The Kern Family

36 weeks and my big girl

2011-08-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well, Max apparently isn't ready to join us just yet! It's hard to believe that at this point with Chloe I was at home with a newborn! If only I knew when he was going to come...but that would be too easy! I can't begin to think about what I will look like if I make it another 3 and a half weeks! One word comes to mind...HUGE! I already feel that way now! Oh well, as long as he is healthy I don't care! Chloe Grace

She looks way too old! Love her sooooo much!

Getting Ready for Max

2011-07-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe I am already 35 weeks along. Time has flown! The crazy thing is that Chloe was born at 36 weeks. I cannot even begin to think of him being here next week. Doesn't seem possible. At least this time I am somewhat prepared for a baby. The nursery is coming together. I've started washing his clothes. Carseat is cleaned and ready. Cradle ready. I'm going to go ahead and pack my bag beginning of next week. I'm praying he will wait until at least 37 weeks but then he can come whenever he wants! I go to the doctor next Thursday and am anxious to see what she says.

His cradle...borrowed from Aunt JoJo. Camden, Jadyn and Collin all slept in it!
His room! Still not completely finished but getting close!

Most recent belly shot! I'm pretty sure this was 34 weeks!

I am definitely feeling 100% pregnant at this point! It's hot. I can't get comfortable anywhere. Getting up at least 4 times during the night. I enjoy being pregnant but I will be so ready for this baby boy to be in my arms and no longer in my belly!

Our First Look...

2011-05-17T13:31:00.001-07:00

It's definitely a boy...no questions about it!!!

2011-05-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

I know it's been forever since I have posted. Our computer was getting worked on for a while so I coulnd't blog.
Things are going great! We found out on April 14th that we are having a BOY!!! So very excited! I'll post those pictures soon! Maxwell James will arrive sometime around September 2nd! I cannot wait! I am sooooooo ready for a baby boy! My last appointment was on April 21 and I had gained 6 pounds in a month. So not cool. My doctor knew I was concerned and she told me to start jogging...I know sounds crazy to start jogging at 5 months pregnant but she told me it was completely safe! Fortunately I have a treadmill so for the last month I have been jogging at least a mile about 5-6 times a week! I feel so much better and it has helped me eat a lot healthier as well! I go back to the doctor tomorrow and am anxious to see if I have gained any this month.

20 weeks
21 Weeks

23 Weeks

24 Weeks

18 Weeks

2011-04-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

16 and 17 weeks

2011-03-28T07:13:00.001-07:00

16 Weeks 17 Weeks

I went to the doctor last Thursday and had a good appointment. I really like my new doctor. Unless there is a delivery or an emergency of some sort I am always in and out of there in like 30 minutes. Very nice! I have been very pleased with my experiences so far.

I'm still always anxious when I go but luckily the heartbeat is the first thing they do once I get to the room. I could lay there and listen to my baby's heartbeat all day...and that's not a joke! The baby's heartrate was 153 bpm. Chloe's was 158 at 17 weeks (yes I still have them all, I wrote everything down). Next appointment, ultrasound!!! As long as the baby cooperates we will find out on April 14! I'm just praying for a healthy baby! We'll be happy either way!

American Girl

2011-03-22T10:55:00.001-07:00

Nana has wanted to take the girls to American Girl for a while now and we finally got to go last weekend! It was sooooo much fun! The girls had a blast.
Waiting out front before we went in.

Are they cute or what!?!

The whole crew

The doll hair salon. This was hilarious. You can let me them style your dolls hair. Jenny thought about having Linde's doll's one but there was a 2 hour wait and it cost $20. I don't spend that to get my hair cut!!!

Linde and Kierstyn

Chloe and Brittany Grace

She was having so much fun! Her smile was priceless!!!

Jadyn and Macy

My baby girl

Nana and the girls

It was so cute because their dolls got to eat with them. They had little seats that attached to that table and held them!

Jody and 2 of her kiddos...Colin and Jadyn...Camden went golfing with the boys!

I think this picture is too cute. It looks like it could be an ad for something!

Nana let them each pick a treat for their dolls! Talk about overwhelming!!! They had soooo much to choose from! Chloe got a blanket and outfit for Brittany. Linde got an outfit for Kierstyn and Jadyn got a bag for her doll and a tea set!

Thank you Nana!!!! We all had a blast!

Best Feeling Ever

2011-03-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

I felt the baby this morning FOR SURE! The past week or so I keep thinking I might be feeling it but not 100% sure. This morning I know I felt it. Chloe and I were watching Diego and it kicked me in the same spot 5 times in a row! Such a good feeling!!! I've been waiting to start feeling it just so I can be reassured that my baby is alive and kicking...haha!!!! So ready to go to the doctor again on Thursday so I can hear its heartbeat again!

Chloe has been cracking me up! The things she says! I've tried to be good about writing them down but I know I have missed some. Well, yesterday morning she woke up earlier than I wanted so I made her get in bed with me. We were laying there and she said, "Mommy, your breath stinks. Go take a shower." Then this morning I woke up to her screaming at 8 am, "Mommy, it's playtime. It's playtime, mommy." I love my Chloe Grace!!!!!

15 Weeks

2011-03-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Comparison Belly Pictures
Here is me now at 15 weeks...
This is me with Chloe at 14 weeks...I couldn't find a 15 week picture

It's crazy how much different your weight gain is from your first child to your second child. With Chloe I don't think I started really wearing maternity clothes until around 18-20 weeks. Second time, I started wearing it before I was 10 weeks. That scares me.

Big Sister Chloe

She is sooooo excited about the new baby! It's been fun because she is old enough to understand what is happening. She knows there is a baby growing in mommy's tummy and it has to stay there until it gets big enough to join us! If she has any say, then this baby will definitely be a girl according to her. She has been set on having a baby sister since the day we found out I was pregnant (even though I know she would be just as thrilled about a baby brother!!!) .We are scheduled to...hopefully...find out the gender on April 14. My new doctor waits until 20 weeks to do the ultrasound. I'm hoping that this time we get a clear picture the first time since with Chloe we thought she was a boy from about 17 weeks until my second ultrasound at 28 weeks.

Baby #2 is on the way

2011-03-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

Finally, Chloe is going to be a big sister!!! My due date is September 2, which makes me 15 weeks tomorrow and I couldn't be happier! We have prayed for this baby for a long time and are sooooooo ready for September to get here!
Here are a few pictures. I'm going to try to get them weekly (even though I've already missed a week) since I did when I was pregnant with Chloe. I don't want to have less pictures for this baby since it's #2. It will have just as many as Chloe does...which is a LOT!

14 Weeks

13 Weeks

11 Weeks

10 Weeks

Fun in what's left of the snow

2010-02-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

My lil Vanna White!!! She wanted to play in the snow today.
What's left of Frostina. People were still stopping this morning to take pictures.

This face means she wants a kiss. I told her to kiss the snowman...

and she did!

This is Chloe hugging the snowman or at least attempting!

Throwing snowballs. I bet you'll never guess who she learned this from!?!

Priceless!!! Can you tell she was having fun!?!

Frostina the Snow-Woman

2010-02-23T19:00:00.003-08:00

Something about this picture just isn't right. Absolutely crazy. Never have we had snow like this here before and definitely not twice in a winter. Chris had fun building it while Chloe and I watched. You know it's not normal when strangers are driving by taking pictures!!!
Meet Frostina

This is my favorite

Look at the smirk on her face

'

2010-02-23T19:00:00.001-08:00

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2010-01-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Chloe is starting to mimic everything we do. It's cute but it's kind of scary. She's putting on make up, fixing her hair, cooking dinner, wearing her daddy's ties.
She went to the doctor yesterday for her 18 month check up. Everything was great but Dr. Chang said that it would be a good idea to put her on a vitamin. I got her the gummy ones. Looking back, not such a good idea. She has recently started signing please and more...absolutely precious...but she knows that this will 99.9% of the time get her whatever she is wanting. As soon as I gave her the gummy vitamin she started signing please more. I couldn't help but laugh. What a mess.
She now weighs 27 pounds and is 32 1/2 inches long.
She can roar like a lion, quack like a duck(sounds more like a sick duck), bark like a dog, chomp, chomp like an alligator, neigh like a horse, say b,c,d for her abc's. She also is the best tickler. It's so cute. She always goes to Chris' feet and says something like 'ticiticitickle....' Very cute. It always can make me laugh. She will come up for no reason and pucker up for a kiss and she gives the best bear hugs! She is totally 100% Chris' child...there's no denying it. She is so much like him!

