah, she's AWESOME!!

breakin' it down with Maddie

Say It Ain't So......9 Months Already????

2009-05-15T17:19:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that Riley has been here as long as I was pregnant with her! It makes me so sad to think how fast it's all gone by but happy that she's progressing and growing and just a joy! Everyone that meets this little baby just absolutely LOVE her. She has her moments - believe me she has them - but her round sweet cheeks and sweet smile with her dimples is just too much!

T- Seven Days and Counting

2009-05-12T22:43:00.002-05:00

The countdown to officially being officially 30 has really begun now. One week and the 20's are bye-bye. Hyperventilation commence.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2009-05-10T21:33:00.005-05:00

How I wish every day was Mother's Day!!! Breakfast in bed, flowers, sweet homemade jewelry holder and butterfly flower pot decoration, plus jewelry - followed by dinner and ice cream and I didnt have to cook, clean, or even change a diaper!!

I honestly have the best husband and kids! I never expected to love someone else as much as when you have a child or when you find that right person but I dont know who or what I'd be without these special little people that I've been blessed to be a Mom too. I'm so thankful that Paul has been with me thru every up and down, good time and bad, dirty diaper or smiling little face.

Plus I got a pretty great gift too - My Mother's Ring!! It's not the traditional Mother's Ring either - it's 3 different rings each one with a birthstone in it for the girls! I LOVE it and there's plenty of room on my finger to add maybe just one more little birthstone ring - just sayin!

Thank you PDub for making it such a special day and for taking care of not only me but our three little ladies! I can't believe I have three little girls that call me Mom, Mama, Mommy or just HEY YOU when I'm totally tuning them out ;)

Sending Birthday Wishes

2009-05-06T23:23:00.002-05:00

Today is the birthday of the best man I've ever known!! Normally Paul's bday just kind of gets pushed to the side because it's right in the middle of a crazy-busy time. Anniversary, Mother's Day, my birthday, Maddie's birthday, Paige's birthday and his birthday and Father's Day is thrown in there and even though we always celebrate with family time and gifts and cake it's never really a big event. We had a BIG, HUGE gathering of people this year and got the triple chocolate Philadelphia Eagles cake so I'm pretty sure Paul had a great time ;) Once the PA Eagles cake came out he was a very happy and surprised camper. Paige, Maddie, Riley and I just wanted to make sure Paul knew/knows how loved he is! I've celebrated a decades worth of birthdays with him and I'm grateful for each one we have together! Luckily he lets me hang around so I get to celebrate with him every year :)

Happy Birthday Paul!!! I Love You more than you'll ever know!!!

Happy Anniversary!!

2009-04-28T10:31:00.002-05:00

Cant believe it's been 8 yrs since that trip down the aisle!! It's been the best, craziest, wildest and wonderful 8 (really going on 11) years of my life. I had absolutely no idea that I would ever be married to such a wonderful man. Paul loves all of us so much and does way more than I could ever have dreamed of for all of his girls. It's more than I could've ever expected or asked for. I always wonder how many people thought/hoped that we would fail or would just be completely unhappy and how each and every year - each and every day - they are proved so wrong. 8 years of marriage and 3 beautiful girls later I'm more in love with the man I married than I thought possible. I hope Paul knows how much he is loved by not only me but by his 3 little girls - they absolutely LOVE their Daddy - and I kinda like him too :)

Thanks for 8 wonderful years of marriage PDublicious ;)

P+B For Eva (yeah yeah it's from Fear and it doesnt end that well as a love story but it cracks us us!)

In 1 month exactly....

2009-04-19T19:57:00.001-05:00

I will be the BIG 3-0 and I'm just not taking it well.....at all. I know, I know - it's just a number and being a year older is better than the alternative (thanks Mom for telling me that one every year) but to me it's just something that I thought would take a lot longer to get to. I freaked out at 19 too. Right before I turned 20 I had a semi-melt down because I was moving out of my teen years FOREVER and I would have to be an "Adult" now - yucky!!! I'll also most likely never be the youngest girl in an office anymore (I know I dont work but still I might again one day) and I'll never be a 20-something anymore and who knows if I'll ever be referred to as "The young hottie" ever again besides Paul telling me that of course. I think that's what's really bothering me. 1979 just sounds so old. Like it was so long ago. Oh well. I'm happily married, have 2 BEAUTIFUL daughters, a hunk of a husband that still thinks I'm irresistible and tells me how hot I look in a bikini (that I only wear when we get in the hottub in the backyard) and tells me how lucky he is and how much he loves me. What more could I ask for. I'll eventually be ok with being 30 because Mom is right - It's better than the alternative :) Bring on 30!!

The Monthly Update..... 7 Months - YIKES!!!

2009-03-15T21:24:00.002-05:00

It's going by so fast and Riley's getting way too big! It's amazing all the new and exciting things this little baby is doing right now. Dada is her new favorite thing to say over and over and over and over - I love how I'm with her all day and she pops out with DADA!!! Oh well, she looks at me ands says DaDa so I cant take it too personal. She's found her voice for sure and loves to hear her echo and just hearing herself period. She's testing out more and more "people" food and thank GOD for Puffs - Gerber has these puffs that disintegrate pretty much as soon as that good ol' baby spit gets on them. Riley loves the banana flavor and anytime she starts getting a little loud and crazy we pop those in her mouth and she's good to go. Yeah, yeah I know - probably not the best idea to give her food whenever she starts screaming but Hey - gotta do what I gotta do :)! Riley isn't crawling yet but she tries - of course once she sees one of us watching her she drops down and starts crying so she can get picked up. She's no dummy - she'd rather be carried any day of the week than have to work it on her own by actually crawling! Riley also LOVES being outside with Daddy or being pushing in her stroller or just sitting out on our front porch step. She's the craziest, sweetest little thing and I cant believe she's 7 months already!!!

You Know You Have A Good Husband When......

2009-03-08T10:35:00.005-05:00

He spends all day running you and your 3 girls errands instead of doing whatever else he wants. Paige and Maddie both were invited to a bday sleepover so it was a mad rush to make sure everything was all ready to go. We had to buy another sleeping bag, get gifts, buy new pjs and get them all ready, wrapped and to the party by 4. Kids got dropped off and I got to go get a nice mani/pedi while Riley stayed home with Paul! Toes and fingers feeling great (saw a guy in a hideous skirt) and back home. On to the Domain for some shopping and then dinner.....just with me Paul and Ry and she's a dream usually at restaurants so all in all it was so nice! How great is that husband of mine??? Shop all day and run around for Paige and Maddie then giving me some great alone time and then off to shop with/for me and I didn't have to cook on top of it......if there was a Best Husband/Daddy Award mine would definitely take it :)

Too Much

2009-03-05T12:04:00.002-06:00

Well last night we went out to eat some yummy Mexican food with the kiddos. Riley has been "contained" to this point in her carrier. It's been that great stage of her falling asleep in the car and just being carried into the restaurant, movies even the house and just letting her sleep in her seat. Well I think those days are quickly coming to an end ....... :( Where has my baby gone??

6 months already???

