Busy Weekend

Saturday my Mom watched the girls while Ryan, Zac, and I got our haircuts. The girls are way too active now to sit still during hair cuts! We visited for awhile afterwards and then headed home. The girls didn't take their afternoon nap at Granny B's so it was off to bed as soon as we got home. They didn't wake up until 5pm, then it was time to run errands and eat dinner. Then we had visitors! Ryan's brother and his fiance', and their cousin and his fiance' came to hang out for the night. Needless to say, the kids got to stay up way past their bedtime! They all had a great time. Vanessa was Little Miss Showoff! She was a total clown; making faces, sticking her tongue out, etc. She even tried to kiss Melissa, which was so adorable! Sunday I got to sleep in a little. We did some yard work and got rid of some bulky items- thanks to our Neighborhood Big Trash Pick Up. We ran a few more errands and then grilled for dinner. As usual the weekends are never long enough- especially in the summer. There are too many things to do and never enough time! I am glad to get my camera back though! I haven't taken as many pics as I thought I would have. Chasing after 2 toddling twins keeps me busy!

Walking Girls!

August is already half over? Where has this miserable hot and humid month gone? I dropped my camera off at Best Buy to get repaired on August 2nd, with an estimation completion date of August 23rd. It has been a LONG 2 weeks without it!! The sound was not working when I would record, it was like watching it with the "mute" button on. So I decided to go ahead and drop it off before the one year warranty was up. And of course that's when my baby girls BOTH decide to start WALKING!! Seriously? Are you kidding me? That is just my luck!! Valerie has been taking 3-4 steps at a time for almost a month now. I know she could have started walking earlier, but she was just scared and wanted the security of holding onto something (whether my hand or coffee table, etc.!) Then low and behold her sister, Vanessa comes out of nowhere and starts to walk first!! Now Vanessa did do one thing Valerie hasn't- while sitting down, she can push herself into a standing position. Ryan called me from work last Monday night (8/9/10) and said Miss Ness was walking! Well the first thing he said was, "When is your camera going to be ready?!" She walked from our ottoman to the coffee table in the living room. He said he stopped counting after 15 steps! So of course the next day I tried to get her to walk for me and she wouldn't do it. She did her typical "walking on her knees" deal. She finally did it for me a few days ago. She looks funny walking! 1) Because she's so short. Ryan's nickname for her is "midget girl." 2) We are so used to them walking on their knees. We've been waiting for this moment for so long now! 16 1/2 months old! We were starting to worry... And what did her little "big" sister decide to do today? (8/15/10). Start walking like a big girl!! I was in our bedroom folding clothes. I look up in the door way and she's taking small steps, more than her usual 3 or 4!! She's still getting the hang of it. Slow, small baby steps. But we knew it wouldn't take her long, after her sister was getting all the attention! So now we have 2 WALKING GIRLS! EEK!! We're in trouble now! And when did all of this happen?? Yes, when I don't have my camera to capture these moments!! I did record tidbits on my Blackberry, but it's just not the same. Oh well, it'll just be a part of the story we tell when they get older!

R.I.P. Pebbles

Pebbles, our only girl dog passed away last Saturday, August, 7, 2010. We bought here 10 years ago when she was only 5 yrs. old. Needless to say, she lived a long life. She was the second dog Ryan and bought together (Freddie was our 1st). We think they kept her in a cage most of her life and used her for breeding. I still remember when we pulled into the driveway of where we bought her and she comes stumbling down the porch stairs, like "Save me! Get me outta here!" And we did just that. Pebbles was not used to walking on grass. We finally got her used to it. Her and Freddie were now brother and sister. Pebbs had been through a lot with us: we bought her while we lived in a duplex in Blue Springs, then to our first house in Kansas City, then our 2nd house in Peculiar, and finally our home in Grain Valley. She was a part of our family before Ryan and I got married and had kids. Since she was our only girl dog (we have 3 boy dogs), we nicknamed her "Girl." Even Zac would say "Come on, Girl" when talking to her. She had been acting like she was sick for a few days last week. Saturday she was doing a weird twitching thing and I told Ryan that wasn't right. I called the vet around 12:30pm and was going to take her in at 2pm. About 10 minutes later Ryan checked on her and said she had passed. She had been having accidents, like she would just lay on the ground and go. So we had put her in her cage just in case. And that was where she went to "doggy heaven." She did look peaceful though; laying on her side. I immediately start crying. I knew this time would come and I figured it would be her to go, considering her age. But to actually have it happen, was harder than I thought. This was the first time I had to experience the loss of a family pet :( I took her into the vet and they offer cremation services. Well Girl, the boy dogs miss you terribly and so do the rest of us. You were a great dog and we will cherish you in our hearts forever.

