Say What?!

Mimi, Mimi, You're the One.

2012-01-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

Mimi knows just how to swoop in and save the day. With pillow forts, Pinkalicious cupcakes, and cotton ball hunting, there was non-stop fun. Apparently so much fun that she's not in any of the pictures.

**After you left, Mimi, Sadie has started singing the cutest version of "rubber ducky" I've ever heard, she spontaneously and randomly whispers "Mimi--Papssss" throughout the day, and every single time I change her diaper she reminds me that you did as well. :)

Summer is Here!

2012-01-31T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well, at least it is on St. Simmon's Island. I got a sunburn. In winter. In Georgia. It was awesome.

Thanks to some amazing friends' generosity (thank you Lisa and Bill!!!), this is how I spent three days. It was a much needed respite.

I found some peace, met with Jesus, slept a ton, found a sand dollar, walked for miles, brought home a live hermit crab (eeek!), read some books, saw some dolphins, and laughed in amazement. Not a bad weekend.

Spring Is Here!

2012-01-31T15:35:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting for this day! Ever since a couple little green sprouts shot up spontaneously in our front yard, we've been watching them closely and anxiously awaiting the day God would make them bloom (though Sadie thought it was her job to do so).

I knew Sav would go ballistic the minute she saw them. And she did. I didn't even have to point them out. I love that kid.

While we were checking out our flowers, we discovered Lightning McQueen's new home. We thought he was gone forever. Poor turtle. Probably just wants some peace to hibernate. But he needs to know that spring is almost here. The daffodils prove it.

Guess who...

2012-01-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

...went tee-tee in the potty!

We are far from potty-trained, but you were right Mimi! She is ready. God help us all in the coming months.

Mary

2012-01-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ever since Christmas, Savannah has been on a Mary kick. It goes way deeper than when she thought she was Snow White. Which is fine by me. Mary is a pretty dang good role model. If she's going to have a hero, that's a pretty good choice. She corrects people when they call her "Savannah." She's Mary, ok? Don't forget it. And don't forget Bunny, aka Baby Jesus, who must have his special blanket. And if she's going to be Mary, she's never complete without her shawl, which is always her pink and brown afghan. So needless to say, this is a very common sight these days...

And there have been many pictures that look like this...

And I honestly don't even know where it came from. She went to one Christmas play, and she watches a Veggie Tales Christmas video (thanks Lisa!), but the further we get from Christmas, the more the obsession grows. But it makes me happy that she actually comprehends why baby Jesus came. The gospel according to a three year old....

[After watching said video.]
Sav: "God loves us SO much, right?"
Me: "Yes! He's always going to love us..."
Sav: "...and He came to help us! And He's never gonna go bye-bye. And He's gonna get in my heart!"

a crafty kind of weekend.

2012-01-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

The cool thing about being crafty is that you can unwind and feel productive at the same time. With a couple days to myself, I attacked a corner of the house that has been shouting at me for some time. Recovering a wing chair is, well, more expensive than a wing chair. I determined that slip covers just don't work well. And right before I gave up, a light bulb went off on something I'd seen weeks ago on Pinterest. And let me be the one to tell you, my friends, fabric spray paint WORKS!

Before.

After.

Close up of my "new" side table. I love that I had everything I needed already in my basement. And I love birds now. And I love that the 'ol wax candle trick actually works to give an antiqued finish... with spray paint. And I love that Michael's always has those cute little frames in their $1 section.

For being so easy, this lamp brings me much joy.
[Lamp stand: Goodwill + spray paint. Shade: Target. Appliques: Michael's.]

I love my new sister, really I do.

2012-01-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't know it since I'm posting pictures 4 months later!! I finally took the 5 minutes to gather the pics in a file and share them with you. The day was a blast, Lindsay's family is a blast, and living life with her is going to be a blast.

Everyone racked their brains for a prank to play on Russell that day. You know, because he deserves it. Except we all knew the Charger was off limits, and nothing else seemed appropriate, and none of us have the mastermind that Russell does. Linds was the only one who succeeded. Since the Aggie war hymn is played at any good Aggie reception, she had the dj talk it up... saying that he was about the play the fight song from the best damn school with the best damn traditions.... and as the Ags started to file to the dance floor, the K-State song started playing. Here they are enjoying their glory.... though we all know what school really is best. :)

Most of these pics were taken by JWesley Photography... http://www.facebook.com/jwesleyphotography

Random Pics of Cuteness

2012-01-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

It's late, and I've got nuthin. Except for some miscellaneous pics of my princesses.

The Mill

2012-01-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

I am not really sure why today was the first day for the three of us to go exploring at the old mill. But better late than never. I find peace down there and they found a prime opportunity for exploration. I love that the outdoors does as much good for their little souls as it does mine. The photo-shoot wasn't planned, and the gray skies weren't ideal, but I will take any chance I can get to share my beautiful girls with you. Mimi, now you have to come check out our creek and our river!

"Look, a leaf."

"Look, a blade of grass!"

Ooops.

This is classic Sadie. The stick in hand, the facial expression, everything.

You know, for their album cover.

I die.

Savannah may or may not be missing from the bridge pictures because of a squat-n-pee mishap that ended the excursion. But overall, it was an awesome morning.

Don't let her blue eyes fool you

2012-01-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the following interaction with this precious child.

