The Johnson Squad

Photo a Day Challenge

2012-01-30T22:41:00.000-05:00

I've been doing really good taking pictures each day so far this year. I'm keeping up with them on an app. It's called 365 and it's free if you want to check it out. I need a little inspiration though... my day to day is pretty boring sometimes and I run out of things to take pics of. I mean... I could take a picture of my laundry or another one of our dog... A lot of people have joined this Instagram group photo challenge from Fat Mum Slim. You can click on the picture to go to her blog. She is going to post new ones each month. I'm going to try this for Feburary!

Projects…

2012-01-26T21:58:00.001-05:00

I’ve had so much fun this week using my embroidery machine! I mean I’ve only had it about 2.5 years and this is really the first time I’ve ever used it to applique and that’s the reason I bought it! I guess now that Collin is older I’m feeling like I’ve got more time to do it now. Here are some pictures of what I’ve done. I’m learning as I go and making things for practice/experience. I had to email a friend of mine to ask her what I was doing wrong on one of the shirts and she helped me a ton!

I’m working on more tonight for an upcoming baby shower for a little boy and redoing a shirt for Hailey (remember the whole practice part!) LOL!

Artwork

2012-01-24T09:54:00.001-05:00

I don't know if you can tell what is in this picture. You might have to click on it to make it bigger. I walked down the hall and looked into the boys' room. I was shocked to say the least! Above Jack's bed was this mural.

He drew it with crayon. I didn't think I needed to worry about my 6 year old drawing on the walls anymore! It's of the Polar Express complete with elves. And I don't have the heart to make him scrub it off.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thanksgiving wrap-up.

2011-12-11T22:25:00.001-05:00

I’m finally posting the pictures from my camera from our Thanksgiving trip.

Hailey on the monkey bridge

Someone gave Collin a turkey leg! Gross! But he loved it.

We went downtown to look for Santa. We found him and Mrs. Claus! They like to spend their Thanksgiving weekend in Clayton each year too

Quick picture before church.

Take 2. Don’t you love Jack? We didn’t say it was funny face time!

Four Generation picture. We haven’t taken one of these since Hailey was two weeks old!

Great trip and a Great Thanksgiving!!!

Sticky Buns

2011-12-02T00:16:00.001-05:00

So with about 500 pins on my Pinterest boards I'm finally getting around to trying some of the things out. This was one of the recipes. I made it for our ladies Christmas craft swap. It was a breakfast for dinner theme.
Click here for full recipe.

All you need is butter, syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon ( nuts optional ) and a can of grands biscuits. I ended up using a can and a half to fill my pan.

Pour half of syrup mixture and half of sugar in bottom.

Add biscuits...

Pour remaining syrup mixture on top.

Top off with other half of sugar

Cook at 375* for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Yum!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

Here's my photo dump from my ipod of our Thanksgiving vacation up in Clayton, GA at my grandparent's house. We had such a wonderful, relaxing / exciting time. I'll post more pictures from my camera later.

My granddaddy had to build a bear proof bird feeder. He was tired of the bear bending the poles over to get to the seed! There is cement inside this pole!!

Jack on the new monkey bridge.

Collin loved riding on anything, especially the "tractor"

Uncle Jimmy carved the turkey. He saved the wishbone for Hailey.

The boys got in lots of football time. How bout that Bama game :)

Jack and Hailey at the kiddie table.

Collin LOVED his Thanksgiving feast and at leftovers for two days after!

Cousin Hayden passed out during a Jeep ride so Aunt LouLou (my mom) kept him warm.

Here he is eating. Him and Jack had lots of fun playing dinosaurs together.

Whoops! The holiday meltdown has begun!

We went to town for the lighting of the town lights and tree. Found Santa and did some shopping.

Grandma-great, Darren, Mom, Aunt SueSue, and cousin Raymond.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm on a hamster wheel...

2011-11-18T12:01:00.001-05:00

Ya want to know what happens when I take some time and clean the kitchen? Well first I get a cleaner kitchen:

But I also get a bonus for my efforts:

All thanks to my little 'helper' ;)
Like I said...I'm on a hamster wheel, always moving but getting nowhere. But my helper sure is cute!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Testing 1...2...3...

2011-11-16T11:10:00.001-05:00

This is my first time posting mobile. Just seeing how it works, maybe I'll post more often now?! The kids always hog the computer :)~

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Back To School Already?!?

2011-08-06T19:43:00.001-04:00

Yep! We have been back to school for a week now! August 1st!!! Can’t start any earlier than that can you?!? My kids were ready though. We have had a horribly HOT Summer and they were tired of sitting around the house. Playing outside was not much of an option around here these past couple of months. Thankful for our trip up to the mountains where it was much cooler! So here ya go! First day pictures~~~

And while the kids have been at school I have been enjoying my one on one time with Collin again. We are done nursing as of about two weeks ago. He did wonderful during the transition and is loving his new milk (the other two never liked whole milk). He’s also FINALLY sleeping through the night!! This is him with a Fireman hat on (he loves the ones from Firehouse Subs!)

And I have a new love.

It is awesome.

You will get addicted.

You must check it out.

Goats on the Roof!

2011-07-20T22:44:00.001-04:00

One of the many places to visit on the way to my grandparent’s house is “Goats on the Roof”. We have never been, but we always drive by on the way there and back. This time Granddaddy Great promised to take us this time :)

It’s a little gift shop / snack bar. They sell sandwiches and desserts along with all kinds of gift items. But the best part is feeding the goats (on the roof!) One way to feed them is to pedal a bike that takes the food up to the top. And let me tell you those goats are waiting!!

Jack found this bear hat and wanted to get a picture in it.

