Outside...in February

Today was a great day. We haven't had a family date day in a long time. We attempted our first movie at the Theatre with the Bean. We made it oh maybe 30 minutes. She wanted to carry on a full conversation the whole time and the Bear really wasn't into the movie. So, we left there and headed to the play ground for LOTS of fun. I, not being prepared, didn't take my camera. But that was OK. When we got home, the girls and I headed outside to play on our own playground.

It was so funny to watch them. They haven't been outside to play in such a long time. I don't think they really knew where to start. But, bubbles were a pretty good place.

Can you see the bubble? Too cool.

Olivia's new favorite thing is the swing I believe. I think she would have stayed out there until dark if I would have let her. She laughed harder than I have heard her laugh in a while. It was beautiful.

Sarah was just plain silly. She was in such a good mood and gosh, looking at these pictures I realize just how big she is getting.

And no play day is complete without a game of duck, duck goose. She is fast. I am not.

As I sit here typing, I see really heavy eyes on a little Bean and Bear. I do believe they are feeling their "outside" day. I loved spending time with them and watching their daddy push them on the swing and both of them screaming for more. "Higher Daddy, make my tummy tickle". Yep, it was a great day.

Good Night. 

We Celebrated!!

My mom made the cake. Everyone brought the smiles. We had a wonderful time. The Bean sure did anyway!!

I still can't believe she is two. We had a wonderful evening with friends and family. From Princess gowns to tiaras to bathtub goodies, she racked up. We played hard and enjoyed every bit of the fun.

We have this thing where we all help in blowing out the candles of our little ones on their birthday. It is a celebration for all of us after all.

The Bear had just as much fun. Pink face and all.

They celebrated together. Where there was one, the other was right there with her. Such love and support for each other. That is what makes it good guys. Celebrating Birthdays as a family.

We sang Happy Birthday and her sweet grin told us she was so excited to know that we were here, celebrating this wonderful occasion with her. There will be many more to follow. And I can't wait!!

Happy Birthday Livvy Bean. We love you!!

thank you mom for the pictures

She's Two...

It seems almost impossible. Two years ago we were here.

I still remember it like it was just yesterday. Oh, I miss how she used to move around late at night and be calm during the day. I remember Andy saying that we were in trouble if that was any indication of her sleep patterns. But, that sweet girl, she slept at night. Just like she was supposed to. She is our Bean.

And now we are here. She is two. Two years of pure love and fun. Full of complete. Spending our time as a family of four. She completed the circle.

She is as bright as the sunshine you see in the pictures. Her smile is contagious. Her free spirit reminds me of myself. I can't think of her without smiling. Her love for her family is so true. She can make any moment happy. Sweet Bean, we love you so very much. Happy Birthday!! 

Oh, and I can't leave out the Bear. She is ready to celebrate too. She has taught and loved over the past two years. She has been such a wonderful big sister. Knowing she is on my side each day keeps me going.

Birthday Celebration, you bet. Honestly, there is so much to celebrate. We have wonderful family and friends, good health and so, so much happiness. My cup, well, it is not only half full, it is flowing over the rim.

Stay tuned for Birthday Party pictures!!

Independence

It has appeared very quickly. Rearing it's "take over for mommy" head daily. They want to do everything by themselves. Pick out their clothes, shoes, ect. Potty on their own. Playing with one another instead of mommy or daddy. I just can't believe how fast they are "growing" up.

I still love seeing the sweet eyelashes of my Bean and Bear
Also, can you believe how much they look alike in these two pictures? Crazy...

She just loves to dress and undress and dress some more. This has to be by far one of my most favorite combos. I wish I could pull it off actually.

As good as it is that they have found their own flow, I am kind of sad in a way. That need for me is replaced with the need for one another. I know I have talked about this before, but I just love watching it. It is a bond that I hope they will share forever.

 Just today, they have even started "reading" their own books. My throat used to hurt from all the reading I had to do. Seriously.

We are gearing up for Valentines Day here too. The girls are all about the hearts. Remember our "Thanksgiving" Tree? Well, it is now our "Sweetest" Tree. Nana made us some really cute hearts and the girls loved hanging them up. I was really happy with the way it turned out. Look for it in holidays to follow.

Nana came for a sleep over this weekend. The Bear has been asking her for a month. They got to have some good one on one time. These girls know how much they are loved and it shows. I love the way they look at her. What is also neat, is I remember laying in bed with my mom this same way when I just needed her. It sure made me smile.

We had a wonderful weekend actually. A trip to the Wellness Center while the girls got spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa as usual. Aunt Ginger, Uncle Thad, Ryan and the boys came over for pizza and play. It was a fun, fun time. Feeling really good to start off the week. Had a wonderful Church/Sunday School class today. Sermon was on how you need to work on spending time committing yourself to your family and God. Pretty crazy, huh? God knows what he is doing when it comes to me. Spending time less spread out and much more time giving to my family. It feels great too. And the way I see it?

This

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This



New Year, New Things....

With the New Year, I am bringing in some changes. Good changes. Things that will make me feel better I am sure. I started with the new design of my Blog. Not sure if I am crazy about it, but we'll give it a run and see. Pink IS the signature choice around here these days you know...

Each New Year, I make the same resolutions. Loose Weight, spend less money, you know, the same ole same ole. BUT, this year I plan to work on those things, just a little less than my main focus. I want to work on being more aware of my time and self to my family. Not only in actions outside of the home, but in the home as well. I'm not sure how that will work as I am your typical type A personality. I am sure it will present challenges, but I am going to give it a go. You see, I have these two girls that are growing so fast. I mean at the speed of light fast. And I can't get that back. Ever. I plan to leave the crumbs on the kitchen floor a little longer. The laundry folded in the basket. The dust may become evident on things. It just doesn't matter. Because in the end, this is what really matters...