Savannah: "Mommy, smell my hand."
Me [almost falling for it and catching myself]: "Why? What does it smell like?"
Savannah: "Toot."
Me: "No thanks."
Savannah: "Mommy, smell my other hand."
Me: "No thanks."

I love that she stinks at being tricky and sly. I hope I can always see straight through her.

I WANT MOMMY.... and pizza.

2012-01-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a video from Meg's phone. This just makes me happy.

For the Birthday Boy

2012-01-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Magic

2012-01-03T20:22:00.001-08:00

Savannah: "Mommy, what's this?"
Me: "A magic wand."
Savannah [waving it]: "Mommy, where's the magic? I don't see it."
Me: "You have to make the magic, babe."
Savannah [trying again]: "Mommy, where's the magic? I don't see it."
Me: [silence]

Lightning McQueen

2012-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Mimi, we thought you'd like to know there's a box turtle hibernating in our flower bed. Sav named him Lightning McQueen. Not sure if she comprehends what turtles are known for.

Sav is digging for earth worms to feed him.

Footnote 1: Mimi, Lightning McQueen is the race car from the movie Cars. I'd love to give Sav credit for being creative, but in reality she lacks creativity when it comes to naming things. Prior to the turtle, everything has been named 'Mommy'. Which is like a huge honor, except for the fact that my namesake is a goldfish that swims in circles all day. She asked what our car's name was the other day and I suggested she name it. "Mommy's Car," she said. I suggested we be a little more fun and suggested "Lightning." She informed me the name was already taken by the red race car from the movie, but through that conversation she now has two names she bestows: "Mommy" or "Lightning McQueen. "

Footnote 2: I tried to explain that the poor turtle is trying to sleep and doesn't need worms shoved in his face, but it doesn't seem to be penetrating.

Auld Lang Syne

2012-01-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

I love spontaneous plans and the type of friend who can just call you up and say "I'll be there tomorrow." Friday night I received a text from my friend Nicole, who lives in North Carolina, asking about my New Year's plans. Her husband is deployed, so she hopped in the car the next morning to come ring in the new year with me. And ring in the new year we did.

Trying to get a 3 year old to take your picture with a huge, bulky Nikon is quite the circus act. We ran around to try to get in the frame.

This pretty well depicts how I felt all night: happy and a little bit blurry.

Not totally sure what dance this is, but I'm pretty sure it was awesome.

This dance is called the Kinect dance. Waaaay cooler than a Wii. Hours of entertainment for those playing AND those watching.

"Miss Cole" (formerly known as "Po") loving on my girls.

2 things I love

2011-12-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

#1. The preciousness of artwork that she's so proud of, she hangs it on the fridge herself... down to the teeny scraps of white and purple paper. The girl is detailed, perhaps.

2. No explanation necessary.

Recent conversations

2011-12-28T10:56:00.001-08:00

Savannah: "Excuse me."
Me: "Do you need something, love?"
Savannah: "No, I just tooted in my mouth."
Me: "You mean you burped?"
Savannah: "Yeah, I burped. I burp sometimes."

*********************************************

[Driving in the car in silence.]

Savannah: "Mommy, I'm gonna love you forever."
Me: "Awww, Sav, it makes me so happy when you say things like that. I'm gonna love you for ever and ever too."
Savannah: "Awww, Mommy, that's sooooooooo sweet. I like you."

*********************************************

Savannah: [exaggerated] *sigh* "I'm SO tired of all this whining."

Christmas Day

2011-12-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

The video camera captured the initial moments of the morning, and maybe one day I'll get around to uploading some of those videos. Sometimes pictures just can't capture the animation of Savannah's reaction to a fun pack of Skittles, Meg and I breaking out in a dance party, or a silly string war. But I hope these pics help you feel like you were there.

Guarding her Skittles with her life.

Realizing the goodness of Pez.

In learning the spirit of giving, Savannah gave a picture to everyone. She's recently learned to write her name, so she proudly handed out her gifts to everyone.

Do Meg and Will know me or what??

The candy coma begins.

The annual calendar gift from me and the girls.

Sisterly love.

Cousinly love.

Little Miss Harper

Granny Great and her 4 great-granddaughters

Ha, this one's a little more realistic.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I talked with a friend about the reality that for many, Christmas is accompanied primarily by pain. The ache from lost loved ones and broken families is often emphasized around the holidays and it replaces the innocence, joy, and magic that we felt as kids. For us, this Christmas is hard and messy and unconventional, but we've been greatly blessed indeed.

And to help me remember the innocence, I got to spend Christmas Eve with this handsome fellow, who serenaded me with Christmas carols.

And this little doll...

And I ran home in time to kiss the foreheads of my girls before they went to sleep and to ensure that they remembered the big day was almost here. And pulling into the driveway, I realized we still hadn't made the promised gingerbread men for Santa. And you obviously can't go to bed on Christmas Eve until this task has been completed.

Christmas Sneak Peak

2011-12-24T05:12:00.000-08:00

We let the girls open Mop and Cici's gift early, so it's only fair that the Grandmas in Texas get an early Christmas present.

By the way, we're wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Bama! We love you and wish we could celebrate with you today!

Every girl needs an aunt that's an elementary school teacher. Traci was so sweet to organize an art project for them, and they loved it.