End of July

I really do and need to update my blog on Sundays! Because if I don't, by the time I get around to doing it, I forget what we did on the weekend! Zac had his last soccer session on Saturday. They had a little party for the kiddos, providing lunch and even trophies. Zac was so proud of his. Later on, we went to Ryan's Aunt Carol's house for dinner. Sunday... hmmm. Cant' quite remember. I think we ran a few errands and then Ryan grilled hamburgers for dinner. Updates on the kids: Zac: We are trying the potty training with him again. He had done so well, even telling us before he had to go when we we out in public. Then all of a sudden he wasn't interested. I think it may have something to do with his sisters still in diapers. So we bought him a truck potty chair. It looks like a truck and even makes sounds when he goes! He gets really excited when he makes it go "Beep!Beep!". I'll have to take a pic of the chair when I get my camera back. Oh yeah, I had to drop my camera off at Best Buy to have it fixed. When I record, the sound doesn't work, something's wrong with the microphone. Hopefully I can last about 3 weeks without it! Valerie: For about a month now, she has taken a few steps! She has taken about 4 steps towards me. I call her a cheater because she'll lunge towards me. She can stand up for a long time. I think she wants to walk, but is either lazy or scared. Vanessa: She has taken a few steps also, but is still wobbly. If she's sitting down, she can push herself up to a standing position. It's hard to split up my time and work with them individually. When I sit down on the floor, they each climb on me wanting to walk. I just take turns with them while the other one screams. They do like walking with me as I hold onto their hand. The girls are playing really well together. They love playing peek-a-boo! I love hearing their giggles. They also like going on car rides and going to the store. They are just happy sitting in the shopping cart looking all around. They were quite the attraction at Wal-Mart and Home Depot yesterday.

Me & Val- The girls are so short, they can stand right under me!

Me & Ness

Valerie- my chocolate pudding girl

Zac & Daddy at his last soccer session.

Zac showing me his trophy!

And again! Notice his right hand covered in Doritos cheese!

Update

It seems like Sunday nights are the best nights to update my blog. However, the past 2 weekends, the kids haven't cooperated, as they have been staying up later! So I'm going to try and do it now. Last weekend, Ryan and I celebrated our 6 yr. wedding anniversary by going to dinner (Hereford House) and a movie (Grown Ups). Uncle Nick and Melissa were brave enough and watched our brood for us. We were only gone for about 4 hours, but it felt like forever with no kids! Yay! I must say, it was a nice break. This past weekend, Granny B met us at Zac's soccer practice. He did really well. Next weekend is his last session, but preschool will start again next month. We have to keep this boy busy! We ran a few errands and that was about it for Saturday. Sunday we went to Mimi's and Papa's for burgers on the grill. Zac ran straight to the toy room. The weekends go by way too fast! I get off work late on Friday night and Ryan has to get up early (3am) Monday night. By the time we go the the grocery store, he mows the front and back yard, I clean house, there isn't much time to relax!

6 Years!

Happy 6 yr. anniversary Babe! 6 years ago, Ryan and I were in Maui, Hawaii getting "maui'ed" (married). Oh, to be back there again, with the sand in our feet and the beautiful sunset... maybe for our 10 year? Ok, maybe more like for our 20th and we'll bring the kids along, haha. It's been a wonderful 6 years. We have 3 beautiful kids, 4 doggies, good jobs, and a wonderful home that I hope we are in for a long time to raise our kids. I can't wait for our date night this weekend to celebrate!

Just Maui'ed!