2009-02-16T18:26:00.003-06:00

Where has the time gone?? I can't believe that my little baby is 6 months already!! Go thru from the time she was born till now again and she'll be ONE!!! I just can't handle how fast everything is going. Riley's learning all kinds of new stuff and sitting up like a big girl and venturing into eating baby food - which she's not too fond of but bananas, peaches, and pears seem to be a big hit while veggies not so much - making her voice known, giving little baby hugs and just generally being a great baby!! She also loves to yell at her dinosaur that's on the activity seat and then maul its face with her little mouth.....we aren't too worried yet :)

All of us could not be happier since this little baby - our chunky monkey with the lion roar - came into our lives!! It's been a great 6 months but it's going by too fast - much too fast.......

Some of Baby Ry's 6 month photo shoot.....

People

2009-01-31T13:21:00.008-06:00

It's amazing to me some of the things that come out of random strangers mouths - and from the people you know too. Paul and I have 3 girls and are very happy about and with them - YES WE HAVE 3 GIRLS AND ARE JUST AS PLEASED AS PUNCH!!!! I have never in my life heard more people say to both of us - "Wow! Three girls huh - YIKES!!! Guess ya'll were going for the boy on the third one and the old man just couldn't produce." Who in their right mind feels it's okay to walk up to people and say that??? Or we get - "What's wrong with you that you can't get that boy?" How about what's wrong with you that you'd say that to a person with their girls standing there number 1 and number 2 that you think it's ok to say that period. This has actually bothered me for years. People would say it to us when we had just 2 girls. Oh wow, 2 girls, Dad's going to be in trouble....things like that. People really need to think before they speak. Maybe we're meant to have a boy one day and maybe we aren't. Maybe we'll have more kids and they'll all be girls (which both Paul and I are fully prepared for) then we'd just have girls and that would be that. We'll take what we're given and as long as a baby is healthy and grows and thrives like it's supposed to what in the world does it matter if you have 50 girls or 50 boys and that's that. So to all the people out there who think it's ok to give your two-cents just think a little - just a little before things pop out of your mouth.

Yuckity Yuck Yuck!

2009-01-28T15:21:00.004-06:00

The sickies have descended upon us - boo. Paul and Paige have been battling that good ol cedar fever for a few weeks now but poor Paul had it terribly terribly bad. There were nights when he just couldn't breath period thru his nose and those turned into even longer nights for me and Riley (every time Daddy decided to blow his nose or do a little snoring baby Ry would be wide awake.......nice) having to listen to his poor struggle. Paige is an even sadder allergy ball but she hasn't been too too bad. Her asthma has started acting up though over the last day or two so hopefully another emergency room visit isn't in our near future. Too many scary nights of that. Maddie has been the lastest one though to get the yucks!!! Comes home from school and says she feels like she needs to throw-up (but what kid doesn't feel pukey every now and then) but apparently she meant it this time. She was laying in my lap getting me to rub her arm when all the sudden she sat up and walked off. I thought she was going to her room to lay down but Oh No......next thing we hear is SPLAT......SPLAT......SPALT....all over the bathroom FLOOR!!!! So I started telling her "Get to the toilet, get to the toilet!" Well she moved to the toilet BUT the lid was down. Threw up all over that so I say "Get to the tub sweetie, get to the tub" and that's where the carnage finally ended. Poor thing!! She's the most pathetic looking thing when she's sick like that because she only weighs about 20 pounds as it is (more like 40 lbs but she's a teeny little thing :) ) so seeing her sick is just the saddest thing ever. So into bed with toast and gatorade and water and a bucket by her bed - which she used like a pro several times that night and she eventually got some much needed rest for her poor body. She managed to not have anymore of the sickies and after 24 hours went back to school. Maddie had actually been crying that next morning when I told her she had to stay home from school....loves her school time! No one else has gotten the little virus (knock on wood)that Maddie had but if it goes around the house then I'm sure I'll be that last to get it after taking care of everyone else - very Momesque huh :) I'm just praying that Riley doesn't get any of it because that won't be ANY fun at all.

Here's to wishing us all good health around here :)

My Oh My She's Already 5......

2009-01-16T21:52:00.005-06:00

months that is!!! Well yesterday Riley hit the 5 month mark and I just can't fathom how fast it's gone by :( She's "talking" and smiling and cooing and semi sitting up on her own and rolling over both ways and grabbing objects (and my hair :) ) and she's found her SCREAM!!!! She's still the sweetest baby though!

What a sweet 5 month old baby!!

She's over the picture taking.....

24.....Is It Natural....???

2009-01-11T12:53:00.005-06:00

So 24 starts tonight and I couldn't be more excited!! It's been a long year without my Jack Bauer fix - there was a miny 2-hour show in November but come on that's just not enough! I'm kinda obsessed with the whole 24 scene. When Paul and I were deciding to get pregnant again I was just set on the name Jack if we had a boy - but I guess we'll have to save that for the possible next baby. Maybe my 24ness goes a bit far sometimes....I will completely stop whatever I'm doing when a 24 commercial comes on and just watch it like I've never seen it before although it just played 15 mins ago and I shush anyone who might be talking at that moment - but that's completely normal and natural right???? Jack is on my "freebie" list as well - and again I realize he's not a real person but still......

Thank God Jack's back to save us all.....
Yeah he's an ass-kicker.....

1. The city of Los Angeles once named a street after Jack Bauer in gratitude for his saving the city several times. They had to rename it after people kept dying when they tried to cross the street. No one crosses Jack Bauer and lives.
2. Once, someone tried to tell Jack Bauer a "knock knock" joke. Jack Bauer found out who was there, who they worked for, and where the goddamned bomb was.
3. If everyone on "24" followed Jack Bauer's instructions, it would be called "12".
4. Jack Bauer could strangle you with a cordless phone.
5. Jack Bauer arm once wrestled Superman. The stipulations were the loser had to wear his underwear on the outside of his pants.
6. Sun Tzu once wrote, "If your enemy is weaker, conquer him. If he is stronger, join him. If he is Jack Bauer, you're f***ing dead."
7. Jack Bauer doesn't speak any foreign languages, but he can make any foreigner speak English in a matter of minutes.
8. Jack Bauer killed so many terrorists that at one point, the #5 CIA Most Wanted fugitive was an 18-year-old teenager in Malaysia who downloaded the movie Dodgeball.
9. In 96 hours, Jack Bauer has killed 93 people and saved the world 4 times. What the hell have you done with your life?
10. Jack Bauer played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.
11. When Google can't find something, it asks Jack Bauer for help.
12. If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he'd shoot Nina twice.
13. Jesus died and rose from the dead in 3 days. It took Jack Bauer less than an hour. And he's done it twice.
14. Jack Bauer was conceived by torturing the other sperm until they gave up the location of the egg.
15. 1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.

Happy 2009!!!

2008-12-31T13:38:00.005-06:00

So there's nothing that I hate more than admitting that my mom is right about anything, and as I've gotten older it's become more and more clear that she's right about alot. She always said that once you turn 18 everything is just downhill and time goes by in a snap - I never realized how true that statement was. It literally seems like yesterday I found out I was pregnant with Riley - it seems like just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with Paige! Now Paige will be 10 this year, Maddie 7 and Riley 1 - although she's got awhile till that happens but still - she's almost 5 months as it is. Speaking of age.....I turn the big 3-0 this year - yikes!!!! It's just crazy how fast it's all gone by. Paul and I have been together for almost 11 years and that seems like it's flown by too. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was dancing around with my friend Amanda when I turned around to see the hottest guy I'd ever seen right behind me and BAM!! 11 years has just slipped by like nothing. I'm trying to take in everything the girls are doing and taking lots of pictures because they just grow more and more every day! I'm so happy that going into the new year all of my family is not only healthy but pretty happy. A nice home, food on the table, warmth, clothes - all the things that many people this past year haven't been able to keep or have. Hopefully 2009 will be just as Full as 2008 was! So thru all this rambling......Happy New Year to everyone!! May it be healthy, happy and prosperous!!!
Happy New Year!!!