Jack was feeding them using a hand crank but the poor thing has the most sensitive eyes :)

As we were leaving we came around the corner and found the babies!!! So adorable!! We fed them and their momma. Then we used lots of sanitizer!!

Summer Road Trip 2011

2011-07-15T21:59:00.001-04:00

We headed out last weekend for our vacation! We decided to go see my grandparents up in Clayton, GA. It was wonderful….

Catching Lightning Bugs! (it was catch and release!) one actually worked it’s way out of the top holes and we had to ‘re-catch’ it in the living room!!

The big kids were so excited to take me on “their” trail to “their” waterfall this time. As soon as Collin went down for a nap we hit the road. It’s just right up my grandparent’s street. Our walking sticks are courtesy of Granddaddy Great. He made them :)

I just love the joy in their faces!

All the sparkles in the water!! Hailey thought it looked like glitter!!

This is why it is ‘their’ trial: Last Thanksgiving they hiked this for the first time with Granddaddy Great and his dog Daisy. They stopped about halfway and carved their initials into this tree!

We made it to the waterfall (or water fountain like I called it more than once!)

There was this huge butterfly when we got there. I think it was having to wait for it’s wings to dry… it just stayed so close and then all of a sudden took off.

Heading back down the trail.

My Grandma’s lilies started blooming the day before we got there.

Their backyard

Next up: Goats!

Collin’s 1st Birthday

2011-06-13T10:08:00.001-04:00

My baby is one! I’m happy/sad…. We have had a rough week too. He woke up on his birthday (7th) sick. His one year check up turned into just a sick visit to try to keep him hydrated. By Saturday he was well enough to have his party, but since then we’ve had a little relapse…. We are on day 7 so I’m praying this will soon have run it’s course. Here are the pics from his special day. We shared it with Reid. His birthday is on the 16th. It was lots of fun!!

p.s. Hailey and Darren were there, just no pictures! Once Collin feels better we’ll try for some more.

Reunion 2011

2011-06-01T17:17:00.001-04:00

Our family reunion has been going on since the 70’s as far as I know. It’s my maternal great grandmother (grandma’s mom) and all her siblings. This was a shot of all the Frys that attended this year. We get together on Sunday morning and have a church service and then a big lunch. My Aunt SueSue and Uncle Jimmy hosted it this year. They did a great job. Everything was wonderful!

Grandaddy and Grandma with their four great grandbabies.

Jack, Blake, Collin, Bailee, and Hailey with Papa/Uncle Mo. Blake and Bailee are my cousin Wendi’s kids (my dad’s side) Whenever we have the reunion in Florida my dad’s sisters try to come to it. We were surprised to see these two and so glad they came!!

Grandma and Heather playing corn hole

Levi, Uncle Mike, Aunt Pat and Angelica

Grandaddy, Hayden, and Uncle Ronnie

Mom and Aunt SueSue. Not sure what this was but Hayden saw them and said “L-E-phant!”

So tired! He didn’t nap at all that day, but was so pleasant.

Hailey and Erick got in the pool as soon as our picnic was over and stayed there for at least 5 hours!! A couple of breaks to potty and eat was only out of necessity.

Collin’s hair loved the Florida weather too. His little curls were too cute!

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-31T15:58:00.001-04:00

Saturday

6:30am

Collin had been up all of 5min. Can’t you tell?? I cracked up when I saw this!This is better and brighter. He LOVES to drive. We usually let him when we are only going to my mom’s. (She lives on the next street over in case you are wondering)

Our drive down to Florida went great in our new van. The kids rode most of the way in their jammies and watched DVD’s or played the iPod.

It was hard on Collin to have Mommy sitting right next to him and not take him out. He just didn’t understand why it was nap time and I wasn’t holding him… He finally gave out!

We made it to my Aunt SueSue’s house that afternoon. Here she is with her flag cake.

Mom and Grandaddy (this weekend is when my mom’s side of the family gets together for a reunion. They have been doing this since the 70’s )

Hailey needs to live at the beach. She has gorgeous hair when she comes out of the water. This was after the first swim of the weekend.

My sweet Jack Jack

This is Hayden. If you’ve read my blog for a while you might remember this. He is a full blown 2yr old now and such a sport! We had a blast with him :)

Hayden and Jack in the pool. It took Jack a while to warm up to the water. He was only sitting on the steps the first night.

Hailey and Erick (they are cousins… I had to disappoint her again and tell her she couldn’t marry him! Too bad, he’s a sweetie! )

Mom, Collin and Aunt Sue Sue

The next morning we tried Collin out in the swing. He LOVED it so I know what to get him for his upcoming birthday!! This was the morning of our reunion. More pictures to come!

Family Fun

2011-05-26T10:46:00.001-04:00

We have been enjoying a lot of quality time together as a family this month. Darren took three weeks of much needed leave. It has been wonderful!

Our three littles playing around right before bedtime.

Jack and Hailey had a book character parade at school to kick of the end of the year book fair. It was so much fun for both of them. I will say it is hard to find things for a costume in the Spring. I hope next year they have it before Halloween. We cheated and just had them find a book to match last year’s Halloween costumes!

Hailey had a Girl Scout trip to Wild Adventures. She had a fantastic time (she’s our little daredevil!) The weather was not in their favor but she was able to ride a couple of rollercoasters and feed the giraffe!

Last Friday was field day. It was HOT but we had a great time!

After field day we wanted to go shopping. We got on the interstate and our van started making an awful noise. The warning lights were flashing so we got off the next exit and headed back to town. Our transmission plus a couple other things needed replacing! Way more work than that van was worth. So Darren got in his ‘82 Corvette and traded it in along with the old van. This is what he came home with. It was such a stressful evening! But I am starting to love our new ride. It is 100 times nicer than our old one. I am however out of the blue van club :)

Saturday was Hailey’s Girl Scout graduation ceremony. She bridged from Daisies to Brownies.

