3 year check up

Tatum had her 3 year check up.  I was VERY surprised to hear she is still in the 80th percentile for her weight.  Maybe it's just because I see her through "Mommy eyes" but I really didn't think she was that big.  Of course, the doctor said it was nothing to worry about but I was still surprised. She is only 60% for height.  Her body is just like Dylan's and he was a late bloomers (his words, not mine) so maybe she will sprout up later or maybe not at all.  In my eyes, she is perfect now.

She has proven that three will be more challenging than 2 was.  She has started throwing some serious tantrums so that's been interesting.

She is still so sweet with Druz and really just loves him to pieces.

She loves going to gymnastics and hanging out with her friends. 

She can count to 15, jumbles 16-18 the finishes with 19 and 20.

She knows pretty much all her shapes...including a rhombus.  I wasn't even sure what that was but thanks to The Dollar Store work books...I now know.

Sleeps in her bed like a champ.  I only say this because I was a little concerned when we moved, being upstairs and so far from us but she is handling it like a big girl.

Loves bandaids and getting her hair braided.

Has to have a couple books read to her at night and now listens to a RainForest sounds CD when going to sleep.

She can recognize most letters, but we are still working on some.

LOVES doing puzzles, crafts, flashcards, and the matching game.

Her favorite treat right now is one of her Dad's kisses (hershey kiss) but also loves pop rocks.

Not a very big eater these days.  Worries me some days but I guess seeing that her stats are so high...I guess she could manage to skimp on a meal or two.

Loves all things princess and enjoys wearing dress up clothes.

I absolutely adore her precious smile and it makes my heart melt when I get to see it. I love spending one on one time with her and listening to her (non-stop) talking. 

 

Happy Birthday Tatum!

I am in disbelief that Tatum is 3.  She amazes me everyday and I just love every little bit of her. 

We did a little swimming today.  I guess I wore their little butts out.  No pun intended.

We had our family birthday celebration.  Mom, Vicki, and Tross came over to help us celebrate.

 My big girl!

The 98er's put one in the Win column, folks.  What/Who are the 98ers you ask?  A group of us that graduated in 98 decided to start a co-ed softball team and let me tell you this...we may not be as young as we once were but we looked good out there on that field.  You would think we graduated well into the new millennium.  No, Seriously.

Dylan pitched.  I stood out in the outfield doing cartwheels and picking flowers (my Dad will laugh at that).  I didn't really do that but if my Dad ever comes to a game, I will just to remind him of my little league days.

Casey was our star player with his sliding to catch balls and just his all-star playing.

Alison, well, I'm not sure what you would call her.  She was ejected half way through the game for throwing her bat...more than once.  She played great before the unfortunate incident but it definitely provided entertainment if nothing else.

Jana and Brittany played in college and it showed.  They were getting people out left and right.

Even the kids got in on the fun.  We hired a sitter to come sit with the kids at the field while we played.  It was nice to get the kids outside and realize their parents really are aren't as old as they thought.

The rest of the team held their own and everyone contributed to the win, whether it was a catch, a hit, an RBI, etc.  We all had a really good time and I'm already excited about our next game.

 Dylan pitching

Team picture

Our team captain wasn't able to make the first game so somehow I got stuck filling out the paperwork.  I was as confused as I looked.

Our little slider and his wounds.

Tatum had a blast at her party!  She even cried because it was time to go. I'd say it was a success!

She wanted a princess party.  So I took the liberty of making it a Disney princess party. 

 Here is her Tangled/Rapunzel cake.

I had little figurines for The Little Mermaid so these cake pops matched Ariel and her crew

 

I also had Aladdin, Princess Jasmin and the rest of the Aladdin family figurines so these cake pops matched those.

 This picture perfectly translates how Tatum was at the party.  A blur from running around everywhere!

Grayson, Tatum, and Aslynn anticipating the lighting of the candles...

It's her party, she can cry if she wants to.

Aslynn consoling Tatum after she was told her party was coming to an end.  Ahhhh sweet friends.

Olivia, Aslynn, Myla, and Tatum in their Princess crowns.

 My little princess!

 Gam-E and G-Pop got Tatum a balance bike for her birthday.  She was ready to jump on and GO!

Hectic Times ahead...BEWARE!

We are having the fireplace redone this week.  Was supposed to be done Tuesday...won't be done until Thursday.

Movers are moving us in Thursday.

Ron and Liza arrive Friday.

Tatum's birthday party Saturday.

1st softball game of the season Sunday.

We leave for Colorado next Thursday.

How on earth am I supposed to get these boxes unpacked?!?!?!?!

GOD IS GOOD!

Earlier today I thought my world was ending.  I hit a small road block for Tatum's party this weekend and then our contractor informed me that the fireplace wouldn't be completed by the time the movers came...even though I gave them an extra day to do it.  I got all this information in a matter of 5 minutes so my day went from normal stressfulness to very stressful. 

I think God gives us these type of situations to test us.  There are so many other things in life to really worry about if needed.  These issues, are so insignificant, I'm almost embarrassed to even admit I was upset about them but I'm only human, right.  I a little does of reality goes a long way sometimes.

We had a little scare this week with my Grandma Back.  I did a LOT of praying.  Honestly, probably more than I have in a very long time.