My blue-eyed girl

2010-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

2010-01-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

We have laughed so much the past few days. Chloe has decided that she is going to call me Michelle...not joking! We thought that's what she was saying last week but didn't think much of it. Well, I was doing something and she came down the hallway hollering, "Michelle" coming to find me. Now she says it all the time and it's only when she is talking to me. My baby isn't even 18 months and she's calling me by my first name. I'm not too sure what to think about it except it's funny to hear it coming from her!

Lots of Christmas

2010-01-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

Chris was soooo excited about putting Chloe's kitchen together!

Cookies and Milk for Santa

She's ready to start cooking!!!

Chloe got a brittany spaniel for Christmas...well her and Chris got a brittany spaniel for Christmas!!! Her name is Lady and she is precious!

Going outside to play with her puppy!

Kern Christmas

Chloe and Jadyn

Chloe got a Bitty Baby from her Nana and Papa

Give the girl a box or something to climb on and she's happy!

Linde and Chloe enjoying Nana's Christmas present

Freeman Christmas

Top Row...Chase(Becca's fiance), Austin, Shawn, Dad, Justin(K's boyfriend), Me and Chloe

Bottom Row.. Becca, Jen and Paisley, K, Chris

Me, Chloe and dad

Paisley Grace

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

We went to Bass Pro this year to see Santa! It was so neat. We will definitely be coming back next year!
Chloe checking it all out!

We knew tears would be shed...what a mess!

Her arms were sooooooooooooo tight around my neck! She was so afraid I was going to give her back to him.

Playing outside with daddy! Two peas in a pod!!!

TROUBLE! THis child like sugar....anything sugar!

Crawling on the table to get the gumdrops.

More frosting

Mommy's lil helper. Notice her mouth is full of candy!

The end result!

Chloe's 1st Trick-or Treating

2009-11-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

My lil Chick-a-dee
Jadyn wanted Nana to be Tinkerbell for Halloween. She's the best Nana ever so of course she got wings to wear! Not too many nana's would do that for the grandkids! She didn't wear the tutu. She was just trying it on.

Camo the army dude.

Nana, Chloe, Camden and Jadyn

Linde, we wish you could've been there.

Chloe and her daddy

This picture captures both of their personalities perfectly! Are they cute or what!?!

Chloe's 1st house for trick or treating. She was ready to go all by herself!

Almost there. She wasn't sure what to do except follow her cousins!

Excited about candy!!!!

You notice she's walking in the opposite direction as everyone else! This became a trend. She just wanted to roam!

Everyone kept telling us that she even walked like a duck....she was a chick but yes she does waddle!!!

Look at the next few pictures and see if you notice what they all have in common!

She was all about the CANDY! We had to keep emptying her bucket. As soon as someone would put something in it she would try to sit down so she could check it out. Then if we weren't quick enough it ended up in her mouth! I think we're in trouble. She really likes sugar just like her daddy and nana!

Going in for the sucker!

Checking it out

She's not even worried about the wrapper. What a stinker!

*Don't worry we knew where this sucker came from. We didn't let her eat candy from some random person.

Our baby girl...not such a baby anymore.

Abilene Zoo

2009-11-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

This is not a big zoo but it was just perfect for Chloe! She is absolutely loving all kinds of animals right now. It's so fun! She is constantly pointing at things and saying "What is this?"
Our first stop. This guy was enjoying the sun. He barely moved the whole time we were there.

"What is that?" flamingos

My precious niece and nephew! They are getting so big but it gets more fun everytime we see them! They are at such cute ages right now. Jadyn talks non stop but it soooooo cute!

Chloe thought she was big stuff the whole time we were there. She LOVES playing with her cousins! I didn't hold her much all weekend. She wanted to be down playing with the big kids!

This one is for you, Jody!!!

"what is that?" a bear

Chloe kept growling at him!

Chloe and Aunt JoJo...and baby #3 on the way! We can't wait to find out what she 's having. Jadyn is already counting on lil brother! This is the coolest and my favorite part of the entire zoo! The giraffes are so neat. They were feeding them crackers but the only problem was that Chloe kept trying to eat them herself.

His face is right there staring at you.

Not sure how I caught this picture but I like it a lot! Even the giraffe is posing for the picture!

Jody, Papa, Camden, Chloe, Jadyn and Nana I love you Camo

Can you tell we like the giraffe!?!

I love you Jade!!!

This is a new addition to the zoo. I'm not sure how long he's been there but I know it hasn't been long.

You can't really see the white tiger but he's back there.

Chloe and Jadyn are two peas in a pod. They are so cute together.

Chloe had to get one more look at the giraffe before we left.

15 Month Check-Up

2009-10-28T13:58:00.001-07:00

Chloe had her 15 month check-up today and everything was just fine. Well, everything except Chloe knew the whole time what was coming. While it was just the two of us in the room every time she heard something outside the door she watched to make sure no one was coming. She didn't like getting weighed...measured...ears checked...heartbeat listened to...and so on. She cried almost the whole time and clung to me as much as she could. When the nurse came to give her the shots she knew what was about to h appen and wanted nothing to do with her. These are not fun times for a mom. I hate every second of it but there's not much you can do. Anyhow, she survived and got to go to the toychest.
She now weighs a little over 25 pounds and is almost 32 inches long. She has grown a ton since her last appointment! No wonder she's breaking my hip! I'm not going to be able to keep toting her around much longer.

Linde Lovin'

2009-10-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Mike and Linde came into town last weekend and we got to spend some time playing! They are at such a cute age right now to play together! They just took turns following each other around and of course they always wanted the toy that the other one was playing with! I put them in this chair to attempt to get them to be still enough to get a picture. Chloe immediately starts trying to hug Linde. She can be such a little lovey girl! Too sweet!
Checking her out!

Going in for the snuggle!

What cuties! It is so funny how completely opposite these two are! I don't know that they have anything in common other than the fact that they are both girls! It is so fun to watch them. Linde gives Chloe some faces that are hilarious. Let me tell you, if looks could kill...

Here's one of her faces!!!

Playing with the MagnaDoodle. Chloe carried this thing around all night and she was actually drawing on it. We just might have to have one of these.

Nana's lil prisoners! They kept hiding behind this rocking chair from Nana. She was tickling and chasing them and they were loving every minute of it!

Chris taught them how to crawl behind the couch so of course this became a big game. You could always tell exactly where they were because the curtains would move with them as they went behind!

Here comes TROUBLE!!!!!

Seven Acre Woods

2009-10-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Me and my baby girl
Chloe and her daddy. Such a sweet picture!

Looking at the goats. Chloe likes any kind of animal until it gets too close!

Paisley Grace

Chloe Grace showing off all of her pearly whites!!! This is a favorite of mine right now. It really captures her personality!!!

All my sisters

Katherine, Me, Jennifer (w/Paisley) and Becca

Me and my dad

15 Month Pictures

2009-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

These last 2 are my FAVORITES!!! I can't believe we got any that were good. She wouldn't be still long enough to take a picture. She was ALL over the place!

My 1st Pillow Case Dress

2009-10-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I thought it turned out nicely being that I have never sewn any kind of clothing before. I was just thrilled that it would actually go onto Chloe and she will be able to wear it!!! My sister has made several of these dresses and they are so cute so I wanted to give it a try!