Now we have a little brownie! She was so happy!

Yesterday was the Last Day of school!!!! My babies are now heading towards 2nd grade and kindergarten.

L: Hailey’s 1st day R: Last day

L: Jack’s 1st day R: Last day

Check out Jack’s shorts… You can tell how much he’s grown this year. They almost look like pants in the first one!

Here is Jack with Ms. McAllister and Ms. Bethel

And here is Hailey with Ms. Ryals

Spring!

2011-04-25T20:46:00.001-04:00

I love Spring.

The weather is happy, sunny, but not too hot (well at least for the next couple of weeks). But oh my goodness Spring does not like me! I have had horrible allergies since about the beginning of March! Nevertheless, we are out and about. Enjoying it while we can. I started taking Collin on morning walks and he loves them! However he doesn’t look too thrilled with me for taking his picture .

Hailey blowing some bubbles…

The week before Easter our church had an egg hunt.

Collin met the Easter Bunny for the first time

Jack had an “oval” hunt with his PreK class. They had about 1000 eggs brought in between the two classes! He supplied our candy bowl very nicely!!

On Friday, Hailey got together with her Daisy troop for an egg hunt. First they planted a cherry blossom tree at the Girl Scout house on base.

Saturday night we dyed our eggs. The kids were not as into it as I thought they would be…. but we got it done. You would have thought it was Christmas Eve the way the ran to bed so the Easter Bunny would come! I didn’t get pictures of them with their baskets :( Sunday mornings are so busy! I’m already dreading Christmas morning before Bible School this year… I’m thinking we’ll wait till after church!

Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend with friends and family. I’m so thankful to God for all of our blessings!

Papa’s Birthday

2011-04-05T15:46:00.001-04:00

I posted these pictures and video on FB a while ago but wanted to put them here too….. So if you’ve already seen them just disregard. But they are really cute so you just might want to look at them again!

For Papa’s birthday we had an angel food cake with strawberries and cool whip. As you’ll see, Collin thought it was awesome!

Baby Tricks

2011-03-17T22:39:00.001-04:00

So Collin is learning lots of new tricks these days. He does the eye squinting thing. He’s actually done it for quiet a while but now does it at the camera!!

He LOVES bath time!

I always have plenty of helpers :)

Don’t ya love that old man comb over?!

Collin had his tear duct surgery one month ago. Here are just a few pics right before he went in. He did great and had his check up today. Everything looks good!!

You can kind of see his black eye in these two shots… it really wasn’t bad at all.

Here are the three little boys:

Collin, Reid, and Isaac

All the ‘Peaches’ got together last month. So much fun and much needed! We all had boys in a little over a year. L to R. Me & Collin, Tabby & Jeb, Sarah & Reid, Amber & Isaac.

Here’s another one of Collin’s tricks! He started doing this last week. It makes my heart jump in my throat the first time I see my babies standing in their cribs. Adorable and sad… why is he growing up so fast??

He had a great check up this month. 9 months, 19 lbs., 27 3/4 in. (25% both height & weight)

Passed out in Daddy’s arms

Next trick: Driving Grandma and Papa’s car :)

Going down the slide with Papa

Jack and Daddy swinging

Hailey and Collin riding in the wagon.

Florida Trip

2011-02-19T00:14:00.001-05:00

Jack has PACT day each month at school where the parents are invited to come in for an activity. Collin was enjoying story time with his big brother.Okay… now not so much!They made bird feeders out of rice cakes and peanut butter.Collin took his first trip to Florida at the end of January. My Memaw passed away and we all went down for her funeral. On the way down we stopped for a snack…. Papa got to feed baby some ice cream.Got Dairy-Queen?Time to clean up that mess We spent lots of time out at my cousin Wendi’s house. Hailey and Jack had a blast playing with her two kids. Blake and Bailee are 4yrs. old. Hailey also discovered Just Dance and LOVED it!!Blake and Jack (who never took off the Buzz Lightyear wings!)Aunt Jackie, Collin, and Ms. BaileeIt was too cute watching them!!

My three and Hayden playing together during the viewing

This is one of my favorites of Memaw with Hailey (2008)…. we were celebrating her birthday and Hailey had helped make her cake.

Happy Baby

2011-02-10T22:08:00.001-05:00

I’ve got such a happy baby!! And overalls are pretty cute!Jack joined in to play. He is such a great big brother (jealous, but super sweet)Hats are fun too… if he’ll leave them on. Thank goodness the ones he wears outside fasten under his chin (but he still manages to get them off)Collin is super happy about his new toy. I noticed he was quite a jumper and went looking for one of these jumparoo thing a ma jigs….

Loves it!!!

Brrrr!! It’s been cold!

2011-02-05T23:39:00.001-05:00

Like most of the south we have had a COLD January (well now Feb. too!) Here at the Johnson Squad we started off January with a Birthday celebration for my mom!! When Grandma came over for dinner we had a little winter wonderland set up in her honor!!Grandma and her babies: Collin, Jack, and Hailey We got hit with an ice storm that kept the kids out of school for two extra days. The first day of it we were able to go out and kind of “play” but by the second day it was all ice. Hailey spent the night with my parents so Jack had the backyard to himself.Baby icicles. Frozen crape myrtle.As of today Collin has cut six teeth… (this pic is almost three weeks old) I have this pose with all the kids showing off their pearly whites.My big 7 month old has mastered sitting up. He loves hanging out and playing with his toys.

The following week was Jack’s turn to spend the night at Grandma and Papa’s. This is how he came out of his room after he packed!! He’s got all his bears, like 7 of them in there!

