A Journey Through 2008

This post is simply a look back through 2008. We've crossed some major milestones with Macie turning 5 and starting Kindergarten to finally playing basketball (even though she doesn't want to)..The boys have learned some new dance moves, some cuss words (which we're working on), and best of all POTTY TRAINED - yea!. Some of these pictures need some explaining, so we'll start with me hold a small strawberry. This is hilarious and I shouldn't tell this story, but o well..Jason and I planted strawberries in our urns last Spring, not knowing of course. The picture of the boot and quarter is quite gross and funny. The boot is what Austin swallowed and passed successfully. I believe the story went something like this - Macie told him not to swallow the boot, so he did - hahahaha..Jason about flew the coup cause of this one..Well I guess the other pictures are self explanatory. Have a safe and happy New Year!!!!

Last Pics of the Year

Yesterday I had an idiotic idea that I'd take pictures of the kids, since I got new picture frames and the kids got cute, new clothes. That was screaming NEW PICTURES, NEW PICTURES!! So I get Macie all cute, which she wasn't all that thrilled about. Then moved onto the boys, which were more thrilled than Macie. I was interrupting their 4-wheeler riding, so needless to say they were not happy..The boys were crying before their pictures and Macie had her meltdown afterwards and I had to drink ;0) If my kids weren't some darn cute I wouldn't be taking their pictures all the time - hahahahahaha..So anyways, here's their last pictures for 2008 (you know their happy as hell)haha.

I forgot to mention that it took all day to get those curls

Austin

Eli

Toys R Us In Trouble?

I could literally open my own toy store and put Toys R Us outta business - for real, though...We are very fortunate to receive so many gifts!!! Today has been full of cleaning, taking the tree down and putting toys together. We still have several toys to put together or we could save them for next year's Christmas gifts - hhahahahaha (only kidding, but good idea)..The video I've posted is of Christmas morning. Austin is saying "What's that" - if your wondering..

Here's a picture of our car coming home Christmas night..I thought that was pretty amazingly funny..The kids had a wonderful Christmas and thanks everyone for all our gifts..

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Santa just left my house and O MY!!! My kids should be excited in the morning. All 3 kids are sleeping in Macie's bed, so hopefully the kids will come in our room before they burst into the living room (that's always been the plan in past years, but their getting old enough now not to wait). I have 2 video cameras set up plus my camera - hahahahaa.
Today was not our day for toys..After I took Macie's Leapster back the boys Leapfrog ClickStart computer didn't work, so I returned that before church today - haven't opened the new one so keep your fingers crossed that it works..The boys wanted to play that all day today - bless their hearts.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (or raccoon in my case). The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

Christmas Eve

Well this morning was eventful to say the least. It started at 6:30 when all 3 kids woke up wanting to eat and open presents from us - which we did..Everyone seemed to like all their presents. Macie's leapster didn't work, which is just about our luck, so off to Wal-Mart I go it being barely 8:00..Of course, they didn't have the plain leapster I'd orginally bought her, so I bought her the new leapster 2, which is better b/c it hooks to the internet..Needless to say she loves it!!!
So we're going to rest up for the rest of the morning then hit the ground running..

Early Christmas Presents

Tonight we opened presents with papaw Doug & Mamaw Karen..What a surprise the kids got!!

Poor Macie has been wanting this doll head for months and as you can see she was very excited to open her gift..The boys got new bikes and can't wait to ride them. They fell asleep on the way home, so we'll have to turn them loose tomorrow. They absolutely love to ride bikes!!All 3 kids also got Leaspster games, which they will open the game systems tomorrow morning from Jason and me.Here's Eli just unwrapping his bike!!
Here's my sweet Austin boy!!

Eli was ready to go!! He would have rode his bike through the house if we'd let him - hahaha
Eli is on the left - Austin right..We know the handlebars are upside down (hahahaha) we just haven't fixed them yet..

PJ Christmas Party

Today Macie had a pj breakfast Christmas Party. They ate pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and a sugar cookie. Santa came by for a visit and to hand out candy canes, then all the kids got to open gifts from their teacher. She got each kid a slap hand which the kids all called sticky hands. You throw the hand against the wall and it sticks. That gift was a HUGE success. All the kids started screaming when they opened their gifts then the pandemonium started. Everyone was hitting everything and each other with the hands. At one point one kid did a nose dive into a filing cabinet - hahahahahaha

Here's Macie and two of her friends hitting each other with the "sticky hand"..Needless to say - everyone had a great time!!