6 years and 3 kids later... We look a little tired :)

The weekend was somewhat of a blur. I worked Friday night at 6pm until 9 Saturday morning! A nice 15 hour day. The money was too good to pass up! I got home just in time for Ryan to take Zac to soccer. I was going to lay down then, but the girls were already awake. So no sleep for me. I was pretty sluggish for the rest of the day. After the boys got back from soccer, it was time to eat lunch, and on to get our haircuts. Afterwards Ryan and Zac went to the grocery store, I laid the girls down for a nap... and I got a 45 minute cat nap! I awoke to Ryan grilling steaks and baked potatoes. We watched Hot Tub Time Machine and called it a night. Sunday we went to Ryan's Aunt Carol's house for dinner. We hadn't seen their new house yet. Lucky for Zac there was a tree house and slide in their back yard! They also have a beautiful sun room with wall-to-wall windows. The girls absolutely loved looking outside! By the time we got home, it was time to wind down for the evening.

Peek-a-Boo Val!

Up close Valerie

Nessie and Grandma Linda

Looking out the windows. Val-R

Zac loves the slide!

4th of July Weekend

We actually did not have any big plans for the holiday weekend. Ryan and I were both just excited to have Monday off of work. Our neighborhood pool opened up across the street from us and all Ryan wanted to do was go swimming. So we went a few times. Saturday we went over and saw Mimi and Papa. Every day Zac has said, "I wanna see my Papa." One time he even started crying :( So he had a blast playing toys over there. Sunday Granny B came over to visit and the girls showed off their top teeth. Ryan grilled burgers and after we put the girls to bed, Ryan, Zac, and I sat on the porch and watched the neighborhood fireworks. We thought about going watching a big display, but it would have been too late and too loud for the girls. Zac had fun though. Last year when the firework would go off, he'd say, "POP!POP!" This year he ran up and down screaming, "Cool fireworks!" He is such a chatter box now. I'll probably need earplugs when the girls start talking more! Today, I had lunch at El Maguey with Leann and Melissa. Then we saw Leann's new house and then came back to our house. We took the girls swimming. This time Vanessa did not want to be in the water and Val did ok. They were really tired though, we went right before their nap time. Also Uncle Nick and Melissa brought their new puppy over. The girls were pretty interested! I've been slacking a little in the picture department.I was getting a little too caught up in taking pics all the time. I'm trying to relax more and just enjoy the kiddos. Here's what I've taken this past week:

Busy Weekend with Family & Friends!

Wow! We had a busy weekend! Friday afternoon, my friend Lindsey, her hubby, and their 2 month old son Tristan, came over. They hadn't seen our new house yet. My kids were pretty interested in Tristan! Especially the girls! I took Friday night off work. We were celebrating Papa Randy's retirement!! It was at park... yes outside in the heat. Luckily it was in the evening, and we were even late because Ryan got off work late. The kids behaved so well! I was so proud of the girls, they didn't fuss once! Maybe it was because they got passed around? We brought the wagon and they sat in that and drank water. I didn't take a pic of them though, too hot! Zac had fun playing on the playground. On the way home, we stopped by Culvers and got some cool treats to cool us off! Saturday morning Zac had soccer. Granny B met us there and we each held a baby girl while we watched on the sidelines. Then it was off to Wal-Mart to get a few things. I wish I would have taken a picture of the girls. They looked adorable! They were standing in the main part of the cart (we put a blanket on the bottom) and they looked so cute with their outfits and matching bows. They were having a great time. Of course, they received a lot of attention! After lunch, Ryan and Zac went swimming for the first time in our neighborhood pool. There's 2 pools, and ours is right across the street! Later that afternoon Uncle Nick and Melissa came over to visit. Zac always loves wrestling with him. Sunday Ryan and I took turns running a few errands that needed to be done. Ryan and Zac mowed the back yard and we did yard work in the heat. After dinner, Grandma Linda and Grandpa Mike came to visit. Zac was shy at first then he was on a roll! The girls showed off their new trick- climbing onto Zac's bed! They think they're hot stuff, until they want down. Valerie fell off once- so now every time they want down, they scream! It is so funny to hear them giggling! The weekend went by too fast, but Ryan and I are looking forward to a 3-day weekend together, he actually gets July 5th off! Yay!

Happy Daddy's Day Weekend!