Christmas Vacation

2011-01-04T12:23:00.001-05:00

Have I told you lately how much I love this baby!?!

We took the kids to Walk thru Bethlehem this year. It is done by a local church and it is really a great experience. It’s all about life in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.

Later that week we made some gingerbread houses at with Grandma at her house.

Jack’s roof did not want to stay on! We eventually let it fall and he just ate it. That’s what he wanted to do all along anyway!!

About two days before Christmas Hailey decided she wanted Daddy to take her training wheels off… She is doing really good and pretty soon will be going faster than we can keep up!

Jack even gave it a try but DID NOT want Daddy to let go just yet.

Christmas 2010

The kids were moving so fast my camera couldn’t keep up!

Collin had a great first Christmas! He loved checking out all his new stuff

The cat loves this toy as well because of the balls going round and round!

I caught Hailey finishing off Santa’s cookies!

Loving his new Cookie Monster and Elmo (well he likes the tags better)

Helping Collin open a gift.

Jack loves his new color changing cars from Grandma and Grandaddy- Great!

And Hailey got a Tinkerbell music box from them that she LOVES!

Peek – a – boo!

Opening presents at Grandma and Papa’s house!

Collin was having so much fun!!!

We wrapped Bubba’s gift in seven layers!! It was money so we made him work for it!!

December Days

2011-01-04T11:28:00.001-05:00

I told you I wouldn’t get to this before Christmas! LOL!!

We had a little snow on Hailey’s birthday. The kids were so excited!!! It only stuck to the patio table, but for them it made their day!

Hailey took this picture of Collin and I. You can’t really see the snow, oh well!

This year there was a lighted parade that Hailey’s Daisy troop was in. She had a blast! They walked a really long time and it was SUPER cold.

The next day was Hailey’s birthday party. She had a Polar Express theme!

On the train comparing their tickets.

Darren came before he had to go into work. He was our “conductor”.

We were fortunate enough to have our very own Librarian to read the story! HAHA!

Hailey passed out sleigh bells to everyone.

Collin had a good time too.

The kids made paper chains to count down to Christmas.

And sparkly door knockers

We had a hot chocolate bar that included marshmallows, chocolate chips, candy canes, whipped cream, and sprinkles!

My big 7yr. old!

Collin got his first taste of ice cream from Papa! There’s no going back now!!

Grandma made it to the party. This was her first outing after her neck surgery…. She is doing wonderful now, out of the brace and starting back to work this week.

Hailey received so many nice gifts… Lots of art stuff that she is thoroughly enjoying!

My blog is like my laundry pile….

2010-12-14T00:34:00.001-05:00

Why you ask is my blog like my laundry pile…. well I get so behind that the task seems unmanageable. The pile of pictures just gets bigger and bigger…. if only I did a little “load” everyday the chore wouldn’t seem so bad! Oh well… I finally got all the clothes put away that were taking up ALL the space on my couch so tonight I will work on pictures :)

Since I’m a month behind

This was one of his very first foods. As you can see most came out. He is doing fabulous now and loving pretty much anything you feed him.

We finally have gotten rid of all the Halloween candy, Christmas is on the way though! Hailey was very systematic about her stash!

Just thought this was cute… These two are best buddies.

I took these for Collin’s 5 month photos. Is it sad that he is now 6 months old and has yet to have any professional photos taken?? (besides the ones in the hospital)

Don’t you love his Police Man shirt?!?!

Snoozing with Papa.

We went on our annual trip to Clayton, GA to see my Grandparents for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time!

Collin and Grandma-Great.

The boys and their toys…

Grandaddy-Great and Collin

The new red Jeep was a big hit! The kids went on so many adventures with Grandaddy-Great. Can’t wait for our next visit.

Snapped this on the way home. Just melts me.

Next up… Hailey’s 7th Birthday (hopefully I’ll post it before Christmas!! HaHa!!)

Costumes and Halloween 2010

2010-11-11T00:32:00.001-05:00

“cough, cough”… I’m blowing the dust off my blog!

Collin is starting to use his bigger towels at bathtime now. Love this puppy dog one that Ms. Suzy gave him. He was looking at himself in the mirror!

Although a puppy would be a cute Halloween costume, Collin was a bat this year. He was too cute!!

Hailey and Jack love posing with Grandma’s Witchy Witch. Hailey was Ariel the Mermaid and Jack was the Black Spiderman (not to be confused with Venom….two different characters – he was very adamant about that!)

We were on our way to our church’s annual Trunk or Treat!!

Darren was working the evening of our Trunk or Treat, but he was able to come by for a little dinner before heading to work.

Hailey did some mattress surfing again! She loves it. Darren got some video on his phone, I’ll try to get it posted. She was waving at us, talking and holding on all at the same time!!

My mom and Sarah went too!!! Thanks to Sarah for these pictures!

They were COVERED in dirt… in their teeth and everything!!

Papa and Collin

This year’s Jackolantern! We had three pumpkins but after this one took me two days of working on it because the kids abandoned me after a few cuts, I left the other two in tact! Next year they are making their own…. none of this picking the picture they want and leaving mommy out to dry!!

Jack had a pumpkin painting project at school. It was during his Parent and Child involvement time (sad that they have to have special time set aside for that) He had a blast and got more paint on him standing in line to wash his hands than he did during the activity!!

LOVE THESE PICTURES!

Jack was playing in the baby’s room while I was off doing some chores. I left Collin in his crib to hang out. I stepped in to check on the boys and this is how I found him! Jack ‘dressed’ him!! It was too funny and so cute!

My sweet baby boy. Could just eat him up!

On our actual night of trick or treating we headed over to a friend’s house for some food and fun. Then we trick or treated in their neighborhood and walked over to another friend’s house for a Haunted Back Yard!!!

