The Countdown Begins...

Can you think of anything more amazing than packing up for the summer and taking your family to Bali, Indonesia to travel the islands? That is the dream come true for us this year.  Come follow us through the journal entries of the summer.  You won't want to miss the adventure!

Cool Slideshows!

Old memories are just flooding through my mind today as I clean out files from an old computer. I found this video of Madison (aka Jaimee from Texas) that won her a spot on the Disney Rockin' New Years Eve broadcast 2007.

Bears Cheer

So, the girls coach was out of town this week and Jessica has class on Wednesdays so I tried to teach the girls a new Hello Cheer. I was impressed that they got as much of it as they did in one practice! Now, with a bit more practice, they will get it perfect! Uniforms and pom poms will also add to the total effect!
Nonetheless, they are cute!

Abbett Bear's Cheer Off!

Today are the "Cheer Off's" for Madi's team, the Abbett Bears. The dance and routine is this afternoon so I will post the video later but I thought they looked so cute I had to update this first!

Mother's Day Message

I never blogged about my Mother's Day! And, I have been wanting to mention it. This year, the girls gave me a Mother's ring which was included in the special card they made. Madison even made her own super special card for me.

Then, the girls spent the day with me, just hanging out, watching movies, talking, and eating. I loved everything about the day; it was perfect!

I love my Mother's ring. After all, I have been a mother for over 21 years now, I think I earned it!!! Yes. That's right, TWENTY-ONE and counting.

Anyhow, kudos to my Three Girls From Heaven on a wonderful Mother's Day and a special memorable gift!

Secret Helpers!

Tonight, while I was working on a project in my room, Madison and her friend Brianna asked to bake a cake. Since Madison has done this several times, I said it was fine and stayed in my room, just listening. After a little while, I began to realize that I didn't smell the cake yet. Instead I was smelling something else. Although I was hesitant to ask, I called Madison in my room to ask if she needed help. She assured me that everything was "under control" and that the cake was almost done. About an hour after this venture began, both girls returned to my room with a scarf to cover my eyes.

Apparently the "cake" was a surprise. When I was walked into the kitchen (blindfolded) they uncovered my eyes to show me a clean kitchen with a special treat. They made Rice Krispy Treats.

The message read, "I (heart) love U. There was a #1 on the Rice Krispy Treat but it was written with food coloring so it accidentally smeared.

Both girls worked really hard and I am very proud of their willingness to provide an act of love without being asked! It was very sweet and they did a great job cleaning the kitchen!

**Big points for Madison and Brianna!

Blonde For The Summer

I guess the idea of going from dirty blonde to summer blonde was Madison's idea. But I had no intention of following, until it was a little too late. Our hair stylist decided that she looked great with the blondest of blonde and I needed a few highlights. I guess a change is good for everyone. It's a fun look and although it really is quite bold for me, I'll try it for a while. Here are the results.

Fashion Frenzy

At my house, we go through the daily ritual of what kind of "store", "show", or "classroom" you will be participating in. Usually it consists of the normal, "lets play school", or "let's play store", however, it gets creative around here. You may walk in to a veterinarian office, with real pets, including insects that can be found, or a blockbuster, with hundreds of dvd's everywhere to choose from. Today, it was fashion week at our house and all the newest styles were worn and shown in a fashion show put on by the girls. *Notice the "red carpet" (the pink blanket) to the right side of the room. They were really cute.... until they had to clean it all up and return the clothes to hangers. :)

Kittens from the Milkman's Cat

I was out of town during the end of May, first of June. When I got home, I found my Himalayan cat, Milan, in heat. I hadn't realized she was old enough yet. So, I took her to the vet to get a shot that takes cats out of heat till they can be spayed. But, here we are, 11 weeks later, with kittens from the black Persian "milkman" cat! All the kittens are black. I just can't believe it!

Saving Sandy Memories

Most everyone knows that I love the beaches. Pretty much anywhere is fine with me, although I have favorites, as long as it has sand and ocean. Each visit to the different beaches, I began to think that it would be fun to bring back sand. After I mentioned it, I found out that people had heard of collecting sand, and my nephew, Austin, already collects it. I guess I am more sheltered than I thought!
So, I ordered some bottles to display them in and I am working on some new tags for each bottle. Here is what I have so far. Just a few but its a start!

Florida Beaches

The Florida beaches: Pensacola Beach, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, Ft. Walton Beach, and Destin Beach. The sand was white, soft, and clean. On the beach, I was transformed into a mermaid and in the ocean swam with a fish named Madison, all week long! The sun was warm and restful and the people were friendly. It was a perfect break for a summer vacation.

Just Take A Picture, Mom!

Girls At Galveston East Beach

We all had a fun time swimming and goofing off. Everyone got a litttle sunburned but I think it passed for Madison and Macy. My sunburn is still a bit evident!
Nonetheless, the water was awesome, clean, and perfectly cool.

Romeo is Thirsty Too!

It's All About A Girl....

All about Ms. Paige, that is.... How precious is this hair? She has more hair now than any of my girls did!!! And Sunday, June 7, 2009, she was blessed and given a name. Paige Taylor.

It was a beautiful day outside and we spent the day enjoying family time together and chasing babies. All of them!!!

Galveston Sandcastle Competition!

Galveston held its 23rd annual AIA Sandcastle competition this weekend. I have always wanted to attend but for some reason or another, I have not be able to.

Madison and Macy came along to see how it was done. We all enjoyed the beach and watching these guys compete.

We even spent a few hours out in the ocean..... way out there!!!..... swimming with the fish. For some reason, the fish were all swimming on the tips of the waves. Right as the wave curled, the fish were swimming and jumping as far as the eye could see. There were school after school of fish and we watched them swim by us for hours. Many of them even bumped up against us. It was a funny afternoon.

There were amazing artist talents present and although these are just a few of the best, all of the work was incredible!

Grandma's Garden and April's Love

Although Grandma Lois was the rightful owner of the garden in my back yard, April planted a lot of the seeds and flowers that continue to bloom each year. Among those, are a few of my favorites, the roses and the moonflowers.

Now, it's my garden and I gratefully care for it with the same love it received before me.

Hanging Out In The Treehouse!

Cooper and Lincoln were just hanging out today in the tree house. Madison and Macy joined in and had fun jumping out of the doors. It was amazingly cool up there when I took the boys up and I was surprised that the heat didn't engulf the area. Instead, the breeze blew through the branches and the shade cooled the air.

Swing Time Silly Girls

Clara and Madison hanging out together!