Little Carrigan

Christmas Eve 2015

2015-12-31T19:27:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve.... One of my favorite days of the year!!!

This was the 75 degree Christmas Eve!!

Our family pic!!

My special people!!

These two have the sweetest relationship!!

The youngest and the oldest of the family!!!

Unc Kev and Stella

Daddy trying out my guacamole!!

My awesome parents!!!

Jay Jay and The Brodster!!!

Tori is growing up too fast!!!

I look forward to our steak dinner every Christmas Eve!!

Selfie Stick time!!!

time to open gifts!!

Seems like yesterday Maddox was this age getting his Lightning McQueen car like this!! My

Stella trying out the pogo stick!!

Brother-in-law love!

Mawmaw got an Amazon fire kindle and this 90 year old has been using it like a pro! She impresse me with how sharp she is!!! Her mobility has slowed some but her mind is sharp as a whip!!! Love her so much!!

Ryder's dog was a favorite!!!

Cousin love!!!

My favorite people!!

The real us!!! A little cray cray!!!

My boys in their Christmas PJs... Matching me!!!

Santa came!!!!!

Christmas Day up next!!!

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Maddox & Ryder's Beach Bash Party ~ The Details

2015-07-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 14th we threw Maddox and Ryder a Beach Bash Birthday Party. I let the boys decide where they wanted their party this year and they chose the splash pad…the same location we had it 2 years ago.

It was a super hot day so the Splash Pad made the perfect spot for the party. If only us adults would have taken advantage of running through the water it would have been perfect.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods….so easy and always one of my favorites!!

I’m trying to simplify the party as they get older and this year I realized it was so simple because I already had almost all of the décor…craft supplies…etc. Colors start repeating themselves after 6 years of parties.

A girl that my Mom goes to church with made the cake and I think she did a fabulous job. It not only looked super cute but was probably one of the best birthday cakes I’ve ever eaten.

These were a Pinterest find that my Mom made….anything that deals with food, I delegate out to her!!

Little Debbie hooked me up this year with her individually wrapped beach themed cakes!!

My incredibly talented Mom made the Flip Flop cookies!

She also carved the shark!! She can do anything…I’m pretty sure of it!

I found the cute seashells on the 80% off aisle at Hobby Lobby. They were gold and black so I sprayed a little spray paint over them and they fit right it. I now am using they in my house for summer décor so that money was well spent!!

I’m not a gummy fan but everyone seemed to love these shark gummies!!

The boys had already been through the water before we got our family pic so they had some good lookin hair!! lol!

It was a fun memorable time…Part 2 up next!

Family Fun Day!!!

2015-05-13T20:49:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we headed out bright and early for a family fun day in Columbia!!! First stop ...Riverbanks Zoo!!!

My super cute company for the day!!

We ended up going into the Botanical Garden side of the Zoo... And though it took us a lot longer to get to the animals... It was such a blessing. It was a picture perfect morning so the beauty of the gardens felt like a bonus for the day!!

Lots of photo ops!!

Another bonus we got to take the tram to the Zoo!!

The lions and tigers!!

One of my personal favorites... The penguins!!!

Not my favorite.... A huge anaconda!!!!! Yikes!!!!

I am one blessed Moma!!!!

Turtle Ridin

Halfway through... Ryder decides to take the lead with the map! It was too cute!!! Half the time it was upside down but he was leading us with confidence like a boss!

The giraffes were Ryder's favorite!!!! He just happened to have a big green leaf in his hand and the giraffe sought him out and snatched it right out of his hand. It was too funny!!

Do you spy the ostrich?

Best days ever!!!

Brotherly Love!!!

Maddox decided when it was time to leave he had had enough of Ryder being in charge so he took the lead!!!

Family selfie on the way out!!

Next stop.... SC Baseball game!

The boys loved the playground!!!

Cotton Candy Treat!!!

Ryder was so excited to meet Cocky!!! He has a Cocky Pillow Pet that he sleeps with every night.

This day was just loaded with fun and the best family time!!!! Nothing like making memories with my favorite people!!!