Here's a picture of the boys trying to enjoy themselves. Austin sat and ate just fine, but Eli was uncertain. He's not feeling well, so he just wasn't sure what to do..Looking at this picture is a reminder that kindergarten is right around the corner for them and that's terribly sad..I can't believe they will be 4 in April..

1st Crush

This is one of the sweetest stories I've ever told.
When Macie went to daycare there was a little boy named Chance who went to daycare with her. Macie quit going to daycare when the twins were born, so she had just turned 2 when she stopped going, so they were basically too young to remember each other. WELL, just so happens Chance is in her class this year and Macie just adores him. Talks about him constantly!!! She always says how she chases him around on the playground. According to her he sometimes plays with her and other times he tells her to leave him alone. I've tried to explain to her that boys like playing with their guy friends and maybe she needs to play with some little girls, but she's insistent on still playing with him.
Macie's class is learning how to write in complete sentences and several times a week they practice writing I'm guessing about someone in their class. Chance wrote a letter to Macie today, and it was the absolute sweetest sentence I've ever read!!! It brought tears to my eyes - hahahaha I know I'm a dork, but I don't care..I asked Macie why she likes Chance so much and she said "b/c he's ssoo cute"!! And I have to agree with her. He is a little cutie.

The sentence reads:

Dear Macie - you are my best friend

Making his list - checking it twice..

Santa made his last visit to my house to make sure all the kids would make his "good list"..I'm not sure what the kids thought, but they did good. Macie was so serious the whole time - she was hilarious - BUT she loved her present from Santa..The boys told Santa their names and what they wanted - they loved their gifts also..Austin was look'n out for his momma - he told Santa I wanted some big diamonds - hehehehehe..I've trained them well :0)
Thanks Santa!!

I wanted to add this in real quick..The funniest thing just happened - haahahahahhhhaa I was in the kitchen making out a grocery list and the boys were in their room playing with Santa's toys they received last night and this is what I'm hearing "vvvrrrooooommmmm (car sounds) DAMN IT"...hahahahahahhhaaa Turns out it was Austin...Of course, that word was as plain as day..Austin is a little Jason in so many ways other than looks - hahahahahahahhahahahahaaaa

Aye, aye, A-Y-E!!!!

This video is of the obvious (ALL my kids playing duck, duck, goose), but that's not what I wanted to show you. I wanted everyone to hear Eli say aye, aye, A-Y-E!!!! I think that is so cute!!! And he says that all the time at the right moments..He's the family jokester..

Santa and the raccoon

Well today has been quite festive, but yet bizarre..I'll start with the 70+ degree weather - I mean is it really December? I do have to admit though, I love it!! This morning the whole family worked on a Gingerbread house. I've always wanted to do this and
NE-VER AGAIN...

I realize I shouldn't be showing this picture, but everyone needs a good laugh every now and then...Nice, huh. hahahahaha

THEN - Santa came by on the White Bluff Fire Truck..

The kiddos always love seeing Santa..

This evening Macie and I plan on working on her teacher presents, so I'm really hoping those turn out. Thought that counts, right?

Okay folks here's where life gets bizarre..

After hours of being outside mamaw Patti, the kids and I were inside looking through the bags that Santa brought. Jason runs in the door panicky b/c he says a raccoon is in the garage..

Jason's like the lion in Wizard of Oz before he gets his courage - hahahahahahaha..Jason said he saw his fishing poles moving and he was thinking "what the hell". Then went to look and about crapped his pants..Thank God for his dad, who was here at the time and lassoed the raccoon and drug it out of the garage..I mean "REALLY A RACCOON", have you ever known of such a thing happening..I can understand a mouse, but a RACCOON. I'm just hoping it hasn't been there long.. I'll tell you one thing though, shim (she/he) was pissed off about that rope. Shim was hissing and thrashing at that shovel. So anyone in my neighborhood WATCH OUT!!! WILD RACCOON ON THE LOOSE..

MAULED!!!

I'm on a blogging frenzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's what happens when you get in the floor after 5:00 - ya get M-A-U-L-E-D!!
Don't be scared - this is life in our house on most nights - hahahahahahaha - and sometimes it's
crazier than this..


One more:

Here's a video of the boys playing duck duck goose by themselves. It's pretty cute!!! These videos are blurry and not sure why, but you get the general picture.

She can read!!!