I also read verses on patience.  I could definitely be a little more grounded.  I think its human nature (or maybe that's what I just tell myself) to want instant gratification or answers all the time.  The Lord works in mysterious ways and patience is something I need to work on.

We found out today that she will be just fine.  I love that lady.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him

Psalms 37:7

 

 

Tatum had her first dentist appointment today.  She has had a full mouth of teeth for a while now so I figured it was about time for a little check up.  She was excited and I was glad I didn't have to force her to go.

A little waiting room play time.

 

Waiting for the dentist

Getting her teeth cleaned.  She couldn't stop smiling.  She thought she was pretty cool.

Our last Sunday Fun Day at Grandma's

 Morning ride with Daddy

 

Brooklyn's Finest

We spent the evening at the Phelans to celebrate Joey's 30th birthday.  The kids came with us.

There sword fighting was quite entertaining.  They were doing rolls and dodging each other like they were Gladiator. 

Dylan and I just joined a co-ed softball league.  So, after the gym today, Alison and I decided to head on over to the batting cages to get a head start on the competition.  ;o)

 

 Yep, they are definitely in trouble!

Here is my little princess, who decided to try on every dress she had in her closet.

 Does it get any cuter than this?

Good thing she is cute because if she depends on her mother for her education...we are in trouble!  I went to the Dollar Store to get a few things for Tatums upcoming birthday party.  I saw a few workbooks and puzzles I thought she might like.  I guess I should think twice before buying certain things at the Dollar Store.  Look carefully at the alphabet.  Clearly this was made in China.  I'm thinking they meant W Wand, not S Star?  But then again I could be wrong.

#dollarstoreeducation

15 month check up

I really can't believe he is 15 months.  He is still smaller than Tatum was at this age, which is mind blowing to me!

He is saying some word.  No (his favorite), up, thank you, mama, dada, please (really just sounds like...pah...but I know what he means), bird, and bug (bird/bug are just ba...but again, I know what my little guy is saying!)  And of course, lots of cave man type sounds that I have to figure out.  Boys are definitely different!  He is still obsessed with balls...any and every kind.  He is getting kind of mean and aggressive.  Please someone tell me this is just a boy thing and a stage that will go away.  He bites and pulls Tatums hair.  Not fun for Mommy.  He LOVES saying no and just says it for no reason and often.  He can mean mug with the best of them and almost makes me want to hide when he does it, again, let's hope this is a stage.

My sweet boy at the Dr.

Today is the day!

We are officially homeowners again!  Yay!!! We closed on the house today.  Everything went smoothly and we will be moving in next week. 

Tatum and her little boyfriends leaving the gym today.  Lincoln and Christian are so sweet with Tatum...always looking out for my girl.

Birthday Celebration!

We celebrated Vicki's birthday today.

Before all the birthday fun, I took my baby to Urgent Care today.  Poor thing has been running a fever for a couple days.  He has his first ear infection.  He is so cuddly and sad looking.  Makes me want to just hold him tight all day long.

Before the doctor, we met with our contractor.  We are having the fireplace stoned and some other things done to the new house.  Yikes!  We close in one week!

 The birthday girl and her handsome son.

Sunday Fun Day

Just another Sunday Fun Day.

My little angel glistening in the sun

I guess he was feeling better

Daddy loves playing with his hair

Dance Party...Summer Edition

We had dinner at The MeGown's last night.  The kids didn't have any fun at all.

Having a little dinner party before the night begins

This pretty much sums up the night.  All four kids, laughing, jumping, singing, and dancing all around the living room for about 3 hours straight.

It's a...

I went to a gender reveal party today.  My first, actually.  The best part was that I was the ONLY one who knew the sex...even before the parents-to-be. 

This was the cake.  The cake inside is either pink or blue, depending on the sex so when they cut into it they figure it out.

This was their reaction.  Jessica (mommy-to-be) thought she was having a boy...without a doubt...the cake was pink...SURPRISE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKI!

She didn't want to celebrate until the weekend but had to give her a little birthday shout out on her special day!

So proud of Dylan...he is studying to get his ChFC (Chartered Financial Professional).  It's a series of 7 tests and he took Test #2 today.  He passed!!!

For all that has been going on lately, with vacations, house issues and purchasing, regular work days, and studying for the test...I'm very proud of him.

While Dylan was kicking butt on his test, I was volunteering with The Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth.  It was quite an eye opening experience and I really enjoyed it.

Once a month the food bank does a "mobile pantry" where families show up and get all kinds of food for free.  This week they had peaches, plums, potatoes, breads, desserts, tons of meat, lettuce, bagged salad and more.  These aren't homeless people, just families who struggle to make ends meet and need a little extra help.  In the training for this they explained that for most families, whether single parents or two working adults, most expenses are fixed... rent, utilities, etc.  So the main monthly expense that is usually sacrificed are the groceries, because it's the easiest to cut back on.  So surprising to see and know the number of children that go to school hungry every day and that some of these kids get their only meals while at school. 

We were cart pushers...we each took a family and pushed the cart for them around to each food station and helped them pick out there food.

My loves this week...

You would think our family was in the music industry as much as these munchkins like to sing, dance, and play all their instruments.

My morning entertainment.  

We love having Daddy stick around for breakfast during the week.