Don't look too closely!

Please excuse the mess behind her. Just pretend it's not even there!!!

WOW!

2009-10-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

That's about all I know to say right now!!! What a night we had last night. Here in Huntsville they had an event called 'Docs around the Block'. Well, Chris has been talking about going so he can meet all of the doctors in town. They gave you a punch card and if you got so many punches...really stickers....then your name went in a drawing for lots of door prizes. Big deal, right...we never win ANYTHING. We're just not lucky people. You had to turn in your card by 7:45 and the drawing was at 8 but you had to be present to win. We finished at around 6:30 and decided to go home and then come back for the drawing even though we just knew it was going to be a complete waste of time. They gave away Home Depot cards, $250 Target card, candles, blood pressure monitor, free golf and so on...but the grand prize was a 50" HDTV Plasma and you'll never believe whose name got called...are you ready for this...Michelle Kern!!!! Pure Craziness. I didn't even know how to act! So now we're struggling with what to do with this monster of a TV. Do we sell it? Do we keep it? The crazy thing is that we don't even have TV at all right now and haven't since March. We do have 2 TV's right now and they were both given to us and are from the 80's.
And to top things off I got a phone call this morning from one of the Doctor's offices and they drew my name for their raffle and I won a $25 Olive Garden card and box of Fudgie Wudgie Pecan Turtle fudge. Chris told me I need to go buy a lottery ticket...but we don't do that so I won't!!! Chris keeps saying that God is humoring us with this or Satan is really at work!!!

What we've been up to lately

2009-10-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I know it has been a while since I have posted. Life has been crazy but fun! We've celebrated Chris' 30th birthday, had Fair on the Square, made lots of cakes and that is only the beginning! Chloe is still a mess and is growing like crazy! The past several weeks have been challenging, trying to figure out how we are going to discipline her....yes, it's hard to believe that this sweet little girl has a temper!!! She is her father's child for sure!!!
Bible class has been challenging. She no longer likes to sit in the seats and screams because she is afraid I am going to leave her.
Iknow it sounds like everything is bad but it's not. I can live with those things and I know they will get better. I'm just thankful for a beautiful and healthy child. We are loving that she is talking like crazy. It is so cute! Her sweet little voice is trying to mimic different things that we say. I could listen to her all day long! She now has 6 teeth, 4 on top and 2 on bottom! She thinks she is big stuff walking all over the place and doesn't want anyone helping her. Let's see, what else??? She is going to bed between 9 and 10 and is waking up around 10...this is wonderful!!!!! The sad thing is I am waking up around 10!!!! She is always getting into something. She would rather play with daddy's phone, computer or the remotes than her toys. Of course! We have learned that if you can't find something, look in the bottom of her toybox. You will find it!!!
Here are just a few pictures from this past month.

I took this picture this morning after church. I think we are going to have her pictures taken in this dress. It just might be my favorite dress on her ever!

Fair on the Square

We got rained out at around 2:00. We got soaked while packing everything up and taking it to the car! We even used the tablecloths that we had as ponchos. I had already ditched mine before this picture.

Chris' Surprise 30th Birthday party. He was sooooo embarrassed and told me I better not ever throw a party for him again!!! I had fun doing it and he didn't have a clue about it. The only problem was that he showed up early and ruined the surprise.

Chloe and Paisley enjoying the party!

Chloe's Funny Face

2009-09-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

She thinks this face is so funny!

Blue jeans finally fit her good! I tried this exact pair on her 2 months ago when we went Colorado and they were too tight around her waist. Now they fit her perfect. I guess she has slimmed down some! She looks like such a big girl in her blue jeans!

Her Big girl cup. She hasn't acted like she misses her bottle at all. We're very thankful!!!

Kettle Corn

2009-08-31T19:29:00.001-07:00

My sister and her husband have been making kettle corn and they made the mistake of telling me how to make it. I wish I hadn't found out. It is sooooo easy and it is soooooooooooooooo good. Chris and I are addicted but what's the point in running when you're going to come home and eat kettle corn!!! If you like it you have got to try this.

All you need is.... 1/4 C popcorn kernels, olive oil, 1/4 C sugar, and a little salt

Put about an 1/8 inch of oil in the bottom of a pot that has a lid. Let the oil get hot enough so when you drop a kernel in it pops. Pour all of the kernels in and put on the lid. Once they start popping pour the sugar over it and shake it over the heat until it has all popped. BE CAREFUL when you take off the lid. I have a burn on my finger from the first time I made it...and the second time I made it!!! You will have to break it up because it will be in clumps but sprinkle a little bit of salt over it and then it's ready to eat!!!

A Big Weekend for Chloe

2009-08-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a big one for Miss Chloe! We finally decided that it was time to say bye-bye bottle for good. Saturday night we just put her to bed and she cried for a few minutes but then was out. Sunday I noticed she cut her 3rd tooth. It's on the top. And also on Sunday she took 3 steps all by herself! Wow, my baby is growing up fast! Chris and I are still constantly laughing at her. We went running tonight and for the first 10 minutes she did not once stop talking. She definitely gets that from Chris! She's becoming quite a chatterbox! It's so cute. When we go out and about she talks to EVERYONE...not kidding! Any person she sees she is saying "Hi" with the biggest grin. She does everything she can to get their attention and she has had a few rude people who don't respond at all but she keeps trying! I was in Home Depot with her Saturday morning and she was saying her usual "Hi" to an older man and his dad and then she put her arms out for him to take her. I have no idea what happened to my little girl that only wants mommy. She now will go to just about any man! I don't know if that is a good thing or not but she has definitely put smiles on some of the older men's faces at church!

No more B-O-T-T-L-E...

2009-08-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

at least during the day. It has almost been a full week and she only gets her sippy cup during the day and she is doing great. Now I just have to figure out how to get rid of her night time bottle. That's going to be the tough one!
Playing in her chair that her great aunt debbie got for her birthday! Next year we'll have to take it to the beach with us!

Almost 13 Months

2009-08-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

These pictures capture Chloe's personality! She is such a mess and constantly makes us laugh. She still only has 2 teeth and she isn't walking just yet. She is pushing her walkers all over the house and is now standing on her own without holding on to anything for a good while.
Look at those dimples. Just like her daddy's!
She looks so old in these pictures!

I Survived

2009-08-16T13:45:00.001-07:00

I am soooooooooooo glad that last week is over! I started helping Chris' mom Monday with shopping for a wedding that she was catering on Saturday. Tuesday I sat in the same spot at her house for 6 hours and chopped all sorts of food for the wedding. Wednesday I started baking cakes for Thursday. I had a baby shower cake and a birthday cake. Thursday I finished the cakes and got my house cleaned. Friday I started baking cakes for the big groom's cake I had to make for the wedding. Saturday I was up and at the grocery store early making sure I had not forgotten anything for the groom's cake. Chris took me out to where the wedding was going to be at noon and dropped me off with the cakes. I had to get the cake assembled and completely finished and then help Chris' mom and sister get all of the food assembled and arranged for the wedding. Then we had to start washing dishes as the plates were being emptied. We did not leave until after 9 pm. It was a very long day and we were all quite delirious by the time it was over. Now you can why I am soooooooooo glad that it is over. Luckily, everything was a huge success! My cake turned out great and the food was all delicious. The cake was still standing by the time the bride and groom were ready to cut the cake so that was good! I even got to taste it and I must say that it was scrumptious!!! I was very pleased with the result and now have a little bit more confidence about doing bigger cakes. Now I got some rest today and tomorrow night I will start baking cakes for a birthday cake that I have to make for Tuesday! Life is great! I'm just ready to be able to play with my daughter again...poor, precious baby!

