Keeping Up with the Ellis'

Yea for Summer...well, almost summer...

2009-06-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

We have ENJOYED the pool at the country club already so much this year, and it's only been open since Memorial Day...wahoo...way to get our money's worth out of that stupid fee we have to pay....and NO! I'm not bitter about GE playing golf ALL the time or anything..... Our first day at the pool we coasted on in because we know this routine....whipped out our new floaties for the season...super cute pink floral ones for Mac and adorable sharkie ones for Mad...only to have the lifeguard come over and say, "We have new insurance this year and you are not allowed to use inflatable floaties at the pool." ARE YOU KIDDING ME LADY???? If only I had brought my camera to take a picture of my kid's faces...It would have resembled something like this....

So, GE and I begged her to please let us swim this one single time with floaties if we promise to bring a life jacket the next time...I really think that if you instill a new rule and don't inform everyone of the new rule that they should really have enough life jackets on hand to accommodate everyone swimming... You know??? I'm just saying...If anyone knows GE, then you know he was able to negotiate a little deal and the kids got to swim... I don't know that they really enjoyed it as much as GE had to negotiate considering they were a pale shade of blue when they got out because the water was freezing!!! Now, this is us....and all of our swimming glory.... By the way...why can't the people at the sporting goods store put the life jackets that the parents want away from the ones with all the Disney characters on them??? Nothing like prying a Cinderella life jacket out of the grip of a screaming 3 year old...

We're fish...we're guppies...we're sharks!!

We can swim really well in our new life jackets..

So well that we forget that we actually can't breathe under water...
Not so good...

but man, we look GOOOOOOD.....

And in other news....Mac tried really, really, really hard to go after a ball this past weekend while playing T-ball....Wahoo...she was actually paying attention and not constantly asking me when snack time was coming around...Just look at her stealth moves...

and she didn't even knock this kid on his rear..

Happy dance afterward to celebrate getting the ball..

Constantly looking to get the next ball..

Mac making a run for the snack box & GE coaxing her back in..

I think I see a fantastic summer in our future!!

Catching up on a whole lot of something....

2009-05-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Good grief...a whole month has gone by and I haven't had a word to say...well, just not written word because I know that GE would tell you something different. Let's see...in the past month we've celebrated Easter, finished sports class, gone on a romantic vacation, almost finished ballet class, started T-ball and bought a travel trailer.....and I've still wondered what in the heck I've been doing to occupy my time...now I know...busy, busy, busy Momma......

Easter weekend also coincided with Mia's 4th birthday party and we had the BEST time. Mad and Mac just LOVE LOVE LOVE playing with their cousins and this year they got to do that and hunt down some candy filled eggs. I don't know why it surprises me but they were so into hunting eggs this year. I think if Mac would have stuffed one more egg in her basket she would have literally toppled over. I just love watching them really "get" things now. They are so sweet and SMART and sassy... Mac has continually talked about Jesus getting out of that rock since Easter so I know that it made a lasting impression on her this year. Mad was more into the Bunny part of the festivities.... Mia's party was a total blast for the kids...

(Needing a back brace for the overload of eggs)

(On the hunt)

(Mia showing off her favorite b-day present)

I know I shouldn't be, but I am so GLAD that this sports class thing is over...Mad enjoyed it but it was just at an inconvenient time. I hate to admit it...I really do...I don't want to be a slave to my rigid schedule....But I am....My name is Shana and I love routine....ugh....there...it's out and now there's no need to hide in shame.....anyway...it's over and we've moved on to more "time friendly" activities... yea!! On his last day of class, GE came to watch him for his "recital" of sorts since he doesn't have anything official. Mad was SO DARN CUTE...I could just tell that he really enjoyed showing off for us...he kept looking over at us and making sure we were watching before he'd do anything...and bonus...his sport that day was golf...Mad knows how much his daddy loves golf so he wanted to do really well...which he did...anything with a ball and that kid is pretty good at it...

Hawaii....romance....beaches.....romance....beautiful sunsets....lots of spa time....Hawaii...I can still hear the waves in my head...and according to Mac you can hear the ocean in the teeny tiny shells we brought back for them..(cheap souvenirs!) GE and I spent 10 glorious nights in Hawaii and loved every stinking minute of it...We were there 5 years ago and remembered it being fantastic and it didn't disappoint this time either. We were on the island of Oahu and then The Big Island too...just fabulous...GE played lots of golf and I spent loads of time relaxing, resting and reading...just wonderful...really, if we could have flown the kids out there we could have easily stayed another two weeks or so....and then come straight home and applied for welfare assistance because we would have been broke broke broke....or should I say broker...that credit card bill is trickling in right now and man, we had a LOT of fun....

