Big Boy

If you know our family very well then you would know that Olivia's nickname around our house is Tater. Hays gave her that nickname when she was all of 2 days old and it has just stuck. If you ask her what her name is she will either say Oyiyah (Olivia) or Tater.

Well, we were having a hard time coming up with Ford's nickname. Everything we came up with just didn't seem right for our little guy. So one day at breakfast I was talking to Olivia and telling her "you know how your name is Tater? Well, what do you think Ford's name should be?" With no hesitation at all she blurts out "BIG BOY" with great emphasis on the B's and a very long, drawn out "Y" at the end of boy (also in a very high pitched voice). So...Big Boy it is.

Here are a few pictures of our Big Boy and that he is.:)

Happiness...

Have you ever heard the saying "the days are long but the years are so short"? That is exactly how I am feeling in this season of my life. Some days, I think 5 o"clock (when Hays gets tackled at the door) will NEVER get here but then I take a breathe and look up and Olivia is already 2 1/2 and I think where in the world has time gone. These two really keep me on my toes, test my pateince (the bigger one more than the smaller one...right now), have given me grey hair (I am sure of it) and bags under my eyes, and there is not a clean inch in my house as I type this right now BUT I wouldn't have it any other way.

Do you want to know the best sound in the whole wide world? Children laughing. They really do bring so much love, joy and happiness...

Weekend Visitor

Our Nano came for a long weekend visit and we all couldn't be happier to see her. The initial plan was for her to come stay with the kids so Hays and I could have a one night getaway for our anniversary. Ford is still having some trouble taking a bottle so we all had fun with Nano and Hays and I went out for a nice dinner and massage while she was here.

This is how we all feel when it is time for her to go home.

We had such a great weekend! Hays and I were thankful to get away with just the two of us for a while and Olivia was beside herself to get to spend time with her Nano.

Thanks, Nano! We love you!

Potty Training Update

I guess the saying that it's easier to potty train little girls than boys is true. Last Monday morning we decided to make a go for it and haven't looked back....on the teetee part, that is. Olivia has not had one accident since th first day with the #1 part. Really, who wouldn't want to teetee in the potty when you get loaded down with treats afterwards. The first couple of days, we rewarded her quite a bit for a job well done, hence the HUGE cupcake in the picture below.

The #2 part (poopoo) is a different story. She did great the first few days but not so much the last few. I guess bigger things take more time. I just hope not too much more time. This momma is so tired of changing diapers.

This is what happens when you send a 2 year old to preschool with panties on and no change of clothes. She comes home in her very first "camo dress". I guess the pink bow kinda evens all the green out a bit.:)

8 years....

On this very day 8 years ago I married my best friend, soul mate and the person I wanted to spend forever with. It was a beautiful day! The ceremony was outside under huge Oak trees and there was a nice breeze in the summer air. The sun was just making its way down and put a golden haze that made its way through the tree branches. All of our family and closest friends were there to share this special moment with us as entered the covenant of marriage.

We, like any other couple, have had our ups and downs, times where we agreed to disagree and sometimes have probably wanted to jump out of this promise. BUT we have also had some of the happiest days that we NEVER could have even imagined 8 years ago. Two beautiful children later I love this man way more than I did 8 years ago and look forward to the many more to come. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure this is MY life I'm living and not someone else's. I am one lucky girl! Thank you, Lord for blessing me so abundantly.


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Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Hays! Olivia, Ford and I couldn't ask for a more dedicated, loving, caring, funny, playful, adventurous, patient and strong person to be the leader of our family. You truly are the glue to our family and we love you more than you will ever know.

Hays started out his day in bed with these two monkeys and a nice little breakfast (one of the monkeys kept picking off his plate but I guess that's part of being a daddy).

Olivia and Ford got him some nice hiking boots, a shirt, some TOMS shoes (which Hays informed me will be taken back) and homemade banana pudding.

Can you tell they're both super excited? Our babies take forever to wake up in the mornings. #justlikemomma #poordaddy

Olivia's shirt says it all.....

Happy Father's Day to Papa and Pops!!! We wouldn't be where we are today without your love and guidance. Thank you for loving our children so much!

Potty Training 101

On this Monday morning we have cleared our calendar and dedicated ourselves to potty training. We have tried using the potty several times but we have been very inconsistent so I finally decided it was time to just bite the bullet. I have been dreading this day but it has come.

This little girl has been a shocker! Everybody knock on some wood for me but she has had one very small accident this morning and has initiated and used the potty about 6 times today. To say that I am proud of her would be an understatement. I know that we are not out of the potty woods yet but our future is looking very clear.:) I've got my fingers crossed for this afternoon and the many more days ahead.

Olivia with her "Nemo" cookie after she used the potty the first time (note the potty and all the panties in the background). She got a cookie for going the first time and has gotten M&M's everytime after. She appears to be a hoarder because she would line her cookie and other treats up and just look at them instead of actually eating them. Love this girl!