Fair on the Square

2009-08-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, my sister and I are going to have a booth at Fair on the Square. I'm excited and hope we do well. I am going to make LOTS of bows and burp rags and might try something with flipflops. Jennifer is going to make tutu's and take orders for her photo quilts. She made Chloe one for her birthday and it is very neat. We have so many ideas of cute things to do, we just don't have much time. It might be a flop...we hope not...but we'll definitely have fun while doing it!
Here is a picture of Chloe's quilt. This isn't the best picture of it. The pictures are very clear on it but you can't tell from this picture.

This is my latest, little clippies.

Chloe made the ACU Today

2009-08-07T15:08:00.001-07:00

ACU sends out a magazine 4 times a year and they publish all of the babies that have been born to graduates of ACU (well at least those that let them know they were born). We sent Chloe's picture and she made the cut!!! She's on the bottom row, 2nd to last. Just thought we wouls=d share! Thanks Cousin Jenny, if you had something to do with this!!!

More Flower Bows

2009-08-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Iknow, I know I'm going bow crazy! I really am but it's fun. These are so fun to make. I'm anxious to go get more cute ribbon and make more. If you want bows let me know. I am going to try and start selling them. You can even custom order them if you want certain colors or designs!

Once Upon a Blog

2009-08-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

I just happened upon this blog and it looks really neat. The lady designs blog headers and all sorts of other neat stuff. It all looks really cute. She is having a giveaway right now. You should check it out! I don't even win stuff like this but I'm gonna give it a try!
Click here to go to Once Upon a Blog.

More Bows

2009-08-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been a while since I've made bows and now that I've found these fun ones I've been making them like crazy! Jadyn, Paisley and Linde get ready for some fun bows because Aunt Chell is making lots!
Here are a few of the butterfly ones.
I came up with this one all by myself...so proud!!! I thought I would try to make a flower and this is what I got. Let me know what you think. I've been brainstorming ways to sell them. Chris mentioned Fair on the Square but I don't know that it would be worth it since you have to pay a large amount for a booth. Any ideas?

My precious lil bow model!!! The perfect pose for a bow!!!

Butterfly Bows

2009-08-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

Jennifer found this bow in a magazine and saved it for me so I could attempt to make it. I think it turned out cute.

These aren't the best pictures. They really are cute bows.

Cake and Chloe

2009-08-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

This is a cake that I made this morning. It was for Madisonville Central Office, my loyal customer!!! Thanks LaJune!!! She was my very first customer and still orders cakes from me 2 years later!
This is a Happy Birthday/Farewell cake for the month of August. It's 1 cake, I just made it look like it is 2 separate cakes.
It says 'You will be missed' in light green but it didn't show up very well in the pictures.

Jennifer made Chloe a tutu for her birthday. I tried to get some pictures of her in it but it was hard. She was too busy playing with it to look at me.

What we've been up to

2009-08-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

I know I've been kind of bad about posting lately. We've kind of been just chilling at home, finally. Our summer has flown by but it's been fun. Chloe continues to steal our hearts more and more each day. Her vocabulary now consists of 'Oh Boy', 'Hi', 'What is this', 'Mama'(finally) and according to my Aunt Nana she is speaking in comeplete sentences all the time! Not really, but she does ramble just about all day long. It is so cute. She gives the best hugs and kisses all by herself. You don't even have to ask for them. She will just all of sudden lunge at you and wrap her little arms around your neck and squeeze as tight as she can. I love it!!! She got her 1 year shots last week and she has been running a fever last night and today which Dr. Chang said could happen. Poor baby. She has already had 2 naps this morning which NEVER happens with her. Actually, she is now awake so I better go get her. I'll hopefully be back later with pictures from our Milwaukee trip!

Doctor's Appointment

2009-07-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

We survived Chloe's 1 year appointment. I had to go by myself again and deal with the shots. I hate shots. She got 3 in the legs and then had to have the TB test done on her arm. So, we'll have to go back Thursday to let them look at it. Fun stuff. Chloe didn't get her usual nap this morning so she was extremely fussy during the appointment. She didn't want the nurses or Dr. Chang messing with her. They could hardly listen to her heartbeat because she kept pushing them away. It was kind of funny. Once they left the room and it was just me and her it was like she knew the worst was still to come. Every time she heard something outside the door she grabbed ahold of me and looked terrified. She was already upset before she even got a shot so that was lots of fun. Poor baby. She now weighs 23 lbs 13 oz and is just at 30 inches long. We are finally finished with formula...hallelujah!!!

Cakes

2009-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Now you know why I haven't posted anything in a while. Life has been chaotic but it is finally going to slow down. Chris and I got back from Milwaukee and I had 2 days to clean and get everything ready for the birthday party. All I wanted to do was be with Chloe. We were so glad to get back home to her.
I just did this cake this morning for a friend that is turning 8.
This was for a bridal shower.

This cake was absolutely hilarious. One of the girls from church wanted a bra cake for her mom's 50th so that's what we did. I thought it turned out pretty good.

One more this Friday. Another one Monday. Groom's cake August 15th.

More Birthday Pictures

2009-07-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Chloe's 1st Birthday Party

2009-07-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, our baby is 1 year old! That is so hard to believe. Chris and I have really been blessed with a precious baby girl. She has brought so much love and laughter to our lives. There have been times that I want to pull my hair out but it is all worth it for my Chloe Grace! Every day is a new surprise and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Thanks to everyone who helped make Chloe's 1st birthday a success. We had lots of fun. Chloe was a bit overwhelmed at times but she had fun, too!

She's only 1 and she already got her 1st car. Uncle Shawn was so excited to give this to Chloe. It was from him and Aunt Becca.

Wouldn't you be overwhelmed!?!

She ate her birthday cake but with some hesitation. She would eat some, then act like she was going to cry, then she would eat some more, then act like she wanted to cry. It was cute.

Her 1st taste.

Aren't they cute!?! It was very hard to get a picture of everyone looking, imagine that!!!

2009-07-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Well, 2 nights down 2 more to go. Chris and I have been in Milwaukee since Saturday and I am having major Chloe withdrawals! I have never been away from her for this long but she is with her Nana and they are having fun!
I could post pictures right now but nope I forgot my camera in our car at the airport in Houston. So, I had to find a Walgreens and buy a throw away...I am definitely spoiled to my digital camera. Every time we take a picture we try to look at it and then we just laugh!!!
Anyhow, we are having a good time and I will post more once we get home...it might take a while for the pictures. I will have to take the camera to get them developed and then scan them all into my computer!!!!

4th of July

2009-07-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is where our Family Vacation all began! Chris, Chloe and I left July 3 with his parents and drove to Abilene. We spent Saturday just hanging out since we knew Sunday would involve lots of being in the car.

Chloe's 1st 4th of July
We went to Spencer and Alyssa's house to watch fireworks.

Cousin Jenny brought some sparklers for the kids. Chloe really enjoyed them!

Jody with Camden and Jadyn.

This was a picture of our fireworks show...yes, it's black. Our fireworks got cancelled. BUMMER!

We really had a great trip but I am going to have to slowly post my pictures. I have 507 to choose from so this could take a while!!!

Day 1

2009-07-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

One night down and already off to a rough start. Chloe did not sleep good the whole entire time we were gone. This is her sleeping in after being up a lot of the night...must be nice!

Linde was up and ready to roll!

And we're off!!! Luckily, everthing fit in the van. We were kind of sweating that one. The rental place wouldn't allow us to pull a trailer or stack anything on top of the van so EVERYTHING had to fit inside along with the 12 of us! It was a tight squeeze but we made it!

Chris, Mike, Nan, Me, Jadyn and Camden

Jenny, Casey, Jody and Papa (The babies are there you just can't see them in these pictures)

Our first stop for lunch. We ate at Raising Cane's.

Chloe and Linde did so good in the van. We weren't sure what to expect but they were great.

We drove to Santa Fe, New Mexico and stayed the night in a hotel just to break the trip up. We went and ate dinner at Panda Express and enjoyed the cooler weather outside. Then we got Baskin Robbins Ice Cream!