(Did I mention GE upgraded us to 1st class baby?)

(Beautiful black sand beach on The Big Island)

(Fancy dinner)

(Fancy salad at fancy dinner)

(Fun night out with friends)

Mac's ballet recital is this weekend....wahoo...she is starting to tell me every week that she "really doesn't like to go to ballet".....although she does have a great time once she's there...I think it's the pulling her away from her TV addiction that's the whole problem... You'd think that when I tell her that she has 10 more minutes and then I do an every minute countdown that it wouldn't be a SHOCKER when the TV goes off...but, alas, it is every stinkin' Wednesday.. this past Saturday was her ballet pictures where we had to get her completely dressed and put her hair into a bun....oh, and your bun should have no "fly aways"...Hello, have you just met my child??? She has no hair...but the director wanted a bun and by golly we spritzed that stuff into a bun..did I mention we had torrential rain on picture day???...she looked ADORABLE...and for some reason she still believes that she is going to be singing at her recital...you'd think all the dance classes she's had over the past few months would have clued her into the fact that she'll be dancing...but no... so this Saturday should be fun...possibly very memorable for the dance director when my child breaks into song and maybe a solo dance...

Our new activity for the summer is T-ball...While Mad is very excited, Mac is just not that enthusiastic....yet...hopefully once we have their first game she'll come around....they've had one practice so far and their first game was rained out...and their 2nd practice...and probably their 2nd game....so I can understand why a 3 year really wouldn't be that excited about something they've done once....two weeks ago.... I thought they looked super cute for their 1st practice but GE informed that they didn't look "athletic" enough compared to the other kids...I guess I was supposed to put that black stuff under their eyes and possibly put sliding pants on them...who knows....I figure they are 3...what the heck do they know...I'm a little fearful of handing them over to a coach and getting them back with this winner/loser thing in their head....Don't know that Mac will care but I can already see the competitive spirit coming out in Mad....by the way...Mac's favorite part about her 1st t-ball practice was...drum roll......getting to come home... could be a long season for us...

I know...Shana...with a travel trailer..that's really close to camping..and possibly having to visit the Bass Pro Shop again....it's something that GE and I have talked about for a while now....I grew up by the lake, in the lake and anything having to do with the lake...I was always surrounded by my cousins and living the summers around my grandparents...I can't wait for that to happen for my kiddos...I think it's going to be a great summer!!! And the trailer ...has A/C!!

Have I Told You....

2009-03-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

Have I told you that I have my own posse?? He is the cutest, I mean meanest, little pirate who will bam you in the blink of an eye....So, beware...don't mess with the mommy...

Catching Up...

2009-03-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well, lots has gone on in the past months so I better get started....

We went to Santa Fe in February and had the best time skiing. The twins really did well and I'm proud to say that I wasn't too shabby myself. Of course, GE is basically a pro compared to me and truth be known...so are Mad and Mac. But I've decided to try really hard to become a better skier. I think we could possibly make Santa Fe our yearly winter vacation. Well, if we were the Rockefeller's and had an every year winter vacation spot...but maybe an occasional winter vacation spot...

We went to Santa Fe a day earlier than we had anticipated and stayed downtown at a really quaint hotel. The kids absolutely love staying in hotels. We could probably stay at our local La Quinta and they really wouldn't know the difference. Although the food in Santa Fe was AMAZING, just as I had expected. I'm thinking anything with a yummy green chile on it is muy bueno in my book..

The twins actually skied two days and the other days we spent wearing them out around beautiful Santa Fe. We've experienced a few truths in just about every town we visit; almost every Children's Musuem is fantastic and if you drive around long enough you can find rice and beans for Mad. That kid loves some beans..can't say that I blame him.

We had been home almost no time and it was time to see ELMO... We went last year and the twins absolutely loved it....Elmo and all of his peeps make my kids smile. They loved it just as much this year. We sat pretty close..which is the ticket when you're trying to get a couple of 3 1/2 year olds to pay attention and they were just mesmerized by all the activity and excitement. I also helps to have Big Bird come over the loud speaker every now and then and pretty much warn you when things are going to happen and to stay in your seat. This year Mad and Mac's cousin Lo went and she was also amazed by Elmo...It was just as much fun watching her as it was watching my own two. The kids got to shake Grover's hand and Grammy got them a toy to round out the day. Wahoo Grammy...she knows how to win the grandbabies over!!

Before the Big SHOW

Huh?? What did Big Bird say??