Sadie was so proud and in love with her "deer" that she clutched it the entire way home and went to bed with it.

Thanks for the footie pajamas, Mimi!

Sadie was being so reserved as she opened her gift, so she had some direction from her sister.

BEST. GIFT. EVER.

Hours of entertainment. Hours, people. Do you understand what this means? It means that this is more of a gift for me than the girls. Oh, and they each got one! So in a few months, after the house is completely colored, there's a castle.

Harper's face cracks me up.

Christmas Toes

2011-12-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ghosts of Christmas past

2011-12-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

2008

2009

(Remember the love affair with the giant snow man??)

(And the cruel trick for the pregnant lady who thought she'd have diapers paid for forever?!)

2010

2011

Music

2011-12-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know what synapses got severed, but I think I'm a musician at heart who somehow was born without any ability in this arena whatsoever. Still, I deeply appreciate music and I think one's musical taste says a lot about them.

With that said, here are the girls' favorite jams. Not totally sure what it says about them. :) I think it's more in the music than the lyrics. I think it means that Sadie loves to have fun and has a little getto in her (yes, we listen to the version with Ludacris), and Sav has a whole lot of soul and depth.

Sadie's:

(In our house the lyrics are ususally "Sadie, Sadie, Sadie, ooooooooh")

Savannah's:

Christmas with the Johnsons

2011-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight was beautiful. See for yourself.....

This expression embodies everything innocent and childlike and magical.

She wrapped her new blanket around herself and declared that she was Mary, and proceeded to gently pick up an imaginary Jesus.

Miss Lisa, you did good. I don't know who loves this bear more, Dr. Sadie or the patient who was running out of patience playing patient.

Or maybe Bob.

Or perhaps Meg.

Look who warmed up to Grandbobby.

And who warmed up to Mr. Bill. I love it.

Thankful

2011-12-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for:

1. Baking

2. Midnight snacks enjoyed in the glow of twinkle lights.

3. Blossoming personality and individuality.

4. These songs:

Traditions

2011-12-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

Can I just say again that my favorite part of living here is living within minutes of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins? How else could Meg and Will call up and say "Can the girls go tonight??" and be here 15 minutes later to take the girls on their annual Christmas adventure?

They could totally pass for a family. Easily. I say they use this as their Christmas card pic and see if anyone says anything.

Nope, it doesn't get any better than this, folks.

Let's just give you some perspective before we begin.

Our Christmas lights.
(Apparently there is a difference between regular and LED lights. Hmmm...)

Life University's lights.

She didn't want to sit on his lap, but she wanted to send him a letter. Apparently her handwriting would be legible to Santa, because my assistance was not needed. But just in case you're reading this, St. Nick, it says "Skittles" and "Pez." Just to be clear.

Love Meg's face on this one.

In case you don't understand the weight of this picture, let me enlighten you. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. Sav doesn't ride ponies. She loves animals from a safe distance. It makes my heart swell with thankfulness to have people in Sav's life whose presence promotes confidence. Both the girls' personalities unfold easily when they're with Iggy and WeeWee.

Roasting "mushmellows."

Being goofs.

Happy to see Mama. This girl is becoming more and more of a cuddler.

The Night Time Routine

2011-12-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Getting out some energy before bed. Please excuse us as the girls have been staging a clothing protest recently.

Savannah and Iggy Playing Memory

2011-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Your gifts are being enjoyed by all, Mimi! I absolutely love her levels of excitement, but it cracks me up that when she does make a match it's Meg that is more excited. Ha. The other thing I love about this video is her empathy when Meg doesn't get a match. The video doesn't really show it, but she is freaking awesome at this game. It's pretty impressive.

Slumber Parties and Surprises

2011-12-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

It seemed overdue for some time at the grandparents, so Traci and I and our girls camped out there for the night. Almost literally, because s'mores were involved.

Though the age gap seems large right now, I am excited to watch these four grow up together with just three years between them.

Hadley and Harper... I can tell them apart pretty easily now. Can you? :)

Sadie and Harper

On a different note, we had a very fun and unexpected surprise the other day. We were playing outside (it was like 75 degrees!) and we got a special delivery. Aunt Dawn sent us a box of the most amazing cookies I've ever put in my mouth. Like, ever.

After the sugar rush subsided.

Christmastime

2011-12-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors' yard decorations are the signal to Savannah of the changing seasons. She was very sad when Halloween was gone, because unlike her usual self, she was very intrigued by something as scary as the mummy's hands and feet coming up out of the ground.

But we didn't have to wait long for Rudolph and Christmas lights and each time we pass their house she proclaims that it's Christmastime. So we got a little more into the holiday spirit today for ourselves. Cici, we stole your idea and loved it.

It was a quiet tree-decorating night, but fun. Sav sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and Sadie tried to eat a 15 year old candy cane.

Extreme Home Miracle

2011-12-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

After taking orders from Uncle Sam for five years, I can't tell you how fun it is to put down roots and make this house mine. I've been blessed by this house, this town. Thanks to those who have helped make it home.

And as excited as I was to show a few new pics, after looking at the 'before' pictures I'm now giddy. So I present to you the girls' bathroom and the living room:

Before

After

Before

After

Peace

2011-11-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for peace. Life doesn't offer it freely, but He does. I'm doing what I can to release the anxiety and tap into what this season is all about. Even by hanging twinkle lights. Because they make me happy. And because lamps and candles and Christmas lights just set the stage for a peaceful home.