Day 2

2009-07-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

We left Santa Fe at around 9 am and we off to Colorado! We arrived in Pagosa Springs around noon and couldn't have been happier to be there!
This is Camden keeping Chloe entertained. He was doing his 'Magic Show'. It was hilarious and so cute! Chloe thought it was the funniest thing ever. He had her laughing so hard!

This is Pinkie Bear and she is now a favorite! She loved on her and patted her just about the whole time. This morning once she woke up we were sitting in the recliner and she saw Pinkie sitting on the kitchen table and she went crazy until we went and got her. It's funny because she hasn't become attached to anything until now!

Chloe's 1st time to Colorado!

Casey stretching after the long drive!

The bunch checking things out.

This became a favorite. We ate lunch the first day and then came back for ice cream twice...well, Jenny and I did!!!

Linde and Chloe enjoying the Colorado weather! They were sooooooo good and so cute together! Chloe wanted to love on her cousin constantly.

Uncle Mike checking out the river with Camden and Jadyn.

This is the only picture we got of everyone. 8 adults and 4 kiddos

Our Cabin and our ride

It was so pretty. Our cabin was right on the San Juan River!

Chloe didn't know what to think about the cold water! It was quite chilly.

Chris was so anxious to get out and use his fly rod! Little did he know the river was going to be a lot harder to cross than he thought.

Chris' first attempt to cross the river.

It's getting deeper and stronger.

And he went down!!! He finally found an easier path and crossed it with no problems.

My precious baby girl. She really surprised me on this trip. She didn't have to have me the whole time. She went to all of her aunts and uncles and played great with her cousins. It was wonderful! Her Aunt JoJo had tons of fun with her and enjoyed all of Chloe's lovin'. She became a little cuddler on this trip!

Everyone playing in the river.

The guys chilling on the back deck.

This is the view of the river from a bridge right down the street from our cabin. Our cabin is the one on the right with the black roof.

We went for a walk.

This is one of the sweetest pictures I have ever seen! My two favorite people!

Camden and Jadyn

Playing catch

Papa, Camden and Jadyn

Nana and Papa with the whole crew

We really enjoyed everyone being together. It's been a while since we have spent this kind of time together...if ever!

Hanging out in the game room. I surprised myself and I think everyone else. I was good at pool...who knew!?!

Day 3

2009-07-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

We're on our way to Treasure Falls! This was my favorite part of the whole trip, the hiking and waterfalls. I could do that the entire time! We definitely saw the Awesome Works of God!
And of course Chloe fell asleep like 5 minutes before we got there!

This was taken from the very bottom of the fall. We hiked up a lot closer.

Awesome view

Taking a break

Casey, Jody, Camden and Jadyn

Mike, Jenny and Linde

How awesome is that!?! It was so much better in person. The pictures are good but they really don't do it justice. I want to go back.

Our family

It didn't take long for Chloe to wake up. A power nap was all she needed!

We were getting misted by the waterfall! It was awesome!!!

We were taking pictures of each other taking pictures!!! Someone always had a camera taking pictures the whole entire trip...probably because I never put my camera up!!!

One of my favorite things about a waterfall is just closing my eyes and listening to it.

What a view minus the lady's head on the bottom right. I have no idea who that is!

The bottom of the fall

Chloe with her daddy in front of the waterfall.

Jody being brave. She walked out into the bottom part of the waterfall.

This was a lake on our way up to the Continental Divide. The guys stopped and threw out a fishing line for a few minutes.

This was an outlook stop on the way back to town. Very pretty.

Chris alwasy scares me at places like this. He likes to see how close he can get to the edge. Yeah, I'm not that way. I want to stay as far away from the edge as I can!

Camden Michael

Camden making Chloe laugh hysterically. It was so cute. She really became attached to her cousin on this trip.

Me and Jody playing in the river. We decided we would borrow the boys waders and actually get in the water. It was a lot of fun. We attempted to walk out into the middle of the river but it seriously was so strong and one false move and you're a goner in these waders.

The water felt so good this way. I could have stayed out there all day!

Just chillin'

Chris fishing

Day 4

2009-07-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Trying to make plans for the day...that was always a chore with all of us and 1 van!!! Luckily, everyone is pretty easy to please!!!

While we were waiting Chloe and I decided to go down to the river and get a few pictures.

Chloe popping her daddy's bubble.

'The hills are alive with the sound of music' We kept singing that on this hike. Doesn't that make you think of that movie!!?! It was so pretty but a little chilly. We were at a higher elevation.

There was snow...dirty snow but it was still snow!!!

Stopping along the trail

Almost to the top

Jody, Casey and the kids stayed at the bottom for this one. Camden and Jadyn were getting tired so they played trivia games while we went to the top. It turned out to be a pretty tough hike, lots of up.

Chris and Mike with their baby girls

Jenny and Linde at the top

It really was a breathtaking view. It was like the mountains went on forever.

Chloe sitting at the top of the mountain

She's going to be our little hiking girl!!! We can't wait.

Back at the cabin playing in the river.

Chloe and I were napping during this time.

Soaking our feet in the hot tub.

Casey, Jody, Camden, Jadyn and Nana went to the Hot Springs Wednesday night. We were supposed to go but it was 7:30 before we left the cabin so Jenny and I decided we would just walk through town with the babies. We went to a little park and put them in the swings.

Then we went walking and were able to see them at the Hot Springs.

Chris, Mike and their dad went fishing at the river. We found them, got the van keys and went and got ice cream!!!

Day 5

2009-07-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

This was a 20 mile drive that took almost an hour to get there. You can't go fast up mountain roads. We sure hadn't planned on it taking that long and were hoping it was going to be worth it.

Aspen trees, another of my favorites.

It took us about 10 minutes to hike to the waterfall and it was definitely worth it. This was a big waterfall. It wasn't as tall as Treasure Falls but it had a lot more water.

Once again, Chris pushing his luck! (but it did make for a cool picture)

The almost whole group. Casey had to fly back Thursday morning for the 7 on 7 state tournament.

The Boys

The Girls

Nana and Papa

Camden making Chloe laugh again! They were so cute!

Happy 1st Birthday Linde

2009-07-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Linde Reece! I can't believe you are already 1 year old! What a precious baby girl you are! It has been so much fun getting to spend time with you this past week.
We love you very much!
The cakes turned out really cute. Jenny had them baked already when we got there Saturday so all I had to do was make the frosting, frost them and assemble Linde's. Jenny put the dots on them and stacked the cupcakes!

Linde's cake was the middle one...yes, she got a 3-tiered cake!!!

The backyard ready for the party!

Chloe with her Nana

The birthday girl with her mommy

We had to get a picture since we matched!

Chloe was so cute when she saw Aunt JoJo. She dove at her like it had been forever since she had seen her. We went to Mike and Jenny's Saturday morning and Jody didn't come until Sunday so it had been 1 day. She squeezed her neck for a while and wouldn't let go.

Then she saw Camden and dove at him to give him hugs! My little lovey girl!

The Pool Party

Linde and Chloe

We finally were able to get them to look at least in the same direction for a picture!

Linde thinking really hard about the cake

And she's off

What a sweet face. This is my favorite picture from her party.

She really tore into the cake and then her mommy gave her a cupcake! Can you say sugar overload!?! I know Chloe's time is coming!!!

Camden or shall I say The Great 'Camdini' putting on his magic show at Linde's party for family.

Jadyn rocking Chloe in Linde's new rocking chair!

Linde enjoying her new ride. She really liked her car. Jadyn was riding around in it and Linde was following her saying what sounded just like, "mine, mine, mine". It was very cute!

We had to have pictures with the birthday girl!!!

It was a very cute birthday party. Now it's time to start getting Chloe's party together!!!

Freeman Reunion at Mo Ranch

2009-06-29T16:35:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went to a family reunion for my dad's side. He is 1 of 5 siblings and they were all there along with their children and grandchildren. I think there were around 40 of us altogether. It was a quick trip but definitely worth it!!! We all met at Mo Ranch in Ingram, TX. It is on the Guadalupe River near Kerrville.