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Valentines Weekend 2015

2015-02-22T20:11:00.001-08:00

I didn't plan or work on the boys Valentines cards until the night before they were due at preschool and at school. So thanks to Pinterest and two cute boys who put up with me trying to get a fitting picture of them....we got it done!!

Maddox had an Upwards Basketball game that morning and unfortunately we got the time mixed up so we killed some time at the salon while we waited. We went ahead and gave them their Valentines goodys while we were there.

Two of my Three Valentines

Ryder must have been tired he knocked out and slept the whole basketball game.

After the game....the boys and I hung out at home a few hours and then joined Chris at West Lincoln for the HS wrestling regional tournament finals. When we got home we decorated the cookie and ate most of it up!!

Since the tournament fell on Valentines Day....Chris made arrangements for us to have a date night on Sunday. We went to Mickey and Mooch. It had been years since we had been. We use to go almost every Anniversary but for the last 7-8 years we had not gone. I missed it. The food was amazing. I'm not a foodie but with food like this i could very well become one!!

Salmon and Filet!!

It was a great weekend and I just feel super blessed to have 3 amazing Valentines in my life!!

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Christmas Day 2014

2014-12-28T11:08:00.001-08:00

What a fun day!!

The boys were still a little puny from the stomach bug but it didn't stop them from soaking in all the fun toys Santa brought them.

They slept until 9:30!!

Ninja turtles for the win!

The boys are not much into Legos yet but they are getting there.

Last year Santa brought Maddox the Football Guys and he has played with it all year long. So this year he got the Baseball Guys.

Sweet little face!

He is Paw Patrol Crazy!!

I think the Bruder CAT machine will be played with the most this Summer.

When you're 3....you really do get excited over the small things....

Like a Ninja Turtle Toothbrush!

More Paw Patrol

And this little guy is obsessed with Band-Aid's! He got 2 boxes....I told him he needs to make them last because he won't get anymore until next Christmas if Santa brings him some. He uses 2-3 a day on his make believe boo boos.

Yay! new undies!!

Gamecocks Chocolate!!

The second box of band-aids

Pause button please!

Magical morning!

Ryder in costume!

Opening gifts from us.....

One of his most requested presents!!

It was on the top of his list too!

This was also another most requested item. The girl dog from Paw Patrol....he has not put her down much since he got her.

Is it Halloween or Christmas? Happy Boys

The gator...Maddox is about too big for it but we will squeeze another year or two in! I'm not ready for him to have a real 4 wheeler just yet.

Maddox and Ryder also got Chris and I some fun things!! Who knew a 3 and 5 year old could have such great taste at picking out gifts!!

I'm a little late on the North Face trend but I hear they are really warm and thats what I am going for so I am so excited to get one.

He was so excited to get this MK watch!! Love it!

Somehow I missed getting a pic of Mawmaw Jean who came to visit us. I fixed a Livermush Breakfast Casserole, and Cinnamon Roll Casserole and she joined us for breakfast. We lover her visits on Christmas morning!

We got the boys the Snoopy Snow Cone maker so we had to try it out!! I love toys that are still around from when i was a kid!!

Nana and Papaw hooked them up with Panther's sleeping bags....they love them!!

Our tree this year!

The boys playroom tree. This year it was decorated with a hodge podge of ornaments. It quickly became one of my favorite trees. It is starting to fill up with all their homemade ornaments from school.

and ornaments that represent them!

Planes Fire and Rescue Air Track.

This really turned out to be a neat toy.

We ended up staying home all day. We didn't want to go to our extended family get together and chance spreading the stomach bug germ to the rest of the family. So we finished out the night with some Connect Four!

It was a great day and I loved spending it with my people. These are the best days! Thank you God for blessing us!

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Christmas Eve 2014!!

2014-12-26T20:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve!! The most magical day of the year! Especially with kids!

It was also one of the busiest days of the year!

I only had about ~~500~~ 20 things to do that day.

But somehow...it all works out to get things done.

Midday we made cookies for Santa.

The boys did a fantastic job decorating them!!

Around 4:30 my family starts arriving! Im usually still getting myself or the boys ready.

The stomach bug decided to hit Ryder and he started throwing up after lunch...so that made our day a little crazier. He was sleeping when everyone arrived.

Maddox learning how to be cool from his freshly turned 16 year old cousin!