(Yes, this is the standard state of our playroom.)

And between conversations about being nice to sisters and why t.v. privileges have been lost, I try to soak in these moments:

(That's a penguin by the way.)

And watching her learn kindness, even when it's misused:

Me: "Sav, you are being so sweet to your sister!"
Savannah: "Oh, Mommy, you're welcome."
Me: "That makes me really proud."
Savannah: "I forgive you. I love to forgive you."

And hearing Little Bit sing the "ABC's":

(And yes, the tutu and necklace, that was all her.)

Thanksgiving in the Great State of Texas

2011-11-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, is this Texas?" Savannah asked as we pulled up to the airport on one of the busiest traveling days of the year. Not even close, kid, not even close. But with the help of Granddaddy, it was smooth sailing. Until we were on the plane and two minutes into previews I realized the laptop battery no longer had the ability to hold a charge, nixing half of my planned entertainment during our flight.

But we made it unscathed. There were even some compliments from fellow travelers regarding the behavior of my offspring. Granted, those compliments were from the people behind us, not the ones in front of us getting their seats kicked the entire time. But I digress.

Wednesday began the first Montgomery reunion in 8 years. Since then we've added four more granddaughters and one more soul-sister. Everyone was present except for my cousin Christy's husband, leaving the men even more outnumbered. Which isn't a huge deal because even the females were outnumbered by the pets. But that's not surprising when you visit Mimi and Paps.

Chaos ensued. The good kind. The kind that makes you so deeply thankful for the blessing of family, but also grateful just to lie your head down on a pillow at night.

There was turkey. There was football. There were cigars. There were multiple-solitaire competitions. There was the movie tradition... only with the slight adjustment of Muppets instead of action thrillers.

There was thanks.

Second cousins getting out the last traces of energy for the day.

Annie the kitten was a big hit. Though her paws are "dangerous" according to Savannah.

Trying to catch fish kept the little ones busy. They were unsuccessful until Savannah managed to catch a dead one... over and over and over. She was so proud we didn't have the heart to tell her why he wasn't swimming away.

Little miss Charlotte, namesake of her great-grandma Mary Charlotte (aka 'Bama').

Christy with her middle daughter, Caitlyn--who doesn't have a reserved bone in her body so don't believe the picture. Sav and Caitlyn were buddies this weekend.

Mimi/Great Aunt Sarah with the cousins: Caitlyn, Sav, Sadie, and Caroline.

Saying hi to Percy, but smart enough to keep her hands to herself.

Playing in the game room.

Savannah had fun gathering eggs each morning. They usually never made it to the kitchen in one piece. But that didn't matter because Sav didn't want to eat the eggs that Patty laid anyway.

Pre-Thanksgiving

2011-11-20T05:52:00.000-08:00

Since several of us are traveling to be with other sides of the family, we had our Shepard-Leech Thanksgiving yesterday at Meg and Will's new home. Everything was beautiful, but what amazed me more was how relaxed they were hosting a house full of people. The day was as peaceful and charming as the pictures make it look.

Hadley and Harper with their cousin McKenzie (or as Savannah calls her, Miss Kenzie).

Grandbobby loves him some grand-girls.

Earning their dessert by being good sports. Hilarious game.

The Little Pilgrim

2011-11-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, I think we can all agree that children's music programs are like the most adorable thing in the entire world. I mean, I don't care who you are and how hard your heart is, those babies walk up onto the stage during the Christmas service and you can't help but melt. And there's always the meek one crying and running to her mom, the little guy belting it out with the confidence of a televangelist, and the little girl who's so completely in her own world you kinda want to be there too.

Well, as you would expect, it gets even better when your kid is up there. This was a first for me and yes, I was one of those proud mamas with the plastered grin on my face, squeezing my way between other parents and cameras for a close-up. It was divine. Mine wasn't the crier, the belter, or the space cadet. She was up there confident, a little shy, singing all the words to like 12 songs, totally into the hand motions, and was like the only one to clap at the end of each song because her joy in being up there matched my pride in seeing her up there. I got the "Hi Mom!!" when she spotted me in the middle of a song.

I hope she always remembers that my pride has nothing to do with her singing, dancing, or whatever other performance she ever gives. It has everything to do with seeing her little personality up there, standing out amongst all the other little unique blessings God designed, being herself and being proud to be herself. Because I truly admire her for how comfortable she is in her own skin. I hope she never looses that confidence.

So here's my little pilgrim....

Hats with Iggs

2011-11-18T04:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Bebe!

2011-11-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

It is hilarious to me that Sadie didn't take her eyes off the cake in any of these pics, so I posted them all. Bebe had a lot of help... so much that it was difficult to tell who's birthday it was.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEBE!

Misc.

2011-11-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

The joys of Halloween costumes (and candy!) continue. These girls love being Tigger and Piglet. They also love each other. Sometimes.

More House Pics

2011-11-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

So the girls are hanging with their grandparents for the night (God bless you, Bebe and Granddaddy!) and so I have the house to myself. House-cleaning Ashley isn't interested in making an appearance and bill-paying Ashley is MIA, but crafty Ashley, I can always count on her.