Another weekend has come and gone. Friday was not a good way to start off the weekend. Ryan got off work reallly late. A bunch of guys called in "sick." He was at his last stop at about 3:30pm and his boss told him he had to help another guy with his route. He finally called me at 7:30pm to say he was on his way home. I got to work at 9pm, seems late huh? I really couldn't miss work, so I went, even thought it was for 3 hours. Saturday was the usual: Ryan took Zac to soccer, mowed the front yard, and we did our various errands. Ryan was craving BBQ, so we had Zarda's for dinner. Sunday- Happy Daddy's Day, Babe! The kids made Ryan a card and Zac drew a special picture just for his Daddy. During the girls' nap time, the rest of us did yard work in the backyard- I know, I know, but Ryan wanted to get it done! With all the rain we've gotten, the backyard had been neglected. So Ryan mowed and then we pulled weeds, planted and mulched a few trees. He grilled steaks and baked potatoes for dinner. Not much rest on this Father's Day! A second neighborhood pool is finally open and it's right across the street from us! So swimming pool, here we come! I bought the girls cute matching swimsuits. We'll see if they like pool time this weekend!

Mid-June

Wow! I can't believe June is half over, where has the time gone? The kids have been keeping me busy during the day, and then I'm working 5 nights a week, 6pm-midnight. Ryan works during the day, and takes care of the kids at night. We meet in the middle for dinner. We don't have much time during the week. And when the weekend finally gets here, it goes by way too fast! Right now, this crazy schedule works for us. We don't have to pay for daycare, I love staying home with the kids- even if they drive me crazy at times. Plus, I get to make extra money! Zac started soccer last weekend. The whole family went to watch. At first, the kids were shy, but warmed up eventually. With this age group, the parents are involved. So Ryan and Zac went on the field while I stayed and watched on the bleachers with the girls. They kicked the ball, ran up and down the field, and stomped on bubbles. They were all sweaty after the hour was up. Poor Zac was crying when it was time to go because he wanted to stay and play some more. This past weekend (Zac's 2nd session), Ryan said he wasn't as shy and listened to the directions the coaches were giving. I opted to stay home (and sleep in!) with the girls. I decided to stay and work 2 hours extra Wednesday-Friday- getting off work at 2am! Hey, I can't turn down extra money when it's offered. But man! Not going to bed until 3am and then waking up and taking care of the rug rats all day took it's toll on me! That paycheck will be nice though! Saturday afternoon, Grandma Jane came to visit. Valerie was her cuddle buddy! It was so cute! Zac was shy this time around, probably because she didn't have McDonald's, haha! We pretty much just relaxed this weekend. Ryan and I were both tiiired from a busy work week. The girls are changing so much- Valerie walks, as long as you hold onto her hands. She's still wobbly, but soon she'll be ready to go on her own. Vanessa is doing a new trick, which I don't like. When she gets frustrated, she bangs her head on the floor, even the hardwoods! She hasn't learned her lesson yet.

Last weekend in May

This past week has been exhausting! This was my first week of working 5 nights 6pm-midnight. Taking care of the kids all day and then going to work took its toll on me. Since classes are out until fall, I decided to pick up more hours. Hopefully this week will be easier! This Memorial Day weekend, we didn't have any set plans. We did some yard work in the wonderful heat: mowed the yard, pulled weeds, planted some rose bushes, and mulched. Ryan went into work on Monday, but was able to come home since the routes were so light. That meant I got to get more stuff done on my "to do list"! It was weird not grilling out and eating burgers this weekend, but it just didn't happen.

Relaxing Weekend

Ah, it was nice to have a relaxing weekend. Nothing planned except for the family getting haircuts, minus the girls! Ran a few errands and that was about it. Grandma Linda and Grandpa Mike came over to visit on Sunday. The girls are 14 months old today! Can you believe I didn't take a picture of them? Valerie wants to walk so bad. She will, as long as you're holding onto her. She cruises the furniture like a pro, and has stood up on her own for a few seconds. She's discovered a new way to move: she moves on her knees. She looks so cute (and funny) moving up and down on her knees. She's decided she doesn't like bath time, like she screams and tries to climb out. Vanessa on the other hand, loves it! She puts her face in the water and splashes around. She has finally started pulling up on her own. We were starting to get worried! Nessie has started to become more ornery while her sister has become shy. Zac's last day at preschool was on Friday. I wonder if he will ask about it? He'll go back the end of August. The teachers said he won't be the only boy this time :) We have signed him up for soccer at Sports City. It's an 8 week session. He starts in 2 weeks! We need to keep that boy active! He loves kicking the ball around the backyard, so we'll see what he thinks of soccer.