It was so much fun and ‘most’ of the kids loved it!!

Here is Surgeon Dawn preforming an organ retrieval from Mike!!

4 months old

2010-10-09T00:12:00.001-04:00

Collin is 4 months old now

He is such a momma’s boy! Loves, LOVES to be held and I totally give in!

16lbs 1 oz & 25 inches

I just love him to pieces and he has brought so much joy to our home. I love how his brother and sister take care of him and can not go to sleep until they have covered him in kisses!

The Tooth Fairy came to our house!

2010-10-06T00:06:00.001-04:00

So before I get to our exciting news here are a few ‘Sunday Morning’ pictures. In honor of Fall we all wore brown to church last week! Perfect for getting a picture together.

Baby looks like a stiff board in this one! He loves to stand up. Hailey FINALLY lost her first tooth!! She’s three months shy of being 7, but one finally came out!! She was so excited. Pulled it out herself at school, during circle time so that she had the most attention as possible!! I was caught off guard and quickly whipped up this pillow for her to put her tooth in (heart pocket). She helped me and loves it. The tooth fairy came and left $2.

Story Time

2010-09-26T00:19:00.001-04:00

Having fun during our night time routine. I love my kiddos!!

I found Jack reading Collin a story… however Collin was a little distracted by his sister who was hanging off her top bunk :)

Now he’s listening! p.s. Amber… he loves his blanket!

Last week Hailey had her Investiture ceremony for Daisy Scouts. This is where they welcome all the brand new members. It was held with another Brownie Troop.

Collin was a ham that night…. he even felt the need to steal the show by doing his ‘deed’ during the QUIET part!!We see this look all the time right now. He seriously bites his hand to the point of leaving tiny scratches and suck marks. Who knows maybe he’s working on an early tooth!

Hanging out with Papa.

The new Daisies got to “light” a candle.

Here she is with her troop leader and some of the girls.

Jack is 5 !!!

2010-09-17T13:20:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday my Jack-Jack turned 5yrs. old! Collin and I took cupcakes to his class the Friday before.

The kids loved having Collin there and swarmed him. I just kept reminding them to not touch his hands. He loved all the attention and just kept smiling at all of them :)~ Saturday evening Jack wanted to celebrate at Chuck E. Cheeze! This place is about 100 yrs. old and looks exactly the same as when I was his age!! haha! But he had a lot of fun and that is all that matters!

Reid and Collin did not seem too impressed though.

Here’s Hailey trying her best to look like the grumpy sister that HAD to tag along.

She did better in this one! (I promise she had a great night) Jack got lots of cool gifts. Too much Toy Story stuff to even keep track of!

Family pics….sorta~

2010-09-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

I really need to get some pictures with ME in them. I always have the camera in my hand. Here is our attempt one evening to take some! :)

Must have flash when little hands are holding the camera!

Ugghh! I so need some lipstick..

The girls

Me and my boys

3 Months old…

2010-09-14T23:23:00.001-04:00

We’ve hit the three month mark! Where does the time go?!? I already get this pit in my stomach when I look at Collin’s newborn pictures. He has changed so much!! Hailey is really enjoying him much more now that he is talking, smiling, and just interacting more. Oh just wait till he’s mobile! I’m sure she’ll love that. LOL!

I’m getting the “mom guilt” about not taking very many pictures of baby #3. But just so you know… I haven’t been taking many pictures at all. I feel quite at ease taking care of this baby. I guess with each one it just gets better, but all my other responsibilities are piling up!!! Trying to figure out how and when to get things done with 3 kids now! Wow…we are defiantly not a well oiled machine yet! But here is my attempt at taking some pics at this 3 month mark.

He doesn’t understand why on Earth I put him down.

We are not great about getting tummy time! With a dog, a kitten who loves to chase feet, and two kids running around… I find very little time to lay him on the floor!

Yes, I know I look good in ‘rolls’

My sweet blue eyed baby!

Hailey started Daisy Scouts this past week. She LOVED her first meeting and can’t wait to go again next week. And I will so be calling all of you when it’s cookie time! :)

Hailey with Lucy

We ran to Chick-fil-A before her meeting and the cow was there.

Here Kitty-Kitty

2010-08-28T01:29:00.001-04:00

Right before I got pregnant last Fall Darren and I talked about getting Hailey a kitten. She loves cats and had been having so much fun with them out at the Lineberger’s house. Once I found out I was expecting I decided to hold off. Well about three weeks ago one of the ‘berger’s friends had a litter of kittens to give away. There were two little girls left. Hailey picked the one she wanted and my mom took the other! She said she didn’t want them to be separated.

I need to take better pictures, but I need to take more pictures of my baby first!!

Lucy (ours)

Molly (mom’s) she has a white nose

Our dogs love them and we’ve been getting the kittens together on the weekends for visitation :)~

Baby Talk

2010-08-20T22:17:00.001-04:00

Have you smiled today??

2010-08-06T12:01:00.001-04:00

Jack, Riley, and Papa having fun!

1st day using the sling!! He likes it :)

We took Collin to Papa’s courthouse for the first time so he could show off his grandbabies

New baby pics

2010-07-29T17:00:00.000-04:00

Collin at 6 weeks old. He is getting so chubby :)

This was the first little smile I was able to get on camera

These are from this week ( 7 weeks old)

Sweet lil’ fingers

I was talking to him while he was sleeping… I think he heard me!

Right now I’m thinking he may keep his blue eyes, we’ll see..

He LOVES the fan… it gets more smiles than I do :)

Seeing what Hailey is playing on the computer! lol!

Hopefully he’ll slow down and stay little for me!