That is one cute and sweet hubby of mine!

Stella could not be any more PRECIOUS!!

Kevin bringing in our steaks and chicken!!

Ryder is up and still not feeling well. He ate 2 bites of bread and laid on Chris's shoulder after that.

Our spread!!

What a cute reindeer!

Im glad I got this family pic. Usually I take lots of pictures of each individual family but with Ryder being sick...I just didn't have it in me this year. Immediately after this....Chris took Ryder upstairs and put his pj's on and they stayed home while the rest of us went to communion at Mawmaw's church.

When it was time for presents....he felt well enough to come back downstairs to open his. I

And at about this time...Maddox is starting to get sick.

Stella was too hot in her outfit! It's nice being a toddler....just take it off!

our gift to Tori....I'm hoping she'll let me borrow it! hehe!

Paw Patrol Chase is in the house!!!

And Marshall

I think opening gifts helped him to feel better.

Mawmaw opening her gifts!

Love this little neice of mine....she's growing up way too fast!

Sissies!!!

Poor Maddox....he does not handle being sick well.

Ryder stayed up for me to read Twas the Night Before Christmas and to throw out reindeer food but Maddox was already asleep from not feeling well.

Santa came!!

Despite the sickness....we had a very special and blessed Christmas Eve. I have an amazing family and I love getting to spend time with each and every one of them!!

I am so thankful for Christmas and the reason we celebrate. God truly sent us the best gift we could ever have!

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Halloween 2014

2014-11-11T19:37:00.001-08:00

Well...it finally happened! Mom got out ruled on the costume choices this year. My reign of choosing for them is over! :(

Having said that....I loved their choices!!! Not because I love Captain America or Ninja Turtles but because they LOVED their costumes and they truly display the phase of life we are in!

Ryder was in character ALL night!!!!!

We snapped a few pics before leaving the house.

Leonardo!!!!

Cutest Captain America I've ever seen.

We stopped by my Mawmaws church for a little trunk or treating.

Loading the bag.

Nanas house!!

Ryder was over pictures!

Mawmaws house!!

After we left there we headed to a neighborhood and trick or treated with friends. We got about 7 houses in before the bottom fell out of a thunderstorm....completely cutting us off from our treating! But the boys had LOTS of candy by that point so we achieved what we set out to do!!

Élan and Beckham !

Élan convinced Ryder to play Barbies!

Backing up to Wednesday before Halloween..Ryder's party at school.

I love the fishing game!!

When I was going thru the pics on my phone... I started cracking up when I saw this on and immediately sent it to Chris. Ryder's hand!!! Oh my goodness....it's starting way too early!!! Haha! And his look on his face is priceless!

Maddox's class party.... The kids are doing Yoga. Sounds festive to me! Lol!

Nothing like chauffeuring around Leo!!!

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Red Wolf Farm Pumpkin Patch!

2014-11-05T21:11:00.001-08:00

On October 19th...we visited Red Wolf Farm... One of my favorite Pumpkin Patches!

Taking the tractor ride up to the patch! I love that Ryder wanted to hold my hand.

Greeted by Red Wolf himself!!

Inflatable fun!!

They even had a carnival slide this year!

These tractors only half work but the boys get so excited about them anyway!

I think the corn barrels are def their favorite!

Filling up their shoes!

Fastest slide ever!

I picked the cutest pumpkin in the patch!

Actually I picked the two cutest pumpkins in the patch!

Heading back with their pumpkins!

They wanted to paint them when we got home.

So they did....and I call that another perfect Fall day with my favorite people!!

Happy Fall Y'all!!

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Fall Night on the Patio!

2014-11-02T17:33:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things about Fall is building a fire in the fire pit and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and hanging out on the patio with my favorite people!!!

Saturday October 18th we did just that!

We even carved pumpkins!!!

This is what Maddox thinks about sticking his hand in the pumpkin!

And Ryder didn't mind at all!!!

Seriously.....the hottest pumpkin carver ever!!!!

He did love carving!!!

The finished product!!

Roasting marshmallows!!!

S'mores!!!!!

We also broke out in a little dance party!! Perfect night!!