Yeah they're CUTE!!!

Christmas is Done.....Now on to 2009!!

2008-12-28T16:31:00.002-06:00

So glad Christmas is over with! The pressure to find all the gifts the kids have their heart set on and all the energy of wrapping and making it to everyone's house is all done until next year - YEA!! Riley got to enjoy her very first Christmas though so that was very special! Paige and Maddie are such good big sisters to Riley and they really seemed to enjoy watching Riley slowly open her gifts (Paul and I really opened them for her but we tried and tried to get her to do it but she is only 4 months old ;) ) Paige and Maddie were spoiled with tons of gifts as always but there's nothing better that seeing their faces light up as they come out on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought for them. Maddie has been asking for a bike like Paiges - which is a trick bike or something with pegs called a Mongoose and Maddie wanted a pink one while Paige has her blue one and Maddie tries to ride it all the time - so Santa must've thought she was pretty great this year! Paige had an electric scooter as her Santa gift so of course she was great too this year and go herself the coolest little motor scooter type Vespa scooter - I can ride it too (and I did - for safety reasons of course) and it's freaking hysterical!! Riley asked for an activity center of since she's the best baby ever ;) she got that and is loving playing with all the different little toys attached to it! I got a HOT Coach purse that I really wanted among many other things that my wonderful hubby remembers that I've mentioned and Paul go some stuff to work on his car with and some Philadelphia Eagles stuff - all around we had the best day - but I'm still glad Christmas is over ...... at least until next year!!!

Not only does she roll but......

2008-12-15T22:53:00.005-06:00

She's also 4 months old today!!! Riley started rolling from her tummy to her back recently!! It really does seem like just yesterday I was going into the hospital to have her. I'm amazed that she's so big already and thriving and growing like a little flower! She's a pretty great baby although she does have her crazy baby moments don't get me wrong. Had the normal 4 months check-up appt and of course Riles had to get shots and I sat in the corner while Paul held her down. She didn't cry for too long - that's the beauty of being a baby I guess - short memory! Riley is growing like she's supposed to and she could start on rice cereal but I'm just not ready to stop exclusively nursing her yet - maybe next month :)

RyRy at 4 months!!!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-11T15:38:00.003-06:00

Ok so maybe it wasn't a complete Winter Wonderland but for this area of Texas it was as wintery as it's been in awhile. It was a pretty nice sunny day and then we went out to dinner and walked out to coldness and rain. It was FREEZZZZZZINGGGGG!!! Then it started pouring and lightening then the temp started dropping like crazy. We'd only been home for just a bit when I looked outside and saw the sleet coming down. After that Paige and Maddie checked outside about a million times because they just knew that it was going to snow. Finally the snow started to come down and it got pretty thick for awhile - so out went Paige and Maddie to enjoy what we consider a snowstorm ;) Thank goodness they went out that night because, sadly, by the morning it looked like it had never even snowed. Maybe we'll get some more later this winter, but if not at least we enjoyed what little we did get!

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T00:09:00.002-06:00

My absolute FAVORITE holiday!! I love the fact that you get to have turkey and all the trimmings and none of the pressure of making sure every gift is wrapped under the tree and everyone has "enough" and how long are we going to stay at this persons house and what time will you be there. Thanksgiving is about being together as a family and being so thankful for everything you have and remembering how nice it is to have everyone around that you love around you. This year we have even more reasons to be thankful - Miss Riley! She's happy, healthy and just the sweetest baby! Although she won't be able to enjoy any of the yummy food I'm just happy that she's here and with us. I'm also thankful for my sweeties, Paige and Maddie, who are also healthy and for the most part happy ;) They have been the BEST big sisters and great kids! Paul and I have truly been blessed with these girls - although check back with me in a few years when the ol' puberty kicks into high gear - YIKES!! I'm thankful for my whole family being in good health. I'm thankful for my mom, sisters and brother, and my grandparents who are like parents to me. I'm thankful for my sweet little house and all the love it contains. On a silly, more material note I'm thankful for direct tv, the internet and my computer, hot hot water and long baths/showers, the hot tub, white wine, Nordstrom and their shoe department, getting back into shape slowly but surely, kit kats, Dr Pepper, coffee with tons of half and half and sugar, Chicken Fried Steak, Jack Bauer and 24, Sean Hannity, and on a not so silly note - I'm thankful to all the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to make sure that me and my loved ones are safe and sound. Last but never least I am more than thankful for my wonderful husband, Paul. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would marry someone who was the best father and husband you could ever ask for. Not only is he in a house full of women (even the dog is a girl) and outnumbered in every way but he never complains when we need him to do something on a Sunday and it's football time or when the girls and I drag him into a million different girlie stores - Paul just takes the baby and walks her around in her stroller and waits for us to get whatever we need and move on. Paul always puts us first and never complains. I could not have ever asked for a better husband, life partner, co-parent, partner-in-crime, and just best friend. I'm thankful that he puts up with all my craziness and chose me to be his wife. I don't know what or where I'd be with out all of his love and support and I'm greatful and thankful everyday for him and the three wonderful beautiful little girls that we have and count every day as a blessing!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! May you stuff yourselves silly and have all of your wonderful family around to enjoy!!

Look at this 3 month old cutie!

2008-11-25T22:14:00.001-06:00

Can't believe Miss Riles is already 3 months old!! Time is going by so fast and Riley is getting so big and developing her little personality - she's not just a little blob (thank you Angelina Jolie) she's a little person. I'm enjoying this baby so much - she smiles when she wakes up, hardly cries (she's only a little demanding :) ) and we all fight over who gets to hold her!

Sadness in the Wallace household....

2008-11-12T00:34:00.004-06:00

Our beloved 4Runner has driven it's last mile with our family. While driving down the road it threw a rod (every mechanic we spoke to thought we were joking because they had NEVER heard of that happening on a Toyota) and after much debate and going back and forth about fixing it and having it for a few more months or just selling it and putting money towards a new car - we had to go with the new car :( It was such a sad day when the 4Runner was sent off to it's new owner and we went off to the dealership to start a new relationship with a new car. As nice as it is to get a new car and have everything smelling new, looking new and under a wonderful warranty it was just as nice to have no car payment and my baby here. Hopefully the 4Runner is bringing as much love and happiness to their family as it did to me and mine. So long old friend......

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-02T17:25:00.005-06:00

We had a great night of trick-or-treating!! The girls got tons of candy (which I am now eating my way through) and everywhere we went people told the girls how much they loved their costumes - YEA!! Paige and Maddie were hula girls and Riley was a little lobster! Thank goodness it was warm weather so the hula girls didn't freeze their grass skirts off :)
Sweet Hula Girls and a Yummy Little Lobster!

Yummy Lobster!!

Where did the time go???