Family Fun in July

2010-07-29T00:30:00.001-04:00

We spent the Friday before the 4th at the fireworks show with the Lesters. No pictures because I single-momed it for the first time. We survived and I didn’t leave any kids behind :)

Jack is loving his new little brother. He almost smothers him. Hailey is getting more and more interested now that Collin is awake more and interacting with us.

We had another family outing with the Lesters to the Museum of Arts and Sciences. They have a bug exhibit right now. The kids loved it! I think Darren was secretly cringing the entire time.

Riley and Jack with the big bugs

Hailey and the grasshopper

Collin, almost 4 weeks old

My boys! We spent one afternoon at the bowling alley.

Hailey is all about being a rock star right now!

And why didn’t someone tell me this kid’s face was so dirty?! :)

Month 1

2010-07-06T17:34:00.001-04:00

Our first month post baby has been wonderful. I can’t believe it will be a month tomorrow! We have really enjoyed Darren being off work and getting to spend so much quality time together as a family. The kids have had a blast with the sprinkler ball. (they do have swim suits…but they are kept at Grandma’s) Our first outing with Collin was to the library. After checking out books (which were returned late!) they always have to play on the computer for just a little bit. I love watching them holler at each other because of the head phones!!

Our first eating out experience was with Grandma and Papa for dinner at Zaxbys. The kids HAD to sit next to him :)

Another HUGE accomplishment is that Jack is swimming!!! He loves it and we are all so happy. He’s even going in the deep end!! They have been swimming at Papa’s pool so much now that they have each other to play with.

Grandma Great and Grandaddy Great came for Father’s Day weekend to meet Collin for the first time. He is their 4th great grandchild.

Although this ‘generation’ picture is a mix of blood lines, these are the men my boys will look up too. So happy they have great Christian examples in their lives.

My mom and dad.

The girls…

My first attempt at getting a picture of just my kids. Collin was ready to scream, but it turned out pretty good and no babies were dropped!!

His first real bath. He didn’t cry, but the look on his face was a little perplexed.

His eyes are still a slate blue… not sure what they are going to do. Everyone says he looks like Hailey when she was a baby (which means we might have a little Darren) As far as his demeanor… he loves to be held, only likes his swing or bouncy seat if he is asleep and he eats a lot!!! At his two week apt he was up to 8lbs 90z!!!!

Pedro loves him too! (I promise I only let him kiss him once and then I make him back off! - he’d smother him with kisses if I let him!)

The other evening the kids helped with bath time. (yes Hailey is partially naked) Jack wanted to bathe him from head to toe and Hailey was more interested in using the play frogs as water guns!!!

Darren officially started back to work yesterday. He is out of town for the whole week. Me and the kids have done good these two days but we really miss Daddy!!!

Catching up on things around the house…

2010-06-19T00:57:00.001-04:00

Before Collin’s arrival I was busy getting the kids rooms rearranged. Here are some ‘not so great’ pictures of them.

Jack and Hailey share a room now. I’m planning on painting two of the walls a teal or green color (like his bedspread) that way the whole room isn’t lavender! And sorry their beds are not made… at 9 months pregnant crawling into those beds to make them was NOT happening :)

See the missing closet door…add to the project list!

Collin’s room is pretty much done. Maybe a little more decorating but we’ll get to that eventually.

See the spot that needs to be painted… That’s another project I need to get too.

We went down to Cordele for Memorial Day weekend for our family reunion. My mom won over Hayden by letting him get wet in the big fountain!! Don’t you love his little mohawk :)

We’ve started getting in Papa’s pool in the evenings. It’s been so hot you have to wait till after 7pm to play outside!

Hailey is loving the swimming. She will take her swimmes off and flip upside-down underwater. She is our water baby! Jack is still leery about getting in. Papa or Daddy can hold him but he really doesn’t enjoy it. Today he got in a raft and was much more comfortable. He loves the sprinkler so maybe he’ll eventually get in the pool… or not :)

Here are some snapshots of story time before we put the big kids to bed. I guess Collin had heard this story too many times…. he was a little bored.

I’m loving my cuddle time with this baby. I just want him to stay this small and soft forever. I don’t care if I hold him for two hours to let him nap. It will be over so soon and I want to soak up every moment.

He had his first apt. with the pediatrician last Friday. All was good for being 3 1/2 days old. He was already back up to his birth weight and still no signs of any jaundice. We go back this Wed for his 2-week check-up.

He’s been sleeping in his pack-n-play bassinet, but he recently took his first nap in his crib.

Who Knew??

2010-06-13T19:21:00.001-04:00

So over the years I’ve seen my share of “hospital” pictures that newborns get. Hailey’s was taken in her isolate with the classic striped cap and blanket. She must have been just born because her face was all greased up with that eye goop. Thank goodness the picture was complementary with our stay :) Jack’s picture was a little better. We got to have him in an outfit and the lady just laid him on my bed and snapped a few shots. I bought the smallest thing they had… a big button you could pin on… Collin on the other hand had awesome hospital pictures taken. He was about 12 hrs old and the lady came in and just went to town. I loved them so much I told Darren and my mom I didn’t want any flowers I just wanted the CD of these shots. Well my mom still brought me flowers :) I was going to wait to post these until after I made his birth announcement but lets face it… I may not get around to that for two months!!

CMJ part 2

2010-06-12T14:16:00.001-04:00

So here are more pictures from Collin’s arrival.

My dad brought Hailey and Jack to meet him about 20min after he was born. They came barreling in the room so excited and ready to see this baby that mommy had been telling them about for the past 9 months. Sometimes I don’t think they believed he was ever going to get here!

Fun little tid-bit about my three kids: All of them were born on a Monday… and the day after an American day of remembrance. Hailey-- Dec. 8th (day after Pearl Harbor Day) Jack-- Sept. 12th (Day after 9-11) and now Collin—June 7th (day after D-Day, invasion on Normandy) Weird Huh?!?