Pretty excited about Grover's handshake..

Yea!!! for Grover!!!

Watching with my cousin Lo.

Me showing off Mac's piggies!!!

and then......

We went to Arkansas to visit some friends....We had the best time visiting with old and new friends. We spent our 1st night in Little Rock and Mad and Mac made a really quick friend in Madi....Amazing how a 12 year old can speak right to their hearts. It's also amazing to us that our twins are so facinated with older kids. It always seems to crack us up. Mac thought Madi was the best thing since peanut butter toast!! She just loved her. They did tell me later that Santa Clause was locked in the attic so I'm a little curious as to what they were "really" doing upstairs. We got to do LOTS of animaly (is that a word) things while in Arkansas. We went to the Little Rock zoo and did lots and lots of fishing...real and pretend. We sure do miss our friends in AR. It was such a joy to get to see all of them....

and all the twins can say is "Watch out Grandpa, we think we can out fish you now!"

Goodbye old friend....

2009-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Red...We'll miss you bunches....

I know that most of you want to smack me when I say that I need a bigger vehicle...he.he.he....I drive a Hummer...hello....how can I get any bigger??? well, when I say bigger I mean able to have more people inside the car....not necessarily bigger in size....or else I'd be driving one of those vans from Jon & Kate plus 8....I don't think we've reached that level of seats needed yet...so after lots of talking and talking and talking...GE and I decided to trade in Hummy and get us a new car....with lots of seats....so we're expecting company...with children...so we can take full advantage of the seats!!! I'm a little sad...our Hummer was our first child that we decided to treat ourselves to when we couldn't get pregnant easily...and of course, after we made the big purchase within a year I was knocked up...with twins...and since GE is so insane about no interest payments on ANYTHING we had already paid it off and it just made sense to keep it...and needless to say, I've felt VERY safe driving my mini-tank around...I don't know how safe other drivers around me felt but I did learn quickly to keep it between the lines and avoided hitting most curbs.

Goodbye Hummy.....

Hello Silver Bullet... well, controlled bullet....no speeding tickets...promise....

You've got to be kidding me...

2009-02-10T16:43:00.001-08:00

Saturday we went to Lo's birthday party to celebrate her turning the big 3!! wahoo...yippeee.... and since she's a little obsessed with Tinkerbell we celebrated with a little Tinkerbell action too... while dining on our scrumptious cake Mac took note of how fabulous Tinkerbell looked on her plate...She said, "Look mom...look at Tinkerbell"..."yes, honey I know...she's beautiful"..."no, look mom...look at her boobies"

What the heck??? really??? You've got to be kidding me.... Obviously, Tinkerbell was wearing a risque' outfit and it couldn't possibly be my daughter blurting out inappropriate comments.... Oh, the fun GE and I are going to have once she starts school...

The bedding is in.....

2009-02-04T11:50:00.001-08:00

We FINALLY got the bedding for Mad & Mac's room today....yahoo.....I LOVE it....it is so so so cute...now if the room just didn't have a Sanford & Son quality about it I would be over the moon with excitement.

My wonderful family came over this past weekend to help me paint the room....man did they do a LOT of work...turns out I had to work so they dug in with both heels and got so much of it done while I was at work....I picked out paint with just a hunch of what the correct match would be for the bedding...my hunch was right!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT......

The room is still in disarray and I haven't washed the matching sheets to the new bedding yet but here's a peek at the new stuff!!

Room Color...LOVE!!

Mad's Bed

Mac's Bed

THANK YOU family so much for helping me out!!! LOVE you bunches!

Prelude to our ski trip

2009-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

The kids have been begging me all day and yesterday to go outside and play in the "snow"...it's ice around here but since they don't know any different it all looks like snow to them....I don't really want to admit that I don't want them going outside because I really don't want to go outside but there...I did....I admit it...I don't want to go outside...too cold...too wet....too sleety...not fluffy snow...just yuck....but I promised them after their nap today that I'd put on their 47 layers of gear so that they could go outside for 3 minutes....

They pretty much looked like the little kid from "The Christmas Story" but they actually stayed for about 10 minutes and tried to lie down in the ice for some ice angels...didn't work out so well but you can't blame a kid for trying...

All of this is in prelude to us going skiing next month...or at least taking them to a place where there is actually snow and the possibility of skiing...Poor Mad doesn't get the whole potty training thing yet so I don't know how much skiing he'll actually get to do with a frozen diaper stuck to his bum....Mac is a little (ok a LOT) like me and has told GE several times that she'd rather be going to the beach but also like me has conceded to going to a frozen place for a vacation...I'm secretly hoping they both ask for a beach vacation next time...for me, the only saving grace for this frozen vacation is the fact that we're spending time with some of our most favorite people, lots of hot chocolate and hopefully some good shopping time...