One bathroom down, two to go. Jailbird bathroom had to go first. I mean, seriously? The bathroom is small enough, I don't need an extra element making me feel claustrophobic. Before and afters, shall we?

Before

After

During.

Now.

(I mean, I really like gray and turquoise. Like so much that my clothes match my bathroom decor.)

Wish I had a before picture of this mirror. It was gold. Nee Nee, hope you don't mind I painted it! :)

See?? I made my burlap rosette lamp! This is sooooo going on my Pinterest board.

I maybe got carried away with the rosette lamps.

I'd been searching forever for something to put the art supplies in. $5 from Hobby Lobby. Add some spray paint and chalkboard paint and done!

I added some pics to the playroom wall. This wall just makes me happy.

Silly Sadie

2011-11-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Creek

2011-11-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2011-11-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was fun. It was the first Halloween that Sav was old enough to know what was coming and independent enough to go up to houses without me.... with Noah's help. This is the fun age that entails pride and awe over a bag full of candy and a lesson in how to eat pixie sticks. Thankfully, it's also the age where 30 minutes of trick-or-treating is plenty.

This painting pumpkins thing is waaaaaaay less hassle than carving, and a three year old doesn't know the difference. Glorious.

Love the freedom and innocence in these classic fall pics. I couldn't choose, so here are several.

"Who are you dressed up as? Because you kinda still look like Ethan."

It's as if the pig and the penguin thought they were meeting for the first time.

I got away with not having to dress up like Christopher Robin. Glad she forgot about that one.

Captain Jack Sparrow. Very scary.

Mouth full of Skittles.

10 Years!

2011-10-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

I got to spend this weekend with some incredible people that I used to know in this other life. It's amazing really. I wasn't mature enough then to see the depths of the hearts around me. But better late than never.

If Sav had come, these would have been her bossom buddies. I just know it.

playing some catch up

2011-10-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

You've got to give the people what they want, and the people apparently just need some updated pictures. So I will forgo the fluid transitions and long explanations and just let the grandmas read between the lines.

Iggy has been keeping us company a lot lately and I am captivated when I watch her with the girls.

I asked her if she wanted to be Maverick for Halloween. Guess that's a no.

Headed to the creek. More pictures to follow of our blessed backyard wonderland.

My beloved friend Erin and her munchkin Mae.

Abe being silly and Sadie cracking up.

These two, they slay me.

Safe from Molly the neighbor's dog. Content with Lisa and Bill's love gift to them.

This kid loves her some Mr. Potato Head.

The energy in her expression explains the exhaustion in mine.

My lovies with theirs.

An after-the-creek-very-necessary bath.

Mimi!!

2011-10-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

When Mimi comes to visit...

...the girls always have smiles on their faces.

...they get some new clothes.

...I can leave a room without any whinning.

...we do fun things I wouldn't have thought about.

... there is always someone to appreciate each adorable expression with.

... and always someone to help keep everyone looking toward the camera.

...laughter abounds.

... we experience a new dynamic.

... there is some showing off.

... there is always fun to be had.

... as well as goofiness.

... and tender moments too.

... there are lots of kisses.

... there are firsts.

... there is admiration.

... in both directions.

...there is patience.

... there are lessons taught.

... we try new things.

...there are extra doses of preciousness.

... there is victory.

... and cheering.

... there is excitement.

... there is confidence.

... and sometimes the tables turn.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Iggy promised to take Savannah to the pumpkin patch this year and that's a promise Savannah did not forget about. So off we went yesterday to our favorite year-round farm that provides blueberries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees in their respective seasons.

Bedtime

2011-10-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

And the camera is back in business.

True Story

2011-10-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Family Portrait

2011-09-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

I thought I should inform the grandmothers that our camera is in the shop. It will be several weeks before you get new pics. :( But I will try my best to be creative in finding ways to show you what's been going on lately.

Below is a picture Savannah drew of our family. Luckily, we all have a squiggly line of hair, as opposed to my childhood family portrait in which I gave our entire family had male genitalia. You may notice that there are five people in this picture. Some of you know that last week we had racoons in our attic. Joel, the "animal guy," came daily to check the traps. Maybe it seemed to her that he was here so often that he was practically family.

(clockwise from top left) Travis, Sadie, Savannah, Joel, Mommy

I may be the smallest, but don't I look happy?!

Gymnastics

2011-09-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to use some of the time that Sav's in school to have some much needed special time with Sadie, so I signed her up for a gymnastics class at the rec. I was immediately struck by how advanced the class is (seriously? hand stands on the wall??). This is the class that the over-zealous mom brings her one year old to learn back-hand springs so that she'll be in the Olympics by age 8. So on the bright side, Sadie's becoming friends with a future Olympian.

I also noticed that in a 45 minute class, there are only 5 minutes of organized class time. Which means 40 minutes of free play for Sadie (and 40 minutes of hand stands and round-offs for Olympian-girl). So I was a little peeved that we were paying for unorganized play... until I saw this smile.....

...and now we're pretty big fans of gymnastics.

Today Trav took the day off and came to participate. And when I say participate, I mean somersaults, flips, and parallel bars. If Sadie wasn't getting our money's worth, Trav definitely did.

Maybe she'll be an Olympian cone-stacker because, boy, can that girl stack her some cones.

This may look like child torture, but I'm telling you she really loves somersaults. Really.