2008-10-15T22:25:00.004-05:00

Baby Riley is already 2 months old!! Time has just flown by. Riley had her 2 month well-baby check with shots and all :( She's growing right on track - weighing in at 11 lbs and measuring 22 inches long. She's in the 50% percentile for her weight and head and a little under that for her length. She's so different from Paige who was always in the 90th to 100% for head, weight, and length and then Maddie was always a teeny little 10th percentile for everything so Riley is a middle of the road baby. After all the measuring and the doctor answering any questions came the really awful, horrible, gut-wrenching part - SHOTS! I sat in the corner while Paul had to hold Riley's arms down so they could give her shots in her little baby legs. The look on her face and the cries - it never gets any easier and I've been through this twice before. Riley was just looking up at Paul with this face like - What are you doing to me and why?? It was the saddest thing I've seen in a long time. Probably since the last time Maddie got shots. We all survived though and Riley had some pain but she's gotten past her pain - good thing about being a baby - you don't remember that awful pain.
Happy before her shots...

Daddy holding Riles before the pain....

Oh the Pain....poor baby

Doc Visit

2008-10-08T23:14:00.001-05:00

So Riley's already had to make a trip to the doctor's office and it wasn't for shots or something that should be scheduled - nope - the poor baby got a little virus :(
It's not surprising she caught something since Paige and Maddie are at school and probably bring home all kinds of nasty little germs and they run right over to Riley and start kissing on her and get right in her face. So Riley gets a goopey eye. We took her in to the doc and not only did she have a goopey eye but she also had some sort of little virus - but no fever or other nastiness - so no meds just pedialite. Poor poor baby!! I'm just glad it wasn't anything worse. She's much better now - YEA!

So Much....

2008-09-15T15:45:00.002-05:00

So much has happened since my last post. Paige and Maddie started school the last week of August (YEA!!). Paige is now in the 4th grade and Maddie is in 1st. Time has just flown by and it really makes me sad that they aren't babies anymore - they are little people who think they're big adults! The things these kids have to know now in the elementary grades is just crazy!! Paige is starting to learn about Geometry - is that not nuts?? Geometry isn't something I even thought about until Jr High or High School and now in 4th grade they start to touch on it. First grade is just as insane. Homework every week and math, reading, and tons of other work that makes me too tired to think about :) The girls are both doing great though and still enjoy going to school so I guess I can't ask for too much more than that ;)

Other big milestones is Miss Riley officially turning a month old! She's been eating and sleeping and just generally being cute! She can already hold her head up and I think she's going to be a fast learner who's running after her 2 older sisters. I can't believe my baby is already a month old - it seems like it's going by so fast and I'm just trying to soak up all the time with her that I can!

2 Weeks and Going Strong!!

2008-08-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Riley is 2 weeks old today and just amazing! She hardly cries, loves to eat, and is a great sleeper!!! She had to go in for her 2 week check-up today and she's right on track! Riley also had to get her little heel pricked again (she had it done in the hospital and let out one cry and was done) and this time RyRy did the most pitiful cry I think I've ever heard. Paul held her little hand and rubbed her cheek while I sat in the chair and got teary-eyed. She's an awesome little baby and I'm so happy she's here - I feel that we are a complete family - for now because who knows what the future holds ;)!!!!

She's Here!!!!!

2008-08-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Friday, August 15th our sweet little Riley Sloane made her way into the world!! She is the sweetest little thing I've ever seen (well in 6 years because Maddie was the sweetset thing and before that Paige was the sweetest thing) and is just a quite, good-natured baby. When she came out she was yawning if that tells you anything about her being a good sleeper! She has dark hair and blue eyes with long lashes (thank goodness she got Paul's eyelashes and not mine) and she is just a tiny little thing. She was a planned C-Section and although I'd been through it before with Maddie, she was an emergency c-section, I had 9 months to dwell and think and freak-out about what was going to be happening so I was scared to death. My doctor is so great though and of course Paul was in the operating room with me and held my hand the whole time. Paul has been an absolutely wonderful husband too. He's gotten up no matter the time day or night and gets me whatever I need and helps out with everything. Paige and Maddie have also been helping out with everything too and not complaining - which has been a nice surprise. The girls LOVE their baby sister so much that it just makes me want to cry! While we were in the hospital Baby Riley was the favorite of the nursery. I was told this by the nurses I'm not just being biased :) I'm so glad she's here and I just stare at her constantly. They change and grow so fast. We are a truly blessed family.

Mom, Dad, and Baby Riley....

She's Almost Here!!!

2008-08-15T00:37:00.000-05:00

We're about to meet baby Riley and we're all very excited!! Everything's about to change in our household and Paige and Maddie have no idea what's about to be going on here. Can't wait to see this sweet baby and hold her and just love on her!

O popular

2008-08-01T00:04:00.000-05:00

Since I've been pregnant I've had my blood drawn about a million times - human pin cushion basically. Paul and I were talking about blood-types and I had just asked the nurse the day before what mine was (and I'd asked about 20 times before that because I can't remember ANYTHING lately) when Maddie walked in. Maddie asked what we were talking about and I told her "We're talking about blood-types" and of course Maddie asked what that was so we explained to her what that meant. She asked what type she was and being the wonderful mother that I am I said I didn't know because I hadn't thought to ask her pediatrician (I'm horrible I know) and we told her all about the different kinds that were out there. So she asked me what mine was and I told her. She looks at us both in all seriousness and says "Well, my blood-type is O-popular" and walks off. Paul and I look at eachother and just bust out laughing. She was so serious and so sure of what she was saying. This kid just cracks us up constantly because we never know what she's going to say, wear, do - she's just her own little person and she doesn't conform or care what anyone else thinks. We have no idea what to expect from Maddie as she gets older but I'm sure she'll always keep it interesting :)

Wonderful Babyshower!

2008-07-22T14:01:00.001-05:00

I had the best babyshower with all the people I love making sure to take good care of Riley and me! Paul and I got rid of everything about 1 1/2 to 2 yrs ago so basically it was like us being first time parents with the need for EVERYTHING!!! It was a really great day and everything looked so nice and my hostess' and mom did such a great job! It was a wonderful day and I can't wait to see Riley wear and use all the great things she got!

My cute cake...

Me with my little Thing 1, 2, and soon-to-be 3!!

Me with my Mom...

Sisters...

Happy Birthday Paiger-Paige!!

2008-07-09T23:36:00.000-05:00

Today marks the 9th birthday of my amazing baby! It was so crazy and such an amazing and scary experience all at the same time. Paul and I were so young and dumb it's amazing that Paige has turned out to be such a smart, wonderful, beautiful child that I thank god everyday for her (even the days she's driving me crazy with her thinking she's an adult attitude!) July 9, 1999 at 7:10 Paige Reese came into this world "sunny side up" as the doctor said. She slept and ate constantly and was pretty perfect! Paul and I think she slept so much because she knew 2 idiots were making a go of raising her - we've done pretty great so far!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!
We Love You!!
Paigey thru the years....

It was a Happy 4th!!

2008-07-06T23:41:00.001-05:00

We had a great time and it wasn't too hot! Happy 4th!

Ahhhhh Babymoons!