Well, at least I know that the gear I got the twins will work just fine for our ski trip...they both came in the house today sweating....yea for ski bibs!!

WAHOOY!!!

2009-01-22T19:24:00.001-08:00

A few weeks back GE told me that he had ordered me something for Christmas/Anniversary and that he wasn't really sure when it would be in but that he hoped it would be in for our anniversary on the 19th...Well, the 19th came and went and nothing showed up at the front door. The kids and I look everyday in hopes of a fun box to open when we get home from work/school...It takes them a while to get over the Christmas cheer....

So, I have been expecting these for about a month...and hoped they would come before the weather got warm again....

but I got this instead.....

I've always KNOWN patience is a virtue...now I truly BELIEVE that it is!!! Happy Anniversary to me!!! WAHOOY!!!

Sfoon....and other funny words

2009-01-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

I really want to think that GE and I speak proper English...or at least proper Okie....sometimes the two don't mesh...but hey, we try....While listening to our children we usually laugh hysterically at the many, many words and phrases that get caught up in their little mouths. I'm also surprised daily that Mad and Mac have different troubles with different letters. You'd think that GE and I spoke to them in code or something...

Here are a few of our favorites:

Mad:

Sfoon - Spoon
Sfecial - Special
"Sure Mom"
"Back in a flash"
Usually "mom" & "dad" have at least 3 syllables when he's saying it
Thithy - Sissy
"That's Interesting"
Flim-Flam-Flam - Karate kick
"That's Dangerous"
"Mom, I pooped and I'm not ready to change it" (he could walk around ALL day...any ideas on potty training???)

Mac:

Yittle - Little
Yight - Light
Lellow - Yellow (Hello, what's up with the mixing of L & Y)
Gogogo Creme Pie - Oatmeal Creme Pie
"I don't want to hear another thing come out of your mouth" (I wonder where she heard this?)
"Sure"
"Mommy, you messed up my jungle"(I flushed her poop...go figure?? Poop figurines?)

I can only imagine this getting funnier and funnier...GE and I are scared to think of the wonderous things that will emerge from their little mouths.

Time Flown By

2009-01-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Today is our 10 year anniversary....Yes, I know...Hard to believe that ten years have gone by and my skin still looks so fresh and new....hee.hee.hee.hee.....I won't scare anyone with a belly shot of the chicken skin that you get when you have twins!! Anyway, I digress....Ten years with the same guy...ten years with the same quirks...then years with the same OCD...ten years with the same wonderful, considerate, giving person that captured my heart so many years ago...

Here's ten things I've learned about myself and us as a couple....

10. OCD does not go away...it's actually contagious

9. There is a valid reason why we have a 1 year rule on bringing things of the past up

8. If we can survive having infant twins, we can survive anything

7. I've become a whole lot more like GE than he has me

6. Having a date night is crucial to our survival as a couple

5. GE cannot come home during lunch and ask, "What's for lunch?" without me going nutso

4. I do well as a "kept" woman...love only taking care of our precious babies

3. GE is still the same considerate person that I married 10 years ago. maybe even more so

2. We would definitely do "this" all over again a 100 times over

1. I love GE more today than I did ten years ago

Happy Anniversary Honey....

Daddy's getting old...

2009-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

If ever you needed a joyful moment, a giggly moment, a pee in your pants from laughing so hard moment...just listen to the mouths of babes...and fortunately for us...we have two...

Tonight was a special night...Mad and Mac finally got their bunk beds. Well, not technically bunk beds because GE and I are weirdos about letting them have bunk beds...so we had the furniture people set them up as twins...their room is literally packed with two beds and a chest in which to put their ever mounting pile of clothes. Forget about squeezing the 800 zillions toys in there...basically it looks like Sanford & Son in their room and every once in a while you can actually hear the theme song playing in the background. JUNKYARD...with great furniture...so although the night was very joyful because we got our new beds it was also plagued by the fact that Mad and Mac decided today was the day to play in their beds for an hour and a half instead of take a nap so they were walking zombies....They got so hysterical in the bath for no apparent reason that GE and I just laughed...no need to get angry because it is just funny when they get this way...and being parents of twins..we figured out a long time ago that things around here aren't so great when the twins don't get a nap....