Hanging out in the kiddie pool, which was very nice! It would be great to have this pool in my backyard! Chloe thought she was big stuff because she could crawl around and play in the water all by herself!
Aunt Jen took these of me and Chloe Friday night once we got there. I wish Chris would have been there to be in them but he was with the guys.

Me and Chloe, Katy, Becca and Paisley

Aunt Becca, Chloe, Aunt Jen and Paisley

Uncle Shawn and Chloe

Chloe always dives to go see Uncle Shawn and he doesn't like it one bit!!!

Papa with Chloe

Chloe and her daddy

Koy....he is soooooooooooooooo cute!!!

Most of the bunch

Chloe got to drive for the first time. It was hilarious because she went absolutely CRAZY! She did not want to leave daddy's lap!

Chloe getting some Uncle Shawn lovin'.

katy and I were playing pepper(bump, set, spike) with the volleyball and were intruded by Chris. It was a lot of fun. I haven't played volleyball in years and it made me realize how much i miss playing.

Our little beauties!!! Chloe accidentally touched Paisley a little too hard and she didn't like it!

Chloe with Aunt Katy at the kiddie pool

Sporting Aunt Katy's sunglasses

Dad fishing on the dam

Chris fly fishing

Chase and Becca

Melissa, Koy, Kinzie and Rhonda

Chloe's 1st time swimming in the river

Swimming with PaPa

This one is my favorite

Paisley Grace

Chloe with Uncle Austin

Katy and Justin

Paisley just chillin'

Koy

Koy and Reagan

Kinzie fishing with her PapaBear

The 3 Amigos in a canoe

Becca and Jen got the bright idea to take a canoe out. They were struggling and spinning in circles. Then I thought I would join them for some reason, who knows, pure stupidity maybe! We never flipped so that was a good thing.

These poor guys didn't see us coming and we nailed the dock, twice, and just about knocked them off.

Pool Time with Maddox

2009-06-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Jennifer(not my sister) and I took Chloe and Maddox to the pool this morning. They both enjoyed their float for a little while but then they wanted mommy to hold them!!! My shoulders are about the only place that gets sun anymore when I go to the pool!!!

Brown-Hair Beauties

2009-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Chloe and I finally went and visited the new babies in Madisonville. I worked with Sara and Amanda and miss them both like crazy! Luckily Sara has a blog so I keep up with her that way. I'm still trying to convince Amanda that she needs a blog. They both have beautiful baby girls and it was sooooo good to get to visit with them today!

This is Sara's newest addition, Aubrey Kathryn. She is a little over 3 months old.
(Chloe actually let me hold both babies without throwing a fit!!! They were both so sweet!)
This is Amanda's little girl, Kit Presley! She is 2 months old.

Chloe kept turning the bouncer on and off for Aubrey. I'm sure she appreciated that!!!

This is Sara's oldest, Charlie. They were sitting together so cute and as soon as I got the camera ready neither one wanted to cooperate!

My Baby is 11 Months Old

2009-06-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

All I can say is we are having FUN! Chloe Grace is such a mess but a good mess! We love her soooooooooooooo much and she has been such a blessing to Chris and I. Her latest trick is blowing kisses. The first time she did it, it was so cute. I put my hand to my mouth and then she put her hand on her cheek trying to copy me. We met my dad for lunch on Tuesday and as he was leaving I told her to blow him kisses and she finally got it right!
We're going to be in and out the rest of the summer. I will post pictures of all of our trips/adventures as soon as I can! (I say adventures because that's what some of it will be...we are going with Chris' entire family, mom and dad, Jody,Casey and their two kids, Mike and Jenny and Linde and us, in a 15 passenger van with all of our luggage in the van with us to Colorado. Please say a prayer for us and our safety and for our sanity!!! I really am excited about it...just a little anxious about the van ride!!!)

Chloe is into EVERYTHING! She is so glad to finally be mobile. The funny thing is now she crawls over to me and pulls up and I try to pick her up but she shakes her head no at me and then crawls off! Whose baby is this!?! What happened to my little girl that never wanted to be put down!?! Believe me, I'm not complaining!!!

1st Pigtails

2009-06-18T10:17:00.001-07:00

Chloe finally met Aunt Nana

2009-06-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chloe and I drove down to Tomball with Jennifer and Paisley to spend some much overdue time with my aunt nana and cousins, Matt and Hillary. It has been over 3 years since I have seen any of them and Aunt Nana was just dying to get her hands on these baby girls! We really had a good visit. I just wish we could've had more time.

Chloe and Aunt Nana
Aunt Nana, Paisley and Jen

Hillary, Paisley, Me and Chloe

Little Sweet Cheeks

Aunt Nana with her great neices...Yes, they are matching!!! They have lots of matching outfits.

Aunt Nana stealing my Chloe kisses

Me and my Baby Girl....she's almost 11 months old

Hillary, Paisley and lil Matt...yeah, he's not so little anymore but he'll always be lil Matt to me!!!

Me and Paisley Grace

Chloe with Aunt Jenfer (that's what I call her!!!)

Chloe and Hillary

Matt was cute with Chloe. He teased Hillary all morning about how she was talking to Paisley and then he didn't want to talk to Chloe while he was holding her because he was afraid he would talk like that!!!

lil Matt, Chloe Grace and Chloe Faith

Chloe Faith is Uncle Matt's sister's little girl. She was very sweet!

Love you and miss you already Aunt Nana, Hillary and lil Matt!

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-12T13:18:00.001-07:00

Chris' mom and dad own a condo on Lake Conroe (which they are wanting to sell if anyone is interested) and we went down Wednesday and went swimming and made a trip to Target. Chloe still is really enjoying the water even when it is way past nap time. She eventually gave up and fell asleep but she fights it for as long as she can!

Camden Michael

Enjoying the pool with her Nana

Little cuties!!!

This is our view from the pool. We just wish we had a boat!!!

Chloe's 1st Play Date

2009-06-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

A friend from church invited us over to play this morning. They have an awesome swing set and the kids all played really well. Chloe even got to play and slide. She thought she was big stuff!!!

Camden swinging with Addison and Emma

Isn't he a cutie!?! He left the sunglasses on for a long time!

"Is it naptime yet?"

Addison with her stylin shades

Thanks Kayla for sharing your swingset with us! That was very sweet!

Vacation Bible School

2009-06-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Only 2 days left and we are having a blast! Our theme this year is, 'Riders of the Great Roundup' and lots of people have worked really hard to make it all come together. The kids seem to be having lots of fun. This is our big barn in the auditorium. It is absolutely HUGE! The decorating committee really outdid themselves. Everything looks awesome! The first night we had 77 kids and the second night we had 92. Hopefully our numbers will continue to increase. Everyone is invited to come. Dinner starts at 5:30 and we finish at 8:00 pm.
This is in Chris' room. He was in charge of one of the parables, The Unmerciful Servant, and I got to decorate his room...kind of way last minute. My decorating skills from teaching in Madisonville really paid off for this one!!! We were allowed to cover all of our walls with this paper so I was used to putting it up all by myself.

I turned the puppet stage into a barn with a fence. Cheesy, yes, but I didn't have much time to plan it all out.

Camden with his buddy Drew!

I was in charge of crafts and this is our picture corner. One of the crafts was making picture frames so we had to take pictures to put in them.

Our dining hall.

There were lots of people involved in drawing and painting several backdrops for the parables. They all turned out great.

A Few More Firsts

2009-06-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

I finally got a picture of Chloe's tooth, well teeth now! Her second one came through Wednesday!

Last night was Chloe's first time away from mom and dad. She stayed the night with her nana and papa and did very well. I don't think she realized I was gone until I saw her today, then she boohooed!
Chloe also went swimming today for her first time. She really had a great time and liked the water. I wasn't sure how she was going to do in cooler water but she adjusted well. She's going to be my little water baby. I just worry about her getting sunburned so I am going to look into getting a float that has a built in canopy for it. That would be just perfect!!!