2008-06-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

Paul and I just got back from a wonderfully relaxing trip to Cabo or from a "babymoon". The girls were shipped off to Grandma's for a week and we went and just layed around the pool and had lots of cold drinks. No schedules, no worries, and no cell phones to interrupt our time together before baby Riley gets here. Paul of course could indulge in the frozen alcoholic goodies but I couldn't. Oh well. It really wasn't that bad. I had bunches of frozen drinks - just all virgin. The Miami Vice was nice and cold and the view from our infinity pool was awesome. The Arch was across from our pool so while we were out tanning and drinking we could look across the water at it. It was really beautiful. I never had to get up to do or get anything either because Paul just jumped right up and took GREAT care of me! It was a perfect way to get ready for Riley!

Us in front of the Arch

Paul getting a sufring lesson

the water was COLDDDD!!!!

So beautiful....

Happy Birthday Maddie B!!!!

2008-06-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

My super sweet and super tiny baby Maddie turns 6 today! At 11am on June 10, 2002 (and after an emergency c-section) Madeline Belle made her big debut! She was a such a good baby! Always happy to wake up, always happy to see me, Dad, and Paige, and always hungry! She may look more like Paul but she's a serious Mommy's girl! We can't imagine our lives without her!

Happy 6th Birthday Maddie!!

Maddie thru the years..... Dimple Baby!

Meet the Newest Wallace!!

2008-05-31T23:25:00.000-05:00

Well it only took 3 sonograms and a trip to the 3D/4D sonogram place but we were finally able to see that we are having a.........

GIRL!!!!

Was there really any doubt (for me and Paul - no) but everything is on track and this baby is healty and where she should be - growing like a weed! We are very happy and relieved that the doc said she's healthy and there's no apparent health problems. The girls were with us when we found out and they were jumping all over the place saying "It's a GIRL, it's a GIRL!" and then they'd stop jumping around and look at us and ask if we were sure it was a girl and once we'd say yes they'd start the jumping all over again. Paige and Maddie are both very excited and have told me they will help me with everything - except diapers :)

We've decided on a name, Riley Sloane, Paul picked Riley and I picked Sloane and we have already been saying Riley this and Riley that and Maddie and Paige both talk to my stomach and call her Riley! I can't wait to meet this little lady in person and hold her in my arms. Paul and the girls are ready to snuggle up with her too! Paige and Maddie will be the best big sisters and they're so cute and excited about Baby Riley! Paul of course will be the best dad (he already is to our first two babies) and he had been taking seriously great care of me. I literally don't have to lift a finger and he just wants to take care of me constantly - I love him more than anything!! I'm too lucky :)

Here are some pictures of Baby Riley from our 3D session although she didn't really want to cooperate that day either - hmmmmm wonder what this is saying for her when she's out here with us!

She's shy - or she just can't be bothered!

Baby Riley side-shot....

We all think she's singing into her "microphone"

I'm 28, I'm 28, I'm 28........

2008-05-18T23:41:00.000-05:00

at least for a few more hours. I'm about to officially enter the last year of my 20's - and I don't know how I feel about that. As my mom likes to say quite often - It beats the alternative - thanks Mom that always makes me feel better :) I always thought I'd be super depressed about turning 29 because the big 3-0 was then just around the corner, but I feel ok about it (I think I do because I'm still actually 28 until 2:52pm tomorrow). 29 should be a great year - a wonderful husband who takes better care of me than I ever could have imagined and who is so laid-back to my crazy emotional self, my 2 beautiful little girls that I just look at in amazement every day and marvel at the fact that I had a part in making these wonderful little girls, and another little girl on the way that I can't wait to meet and be mommy to! I'm looking forward to 29 and even to my 30's - it can only get better and better!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

My wonderful family took great care of me yesterday and I didn't have to lift a finger! Paul made me a great breakfast and brought it to me in bed then waited on me all day :) He's such a great husband!! The kids were great too ;)

Happy Birthday!!

2008-05-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!! I'm actually 2 days late in this post but my mind's shot lately :) It was a low-key affair this year due to being a million months pregnant with dinner and cake at home afterwards - family time (which I like the best). Dinner was good, cake was GREAT - chocolate cake with fudge icing YUM!! but best of all was just getting to be with Paul and the girls as we all celebrated another year together and Paul's birthday also starts the continuous roll of Wallace birthday's. Mine is next with Maddie's in June, Paige's in July, and baby will be born in August - YIKES!! We like to keep everything close together! So back on track - Happy Birthday to the best husband and daddy!! Hopefully this will be one of the best years ever! Love you!!

Happy Anniversary to us!! It's been how long??!!!

2008-04-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

7 years ago was one of the happiest days of my life (stressful I'm sure too). Paul and I didn't do everything exactly in order but we've been going strong for nearly 10years. It seems just like yesterday that I was about to walk down the aisle and start a whole new chapter in my life with this amazing person. 7 years of marriage, 2 1/2 kids, and many happy days/memories later I'm still thankful! Love you Babe!!

Our Wedding Day!

Bluebonnet Time - My Favorite Time of the Year!!

2008-04-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

It's bluebonnet time here and I absolutly LOVE IT!!! It always makes me so happy when springtime is here and when driving down the roads you see all the beautiful flowers - but ecspecially the bluebonnets! The year has been kind of sad because there wasn't much rain so the bonnets are kind of sparse but we managed to find a few fields of them. Taking pictures in the bluebonnets is another of my favorites....

My Beautiful Girls!

Well It's Official.......My Babies Don't Need Me Anymore

2008-04-17T00:23:00.001-05:00

Today was a sad day in my mommy life....Maddie didn't need/want me to walk her into class today - she wanted Paige to do it instead. She told me last night that she wanted Paige to walk her to her classroom and I honestly thought she was kidding me, but nope she wanted to be a big-big girl. Maddie has been watching Paige walk herself to class all this year and anything Paige does Madeline wants to do to prove she's just as big. I was still in denial this morning as I drove them both to school. I was going to at least walk with them both up to the front doors and give them big hugs and kisses and I thought Maddie would chicken-out and want Mommy to go with her to class, but as soon as I got to the front doors with them they both acted like I wasn't even there and tried to run off with no hugs or kisses :( Since Maddie has started Kindergarten either Paul or I have walked Maddie to her classroom and helped her put her folder in her cubby, put her bag in her locker, get a drink of water from her water bottle, move her picture to the "here" section for attendance and give her a hug - and today that all changed. As soon as I got back in the car I called Paul and started just bawling like a baby. I just didn't think that she wouldn't want me walking her to class. She told me tonight that tommorrow she wants Paige to walk her to her class again and for me not to even get out of the car to go to the front doors with them. I feel so sad :( It's very hard to know how fast they're growing up. One day they need you to hold their little hands and let them know everything's ok and the next day they're running off without a backwards glance. Sadness.

Doctor Day for April!