Airplane giggles on mommies feet high in the air

Extra lazy weekends where brownie mix stained pj's are the choice clothing

I'm not exactly sure, but I think the Bear might be ready for a horse. What do you think?

These girls are so close. It has become so evident over the past few weeks. My play time is less required. I am not playing referee near as much as I used to. The need for mommy and daddy are still there, but when there is trouble, these two look to each other. It makes me so proud to see it.

                                           i love watching them console one another..

So, there you have it. Stick around this year. I bet it is going to be a pretty grand one. We have a little girl that is getting ready to have a birthday. Can't wait to see her blow out those candles. She is ready. And she is going to be two. Already. Yes, that is crazy fast. Those two years came and went. By the time she is three, I hope that you can write your name in the dust on my end tables. (not really, but you get my drift.)

I have the day off today. I sent the Bean and Bear to the babysitter. Gonna work on things today so I have lots of time to play later. Less spreading myself thin. That is my New Year's Resolution. It starts at home. I'll let you know how it is going. But I can tell you, it already feels good and I see lots of smiles in this house everyday that tell me they like it too.

Goodbye for now. I'll be back soon. Until then, take time to love and commit to your family more this year. Remember they are only little like this for a short while. If I can do it, ANYONE can.

The Longest Post Ever aka-The Whole Month of December

I promised myself when starting this blog that I was going to be loyal to it. I have found over the past couple of months how hard that is. Time gets away from you. Life happens and little girls require lots of my time. I am not complaining. As a matter of fact, I love it. I swear, they are changing right in front of my eyes and there is nothing I can do to stop it. Andy was just saying the other day how he wishes we could just stop time right now. You know, to enjoy all of the new little things they do. Watching them grow into little ladies. The new words. The new favorites. It just keeps changing. And while change is good. It is also sad. It just means that they aren't babies anymore. I now have a pre-schooler and a toddler. According to all the websites that is.

Our month started off with a busy week. The first part was for Andy and I. Our Anniversary/Christmas/Birthday present. Two nights at the Biltmore. Just the two of us. It was wonderful. So relaxing and just what we needed to be refueled.

 We missed our girls like crazy, but were ready for them when we got home. This place was decked out for the Holidays. So many things that screamed Christmas. And there was not a place in that hotel that didn't have a rose in it. Just beautiful!!

After a quick wash of clothes and an unpack and pack, we headed north to spend Christmas with the McDonald side of the family. Welcomed with warm hearts, our time with them was short but so sweet. My girls came home with their very own Christmas thanks to Grandma and Grandpa McDonald and of course their wonderful Aunts and Uncles. Our nephews have grown so much since we just saw them in October and the girls LOVED playing with their cousins.

Although it was crazy and busy we managed to fit in a trip to the National Christmas Tree at the White House. It was so beautiful. We also made a trip to the Museum of Natural History. So much fun!!

Coming home was just as sweet as going though. Like I have said before. We love home. We do wonderful things at home. Like have Daddy's Christmas Party. Dancing and birthday cake filled the room that night. What fun for everyone.

This picture is just priceless..

Then the week of Christmas was upon us. It went by so fast. A good friend of mine said it best. It is the week when you just want everything to slow down a bit. Just long enough to enjoy the last minute days of the season. The ones where you can just sit by the fire and admire all of your beautiful Christmas decorations and talk about Christmases past. Yes, it is a nice thought. But one we never get. (right Brandy?)

Christmas Eve was a full day. Work, then Aunt Gingers. Then church, then Nana's. Oh yes, a full day for sure. But so much fun!!

 

And then it was time. All of the build up. Talking about it for a month. When their heads hit the pillow, they were down and done. Oh, and a wonderful Christmas gift to Andy and I...They slept until 7:45am. Yes, you heard me correctly. I had to wait on THEM to wake up. It was wonderful. And we were off.... They really weren't sure what to think. I finally gave them the OK to open their gifts. From new chairs to new pet hamsters and fairy castles in between. Two little girls racked.up. We are so blessed. The best word I know to use is Magical. It was so magical. I can honestly say it was everything I dreamed of. My best Christmas yet. Thank you my wonderful Husband for giving me my two favorite gifts of all time. My heart is so full.

 

 

thank you Grandma and Grandpa Blevins for our new lounge chairs

And that Santa, well he even left gifts at Nana's house for them. No new real hamsters in our house. But these Zhu Zhu pets sure play a close second. I have to admit, I enjoy them too. A LOT. So much I now have my own. Check them out. A must have.

So, there you have it. A month full of fun. And now it is quiet again and we play. We have so many new things to play with. I just hope my kids now how very lucky they are. So many people to love them. I didn't even get to every event we had this month. There may not be pictures, but they are in our hearts.

Dinner with the Pickett Family. All of them. That sweet little girl that lights up their lives now days. My kids were right at home as were we. Nothing unusual. That house has been home to lots of people. Trust me. I was one of them.

Gingerbread house building with Nana. Oh, what fun. I do believe Nana has those pictures somewhere. Apparently the Bean found it fun to eat most of the house. The Bear quickly informed her differently I am told. It was decorated by them and them alone I am also told. What beauty it brought to our house this Holiday Season.

Aunts and Uncles and cousins. Grandma's and Grandpa's. Nana's and wonderful friends. That was our staple this Christmas. It was just amazing. Only one thing missing. But he didn't miss a thing I am sure... Missing you this Christmas Papaw.

And to close. Our family wishes you all a wonderful and fulfilling New Year. May you find love and laughter and lots of happy moments. If you look around you, you will see that there is magic every day. I know it is there for me. I find it around every corner I turn.