2009-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

My little Dopey Girl!!! Jen dressed up as Dopey last Halloween for work and thought Chloe would have fun playing with the big ears. Chloe just thought she had a headband on her head!!! She's used to that but where's the bow!?!
This was hilarious. I was blow drying my hair and Chloe was playing on the floor. Once she noticed the black buck on the wall she wouldn't quit staring at it and she was steadily talking to it. Jen picked her up and put her close to it but she did not want to touch it, just talk to it from afar!

Chloe and Paisley on their way to the photo shoot!

My big girl!

This is what Chloe did the whole time Becca tried on wedding dresses. She was tired!

PICTURES!!!

2009-06-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

We finally took Chloe and Paisley to have their pictures done! I hated that Chris wasn't there but I wanted to surprise him for Father's Day. As you can see I couldn't wait 3 more weeks to give them to him so he got an early present. Now we just have to go back so we can take a family picture!
Chloe did sooooooooooo good! I was worried because she woke up really early and I just knew she would be fussy and ready for a nap come 10:00. She fell asleep about 10 minutes before we got there and stayed asleep after moving her to her stroller, which never happens. So I was really worried. I woke her up once we got in and she came alive. It was so much fun because she was all smiles. Paisley wasn't all that into it...she wanted to sleep...but they still got some good ones!

This is Chris' favorite.

Jen and Paisley

Cousin Lovin'

2009-05-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Linde Reese has been in town and we've been playing!!! Aunt Chell has finally had some one on one time with Miss Linde and we had some fun!!! She is such a happy little girl and smiles all the time...well unless Chloe was crying...then she felt like she had to cry. It was cute but what the heck was I supposed to do? I had two babies crying and wanting me. I got a little taste of what it would be like to have twins. Major props to those of you that do have twins (Michelle!!!). I have a new respect for you and I only had them together for a few hours. It was fun but it was work especially since Chloe has been soooooooooooo fussy the last few days. I will post more pictures soon but here is just a taste of what we've been doing! (I'm really liking my new Creative Memories software...this is another of my creations)

We're Finally Crawling

2009-05-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well, we're not but Chloe is!!! We came home from Church this afternoon and Chris had Chloe in her room while I was making cupcakes. He hollered for me to come and sure enough she was crawling. She looks absolutely hilarious doing it but it's so cute. So, now she really could be walking by her first birthday. I filmed her but for some reason I can't upload it. Anyhow, here are a few pictures of her in action!

I will never frost another cupcake with a knife/spatula. Why I haven't tried this already I have no idea but it is so much quicker and easier and it looks cute! Now I just want to eat them!!!

10 Months Old

2009-05-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

This is me when I was 10 months old. So, what do you think? Does Chloe look like me? The hair is definitely the same.
Chloe is soooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun! We love her so much and definitely wouldn't know what to do without her! She has turned into a little bundle of personality and energy! Here are a few pictures I took today. It's hard to get her to sit still and she would look at anything except the camera...of course...lil stinker!!!

I made this picture using my new Creative Memories scrapbooking software! It is so neat and I can't wait to use it more. I already have plans for Chloe's 1st Birthday invitations! If you're interested in learning more about Creative Memories just let me know, my sister-in-law sells it!

The next 2 are my favorites

I have to share this...my Aunt Nana would laugh...a lady that works with Chris told me yesterday that Chloe has perfect eyebrows. My Aunt Nana still talks about my eyebrows when I was little and how perfect they were! I thought that was funny. (esp. since in the picture of me at 10 months I had a perfect unibrow!!!)

Chloe really likes books!!!

We survived last week

2009-05-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

I was so glad for last week to be over!!! 4 cakes, 1 Creative Memories party, softball game, graduation....I don't think I could have taken too much more but we're still alive and everything turned out well. Jennifer and Paisley came up Thursday for the party and then stayed the night. That was Paisley's 1st night away from home. Chloe couldn't keep her hands off of her. It was cute!
Here are the cakes that I made. I didn't get a picture of one of them but it wasn't anything special.

This was a lot and I mean a lot of cake!

Camden at Uncle Chris' softball game.

Chloe with her daddy before the game.

I bring a blanket and we just hang out on the ground. Chloe has fun!!!

Chris hit a home run right after I took this picture!!! We were so proud!

Chris is the pitcher. It always makes me nervous. Some of those guys really slam the ball.

This was taken at 6 am Saturday morning on our way to Becca's graduation. I tried to move Chloe from her crib straight to her carseat and keep her asleep. That didn't happen but as you can see from the picture she was hanging on and ready to go!!!

Finally!!!! Becca graduated from Texas State and already has a job to be a drill team teacher at a high school near Houston.

Chris and Camden playing Mario Kart. Look at that concentration.

Jadyn playing with her cousin! Chloe is really getting into playing. She will now sit and play by herself for a while!

Sugar Overload...

2009-05-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

and this is just the beginning. This is one BUSY week and I mean seriously busy. I have never made as many cakes as I am scheduled to make this week at one time. I have 3 graduation cakes for this weekend (2 of them 3-tiered and 1 of them 2-tiered...these aren't tiny cakes) and one birthday cake for Thursday. WOW. I'm tired just thinking about it. I started making my frosting today and the sad thing is I will probably have to make more. This is a BIG bowl. The picture doesn't show it great but this is 10 batches of frosting. That's a lot...a sickening amount.

Luckily, I finally convinced Chris how helpful it would be to have a kitchenaid mixer and about 2 weeks ago he told me as soon as I earned enough money I could get one. Well, I will definitely have enough after this week so he let me get it a little early so I could start using it. Let me just tell you, it was well worth it. It only took me 25 to make all of that frosting and my kitchen was clean. That's awesome.

This is the exact one that I got and the shield really helps keep my kitchen from being covered in powdered sugar.

Chloe finally gave up and fell asleep. I think it was the sound of the mixer that did it.

Chloe now thinks I am funny for some reason. She looks at me and laughs for no reason. It's hilarious!!! I love my little girl so much! We are really starting to have fun and she'll be crawling any day now.

I'm getting good at taking these pictures. That's the only way I get pictures of me with Chloe!

Cakes are just the beginning. In the midst of cake making I've got to keep my house clean for a Creative Memories party at my house Thursday, plus make treats for that and then we are going to my sister's graduation Saturday in san Marcos.

...and it's only Tuesday!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

and what a great 1st Mother's Day it was!!! Being a mother has already been one of the most exciting and rewarding times of my life. Chloe has been such a blessing and I have loved every second of being her mom.
My lilies finally bloomed. This was the first thing I saw when we left for Church this morning.

Chloe's 1st tooth has finally come through.
We were at our Share Group tonight and Chloe was chewing on my finger, like she always does, and I was like, "That feels a lot harder than normal." I rubbed her gums and there it was, a nice pearly white!!! This explains her extra fussiness and neediness these past couple of days. I couldn't ever see it until she was throwing a fit in the bathtub but it is definitely there!!! Very exciting! I am just waiting for her to take off crawling, too. She has really started moving all over the place the last few days. She thinks it's fun to roll back and forth and now she likes us to hold down her legs and she does a complete sit up all by herself. Abs of steel already!!!

Momma's big girl

Playing on the floor with her daddy

She now likes her walker and goes all over the tile. It's perfect except she can now get right behind me and whine for me to pick her up!!!
She really enjoyed her biter biscuit...especially now that she has a tooth!!!

Chloe Outside

2009-05-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Paisley's 1st Visit to Aunt Shell's House

2009-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Jen, Becca and Paisley came to visit today. Becca and Chloe played just about the whole time they were here , which was nice because I finally got some one-on-one lovin' with Paisley. She is so precious and so tiny! Chloe seems absolutely enormous compared to her! She is already over 5 weeks old and doing great!