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Frozen and Fall

2014-10-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

Saturday we celebrated at the cutest birthday party!!!! Miss Elynd turned four and had a frozen party! Keleigh is so talented at throwing birthday parties! No detail goes undone!! Ryder kept saying... It looks so cool in here!! You know it was good if it made an impression on a 3 year old boy!!

Sweet Elynd getting ready to blow out her candles!!

One of the food tables

The tree!!!!

My boys got really sugared up!!!

And covered in blue icing!

Piñata time!!

Maddox knocked a good hole in it!

Hey boys... Grab the chocolate for Mommy!!!

Do you wanna build a snowman..... or do you want to just eat all his parts??

Elynd got some makeup and stopped in the middle of opening her gifts to go ahead and put some on....too cute!!!

A Queen and 2 Princes!! The boys love Miss Elynd and had a blast at her party!

After the party the boys had to work some of the sugar off so we stopped by the pumpkin patch! I got a few pics before my phone went dead.

He was almost too scared to go down the slide... I had to convince him that he has been going down tht slide since he was a baby. Going backwards but I totally get it!!! The older I get the more I'm a chicken.

Swinging in sync!

Tire mountain!

A rare shot of Ryder.... He's looking and smiling! Love that sweet smile!!

Brothers putting corn on each other.

It wouldn't be Fall without a few trips down the Sworm!!!

Ryder would only go down if I put my hand in!!

Growing!!!!

I'm sure this one is not very acurate!!! Legs are not together!

My 4 ft 5 year old!!!

Another slide!!

The boys did not want to leave... They love playing at the Pumpkin Patch!!

We came home and settled in to watch Auburn and South Carolina. Chris left early that morning to meet a friend and they went to the game. I was so excited for him to have a little guy get away. He had a great time catching up with childhood friends and being in Auburn. We were just bummed our Gamecocks lost!! I made cinnamon bun muffins and used pumpkin in place of the oil and eggs!!! They are delish!!

Today was church and since Daddy was away... Me and the boys ate Mexican!!!! Chris is not a Mexican fan so we took advantage of eating it since he was not with us. The boys wanted to sit beside each other and they made a huge mess... I couldn't keep up! We were excited for Chris to get home to finish watching the Panthers game with us.... Another loss!!! We enjoyed a lazy Sunday evening at home!!

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Maddox's First Field Trip

2014-10-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

On September 25th.... Maddox took his first field trip!! It was to Carrigan Farms in Mooresville. I was so excited to be able to join him. The first few weeks of Kindergarten were a hug adjustment for our whole family.... So I was so excited to see how Maddox interacted with his new friends. I also got to check in with his teacher and she was very complimentary of Maddos and how he is progressing beautifully. I was so excited to hear that!!

They got a lesson about honey bees

Took a wagon ride to the apple orchard.

Smelled some pigs!!

Tried to hide in the corn field...(which made me nervous)

Fed some goats

Maddox was so fortunate to have a little friend in his class who he has been with since 2 year old preschool class. Sweet Campbell

Picking some apples... Maddox loved it!!

Heading to get some apple cider

Lunch time!!

One of Maddox's new friends... Hayden

We were finished with the trip after lunch so I was able o check Maddox out and take him home with me. I'm excited to be apart of many more field trips!!!

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Anniversary Trip to the Dominican Republic!!!

2014-09-28T20:37:00.001-07:00

September 13th at 6:00 am we drove to Charlotte Douglas, hopped on a plane and flew to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was time to start our week long celebration of our 15 year anniversary!!

We arrived in the Dominican around 11:00 ! The airport there was very interesting....mostly open air.

We were honored to be celebrating alongside with our good friend the Travis's... They were celebrating their 20 th anniversary.

We got a taxi and headed to Dreams Resort where we would be spending the next 6 nights!!!

And it was very dreamy!!

We had a swim out room so this piece of property right here was ours for the week!! Just a few steps from our room to the 400 meter long pool!

Flamingos just hang out on the resort!

This is the only pic from the first night.... A room selfie.

The second night at dinner. We had the hibachi grill!

The first few days we did nothing but RELAX.... And it was amazing!!!!!!

The boys making fun of us girls.... Posing for pics before dinner.

We definitely do it better than them!!