We finally ushered their weary bodies into bed and we could tell that they were stalling for time...just trying not to shut their eyes because they knew it would be a matter of seconds and they would be asleep...So after our nightly prayers and off key rendition of Jesus Loves Me, Mad and Mac always ask us what "happy" we're going to dream...I think GE had had enough of the stalling and called me back into their room. He left and I swear he wasn't out of the room two seconds when Mac said , "Mommy, Daddy is getting old."

Man, she knows right where to sucker punch!!

It's just what I picked out....from Target!!

2008-12-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

Mad and Mac had a wonderful Christmas despite a few little set backs. We had asked Santa (practically begged) for bunk beds for Christmas and since Santa is so well prepared and diligent he had them ordered and ready to be delivered on December 15th. Well, the helper elves at Mathis Brothers decided that on THE delivery date they would actually take out the furniture to take a peak at it to make sure there were no flaws or defect. Should have known then that things were headed downhill...The helper elves called and informed me that the chest was damaged and they would happily sticky tape it together and deliver it to me and then bring the undamaged one at a later date. NO WAY, NO HOW...It's been a little bit of a Nightmare Before Christmas dealing with them anyway so I was VERY afraid that once I took delivery of anything that we'd be stuck with it for all of eternity...and anyone who knows GE knows that ALL furniture should last an eternity...no need to replace it...EVER...so I'm not taking my chances and decided to take the next delivery of the furniture from overseas...IN FEBRUARY!!! Not so Christmasy then...but we're doing it anyway...and no, they were not so impressed with my picture of a bunk bed that I wrapped and put under the tree for them....So, now my pre-planning has gotten blown to smoke and I'm having to schlep around with all the other idiot shoppers a week before Christmas and find something to "help" Santa out and deliver it to my children....

ding....in my head...the perfect thing....Hummer thingy from Bass Pro Shop for Mad and this fabulous Disney Princess cash register for Mac...(You have to start those girls out early in the training of how to properly slide a credit card through the machine)...GE and I took great care in lying everything out for them the next morning...took the requisite bite of cookie, poured out the warm milk and packed the stockings full....

No, she's not forcing a smile...for real

Yummy Santa Christmas Cookie

Taking his time ripping off the paper

Christmas morning dawned and the kids were so excited...for a split second...then they were both pretty peeved that Santa didn't leave them a sip of milk and he left most of his cookie!! How RUDE!! Are you kidding me?? They noticed?? I guess I should be happy that they find it polite to finish off their plate at someone's home as to not hurt their feelings..but I think they missed the point... Mad ran straight to his Hummer and immediately wanted it open while saying "vroom, vroom" and Mac ran to her shiny cash register and said, "It's just what I picked out....from Target!!!" Oh, that child....maybe she does spend a wee bit too much time at Target..can't say that I blame her...

She's saying the "R" in Target right now

No, We're Not Stalkers...it just seems that way...

2008-12-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

I hope Pat Green never takes a look at his ticket sales log. If he did, he would truly think that GE and I are stalkers. If that guy is within 4 hours of us, we're taking a road trip and jamming out to some Texas music!! Makes me feel closer to home I guess..We just can't help ourselves. BUT...this time we brought others to witness the music not the stalker tendencies....

Before the festivities

A Little Bit into the Festivities

A Lot a Bit into the Festivities

We went to Billy Bob's in Fort Worth to celebrate my sister's 33rd birthday...yes, she's a beautiful 33 and never has anyone made it look so young. We danced and drank and ate and whooped it up like we were teens...of course, the next day we all felt our age as we meandered our way back over to Nana's house to celebrate a little Christmas cheer...the kids really didn't care how great Pat Green sings or how late we stayed out...they just needed a little present greed from family....

The greed was great and the presents even better. Mad and Mac felt like Santa was at every one's house we visited this year. They've loved every minute of it. We had a great time celebrating Pat Green and Christmas greed!!

Before the present madness!!

A Day of Firsts

2008-12-17T13:55:00.001-08:00

Just when I thought we were getting closer and closer to the end of "firsts", Mac had a whole day of firsts today. This morning she wanted so badly for her hair to match her Dora doll so I did the best I could and put those 3 strands into piggies....She was so excited...she kept looking and looking in the mirror at herself and had a HUGE grin the whole time....

THEN...we put on our ballet gear and headed out to our first day of ballet. She has been showing us for months her ballet poses so we decided it was time for her to put her talents to great use. She was all smiles once again right before entering the dance class and as I watched through the peep-hole (yes, I hung on to every minute of it, eyes squinted up and all) she never lost her smile. She truly LOVED it. I would love to tell you that she was the epitome of grace and beauty but we may need a few more classes before we can truthfully say that but she was definitely a beauty as she danced across the floor.