About an hour later it was time for Collin to head to the nursery for his bath. The kids and my dad and Darren went with him.

It must be 90* in those nurseries… I love how they get all stretched out when they are warm and toasty!

Collin loves his hands and tries so very hard to sooth himself with them. He has found his thumb a few times on his own. Trying to keep him swaddled is a joke right now!

We keep trying the paci too

Collin Michael

2010-06-11T23:35:00.001-04:00

Our sweet newborn has arrived! We are so thankful for all the prayers and congratulations that have come our way. We know that we have been very blessed as a family and thank God every day!

On Monday June 7th I woke up early with light contractions. I did all the necessary things around the house pretty sure that today was the day. I just had that gut feeling that this was it. We ran errands after lunch so I could walk around to try to get things going. My mom came with us and by 4pm we decided to get ready to go to the hospital. The big kids stayed with my dad. I checked in at 5pm and I was only a 3 but my doc told me to stay since it was my third… he knew it could happen fast. He broke my water an hour later and I was at a 5. Here we are waiting for my epidural :)

Lets just say after this picture was taken things went SUPER fast! At 7pm my nurse changed to the night shift. She checked me (I was a 7) and told me to sit up because the ‘medicine lady’ was on her way!! I was so relieved!! But in those few minutes I got REALLY uncomfortable and told her the baby was coming! She had me lay down and I was right!!! So no epidural AGAIN!! And I thought I did good my getting to the hospital earlier this time :) The doctor ran in and little Collin was born with three pushes at 7:39pm. The cord was tightly wrapped around his neck so I didn’t get to hold him for very long. They really wanted to check him out. Thankfully all was well.

I’ll post more pictures soon. He’s ready to be fed and my long night is just getting started :)

Strawberry Patch

2010-06-02T23:41:00.001-04:00

Hailey got sick the night before her Kindergarten class was to go on their ONE field trip of the year. They were heading out to the Strawberry Patch in Reynolds, GA. We went there last year and it was a great place with awesome strawberries! Needless to say Hailey was devastated that she missed it so we promised her a private trip!

The strawberries that you pick are so sweet and RED on the inside… now when I buy them in the store (even Publix) it doesn’t compare. They are all white and snowy. Too bad you can’t pick all through the summer, our season ends in May.

They had lots of fun making up Hailey’s field trip. Darren took them for some Daddy bonding time! Mommy always loves that!!

2010-05-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

Video's of some of the K4 graduation. Sorry for the jumpyness... we were way in the back so I'm zooming a lot... the littest movement made a big difference. Darren got to sneak in since it was right at the begining of his shift.

Hailey kept giving Jack thumbs up - He responded each time :) After the program they all got little diplomas and then we had refreshments. Real preK starts next year...all day long too! We have been going to this preschool for the past 4 years between Hailey and Jack. It's been great. If you're looking for one I would highly recomend it.

Some kindergarten songs...

Pease Porrige Hot, Pease Porrige Cold

Baby Shower (x2)

2010-05-22T23:23:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday the ladies that teach cradle roll threw Sarah and I a baby shower! We are both having boys and only due a week apart :) Plus we are super best friends so it worked out perfect! Andrea took pictures for us and here are some of them. I was very distracted trying to keep Hailey entertained. I thought she would enjoy coming but once we were there all she cared about was going outside to the lake!! After every present she’d ask if she could go and the cake and snacks didn’t keep her busy either.

Ms. Anne made the cake and it was so good! She also hosted it at her house.

Here is Sarah… she was smart and didn’t come with kids :)

The taggie blanket that Amber made!! Love it!!

Hailey was showing Ms. Sarah how to work her duck washcloth!!

We should have gotten pictures with each other and with all our wonderful hostesses but like I said… super distracted :) Oh well!!!

Last week was Jack’s last week of preschool. Each day was ‘wacky’. Monday was Tacky day… this was his outfit!!

Tuesday he wore his dress shirt and tie Backwards! (I’ll have to recreate it and take a picture… Tuesday was crazy and I forgot the camera) Wednesday was ‘crazy hat’ day so he wore his Mickey mouse hat (not really crazy but he was cute) And Thursday was graduation!!! Video’s of that are uploading now.. I’ll post them later.

Field Trips and Field Day

2010-05-15T23:22:00.001-04:00

Do you see what I see?? This was our scary/surprise on the way to church one Wednesday night. This tree sits on the right side of the road so as we were approaching it looked like a huge dear was about to cross the street… well after Darren slammed on the brakes this is what we saw!!! I guess the people want everyone to stop speeding down their street…great way to get everyone’s attention. (it only stayed up that day but my kids are still looking for it every time we drive by)

The last week in April Jack’s class took a Field trip to Dauset Trails. It’s a great nature center full of animals native to our area. Plus it’s free! The weather was awesome that day. I was really worried about hiking in the heat and being 34 weeks preggers… but it turned cold!! We were all in hoodies!! We saw bears, owls, eagles, otters, pigs, horses, goats, foxes, cougars, and more! The best was when we came upon some Canadian Geese and their five goslings! Too cute!

On to Field Day!

Hailey’s school had their Field day this past Friday. Darren and I took Jack and joined in the HOT fun!! Thank goodness it started at 9am, I was melting by 11am! Can you tell I’m not loving the heat right now?!?! Hailey did so good with all her events!! The kindergarteners all participated in different types of relay races… no 1st, 2nd, 3rd stuff, just lots of fun!

Love the tongue concentration!

Jack took LOTS of pictures that day! This was about the only one worth sharing ;) Too bad there isn’t nice sandy beaches under our feet!