Macie has been bringing home books to read since about the 2nd to 3rd week of school..I'm proud to announce she's now reading on a level C. I've heard by the end of kindergarten kids should be reading on a level D. If you told me at the start of school that she'd be reading this well before Christmas I would have called you a liar..I regret not keeping track of all the books she's read. She brings home a new book about every other nite and is the 2nd top reader in her class - she really tries hard and therefore deserves this credit. It's simply amazing to have her reading - she's grown up entirely too fast :0(

Enjoy the book!!!!

I have a video of her ABC's backwards in the next posting...

A-Mazing!!!

So tonight of all nights we decide to go out for ice cream :0D
When we get back home Macie starts singing her ABC's BACKWARDS..I was so shocked, but yet so impressed - b/c to this day I can't do that (I agree I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but that's hard). So anyways this was my excitement for the day.

Okay a couple of days have passed since this post..Here's the ABC's backwards..I haven't checked to see if it's right, so if it's wrong.. SSSSsoooorrryyyy!!!!

1st Basketball Game

Today was Macie's first ever basketball game..For only having 2 practices and not knowing what to expect I think she did good..She hustled and tried to get the ball as best she could, so that's all I can ask for for now..As the season gets started she'll improve..We've noticed she can shoot right or left handed, so that's cool and an advantage for her..It was so exciting to watch these small kids play ball, some were very good for being so young..I can't wait for the next game!! GO MACIE!!

1st Professional Haircuts

I know it's bad, but this is the first time we've taken the boys to have their hair professionally cut. Usually Jason burrs it..Before we left the house Eli didn't want to go, but once we got there I asked who wanted to go first and Eli said he did..They both were very good and still..I even kept some of their hair - hahahahaha..Too cute!!!
Jodi did an awesome job!!!!!

A Rare Glimpse

I know I've been posting like crazy here lately, but stay with me. I'll slow down. I captured a video of the boys today dancing in the car while we were waiting to pick up Macie. So many people never get to see the true side of the boys b/c they are usually so shy in public, so here's a glimpse of my world..Plus the video is hilarious!!! Austin's on the left - the one doing "The Punch" dance move-and I think he accidentally hits himself towards the end - hahahaha. Eli is on the right and at times attempting to sing..
Eli's main dance move in the past has been "Roll it up". He would hop around rolling he's hands around like in patty cake. Austin's main dance move would be "kick it" - he would hop around and kick one leg out. It's NEVER a dull moment, and I wouldn't trade it for nothing..
Excuse the song!!!

We Sat On Santa's Lap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay guys - get ready to die with laughter!!! I couldn't make this up if I had to.

We were invited to see Santa at Golden Ventures, so I said sure (thinking the kids would love it)..Let me just add real fast that the evening was over the top. They really went out of their way for the kids..They had cookies you could ice and decorate, they served finger foods, provided drinks and coloring pages for the kids. They also took pictures of your kids with Santa. So all that said on with my story..When I tell my kids we're going to see Santa the boys were kinda excited - now remember they have never sat on Santa's lap..After Macie gets home from school I tell her about seeing Santa later and she's sad b/c she wanted him to come to her house like he usually does every year (we've always got to have some drama)..We arrive at Golden Ventures and ice cookies, blah, blah..Now it's time to see Santa and remember in an earlier post what I said about the boys. How they're moods flip flop from day to day and how Eli would try an adventure before Austin - well not today..Austin was ready to sit on Santa's lap and ask for his 4-wheeler, Macie was really indifferent, but Eli did NOT want to go...I held his hand during our 5 steps to Santa then once he was up there I took off - hahahahahahhaha - AND he did fine...None of my kids can produce a good smile on cue (they get that from me unfortunately), I'll let the pictures speak for themselves..Then here's the funniest part of all..My most outgoing child -Macie - tears up while talking to Santa b/c she left her Christmas letter at home - bless her heart... She was so broken-hearted over that - (like I said - we ALWAYS have to have drama)..So I have Santa's address if any of you need it..I actually have his business card!!!

Santa Claus

#1 Jingle Bells Lane

North Pole

I didn't even think to dress the kids up, but most kids were..My poor kids..

Excuse the red eye

Macie tearing up while telling Santa she forgot her letter.

Syllables

I took these videos yesterday of Macie playing a syllables game on the computer. She loves to do anything school related especially on the computer..Her teacher recommended this site and Macie really likes it.

I thought this was cute!!