THEN...we headed for Mad's monthly haircut and Mac's monthly fingernail painting adventure when I just said "go for it." Cut her some bangs!! I know...big move....but you know, bangs are really "in" right now...ha...like she cares....She looked super sweet and Mad was a trooper today just following along in his sister's day. I love them both to pieces for caring so much about the other....

Flim-Flam-Flop

2008-12-12T02:01:00.000-08:00

Hiding from the camera...

Tiny grapefruit...cute smile...

Small grapefruit...

As most of you know, little boys are just full of piss & vinegar....Everything Mad does is with a kick, punch, jump, hop or skip. Nothing calm...nothing with a smooth saunter...just a lot of FLIM FLAM POW.....(that's him talking) It seems these days that we can't get from point "A" to point "B" without doing some samurai double flip with a twist and a half gainer. So, while performing his head standing maneuvers on the ceramic tile tonight he did a FLIM-FLAM-FLOP. But he sure does look cute even though his lip is the size of a grapefruit.... Just where did I fail in teaching him that doing any kind of gymnastic stunts on the tile was a great idea????

Wusthoftastic

2008-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

Like little soldiers lined up for duty...

The magnificent set...

I have a new love.....well, an old love that ignited a new flame....GE got me some new knives....After 10 years of marriage and 10 years of less than fantastic knives for me to hone my culinary skills, I finally got a set of Wusthof knives.... He better watch out...The fires and flames that will be sparking out of my kitchen now will set his heart a burnin'..... (well, he's kinda 40ish so he has heart burn anyway....but you know what I mean)

It's all about the facial expressions....

2008-12-10T05:03:00.001-08:00

She thinks if she looks down that I won't take a pic! WRONG!

Or cover her eyes...WRONG!!

Or look away...

Maybe he gets it from his Daddy...

Or from his cousin Sam...(he looks just like Sam here)

The kids were so excited last night to have both Momma and Daddy home... They truly think it's the best thing going...unfortunately for GE and I, we know that will change soon enough and we'll become the two most idiotic people in the world. but for now...we'll just relish the thought of our kids enjoying our company...

We got down in the floor to play with them..cars of course for Mad and some sort of princess/dancing thing for Mac...by the way..we'll be starting ballet classes for her very shortly..She will even have a recital in May...wahoo...the next thing I knew, large amounts of kitchen utensils were out and we were stirring up "birthday cakes" for Jesus and GE and just about anyone with a birthday in the next 6 months....as I was trying to get all of this fun on film I couldn't help but notice Mac's lovely aversion to the camera and Mad's all out willingness to take a pic!! Funny how their personalities and whims change with the passing of time.

Turkey, Turkey, Turkey Day!!

2008-12-01T02:05:00.000-08:00

My YUMMY turkey is done!!

Getting settled in for a long winter's night!

Or maybe some clowning around with my family!

Playing before the feast!!

Higher Grampa, Higher!!

Wahoo!! I made my first turkey and it actually turned out FANTASTIC...I want to even say perfect but I'll hold back...although it was on the edge of perfection. We spent the whole day feasting, sleeping, feasting, playing, feasting and then when we all got tired of that we had dessert compliments of my sister-in-law....which were also very close to the edge of perfection!! We went around the table and asked Mad and Mac and their cousin what they were most thankful for today and a person has got to love the innocence of children. Mad declared that "cars" were to be thanked, Mac proclaimed that she was most thankful for "babies" and little Lo was absolutely appreciative of "Tinkerbell". As a matter of fact, pretty much any question we posed to Miss Lo this lovely holiday was answered in kind with "Tinkerbell". I think maybe some of her cousin's OCD was rubbing off on her. Mad spent most of his day trying not to step on the grout lines while walking through the house....I know...therapist on speed dial if it gets too obsessive. Mac spent her day trying very hard to boss both Mad & Lo around. She succeeded most of the day which made it an extra special turkey day for her.

We watched some great football and then some hired field laborers, I mean our hubbies, doing lots and lots of work outside....yea, we're all still shocked by the fact that they did physical labor too.. Who knew they had it in them???

True Love

2008-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, we do let giraffes in the house...

Dog pile on sissy!!!

And a cute pose!

I never thought in a million years I would enjoy taking as many silly pictures of my three favorite people. I guess with the weather getting chilly outside, my "animals" have gotten a little warm and wild inside. Mad was about ready to bet his most favorite car today that it was snowing. So, since the yucky weather kept us inside we had a little fun of our own.

