These Are the Best Days

I absolutely love everything about my life right now, we have been so unbelievably blessed. I often get caught up with the little frustrations of life like; Londyn wetting her pants on the way to VBS because she was laughing too hard and having to drive her all the way home and back, Londyn breaking the bowl that I just told her 3 times not to touch, my house being a mess, the laundry covering the floor, gaining weight, broken windshields, and on and on....., but when I stop for a brief moment, and think about things, I either end up with a huge smile or am trying to fight back tears of joy, gratitude and disbelief. I know these are the best days, and I hope they only keep getting better. I pray that I don't forget what it feels like right now, time goes by so fast, and if you know me, you know that my memory just stinks. I hope I don't forget the sounds of laughter as my girls chase each other around the yard, the pajama dance parties that entertain us for hours, the bedtime songs and prayers, the silly faces, and all the other things that bring a smile to my face at this stage of our lives.
(Ok, so that is my sentimental post for the year, I had to write fast, or the frustration of my girls running through the house screaming may have ruined the moment.)

One Last Summer Escapade

We enjoyed our final day of summer vacation at the pool. We met up with some of our church friends at one of the pools and swam our hearts out. The kids had a great time playing together and could have stayed forever. We love the sun! I can't believe my summer has come to a screeching halt. It's back to the work world tomorrow morning bright and early. I'm never quite ready to go back, but we've had a great summer. We've traveled across the country, gone to Disneyland, played lots of dress up, participated in the library summer reading program, spent a lot of time visiting family in Missouri, welcomed baby Anastyn, experienced the Belle Fair, spent many hours and the pool, slept in, and just enjoyed spending time at home with each other. If you've been reading, thanks for sharing it with us. I'm sure my blogging will slow down a bit as well, especially over the next few weeks as I start getting my classroom ready. Wish us luck as we welcome back routine. The little nerd second to the end on the right is mine. Gotta love those goggles!

Seriously???

This week has just been the pits when it comes to our cars. We took one car in for a service check and ended up having to fix an axle which wasn't cheap, and then we had to replace the brakes on the other car. We weren't too upset about either of these issues because we have been fortunate enough not to have had any car problems for a while. It was a hit, but I guess you just assume those things are coming sooner or later. Then, yesterday as I was driving the girls home from the pool, and something just smashes into my windshield. I never saw it, but I'm pretty sure it was a golf ball. We were passing the golf course at the time, so that's my best guess. It completely shattered, there were actually glass shavings on my dashboard. It's just so random , annoying, and not to mention expensive. Anyway, I guess if things come in threes, this is my third. Does that mean I'm good for a while?

Jacque's Wedding

Yesterday we traveled to Searcy, Arkansas for Jacque's wedding at Cone Chapel on the campus of Harding University. It was a beautiful wedding, and it was fun to get all dressed up and actually have somewhere to go. And of course, it's always great spending some time with the family. I'm sorry about the excessive pictures as usual, but I came home with 250, so only posting 10 isn't bad, right? My cousin Kellie and the girls before the wedding
My adorable parents
My cousins Jacque and Leslie
Me with my Grandma Vi

The beautiful bride, my cousin Jacque, and her handsome groom
Trent and Kesha


I love this picture of the guys laughing. Usually when I try to take their picture, they try to give me some macho smirk.

"It's From God"

Londyn is my most challenging child, but can also be the sweetest. We always say that life would just be too easy and boring without her. Which last night, she had a sweet moment, so I thought it would be nice of me to document it. And can you believe it, no pictures this time. Anyway, last night I was cleaning up the girls' room. I was babysitting for one of their friends this week and one of their favorite things to was to dress up in princess dresses as well as their regular clothes. Funny thing, none of those clothes managed to get put away, despite my efforts. Some of it was my fault because I had left clothes in laundry baskets because I was too lazy to fold them. (I know those of you who actually know me and my habits find that completely shocking, right?) So, for the first time in about a week, the girls could see their bedroom floor and their beds were made. When I sent Londyn to bed, she found a penny that I had apparently forgotten to pick up. She runs into the living room with her penny and most excited voice and says "Mommy, there's money in my bed! It's from God, he really gave it to me!" She was in complete and total awe that God left a penny in her bed, just for her.
(After reading through the story, I realized that I've managed to drag a one liner into a lot of lines, sorry about that. Just imagine if you had to sit around and listen to me talk on a regular basis, my poor family.)