2008-04-09T23:47:00.000-05:00

Had my every 4 week check-up today - so I guess it'd be easier to say monthly doctor visit :). Everything is going great so far! Checked heartbeat as usual and it was strong and pumpin' like a healthy little baby heart should. I didn't gain any weight since my last visit so that was something that I was told to work on for next visit but it's not a big deal. I've been dealing with the most horrific allergies this year and haven't felt much like eating (but I've been making myself eat and stay as healthy as possible). This poor kid will probably have have to live in a bubble if they have allergies that are even half as junkie as mine have been. The doc also asked if we were interested in knowing the sex of the baby and of course we said yes - I'm ready to start this nursery and I need specific colors not yellow and green. It would only be a quick sonogram to determine the sex because my doctor doesn't do the full out sonogram until 24 weeks and I'm only at 21 weeks. Now, this is the second sonogram we've had to try and determine if it's a boy or girl. First time we couldn't find out because the legs were crossed and there was no uncrossing those suckers so this time we were hoping for cooperation. Well, it was a no go again. This baby did not cooperate AGAIN!!!!!! He/She would not turn around so we could see the goods! They only wanted us to see their bottom (maybe that's a sign for how they'll be in life - showing us the bum :) ) We're still thinking it's a girl but I need confirmation so I can choose the right theme and colors. We'll go back in 3 weeks and have more time to make this baby turn or get in the right position so we can get a definite answer. Either way we just hope and pray for a healthy baby no matter if it's a boy or a girl!

2008-04-09T23:39:00.001-05:00

2008-04-09T23:38:00.001-05:00

My Talented Kiddos!

2008-04-09T23:13:00.000-05:00

Paige and Maddie had a dance competition on March 29th and I have to say that I pretty much have the best little dancers around! Paige has been in dance for awhile and done many competitions so she's used to the nerves and crowd watching as she performs. Maddie, on the other hand, did a half-year of dance when she was about 2 and was freaked out the whole time just being in the class but now she's on the competative dance team too and all I can say is that I was very nervous for her. Now I'm not saying Maddie isn't a great little dancer (because she's got some moves that make Paul and I laugh so hard and rival her big sister) but she is the more reserved and shy child - at first anyway - while Paige is very open and friendly and will be your friend in about 2 seconds. Maddie's group was up first. Paul had the camera out and ready to roll and I was sitting there holding my breath just waiting for Maddie to run off stage about 3 seconds after she walked in front of the crowd. Well, I had nothing to worry about! Maddie was basically a little pro out there and was so super cute!!! I can't believe how great she did on her very first time dancing in front of a big crowd!! Paige came out afterwards and did her dances too. She did great as usual and we were so proud of her - she's always working that crowd. She even knew right were we where in the crowd and smiled our camera basically for her whole dance. Maddie's group did one dance and Paige's did two but the second dance got cut off early due to 2 little girls trying to watch the tape without asking for help in rewinding so we'll get it again on the next go-round.
To make the day even more exciting and fun was the awards they won. Maddie's group won the "A" is for Adorable and 1st overall for her age division plus High Gold!! Paige's group won 2nd overall for her age division plus High Gold!! YEA!!!! We're all so excited and proud of how GREAT both our girls did!!!

Easter!

2008-03-26T08:23:00.000-05:00

We had great fun this Easter with lots of family, coloring eggs, hunting for candy, seeing the Easter bunny, and remebering why we celebrate Easter. Paige and Maddie had a great time at the egghunt that my parents have at their house every year and they got a TON of candy that of course came home with us and is now being consumed by Paul and myself - thanks.

Late Night Cravings and the Best Husband Ever!!

2008-03-24T23:17:00.001-05:00

I might have the best husband around. I was just sitting on the couch thinking how good cheese on a wheat thin would be plus maybe some cheddar and sour cream chips. I give Paul "the look" and ask him to run up to the store for me and without hesitation or complaint he jumps right up and heads straight to the store. It doesn't matter what time it is day or night Paul will run and get any kind of food that I have a craving for - and he never complains just says "I'll be right back". He's really the best!

Doctor Day!!

2008-03-12T23:43:00.000-05:00

It was check-up day for baby. Everything is great and normal and heartbeat is still going strong! Still don't know if it's a boy or a girl - but we're pretty sure it'll be another little girl since that's what we're so good at making ;) After our appointment I had to head over and get a big ol' vile of blood drawn for testing that goes on between 15 and 18 weeks. Thank god I got a person who knew what they were doing when taking my blood because I'm about the biggest baby when it comes to needles. Something I guess I forgot about when the whole - I want another baby thing came up - needles are a huge part of the process. I'm just glad everything seems to be going great and I haven't gained too much weight yet - but we'll see how that works out :) Early April is our next appointment so I'll have an update then!

TAKS, Oh the Drama.....

2008-03-05T07:58:00.000-06:00

Poor Paige has been a bundle of nerves for the last week and it's all due to TAKS - which is a test of Assessment of Knowledge and Skill. If you don't pass then you don't get to move on to the next grade and Paige is so freaked out. So we've been giving her lots of encouragement and reassurement. We know she'll do great - it's just getting her to know that too. She got her brain food this morning and ran into the school with a big smile on her face while blowing me lots of kisses and waving the whole time! I'm so glad I have not only a smart girl but a sweet one too! Keep her in your thoughts today as she takes her test!

Why, why, why....

2008-02-25T08:03:00.000-06:00

Do my allergies have to be so ridiculous?? My poor little family all have the worst sniffles and stuffy heads ever. The best part about all the allergies is that because I'm pregnant I can't just OD myself on meds so it's been real fun! I love Texas but I wish it would rain to get all this junk out of here and then stay one temp - 85 with a slight breeze sounds nice. Ok, enouh complaining. I'm off to drink some OJ and watch a little junk TV - that always makes me feel better ;)

Oh Baby!

2008-02-14T22:29:00.001-06:00

Well it's been on my Myspace for a couple of weeks, but I just hadn't thought to do the same on here but....We're Pregnant!!! We are so excited about it. I'm in my 13th week and still battling morning-sickness but it's at night. As I told the doctor - it just feels like a lump that makes me feel sick just sitting there - to which he replied "There is a lump in there" thanks Doc ;) We've done one sonogram so far just to confirm it was a go and Paul and I got to listen to the heartbeat yesterday morning. It doesn't matter if it's the first child or the third child that I'm in there listening to that little heartbeat for the first time - it makes me so teary-eyed and happy. It was actually a little scary this time because they couldn't find the heartbeat at first but then the nurse found it and said the beats were great! Paul and I were so happy!! Hearing that little heartbeat and looking over at Paul while he's in there listening to our baby just makes me realize how much I love him and how much all of our kids mean to me. Next doctors appt is early March so I'll have more updates!!

Best Daddy in the World....You Betcha!!!

2008-01-30T23:46:00.000-06:00

Paige and Maddie got the surprise of their lives last Wednesday! Paul and I went to the girls school to pick them up and on the drive home (which is literally a 30 sec drive) Paul started asking the girls all kinds of questions about Aly & AJ and Hannah Montana and if they were sad that those girls would be here the next day, which of course they were sad because they LOVE Hannah Montana and we'd tried to get tickets earlier in December but they were gone in 2 secs - BUT what does Paul pull out of his jacket pocket............HANNAH MONTANA TICKETS!!!!!! Paige screamed so loud my ear was ringing for the rest of the day and Maddie was just in complete shock. They were both jumping around and laughing and giggling and just excited beyond belief. If any of you have kids that are into Disney channel then you know all about the Hannah mania - and my girls have it BAD!!!! I was in shock too since Paul had been going all day to make sure he got tickets for his girls to see Hannah Montana. As the best daddy EVER he hunted tickets down like a mad-man and to top it all off - he got 4 tickets and he went with us (didn't want his girls there by themselves)! How sweet is that? His girls were so super excited and just hugging his neck like there was no tomorrow. Once we were at the concert Paul bought them whatever they wanted from the concession stand (of course - dad's a softie for his 2 sweet babies) and he went to get us hot dogs, nachos, pretzels (lots of them for me because I absolutely LOVE those pretzels) peanuts, and lots of cotton candy!! Paul and I sat thru that concert and just laughed at how crazy our girls are and at their little faces and the looks of excitement on them. It was just a great experience for all of us and we all had so much fun!! Our seats were pretty great too!! So not only is this man possibly the greatest dad you could ever come across - but I'm pretty lucky too :)

50 Years!

2008-01-21T00:03:00.000-06:00

I missed posting on their actual anniversary but I just wanted to say Congratulations to my grandparents on 50 years of marriage! We all went to Vegas to celebrate their anniversary and we all had a blast!! Their actual anniversay is Jan 11th so that night we all went to the mirage and had dinner at Samba, which is a Brazilian Grill - very interesting and really good. The food just kept coming and coming. Vegas was great also because Paul was a big winner!! I won a little bit but he did great which made the trip even better!