Because you all know I love a good card!!

2008-11-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

Hey...here's a link to one of the blogs that I really enjoy reading. Mad, Mac and I are going to make a few cards and send out!!

The Call of the Wild...

2008-11-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the great outdoors...indoors!!

LOVED riding this 4-wheeler!

Driving a boat!

Driving Mommy to the mall!!

She actually told him what she wanted..and what Maddox wanted too..

I knew that I loved my children more than life itself and all the Tex-Mex in Texas but I just didn't realize how deep that love went until yesterday. We all got up and had our usual Saturday morning pancake breakfast and GE suggests we all go somewhere together as a family.. "What?" I say... I thought Saturday mornings are for you guys to bond... But, no, he thought it would be a great "event" for all of us to head out... So, we did....

As we're heading north I am racking my brain trying to figure out where he's taking us... We then get off the highway and the next thing I know I'm staring the Bass Pro Shop in the face.. I held back my screams as to not scare the children but believe me, I was cussing on the inside.. I'm a girly girl...No place like Bass Pro Shop has EVER appealed to me... I don't want to go there.. Kicking and screaming, I mean with a happy face, I go in with the family and I have to say that it was a GREAT experience for us.... Not that I'll ever go back without a big nudge.. but we truly had a great time.... The kids were absolutely thrilled with everything that the Bass Pro Shop had to offer... They have everything you ever wanted for doing yucky outdoor campy things...Santa was even there picking out a new rifle... just kidding...he was taking great (free!) pics with all the kids and camouflaged adults. What made the whole day complete was that we were all together and I know exactly where to go if I ever decide to get out of the comforts of a hotel when camping!!

Something has changed...and not just the weather!

2008-11-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is...I don't know how to explain it...but things around here have just changed. My kids have become two of the most enjoyable people I know. I've prepared to take on the "threes" with gusto. I've geared up to say absolutely "no" to every ridiculous request. I've even gone so far as to look up reputable therapists and have them on speed dial so when I'm nearing the edge I can just press one single button. BUT...everything has changed. Mad and Mac are so funny...so enchanting....and even down right rational most times.... I'm loving the three's (ok..don't quote me on that...I'm only two weeks in)

I can't believe I'm saying that two 3-year olds are rational....Especially since my morning began with my daughter saying to me "Mommy please don't put a pony in your hair today!" with as much passion in her voice as any actor has while accepting an Oscar (It truly was an award winning moment). I must have had a great day today...which I did....I enjoyed my job thoroughly today and got to come home and play with Mad and Mac. GE and I laugh out loud every single day at something that's said by one of them either to us or to each other. Their "adult" conversations are hilarious. It really makes me know that they are truly listening to what is being said to them and to anyone else in the vicinity.

I'm enjoying every minute of it....

ps...we're 6 days into the no paci land and I think we've kicked our habit!! Wahoo!!

We Like to Move It, Move It!!

2008-11-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for our 1st movie!! Still loving it!!
Yummy popcorn!

A little too loud...

Today we ventured out into the wild side known as Madagascar 2...We LOVED our escape. The most thrilling part was that I didn't have to pay $7.00 each for Mad & Mac to get in!! Wahoo... I told the lady that they had just turned three 2 weeks ago and she was more than happy to send us in with only one ticket, two happy kids and a thrilled momma.. Well, thrilled until I hit the concession stand and I had to run over to the kidney donor place to donate a kidney really quick so I could pay for our wonderful concessions....

But, I have to say that we have a winner!!! We had an absolutely fantastic time. The kids really enjoyed the movie. About an hour in, Mac asked if it was time to go and that was the only complaining or even request to get out of their seats... Mac did mention that she'll probably have to bring her mowing "earphones" the next time to muffle the noise a little. I'm feeling pretty lucky right now. Might need to head on over to the casino and double down on something.

I think we've found something that all of us, excluding GE, really enjoy doing. Can't wait for the next "G" movie to come out!

Cheese!!!!

2008-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Today was all about getting our grill cleaned up and shiny. I couldn't have asked for Mad and Mac to do any better. They were such "bigs" as they were having everything done!!! My heart is breaking already because I see them headed out the door to college....

Of course, Mac had to be brave first because brother "pushed" her into the seat. There was no way he was going until he made sure that it was OK....She did really well and we got told the inevitable...She has an "open bite"....duh...that's a no brainer considering we just gave up her paci about 2 whole days ago!!! I know...I hear the groans from here...We should have done away with that thing many months possibly years ago but GE and I thought that our sleep was much more important than her oral health....but now we're committed...she's committed...well not really but we're trying to keep her spirits up as she takes this next step into "big girldom".....she's not going so willingly...