I just couldn't help myself from taking so many pictures.

Oh, the germ pit.

Waiting patiently for her hand stamp. When did she become such a little independent person?!

Counting my blessings

2011-09-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Leggings, because they make my heart happy.

And the weather that brings them.

Her sprouting extrovert and exploding personality.

Weekend playdates with four kiddos upstairs playing dress-up, and four adults downstairs playing The Game of Things.

Castles and princess beds made outdoors with all my living room cushions.

And glimpses of what they'll look like in fifteen years.

And eyes so striking.

And pictures that look like they're taken on the set of Twilight, yet taken in our backyard.

And the yellow rain boots that she wears with every outfit, including aforementioned leggings.

Sisterly love.

And her everyday cheerful face.

And spontaneous walks because it's just that glorious outside.

And our nighttime routine.

And pumpkin decorating.

And the occasional moment where you capture authentic smiles.

There are many more, especially on such a somber day as this one. But I feel like these smiles say it all.

Turns out she's got some Stone genes.

2011-09-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got back from Tejas, and Russell is hitched! We had a blast! So much so, that I didn't really take any pictures. So as soon as I get some in my possession, you will be the first to know. But everything was perfect and beautiful, especially Lindsay. More on the happy couple soon.

While going through pics for the slideshow, my mom realized the striking resemblance between Sadie and I. See for yourself.

Furniture Refinish

2011-08-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

Travis has had this chest since childhood. It was our tv stand in Albuquerque, our pantry in Vegas, and now it's the tv stand in the playroom. But it's been bugging me for some time. It needed a facelift. So me and my spraypaint got to work.

But first I had to sand. By hand. And it wasn't fun. [Hint, hint, Trav. Power sander. Christmas. 'Nuf said.] But it was '80's night on some random FM station on my little radio in the basement, so I had some fun. Oh, and that liquid refinisher that's supposed to take off old finish? I'm calling BS on that one. Doesn't work. You're supposed to scrub it with steel wool. I was scrubbing as hard as I would be with sand paper, only I was breathing in fumes as well.

[Side note: I only rough sanded. Since I wasn't staining it and I wanted a rough finish, I didn't see the need for fine sanding.]

Moving on. Primer. 4 Cans. Darker gray than my paint because I want it to show through when I give it that antiqued look.

Paint. 4 cans. In case you're wondering, yes. It's starting to get a little expensive at this point. And I was starting to get pretty high on fumes. So next time we're brushing on paint. But I can't say it wasn't easy. And if you're an environmentalist, I apologize for my 8 cans of spray paint. Truly.

The finished product. Almost. I want to rough it up some more. But I was ready to have it back upstairs, and I'm pretty sure the girls would be happy to help beat it up some. It's hard to tell in this picture, but it's already "scuffed up". Hey does this look blue to anyone else? It's supposed to be gray. The can says gray. Oh well, maybe it will look different in the daylight. Oh, and word to the wise on stencils... they make a Repositional Stencil Adhesive Spray. If you want precision you're going to need it.

I'm so happy to have this piece done. I think I'll reward myself by letting the girls watch some extra tv in the morning.

Swim/Tennis

2011-08-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

While house shopping, our real estate agent kept talking about "Swim/Tennis" communities as if it was a necessity in child-rearing. As she continued putting swim/tennis at the top of the pros list of various houses, I continued ignoring that it had any importance. We bought our house completely unswayed by the existence, or lack thereof, of swim/tennis. Moving in, we honestly couldn't remember if this neighborhood had a pool. It does. And it has tennis courts. So unbeknownst to us, we became members of a swim/tennis community. However, it is waaaay less hoity toity than I expected. Partly because it's been super quiet we usually have both the pool and courts to ourselves. Anyway, the point I'm slowly getting to is that our agent was right. It is a necessity. Well maybe not a true need, but when your previous two houses had 5 minute walks to fabulous parks, you get spoiled and you find that you must have somewhere to walk to when the insanity in your house reaches far beyond reasonable levels and you wouldn't dream of strapping your children into car seats.

But do you know what I love even more than swim/tennis?

Wrist rolls.

And her independence.

And older sisters that cheer on younger sisters with all the melodrama in existence.

And her walk.

And her confidence.

And their sweetness.

And her expressions.

And her sense of humor.

And her joy.

And her fearlessness.

And those smiles.

And sometimes even her bossiness... because one day she'll channel it into a positive trait and I hope it means she'll never take any sh#! from anyone.

for your viewing pleasure

2011-08-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

some miscellaneous pics....

I don't know how this one got lost in the shuffle. I was looking for pics to print for the playroom and I found this one from a couple months ago. Sadie loves her some Abe. Erin and I dream of one day using this pic in a wedding slideshow.

Hey there, Cutie Pie.

Just a chill'n on smoothie night.

I remember doing body outlines as a kid and having so much fun coloring them in. This one is Sav's and you can see she immediately drew a smiley face.

Sadie didn't really understand the point. She kep laying on the ground thinking it was time to get traced again. Her picture is to the right... if you can't tell, Savannah traced the right half of her body.

Pornterest

2011-08-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

I've talked about my addiction to Pinterest.com on here before. Trav calls it "pornterest," but he really doesn't have room to talk, because he is addicted to it as well. He looks at projects like "how to build a wet bar" as opposed to "scrapbook paper trees," but what's the difference. I will say that now we are spending less time on the actual website and more time on the projects. Here are a few of my latest...