My grandparents are such an inspiration in this day and age when 1 in 2 marriages fail. I can't image being 50 (or even 30 for that matter) much less married for that long. These two people are the sweetest most wonderful people I've ever met in my life. Anyone that I was ever friends with and introduced them to just loved them and my grandparents love them back. They were basically like my parents and I love them with all my heart! Here's to the next 25 years and them celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. I can only hope that Paul is still willing to put up with me for the next 40 years and we make it to such a milestone! Love you Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Christmas Lights Everywhere!!

2007-12-26T00:33:00.000-06:00

The day before Christmas Eve we went down to the Trail of Lights. Paul and I haven't been since Paige was a baby so it was basically a new experience for Paige and completely new for Maddie. The lights and displays were great and the girls and I had fun ohhhing and ahhhing over all the displays and pointing out our favorite ones while Paul just made sure to keep the girls wrangled in and safe - he's the best daddy and husband I know. He's always willing to do anything for his girls and not say one thing about it. As we walked around and looked at everything we drank hot chocolate and ate funnel cake. When you come to the end of the trail there's a HUGE Christmas tree that everyone goes under and spins around. We all had a really great time and the girls loved it all (except the freezing cold) and had a pretty great time! I absolutely LOVE our family time/outings and all the new things that Paige and Maddie get to see and watching their little faces take it all in and light up is really what this is all about!

Chirstmas Tree is Up and Rockin!!

2007-12-17T08:50:00.000-06:00

Well our tree is up and looks pretty good! The girls and I have a good time putting the lights and ornaments on the tree (with a little help from Dad in between commercials during the football game but he's such a trooper and eventually stopped watching his game to help his girls) but they're favorite part was taking turns putting water into the tree holder - too funny. We actually put our tree up awhile ago but I've just been crazy running around doing last minute shopping. I love watching Paige and Maddie doing all the things my sisters and I used to do when we were little. Family traditions are so nice and I love that I get to carry them on with my own family.

Another family tradition is making a truck-load of cookies with all the women in my family. I'll post about that later!

Girls in the Christmas Parade!!

2007-12-04T22:38:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Paige and Maddie were in the Christmas parade here in our home town in support of their dance company. They were so excited being able to walk with their friends and hand out candy to all the people in the crowd. Paige was running around with the candy and Maddie did a great job of waving to everyone like crazy - they were so cute! I got to walk with the girls in the parade and Paul took pictures of us. It was a great time all around and just made me realize how fast both of my babies are growing up. Looking at our pictures of the parade made me so thankful for all the loves in my life.......

Me and Maddie walking in the parade together

Paige being such a big girl!

Me and my sweets

Me with the 3 loves of my life!

Sweet Sisters

Random Things That Are Annoying Me.....

2007-11-27T23:35:00.000-06:00

When did Thanksgiving just start getting ignored? Nothing has been irritating me more lately than seeing people with Christmas lights up and trees decorated before Thanksgiving is even done and over with. Literally on Nov 1st I walked into the mall with Paige, Maddie and Paul to see Santa sitting on his chair next to the fireplace - this was the DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN!!! Holy Cow!! Of course Paul and I give eachother the look like - oh great - these girls are going to be asking for Santa pictures everytime we come to the mall. Personally, I like to wait until we're actually in the month of Dec to put up lights or our tree and it just really annoys me to see lights up when it's Nov 15 - why does it annoy me - No Idea??? but it does. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE having our house decorated and decorating the tree and doing cookies with the kids but AFTER Thanksgiving AFTER!!!!
Tom Brady also annoys me. I think it's his hair plus just his face in general. I don't know him personally and probably never will but I seriously have to change the channel when I see him. The Boston Red Sox fall into this annoying catagory as well. I'm a 'Stros fan thru and thru and believe me - I know they stink but still all these sudden Red Sox fans just make me want to vomit along with all the Cowboys fans that have suddenly shown up too.
Wreaths/Bows on the front-ends of cars. I love seeing these on front doors but on cars it just makes me feel - I don't know what.
Loud sneezes and loud nose blowing is also up there on the list. This one is basically just about my dad. Growing up, this man could cure you of hiccups by scaring you so badly with the loudest sneeze in the history of sneezes! I don't know if anyone else has ever been around an atomic sneeze but it really scares you and then irritates you. Love my dad dearly but whenever he was sneezing all of us girls made sure to let him know that it was wayyyyy too loud!
That's about all of my ranting right now. I'm watching Rocky and that movie could never irritate me and always gets me in a good mood!
More later!

Turkey, Gravy, Potatoes Oh My! Plus What I'm Thankful For....

2007-11-17T16:20:00.000-06:00

I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving!! I love this holiday and the season to come. In elem school I used to love being able to make all the pilgrim and indian clothes to wear at the parade we would have a school - of course none of that is PC now but I remember how much fun it was! The Thanksgiving Day Parade is also another tradition that I just can't do without. I'll wake up at the crack of dawn to watch that parade and then leave it on until it's over just for background noise. I also LOVE turkey and gravy but refuse to make it myself any other time of the year because it intimidates me to have to cook something so large. I have a huge family and we all get together and eat such great food and have so much fun! The girls all hang out in the kitchen talking and getting everything ready and the guys all go outside to play football before coming in to watch football on tv - yeah lots of football. Then once we've stuffed ourselves silly we all come back together the day after and eat turkey and rice with gravy - sooooo gooooooddddd - YUM!!!!

This holiday also makes me realize everything that I'm thankful and grateful for.

I'm most grateful for my family. I thank god everyday that I met and married Paul and have the most wonderful everything with him. He is the best thing that has happened to me (along with my two precious babies) and I'm so lucky to have him as my partner in not only marriage but in parenting, living, and just life in general. I love him more and more each day and I love that he loves me with all my ups and downs and has always been there for me no matter what.

Paige and Madeline - these are two of the best things I've ever done. I never understood the depth of being a parent or the love I could have for someone. These two babies rely on me and Paul for everything in life and we've been given this huge responsibility to make sure these two little people have all the love, shelter, clothing, ect that they need. I'm never prouder than when I look at these wonderful, sweet, beautiful little girls and realize how thankful I am to have them. I am more than thankful for each day I get to spend with them.