Such a sweet little face! Her button nose is my favorite!

Aunt Becca with her Chloe Bow (that's what Becca calls her)

Still not crawling...who knows!!!

Chloe is already long enough and weighs enough to switch carseats. I'm still going to wait since they're supposed to be 20 lbs AND 1 year. I just don't know how she is going to stay in her car seat for 3 more months. Her poor feet already hang off the end. Any advice???

Anyhow, all that to say I got out her new big girl carseat and she thought it was the greatest thing ever. She would've played in it forever. I can't stand how big she looks.

You can't see in these pictures but I was holding Chloe's hands to keep her from bothering Paisley. She wanted to touch her and play so badly. She tried taking her sock off, sticking her fingers in her mouth. Jen told me that I'm paranoid but I don't want Paisley to be traumatized!!!

Sweet girls

Paisley is already trying to blame it on Chloe!!! "It was her, I promise I didn't do it!"

Look out Chloe, you might have met your match!!!

Bath Time

Chloe still really enjoys her baths and we've started giving them a whole lot more now that we spend lots of time outside! As soon as she hears the water turn on she gets so excited! And as you can see we really have fun during bath time!

My lil Alfalfa

Happy 5th Birthday Camden

2009-05-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Camden,

We hope you had the best birthday ever! It doesn't seem possible that you are 5 years old already! You are such a special little boy to us! We love you very much! Give Jade, Mom and Dad hugs for us!

We love and miss you very much!

Uncle Chris, Aunt Shell and Chloe

Camden and Jadyn's Birthday Party

2009-05-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Abilene to celebrate lots of birthdays. Camden and Jadyn had their birthday party Saturday and then Saturday night we celebrated Jenny, Nana's and Cori's birthday. We had fun...as usual!

Jadyn holding Macy (her baby doll)
We didn't get to Abilene until almost midnight Thursday night and Jadyn was up waiting for us. She's always so excited to see her cousin. It's so cute because she always says, "She happy to see me." I can't wait for all of the fun things to come for all of the cousins!
Chloe hanging out on Jadyn's bed.

We went shopping on Friday and Nana was looking for shoes and Jody ran into Old Navy so me and the kiddos played in the car!!! Camden was playing hide-and-seek!

Jadyn chowing down on popcorn! They could put away some popcorn!

Killing time...when Nana shops, she shops!!!

Camden Michael, I can't believe you are 5 years old! My precious nephew!

Papa with the kiddos!

The Birthday kids

Jody decided on sugar cookies this year instead of a cake. I think it was a great idea and definitely made it easier with kids.

This was Chloe when we first arrived at the party.

The party was at a really neat place. It was called the Jump Around. It was a big warehouse type building and it had like 6 big inflatable jumpers/slides in it. This was the best picture I could get because they were not wanting to slow down for a picture this time.

Chloe wasn't too sure about it at first...I think she didn't like the tiny entrance...but it didn't take long for her to get warmed up. This was a smaller slide that was in a separate area just for little kids. She didn't really slide down it though. She stuck to it.

Going down her first real slide.

You didn't think we were gonna miss out on the fun! Chris and I were the first adults to join in on the fun!

You can't tell from the pictures but these slides were pretty big.

Me and Chloe jumping. I had fun and so did she! It was a good work out.

We were at the top of the slide in this picture. I felt like a kid again. We were the only big people 'playing' but we didn't care. Chris had already flipped down the slide and busted it on the ground. It was pretty funny! I don't know that we'll ever grow up! Chloe will definitley be embarrassed one of these days.

The Birthday Boy

The Birthday Girl eating her cookie.

She had so much fun in this place. She talked the whole time we were there and just watched all of the kids run around. It was so cute!

Nana, Chloe and Chris

Mike finally decided to join in on the fun! It was funny because Linde was asleep when they got there and Jenny said he was trying to wake her up so they could play!

This is Chloe after the party! Poor Baby was tired!

They opened presents ALL DAY LONG! Not kidding! We can't wait to get back so we can play with some of their new toys! They got Mario Kart on Wii. That was one of my favorite games growing up and now they have a steering wheel to play! How cool is that!

Our Pretty Princesses

My batteries ended up dying on me so I wasn't able to get many good pictures of them with their crowns but they were too cute! We're thinking about having a Princess 1st Birthday!

Camden is all about High School Musical right now. He knows all the songs and now he can sing along with his HSM3 microphone.

Uncle Mike and Camden putting on a show!

Bear Crawling

2009-04-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

So we're still not crawling but we're definitely getting closer. She is scooting backwards all over the place and spinning in circles. Lately she has started getting completely up on all fours. She's got to be pretty strong to do this because she holds it for like 5-10 seconds every time. I don't think the pictures do it justice.

Spring Time

2009-04-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is nice...a little more windy this year than I like...and it's not so hot that you can't be outside. We finally bought flowers for our flower beds last night. We came home from church this morning and stayed outside until it was time for our Share Group at 5:00. I trimmed all of our bigger plants (mexican heather, loropetulum, boxwoods), planted most of the flowers, and stained the steps at the road. Chris pulled all the weeds, picked up all of the trimmings from my mess, followed me with mulch for each flower bed and then planted the flowers in the back yard. Chloe napped while we did most of it and then she sat on a blanket and played the rest of the time. We really had a good day!

This is my favorite flower bed. I like how you can walk right down the center of it. Chris really did a good job designing all of our flower beds. He could spend all day working outside in the yard. I'm thankful for that. My dad always kept our flower beds looking good and we would help him plant the flowers! Fun times! Hopefully Chloe will like to help one of these days!

Playing in the mulch

These bushes were absolutely huge before I got ahold of them. I kind of go crazy when given this task! I wasn't supposed to trim the loropetulum(purple plant) as much as I did...OOPS. I thought they needed it. This is our upside down heart flower bed. Isn't that sweet!!!

This is a magnolia tree that we planted 3 years ago. It has grown a lot (you can't tell from the picture because I chopped the top of it off. It's over 8 feet tall). I'm excited because it has never flowered before and it is covered with buds right now. I'm hoping we'll get at least a few flowers. Also, in this flower bed are some easter lilies that should bloom any day now. They are always so pretty!

Look at all of the buds

These are the steps that I stained. They lead down to our mailbox.

I'm not sure what this flower is called but it is very pretty. I told Chris it almost looks like a mini orchid. I know it's not but it looks similar.

The flower from above is on this plant. This is in our backyard. Chris built a little deck right at our back door and made a curved path that leads down to a little rock patio. We sit down there whenever Chris grills.

Mommy and daughter

Nice shadows

Just chilling in the swing

Visit to see Paisley Grace

2009-04-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

On our car ride to Aunt Jenny's Chris found out that Chloe really likes apples. He gave her the core to chew on and boy she went to town!!! She dropped it twice and threw a fit until she got it back! Can you say spoiled rotten!!!

Paisley has changed so much since the last time we saw her. I can't believe she is getting close to being a month old already! She is definitley not my child in any way! She is such a good baby. She gets fussy if you hold her too much...I wouldn't know what to do!!! She likes being put down and left alone. Very content on her own. That's awesome. Jennifer gets so much done.

Look at that sweet face!

Papa with Paisley. He calls her his little bullfrog because of her long, skinny legs!

Our attempt at a photo shoot. It was very interesting. This is how they started out.

Do you see what has happened!?! Chloe was like, "Wait a second, that's my bow." She took it off almost immediately and wouldn't give it back!

This was so cute. I just wish you could see Chloe's face. She has this cute grin on her face just watching Paisley.

You can kind of see the grin on her face.

Here's where the patting began...

I couldn't believe Jennifer was brave enough to try this. Chris and I were about to have a heart attack watching. Chloe was definitley loving on cousin Paisley...a little too much.

Then she decided to taste her!!! Poor Paisley.

I can't wait for them to be able to play together! Lots of play dates to come!!!

My precious baby girls