So, since Mac didn't absolutely scream, cry or really have anything horrible to say about the whole experience Mad put his brave face on and hopped up into the chair...He also did REALLY well...I can already tell that he's going to have to have a little "funny gas" later on in life like his daddy just to get through his dentist appts but for today he was great. He squirmed a little during the brushing time...

They both did really well and I guess we'll start talking the next visit up!! I think as long as they get new toothbrushes every time it may work!!

Truths and Songs about Texas

2008-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

GE, Pat Green & ME!! Wahoo!!

For a weekend that had promises of complete disaster and somber moods, GE and I managed to have a great one. Although we began the weekend attending a very sad funeral we pressed on to hopefully find some comfort in each other and our own little family.

Mad & Mac got to spend the weekend with Grammy and Grandpa and, whew, what a great time they had playing until complete exhaustion. I think they traveled all over Tulsa during the course of the weekend and visited with anyone who'd take the time to acknowledge them. Friday night, I called Grammy to ask how things were going and she immediately told me that I was in "trouble". I thought that I'd forgotten a favorite bedtime item for the kids but then she told me that while out to dinner that night, out of the blue Mac let everyone know that "Mommy was driving too fast and got a ticket!".....So for anyone concerned..I've learned my lesson...I'm driving slower as to avoid tickets and now I know I will forever be bound by the truths known as Mad & Mac. Nothing like two little lie detector tests riding with me for eternity!

GE treated me to a little bit of Texas over the weekend. He knows how much my heart fills with love with just the mere mention of Texas so we went to see one of our favorite Texas musicians in Fayetteville, AR... The concert was great and the after party with Pat was even better.

Hair Cut Day!!

2008-11-06T13:58:00.001-08:00

Well, a person really couldn't tell from the pic that he was super excited about his haircut...Imagine that?? A 3 year old not cooperating for his mommy trying to take a cute pic!

Mac was thinking of getting her long locks all chopped off but that would have taken about 30 seconds of our busy day so we decided to eat suckers instead...

Mad & Mac's 3rd Birthday Party

2008-11-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

Chilly Time in the bouncy....

We had a little static going on in the bounce house!

Lundyn, Mac, Sydney, Mad & Jack

Aunt Toni, Mac, Izy & Aunt Courtney

Mia, Laurin, & Kaitlyn

Aunt Toni & Silly Mac

Izy, Sam, Mac, Mia, Kaitlyn & Mad

Silly Monkeys before the party!

Table with the Yummy cupcakes & monkey cakes!

We celebrated Mad & Mac's 3rd birthday party on Saturday, October 25th and had just an amazing time. I don't know if it's because the kids are getting older but this party just seemed to be a constant controlled, happy, energetic fun party. Mac asked me several times leading up until the "time" of the party if the party had started yet. Once 1 o'clock finally arrived she shouted out a big "woohoo" even though most of her cousins and friends were already there living it up. It was just that I said it was "time" that she knew she could begin partying like crazy. I think she also knew that it was getting closer to cake time...which she'd been eye-balling that cake for several hours. We really did have just the best time. I'm always amazed at how polite my children can be even when not prompted by me or GE. I guess that's the beginning of my "payoff" for my job as a stay at home mommy...those are the things that my "raises" are measured upon and I'm glad to see that I'll be getting a bonus...Mad's questions about the party began after. He asked Grammy if the party was over and when she replied "yes" he immediately said that he wanted to have another one. I told him that he's so lucky because next year he gets to have ANOTHER party...He let out a big "woohoo" and was happy as a lark the rest of the evening. I'm so glad he doesn't have a sense of time yet...I'm sure that's going to bite me in the butt soon enough.

Although the past 6 months have been some of the most trying 6 months of our lives together I really think we've hit a turning point. I've enjoyed the twins more over the past 3 weeks than I have in a really long while. Maybe they've figured out that I don't really tell them "no" to make their lives miserable or it could be that some of the things I say no to aren't really that important so I'm giving them a little slack. Any way you look at it...we're all a little happier around here...and GE always says that if I'm not happy, it's really hard for the rest of the family to be happy...So, here's to me being happy about the changes going on in their wonderful lives and celebrating the TACKY THREE's!!!

OK...I've done it....

2008-11-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

I've been looking at my new blog design and thinking how fabulous it is and have been stumped on what to say. I don't want to "mess it up" with ramblings but then I realized...it's ALL about ramblings...maybe some days they'll be thought out better but for now....I've done it!! I've made my first blog!