Am I the Only One?

Am I the only person who can force myself up out of bed at 5:00AM to go to the gym for a weight training class, come home, inhale 2 iced sugar cookies and proceed to make myself a core plan weight watcher omelet? Really, what's the point? What is wrong with me? Then, I actually have the audacity to ask myself why I can't drop those few pounds I've gained. Go figure. (I know this post is a little random, it just happens to be what is on my mind at the moment.)

Slip Sliding Away

I am taking care of an extra little girl this week, and her mom brought over this slip-n-slide for the girls to play on. They had a lot of fun, it was shortlived, but fun nonetheless.


Oh, and a little dress up.

Please Pray for Gavin

If you read this, please say a prayer for Gavin. His parents are good friends of ours, and we love this family dearly. He is currently being put in ICU. To read more about Gavin, click on the Gavin's Journey blog link. He has been through so much in his short life, but is truly a fighter. Thank you for thinking of this family as you pray.

A Steamy Day at the Zoo

We enjoyed a steamy day at the zoo today with a few of our friends. There weren't very many animals out due to the extreme heat, but we enjoyed some of the indoor exhibits and rode the train and carousel. I can't get my own two kids to look at the same time, I have no idea why I attempted six.

Getting worried the snake may get a little too close
The baby chimp put on quite a show today. He kept coming up to the window and playing with all the kids that were looking in.
A few hot, exhausted kids waiting for the train.

Relaxing With Daddy

You may have wondered over the past couple of weeks if I was still married and if my children still had a father. I am proud to say yes, and here is my proof. Since the girls hadn't seen Kevin for so long, he decided to take the afternoon off and lounge with us around the pool. It was great to have a little quality family time. In the sweltering Oklahoma heat, the pool seemed to be the only outing option.

I must say, it costs me a lot more to take Kevin to the pool. My girls didn't even know that they sold snow cones at the pool until today.

Bucky Covington

You may not know where Belle, MO is, but Bucky Covington does. I can't say that I was a big fan, or that I had heard any of his songs, but he put on a pretty good show. Regardless of the entertainment, who doesn't love an outdoor lawn chair concert? It could only have been better if Kevin was there with us. I always like going to the fair, especially with the girls. It just reminds me of doing the exact same thing when I was little. When I looked down and saw Skylar sitting on my grandma's lap, it was like looking down memory lane. I'm pretty sure there are pictures of me at the same age sitting on her lap watching the Saturday night Belle Fair concert. That concludes our two week summer excursion to Belle. We are now in Broken Arrow, back to life as we know it. We had a great time being with everyone, I suppose we'll reconvene once more next weekend at the wedding, and then back to work.

Anastyn, You Rock Too!

Anastyn sporting her "My Aunt Rocks" shirt and hideously too large coordinating bow. That's the great thing about being a newborn, you can wear anything and people will think you look cute.
Anastyn is still trying to decide if she likes me. It takes a while for most people to warm up to me, so I can be patient. I can apparently be a little stand offish at first, but she'll soon come around. She'll realize that I'm not a snob, just a little shy at first.

Belle Fair Continued

Anastyn's first Belle Fair. Do you think she'll remember it?

This is a picture of my cousin Melissa and her husband Matt. It's their kids that have been in the previous posts running around with my girls.

This is me posing with my sister and enjoying a lemon shake-up.

Another Fun Night at the Fair

Here are few pictures from our fair adventures this evening. I have tons more, which I'm sure you just can't live without, but I waited forever for them to upload. It told me there was an error, so I think I'll try again later.

The Carnival Rides

Ashlyn and Londyn on one of the rides. They got to ride two rides last night, but are looking forward to tonight where they can get their armband and ride unlimited.
Amber and Skylar on the dragon roller coaster ride.
These are the blow up princess wands from the duck game that the girls played. Londyn picked her prize, but came to me a little disappointed wandering why she didn't get the duck.
This is how the girls walked around all night, hand in hand.
This is a picture of the girls watching the Bull Bash from the fence. It was my favorite event of the evening. Londyn was a bit confused because we had been talking about the carnival rides and the bull riding, at one point, she thought she would be riding a bull. I think we got that one straightened out.

More Parade Pics

Aaron enjoying his massive bag of candy.
Londyn watching the parade on the ball she snagged at the parade.

Erin, Kesha and Me
Grandma Del and Me Trent and Me, photo credit to Skylar (not some of her best work)
Trent and Skylar