This is my playroom down in the basement. It often reeks of spray paint, aka my new best friend. As you can see, there is a spray paint project happening as we speak.

My hooks! This has been my pet project. No more lost keys. No more wondering where guests can put their purses. I scanned every thrift and antique store for fun knobs, though most of these ended up coming from Hobby Lobby. I went to town on a piece of plywood with a miter saw and some stain. For some reason it was really satisfying.

Playroom pics. These frames are not easy to find, unless you want to spend $30 a pop at Hobby Lobby. So again the antique stores came in handy... along with my trusty spray paint. My favorite is my burlap butterfly. It's so fun having two girls and getting to have a feminine playroom. :)

Scrapbook paper tree for the playroom! Savvy helped. Kinda.

Thanks to the Millers we have a cute new desk for the office! I covered the chair and voila!

Sadie Sayings

2011-08-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

First day of preschool. The grin on my face was much bigger than hers.

I forgot how much starts to come out at a year and a half. Nurturing, talking, ....and tantrums. Like birth-control-at-its-best tantrums. Like body-convulsing-on-the-ground tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants and bloody-murder-screaming-in-Target tantrums when she has to ride in the basket. I'm kinda wishing she was the one in preschool twice a week because the older one is coming through all that. Ooooh, but she can turn it on. Like after said Target tantrum, she can delight the check-out lady with her syrupy "bye....bye....bye....bye..." on our way out the door.

And I'm not exaggerating about this following scenario. I called Trav immediately, because the girls get their musical preferences from riding in the car with him, and I knew he'd be proud.

[Driving in the car]

Sadie: "Cash. Cassshh. Mama, Casshh. Cash. Cash, Mama, cassshh."

Savannah: "Sadie, this isn't Johnny Cash."

Sadie: "Cash. Cassshh."

Savannah: "Sadie, can you say Bob Dylan? Say Bob Dylan."

Sadie: "Bobby. Bobby."

Piece by piece

2011-08-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Some of you have mentioned how good the house looks and how far we're getting. It doesn't feel like that on this end, because any room you don't see a picture of is probably a disaster. But little by little we're getting there. Here are the before/after of the girls' rooms.

Before

After

Before

After

New Neighborhood

2011-08-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

We took a nature walk in our new neighborhood today, picking up sticks, flowers, and leaves. There was actually a breeze and it was really nice outside... made me excited for autumn in Georgia. Anyway, we made our way to the tennis courts and playground, passing moms with strollers and neighbors walking dogs. We couldn't be happier with our new home!

2011-08-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

PIGTAILS!!

Couch without cushions doubles as a trampoline. Sweet.

Her latest art project. I was pretty impressed by the smiley face she drew on.

Modeling the presents that Meg and Will brought back from their cruise.

La Casa

2011-08-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to our A-M-A-Z-I-N-G friends. They have worked tirelessly to make our new house feel like home. Many of our friends are pastors, who are wiped out on Sundays, yet came multiple Sundays in a row to help. Our friends and church family have helped paint (in a 90 degree house), move the heaviest furniture that exists to man, tediously peel wallpaper, wipe down disgusting kitchen cabinets, and so much more. My friend Dawn flew out from Texas to spend her last week of summer break helping me work and decorate. We are so happy to be in our new home and feel really blessed. And despite broken AC units and flooding dishwashers, we are getting the kinks worked out and getting settled in. Here are a few pics. More to come.

Painting party. The upstairs AC unit broke and yet they kept on painting!

Even Addi and Zoe helped prime.

Moving day.

Not even kidding, we had like 20 people help move. So incredible.

Michelle and Lizzy... Michelle and her husband are currently remodeling their entire house themselves, yet they came to help us.

Scott, Mike, and Trav.

Before pic of the playroom.

After.

Before of the office.

After.

2011-08-07T05:25:00.001-07:00

2011-08-07T04:15:00.001-07:00

New carpet, too

2011-08-07T04:14:00.002-07:00

Bonita madera

2011-08-07T04:14:00.001-07:00

The Epic Performance

2011-08-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

For three mornings this week, Sav has been at dance camp. I loved the break and she loved the dancing, art projects, and all around fun. At the end of class today she had a little recital. The parents piled into the room to watch what they'd learned all week.... and apparantly Savannah learned only the first dance move, followed by stationary nose picking.

Looking good, Sweetheart.

So far so good.

And then it begins.....

...and continues...

...until there was a nose bleed.

And this is how it ended.

But I am still one proud Mommy and she walked out of there with a smile on her face!

99 Spackled Holes on the Wall

2011-07-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday, we own a new home! With the help of Kelly and Ellen, we got straight to work. Today we planned to replace a door and prep the walls for a painting party tomorrow. But what we did not know was that under layers of paint there were even more layers of wallpaper, and under the door was rotten plywood. But just remember: things must get worse before they get better. Here's an overview of our day.

Before.

After.

During.

The hole.

The help.

The plumber.

The INSANE number of patched holes along with the AMAZING brown splotchy patterned ceiling.

The entertainment.

The backyard.

The payoff. This creek is 20 yards behind our house!

Extra, extra

2011-07-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

A few random pics...