Just another set of Sunday morning pictures outside…

32 Weeks

2010-04-23T00:55:00.001-04:00

Updated belly timeline. 32 weeks and counting... sometimes I feel like we are almost there... other days, most days I feel like 8 weeks is a REALLY long time :) I need one of those grabber stick things so I can tidy up my floors... bending over is pretty much saved for absolute necessities. You can totally see the baby moving from the outside of my belly now. The kids think it is so cool to watch it move! I'm carrying quite high so any slouching is quickly stopped with a big kick! We are doing a big room change this weekend with the kids. I originally thought of putting baby in the room with Jack, but it was way too crowded. So now we are off to buy bunk beds and Jack is moving in with Hailey. I know he is not super thrilled with giving up his room for a little while (till both boys can be in the bunk beds) I guess the "Middle Child" syndrome is starting and he can mark this down as reason #1.

Easter 2010

2010-04-12T22:21:00.001-04:00

Jack had an egg hunt at school the week before Easter. Despite the look on his face… he really had a good time! Loved holding the bunny… talked about it for days. Did an awesome job finding eggs… I think he was just very intense, no playing around when it comes to collecting candy!There was and egg hunt at our church that weekend. As always it was a great event.

My kids are moving way too fast for this pregnant momma to keep up with. I don’t think I’d have been able to even if I wasn’t ! You can tell how proud he was of his loot by that little smirk on his face! Papa hung out on the swing. Allyson (center) was a little shy of Mr. Bunny (it was her dad!) At one point there were quite a few kids over there… Papa was helping them open their candy!!!

Wow… two posts in one day. That hasn’t happened in ages. This nesting energy must really be kicking in. Maybe I’ll get a few more weeks out of it before I hit the “I’m miserable” stage.

Spring

2010-04-12T10:24:00.001-04:00

This picture has nothing to do with the post title, but I was checking my email…looked over and saw this RARE site :) My kids played together so good over Spring Break. They really enjoyed each other’s company and I HAD to catch this moment…despite the bed heads and pajamas (or lack of!) Now…as for Spring…

It is beautiful here, yet there is this unbelievable layer of pollen everywhere!!! I really want it to go away… I’ve itched my eyes so badly I don’t think I have any eyelashes left :) We have three Cherry Blossom tress in our backyard. They are done blooming now, but I snapped these pics while they were looking their best. This Sunday we woke up late for Bible class (I set the alarm for 6:45p.m. instead of a.m.!) I knew when I woke up on my own and felt so rested that I had slept way too long!

Therefore… we didn’t have enough time to make it to class but a little extra time to get ready for church… (Picture Time!!)

I took quite a few of Hailey and Jack together and either she was in a daze or he had his eyes closed… but this one was the best :) Our azaleas busted this weekend (more pollen!) But they are so very pretty!! We had a really great weekend (Daddy was finally home!) We really miss him when he has to work so much, but he is a great police man and we love him for working so hard to take care of us! (and keep us safe from bad guys – my kid’s words)We love our funny face pictures! It’s a great way to entice them to just take a couple more good ones.I so should have borrowed Darren’s sunglasses! Between my allergies and the 5lbs of cheeks you can barely see my eyes :) lol! Oh well… only 9 weeks left!! I know this shot isn’t a profile, but we’ll make it my 31 week picture. I passed my glucose test, got my Rhogam shot (I’m o neg, Darren’s a pos. You have to get these during and right after pregnancy) Now we are on the two week visits to the doc.! That’s always a milestone. Yay!I absolutely love Hailey in this picture!!

March Happenings

2010-03-30T22:58:00.001-04:00

We started off March with a birthday bash for the Lineberger boys. They turned 15 so in honor of them they hosted a little mattress pulling! Hailey jumped right on as soon as we got there!!! She’s in the middle of those two boys! My mom went too of course but fell off and took Hailey with her!!!

Jack preferred the slower pace of the ATV. Hailey went on it with my mom and they got stuck out in the woods in some mud!! I think Hailey needs to stop going with my mom :)

Each boy picks his favorite cake (or pudding in Luke’s case!)

We headed to Pratville, AL for my cousin Shannon’s wedding last weekend. It was beautiful weather for an outside event.

Uncle Mike and Aunt Bo-Bo

Her sister Lacey (who got married here almost 2yrs ago)

Here comes the bride!

The kids had a BLAST after the ceremony playing with Grandaddy Great! They looked at the horses and had lots of adventures I’m sure!

Josh & Shannon

Uncle “Mo” (my dad) and Lacey

Hailey and ( her 2nd or 3rd cousin :) ) Ashley had so much fun together.

All the kids having a cupcake with Grandaddy Great!

And this little man as just stolen my heart!!! Hayden will be 1 next month and is just precious!!

Jack danced with Grandma!

He told her to spin him around!

Later that week Hailey was honored at school with the Parkwood Soaring Eagle award. Each child was read a letter from their teacher and received a certificate. I could tell she was a little nervous sitting up there, but she did great!

Daddy was able to come in between court cases.

Her little eagle was there reward. She loves him! And this is a picture with her teacher, Ms. Bowling. (who happens to be the mom of 3 boys that Darren and I grew up with at church! Hailey thinks it’s so cool that mommy and daddy have been to her teacher’s house when they were ‘little’)

This week has been fun too!

Jack and I made a Mickey Mouse pizza for lunch one day. He was very proud of his work and surprisingly didn’t mind cutting it up in slices :)

We rode bikes (I drove!) to Grandma and Papa’s house on Friday evening. We had a great dinner to celebrate Papa’s birthday.

Hailey is super fast compared to Jack… he’s still figuring out this big boy bike thing. She ended up coming with me while Jack and Daddy took their time..

They made it!! He did a really good job!