Everything in Between

Here's a recap of last week- it was great having Ryan home!

1st Trip to the Zoo!

Unfortunately the weather while Ryan was on vacation was rainy. Luckily we had one nice day. Friday we took the kids to the zoo for the first time. We took the girls' wagon, loaded a diaper bag with the essentials and we were off! The kids had a good time and behaved really well! Especially the girls. We were there for about 2 hours, and were there past their feeding time. They didn't fuss at all. They just sat in the wagon and looked all around. It was nice to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Zac pulled the girls in their wagon for a bit. Then he decided he didn't want to walk any more and wanted Daddy to give him a piggy-back ride, "Zac carry" as he says it. Little did Ryan know, it would be for the majority of the trip. His neck and shoulders were sore from lugging a 30 pound boy around! Luckily when we got there, kids were loading on several buses to go back to school. We didn't get there until early afternoon. I had to work the night before, had to get everyone ready, and managed to get the girls to lay down for a cat nap. It's crazy how big and exciting the zoo is when you're a kid. Going back as an adult, I got to see it through the eyes of my kids. It was more fun watching their reactions.

Happy 33rd Birthday!

Ryan turned 33 last Tuesday. He was on vacation all week, I was out of class, but I still had to work Tuesday and Thursday nights. The kids got him cards and we ended up celebrating this past weekend.

Zac picked out a cool super hero card!

Daddy & His girls (Val-L)

Reading the girls' card.

Mother's Day!

Wow, I can't believe this is my third year celebrating this special day, with 3 kids at that! Ryan and the kids got me flowers, a card, and Zac made a special "I Love You Mommy" key chain at preschool. This Mother's Day was a little different: Mimi Donna and Papa Randy went to Texas to visit Uncle Rich, Aunt Jenn, and Cousin Maddie. So we ended up going over to my Mom's. We brought dinner over (Chinese) and got the kids Mickie D's- since Zac has a peanut allergy. We pigged out and let the kids make a mess with all the toys.

Me and My Babies

Me and My Girls (Val-R)

1st weekend in May

This weekend we celebrated my Mom's "29th" Birthday, haha! I told her that wasn't possible since I turned 29 this year :) We had a Mexican themed dinner at Mimi Donna's and Papa Randy's. Zac absolutely loves going over to their house. We also visited my bro-in-laws new apartment. What an exciting time to move out of the parents house into your own place! Sunday we did some yard work. Ryan stocked up on mulch that Lowe's had on sale for 99 cents a bag! We planted some rose bushes and blackberry plants. He has a few garden beds set up in the backyard. I need to take pics of it. Zac has so much fun being outside. He helps Ryan with his mini shovel and rake.

Zac picked out this outfit, complete with Daddy's boots!

And again... He loves picking out his clothes! His shorts are swimming trunks!

Valerie getting her fingerprints on Uncle James' glass table!

Val and Rand

Aunt Kelsey & Nessa

Nessa & Val eating some birthday cake.

Nessa wearing an animal mask.

Zac put his shorts on... backwards!

Too funny!

Zac showing me a rock he'd found.

Rain, Rain Go Away!!