My parents and grandparents. I am who I am today because of them. My mom has helped me be the mother I am today because of her love and advice. It wasn't always a pretty relationship between us but as I've gotten older we've both realized how important we are to eachother. My grandparents are also people that I am so glad to have in my life. I'm very lucky in that I have an extremely close relationship with my grandparents and have grown up with them living right down the road from me. They are the sweetest most giving people ever. I would be lost without my mom and grandparents and love them very much.
My friends are something that I'm grateful for. I have the greatest group of friends be it people I've known since 5th grade or people I met at work and couldn't have made it thru the day if they weren't there with me.
The health of myself and my family. There are so many things that could go wrong and so many things out there that could hurt us on a daily basis and I thank my lucky stars that me, Paul, my beautiful babies, parents, grandparents ect are all just healthy and making it another day together.
I have tons to reflect on this holiday season and as we all sit around the table eating our big family meal I'll know just how lucky I am to be surrounded by the best family I could have ever hoped for!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Baby It's Cold Outside........but for how long???

2007-11-06T20:39:00.000-06:00

Well the cold weather finally hit us here in Texas! YEA!!! I LOVE this weather - for about 3 weeks, which is exactly enough time for me to wear some really cute wintery type clothes and enjoy the fire and that crisp air. After about 3 weeks though I realize I've been shocked by everything I touch about a million times, my hair has serious static cling, and my skin has taken on the nice pale color of no real sun exposure, but I'm enjoying the weather for now!

Since the weather has taken a dip though Paige, Maddie, and I get to enjoy HOT CHOCOLATE - YUMMMMM!!!! So we busted out the hot chocolate, marshmellows, and whip cream and all had some yummy hot chocolate that tasted so wonderful on such a cold night. Gotta drink up as much of it as we can because we never know what the weather will be like the next day!

Paiger & Maddie B enjoying their hot cocoa!

Spooktacularly Good Time!!

2007-11-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

Last night we took the kids trick-or-treating and had a blast! Paige was a Pink Lady from Grease (she learned the Pledge and everything) and Maddie was the sweetest little Genie I've ever seen! We went all around our neighborhood and got tons of candy plus the ton of candy we had to give out to the kids coming to the door - so I think we'll be OK on chocolate for longer than I'd like to think about. The girls looked so cute in their costumes - which I had no hand in making, just buying, but I did do the hair and make-up so contributing counts ;) Paul and I walked and walked with the girls and just enjoyed them running up to doors and yelling Trick-or-Treat! Gotta start planning the costumes for next year - Maddie's already running ideas past me!

Hot Roller Queen!

2007-10-31T00:32:00.000-05:00

Maddie's into sponge rollers and Paige has turned into the Hot-Roller Queen! I used to hot-roll my hair literally everyday when I was in school (when I still had beautiful, thick hair pre-children) and now Paige has been asking for the hot-rollers. Unfortunately Paige's hair holds a curl for about 15 mins before it starts to fall, but for those 15 mins it looks absolutely wonderful!

Paiger the Hot-Roller Queen...

This child loves cheesing and making silly faces for the camera...

My Sweet Baby

2007-10-21T22:28:00.000-05:00

Maddie has really gotten into having sponge rollers in her hair lately. I used to love getting my hair sponge-rolled - even with all the pain of trying to sleep while lying flat on my back the whole night so I didn't mess up any rollers and have my hair fall out. Paige is getting into the hot-rollers but Maddie is still totally a sponge head! Looking at these girls growing and having me do their hair to look super cute before school makes me so teary-eyed - I can't handle all of this growing up because it seems like it's going by too fast!

I never thought I'd love rolling 2 little girls hair so much or have the patience to do it but I'd never trade it for anything!

My little sponge-head!

Pumpkin Picking Time!!

2007-10-15T22:43:00.001-05:00

We Bopped Bopped Bopped Bopped to the Top!! High School Musical....

2007-10-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

High School Musical......

We went, we saw, we danced, we sang - a pretty good time was had by all! Me, Paige, Maddie, my mom Leslie, Aunt Michelle and cousins Parker & Lauren all went to see the show. The first half of the show was a little slow and of course we all knew what was going to happen because we've seen it on TV a million times but the second half was really fun! The cast comes out in the audience and danced with the kids in the aisles and Paige & Maddie got to dance with one of the main people so they loved that and danced all over the place. I spent way too much money on t-shirts, cds, High School Musical journals, little tote bags, and everything else you can imagine - BUT - to see them dancing and singing and just enjoying the show so much was worth it! So when High School Musical 2 comes to the stage I'm fully prepared for how much they'll love it!

PS - I've listened to the High School Musical 2 cd all the way thru more times than I can count - seriously! Little secret though - I actually enjoy most of the songs and me and my crazy girls turn up the volumn, open the sunroof, and just sing at the top of our lungs - good memories of how crazy my babies are!

High School Musical Here We Come!

2007-10-07T00:25:00.000-05:00

We're on our way tomorrow to see HSM (or High School Musical for you not in the know). Me, the girls, my mom, and my aunt & her 2 kids will be enjoying the lovely dancing and singing of the traveling show tomorrow afternoon. I'll be spending tons of money on useless junk I'm sure will just end up in the toy box only to be resold at a garage sale for 1/80th of what I spent on it and stuffing our faces with popcorn, hotdogs, and big pretzels (ok so the face stuffing with big pretzels will be all me) but Paige and Maddie are so EXCITED they can barely contain themselves. Hopefully I can take a camera in to get their faces during the show but we'll see. Sadly, I too know every single word to every single song on not only HSM but HSM 2. Excited stuff over here. I'll make sure to post when we get back about how the show went. :)

Ahhhh, to be a kid again....

2007-09-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

My mom recently bought Paige and Maddie bubble guns (about the 3rd pair of guns for them) and the girls were just dying to go outside and shoot bubbles everywhere! Watching them twirl around in the bubbles makes me realize how much fun the simplest things were when I was little. It was 100 degrees out but they just loved spinning, chasing, and giggling with those bubbles! Precious moments.....

Fantasy Football Widow.....

2007-09-10T10:37:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official, I'm a widow - at least for the next few months and only Thursdays thru Sundays. It's not like I didn't know that football season wasn't coming. I even get excited that football is starting. I love on Monday nights when the song starts up - Are you ready for some football? A Monday night party! When I was little we'd hear it come on while my dad was watching it and all run in there and start singing (dorky little kids what can I say) and now when Paul has it on I find myself doing the same thing :) Now the added element of fantasy football comes into play. I'll admit I also enjoy fantasy football. It's great when Paul's team is winning and complete sadness and anger when it's not. I get just as angry as he does because I help him set his line-up sometime, and if someone that I picked doesn't do well I'm not a happy camper. I'm a seriously competitive person and I'm married to an equally competitive guy. Paul and I have no problem wanting to take down a ref at a childs soccer game (we wouldnt but jeez they make me mad)! So, if people aren't over at our house Paul is at someone else's house or some sports bar and if he happens to be at home with just me and the kids and a game's on WATCH OUT!!! Do Not walk in front of the TV, Do Not accidentally sit on the remote and change the channel, Do Not make any noise - ok he's not that bad, but the girls and I won't know our sweet, wonderful Paul/Dad 4 out of 7 days of the week. I guess I can deal with being a Fantasy Football Widow for a few months because the rest of the year he gives us all his attention!

Us at the Eagles/Cowboys game in PA -