Pebble sent me this from the 4th. How precious is she? And how old army with Paw Paw saluting behind her during the national anthem?

This kid cracks me up. She would play with the water hose all day. She also follows me around with swim diapers all day until I put them on her. I guess the head counts, because she was content.

More Savannah Speak

2011-07-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Savannah [speaking to Travis and I]: "What do you want to do, kids?"

***************************************************

Savannah [praying for the first time]: " Thank you, God and Jesus, for my head, and my nose, and my mouth."

Me: "Anything else?"

Savannah: "Thank you God for my Mommy."

***************************************************

Savannah [leaning back after a really long, sweet hug with Travis and looking at him with a straight face]: "I love you, Mister."

*In case you couldn't tell, she's been watching Shirley Temple lately.*

****************************************************

Savannah's favorite new question is "What's that song about?" It's easier to answer when we listen to the local Christian station because I can just say "Jesus." But lately we've been listening to classic rock. Try explaining "Bad to the Bone" and "Another One Bites the Dust" to a three year old. And she doesn't let me off easy.

Sav Sayings

2011-07-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Savannah [running leap onto Daddy and purposely smacking him]

Travis: "Savannah, you cannot hit Daddy."

Savannah: "Daddy, that was a love pat."

***********************************************************

Savannah [after catching a bug in a jar]: "Mommy, he's dead."

Me: "No, Sav, he's moving. He's not dead. He's alive."

Savannah: "He has Jesus in his life!"

*******************************************************

Savannah: "Mommy, what's in your cup?"

Me: "Wine."

Savannah: "Ooooooh, I loooooove wine!"

*******************************************************

Savannah: "I have babies."

Me: "Where?"

Savannah: "They in my belly."

Me: "Wow. How many babies do you have?"

Savannah: "Six, seven, eight."

Me: "Wow, eight babies. What are they doing right now?"

Savannah: "Poking."

*********************************************************

Savannah [on the phone with Daddy after eating heart shaped cereal]

Travis: "What are you doing, Sav?"

Savannah: "Eating hearts."

Travis [never hearing of this cereal]: "Eating what?"

Savannah: "Hearts."

Travis: "What?"

Savannah: "Hearts, Daddy, can you say hearts??"

Stylish

2011-07-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Sadie won't wear a bow, but she'll play dress up on her own. Why wear a bow when you can be a princess or movie star?

This very well may be one of my favorite pictures of her of all time.

Random Summer Fun

2011-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

My little Parisian.

"Mom! You forgot your lens cap!"

"Seriously?"

"Cheese!!"

(She starts saying 'cheese' the minute the camera comes out. So cute!)

Her famous "oooooooooh" when she's excited.

No really, she loves her "hat." Won't wear a clip or bow for the life of her, but she'll beg you to put bloomers on her head.

Skype with Mimi.

...and the puppies...

...and the parrot...

She constantly wears these blocks on her arms. It's so funny.

She wants to be like dad. FYI if you haven't checked it out, Trav has a website

www.kayakrevival.com. Check it out!

Picking the wild blackberries in our yard.

Love all three of these girls.

The big "D"

2011-07-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

While in Texas the week before last, we drove into Dallas. I got to hang out with my friends Dawn and Christina while Travis took the girls to the arboretum.

At least she's sharing.

Dawn bought a house several months back so I finally got to see it in person. She's done so much to it and it's so very cute.

Pinterest!

2011-07-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have a new obsession: Pinterest.com. Especially in the stage we are in with buying a house and thinking about painting and decorating. There are a ton of really cool do-it-yourself ideas on there. Anyway, here's my first completed pinterest project. Thanks for your help, Steph!

Graham

2011-07-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well, we managed to take trip to stay with Grandma Shepard in Graham, and get home with no pictures of her. But I have some of your favorite cutie pies....

In case you couldn't tell, I love taking pictures of her cute little tushy.

Not to mention the fact that the girl loves to be naked. And she loves water hoses. Loves them, I say.

We caught the girls basking in the goodness of homemade ice cream.

"Ice cream? What ice cream?"

Watching the calves nursing on their mamas.

Walter Gene's refurbished '49 tractor.

When she saw her baby sister riding, Sav finally got the courage to sit on the tractor, as long as it didn't move.

Can I please tell you how much it made my day to see Walter Gene sit down on the floor indian style to play tickle-me-Elmo with the girls.

Trying to give Duke a kiss.

Paw Paw's 90th

2011-07-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Texas for two trips in one. First on the agenda... my grandfather's 90th birthday celebration!! Thankfully, years ago he choose to give up smoking when he learned he was going to be a grandpa, and I think that decision has allowed him to live a long, full life so that he may enjoy his great-grandchildren. We had a blast celebrating with the Stones.

There was some rivalry over Savannah, who didn't mind the attention at all.

A lady must always put on some lipstick before pictures.

The Patriarc, his queen, his grandsons, and their "potentials."

But a week later Lindsay became the future Mrs. Russell Stone and my future-sister-in-law! We are so excited!!!

Shrimp boil. YUM!

Apparantly Sadie actually likes the taste of O'douls.

Sadie's cute little "hi."

Independence Day

2011-07-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

This is an old pic, but I just love it.

Thanks, Lisa! The girls looked super cute in their outfits!

I'm. In. Heaven.

2011-06-23T15:14:00.001-07:00