The rain sure put a damper on our weekend plans. We had some yard work that we wanted to get done. Saturday was a lazy day for the most part. I didn't get home from work until 2:45 in the morning!! I normally get off work at midnight, but stayed an hour later, no big deal. As I headed towards I-70 from downtown, I came to a stop. There was an accident only 5 cars in front of me. This stretch of road is where it is down to ONE lane, and that's where the accident happened. Of course I had just passed the previous exit ramp. Several firetrucks, ambulances, MODOT, tow trucks, cop cars arrived on the scene. No one was going anywhere for a LONG time. I got bored after awhile, so I called a friend from work who also gets off at 1am, then called my Mom, then eventually Ryan so he wouldn't worry. Almost an HOUR later of not moving an inch, the accident was cleared. NOT a good way to start the weekend! Once I woke up (around 10:30am), I saw the girls wearing only diapers, crawling in the hallway. Zac was playing in his room, and Ryan was napping on the couch. He and Zac had gotten up early and went to the grocery store. The house was a mess! Toys everywhere, dirty dishes in the kitchen, etc. So I opened all the drapes and started cleaning. Later that night my friend, Melissa came over to visit. Ryan and I took Zac to Lowe's. She watched the girlies for us and we brought back Chinese for dinner. Yum! And that was the extent of our evening. Sunday, Ryan couldn't takie it anymore and mowed the front yard. It was getting tall. The kids all took a nap at the SAME time (miracle!) and I worked on homework. It was quiet, I almost forgot how wonderful silence is :) Sunday was another lazy day. It was kind of nice to have a relaxing weekend, even though it was due to the rainy weather. When it's nice outside, I feel like we need to be outdoors enjoying it!

Nessie (L) and Val checking out the carrots.

Val likes her carrots!

Turtle in our backyard!

He froze once he heard me walking over.

Zac watching me out the window as I took a pic of Mr. Turtle.

Ryan lifting Zac up with one hand!

My Cowboy Zac

Tie-Dye & Teeth

The other day the girls wore their cute tie-dyed outfits from Mimi Donna. I also snapped a few shots of the girls' bottom teeth. They didn't want to cooperate, but I was persistent, because I knew if I didn't do it right then, I wouldn't do it.

Val's ready to roll! Well if her feet could touch the floor :D

Zac helping Val out!

Vanessa's turn.

I always have to hold a toy or something up so they will look at me. Val-R

Big ol' grin from Nessie!

Val and her bottom toofers!

Vanessa's bottom toofers!

FYI: it is VERY difficult to hold the camera in one hand open the mouth of a squirming baby with the other!! Who knew a case of Coke could be so entertaining? Nessie in green.

Vanessa making a silly face as she sits in Zac plastic case.

Baby Tristan is Born!

My good friend Lindsey became a mommy on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 1:27 pm! Tristan Lee is a happy, healthy boy and has 2 very proud parents! Saturday morning I got up after only 6 hours of sleep. We got the kids bathed and ready and dropped them off at Granny B's. Ryan and I were headed to see that baby boy!It was like déjà vu driving to St. Joseph Medical Center, although I was the visitor this time! I already forgot how tiny babies are, even though it's only been over a year since I was in her place. Tristan is a beautiful baby boy! Afterward we went picked up the kids and went to get our haircuts- me, Ryan, and Zac. It was an interesting appointment. Before the girls had outgrown the infant car seats, we could easily tote them around. Now they're in the big girl car seats and they're not walking soooo it's like what do we do with them now? We managed, and were ready to get dinner and go home. What a day!

Me holding Baby Tristan

Sunday was also interesting. Who would have thought a simple trip to Lowe's with the family could be so tiring? I knew they had carts with two seats. I went up front, found a cart, and brought it back to the car. Ryan strapped Vanessa in and figured out how to tighten the straps. Then we put Valerie in... and the darn buckle was broken! So I had to go find another cart and do the whole process over again! They're still small and we couldn't tighten the straps as tight as we wanted. All that for a few bags of mulch and trash bags! I do wish I would have brought my camera and taken a pic of the girls in the cart, they looked cute! We planted a few tree and bushes on the side of our house. Zac loves helping Daddy!

I had to take a pic of Zac wearing the SpongeBob bib Grandma Jane made him.

No, I don't run a daycare- these are all my kids!

Red bud branch up close.

Start walking girls! Val-R

Val pressing her face against the window.

Vanessa looking at Sammy & Freddie.

Zac looks like a little man wearing Daddy's hat!

Zac napping in the car... and Nessie's foot!

Before... (side of house, our bedroom/bathroom)

Standing on the pile of mulch.

During.... Zac helping Dad dig holes.

After... Zac's getting ready to help me water.

My big (and proud) helper!