"Twin" Talk

I captured this audio while I was laying in bed this morning listening to the boys play through the monitor. It wasn't long ago that they wouldn't get outta bed when they woke up - they would just call for us..Now they get up and either get in our bed or just turn their TV on and play while watching TV - and that's what happened this morning. Believe it or not they are starting to talk a lot better. Or I should say they talk to us better, but I still have a hard time understanding them when they're talking to each other. They are starting to use some English, though.




Raising twins has been an amazing experience..You not only get to witness an unbreakable bond, but you also get to witness each child fighting to become their own individual. When you say "twins" people just automatically think "same", but that's not true..I've really started noticing one boy may be better at doing something than the other one , or one likes something more than the other..Then there are some things that they both love..Just within the last couple of months Jason and I have started distinguishing whose who just from hearing their voices and cries..They're growing into a normal 3 year old (I say normal, but not certain I know what that is) They mock, make fun and tattle on each other, which is annoying at times -but also hilarious (sometimes you just have to sit back and laugh - it's the only way to keep your sanity)..They can fight like CATS AND DOGS, but in the next moment turn around and play so nicely together. Their moods and attitudes flip flop depending on the day and people their around - like right now Eli is the more outgoing one while Austin is more reserved..I've always thought Austin will be the sneaky twin..Around Amy & Eric Austin likes to run around naked, while Eli is hesitant - Austin loves the laughter and attention, while Eli really doesn't. Every now and then he'll join in with Austin's nakedness - then things really get crazy casue they feed off each other. Eli will try a new adventure before Austin will..But all that could change tomorrow..

Letter to Santa

We were finally able to write Macie's letter to Santa. We've been talking about it for days and finally got it done. We still have the boys letters to do, but I can already tell you the only two things they want are:

1). 4-wheelers

2.) big trucks

Here's the boys being themselves. They've been wearing our stockings around the house pretending to be Santa.



Funny Story:

Jason and I were in bed while I was entering this blog and looking at the above picture. There was another picture of Austin smiling and his smile was all jacked up - plus his dirty face didn't help matters. Here's our convo after I was laughing at the last picture:


me: I sure love my kids.. They can't get much cutier -ya know.
jason: Yeah, like when Austin woke me up first thing this morning having to go poop - hahahha

Here's the funny smile I was talking about.

I'm excited to say my Christmas shopping is just about done and my Christmas cards will "hopefully" go out Monday..My wrapping is also caught up..This is a 1st for me!!!

Our painting on the Christmas characters aren't going too well, though..Snow White is done and we've been working on Snoopy - poor Piglet hasn't been touched..We may save him for next year - don't know yet..

The First Thanksgiving

Macie had her first school Thanksgiving feast. Her classmates dressed up as Indians and Pilgrims. Macie decided to go with a pilgrim & looked just like one with her hair curled and puffy sleeves.

Macie's class also made butter and got to eat it on their rolls. I didn't try any, but it looked like butter. Pretty cool!!

Thanksgiving Fun Facts: (ya'll know I love these)

• Though many competing claims exist, the most familiar story of the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts, in 1621. More than 200 years later, President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. Congress finally made Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday in 1941.


• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in America, with a planned production total of 49 million in 2008. Just six states—Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri and Indiana—will probably produce two-thirds of the estimated 271 million birds that will be raised in the U.S. this year.


• In a survey conducted by the National Turkey Federation, nearly 88 percent of Americans said they eat turkey at Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving is 15 pounds, which means some 690 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the U.S. during Thanksgiving in 2007.


• Snoopy has appeared as a giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade more times than any other character in history. As the Flying Ace, Snoopy made his sixth appearance in the 2006 parade

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=60820&display_order=3&mini_id=1083

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!

Star of the Month

Macie is STUDENT OF THE MONTH!!!!! We are so very excited cause as you know NOT everyone in her class can be student of the month. In honor of her accomplishment she gets her:

1. name/picture in the paper (will appear in Wednesday's edition)
   
   


2. a certificate


3. a pin


4. her name on her school's hallway bulletin board
   

5. breakfast for her, Jason and I..She was the most excited about this!! Both Sunday and Monday mornings Macie has woke me up around 5am telling me to get up and take her to school for her breakfast - hahahaha.. Sunday morning she said "it's time to take me to school cause - I'm student of the month" and her head was just a bobbing matter of factly.

Bag of Goodies

This morning went great!! Macie ate her Student of the Month breakfast with 2 of her friends and will have her classroom Thanksgiving Feast later this morning..

Here is Macie's picture that is hanging on the wall outside her classroom.