On this night we ate at a French restraunt on the resort and it was an amazing atmosphere.... The beach was our view and the weather was absolutely perfect for our outside seating. It did start to rain right as we finished dessert... Perfect timing!

My love!!

Just a little sample of what some of the food looked like!!!! This steak was so good!!

Tuesday we headed out for an excursion. We went zip lining! It was lots of fun and the views were breathtaking!

Getting ready to get harnessed up!!

There goes Chris!!!

One of the lines was 800 meters long.... It was awesome!

Comin in!!! Watch out!!

Brent and Kim

This made me think of cruising.... We had a towel animal on the back of our toilet.

Another room selfie!

This night we ate seafood! It was also fabulous!!

Brent refuses to smile too big.

The seafood restraunt was at the same place the French restraunt was at. They just alternate nights. So we had another night eating outside in an awesome atmosphere!!

This chair makes him look little!

Wednesday morning we had booked a boogie excursion. Unfortunately Brent woke up sick and couldn't go so Chris and I went solo. We missed our friends but we did have a very fun time!

We had no idea there would be an option for a photo shoot on this excursion. I was totally unprepared with my appearance but I love how fun the pics turned out! We drove our boogies to this beach and then they took the pics..... Thank goodness I wasn't muddy yet.

I wasn't afraid to get a little dirty!!

It started raining after we left the beach which made the second half of our trip very muddy!!!

We rinsed off by jumping in this water in the cave!

I loved this tree on the resort... I hate I didn't get it all in the pic.

On the resort

Heading to breakfast!

Thursday morning....Kim and I had a date with the spa.... And it was Devine!!!! The amenities we were able to use was almost as good as the 80 minute hot stone massage. I've never had a true spa experience so this was my first and I'm in LOVE!

I could have stayed in here all day!

Yes please!

Meanwhile back at the room.... The boys are living a pretty rough life. I mean.... It's tough having nothing to do but eat and relax in the pool all day!

Believe it or not we didn't spend a lot of time on the beach at the resort. We just really loved floating around in the pool... We just stayed there most of the week. But I did capture a pic of the beach.

We just about missed our chance with the beach photos... It was really kind of dark.

Last night at dinner.

Getting ready to leave.

Somebody's going to have to drag us out of here!

Goodbye birds who hang out at the bar!

And flamingos.... It was fun!!!

But at the end of the week..... I can really deep down be super excited to leave because I have two precious little faces waiting for me to get home and I absolutely could not wait to see them. This Mommy was getting homesick missing those little boys and the fifteen minute hug I got from them when I walked thru door was priceless!

But I did love all my quality time with Chris.... That was priceless also.

I'm so thankful to my family who watched the boys for us so that we could have this time away.

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Ryder's First Day of 3 Year Preschool!!

2014-09-03T19:08:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my baby is in his second year of preschool!!

He is growing up way too fast!!

Ryder ... You are one funny little boy! You are sweet, whiny, hilarious, shy, independent, needy, playing nonstop, cuddly, polite, talkative, cute as a button and All Boy!!! Seriously!!!

On Sunday we had orientation and your teachers gave you this sweet treat!!

You were so excited to have your picture taken which was surprising!!!

So handsome!!

Breakfast with brother!!!

Your first day went great.... You didn't miss a beat from being away all summer!

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Maddox's First Day of Kindergarten

2014-08-20T21:04:00.001-07:00

The night before Kindergarten......We were brushing our teeth and Maddox said, " i can't believe I'm going to be in Kindergarten tomorrow." It was too sweet!

He was all smiles and so excited. It almost felt like Christmas Eve... For him... Not me...the emotions were starting to set in for this Mama!

I wanted to get crafty and have a cool back to school tablescape but it was an after thought...so a chalkboard, subway art and the Higher Education monster truck was all I rounded up.

My pinterest idea... A little something something for his teachers. They actually seemed really excited to receive them.... Everyone loves Sharpies!!

He looked so cute in his uniform!

Mama got camera happy!!!

I should have got one with Ryder but I was running late... Imagine that!

Going into school

But first I need a pic with my Kindergartener!

"Ok Mom...I'm ready to go"

Now this is the face of a confident and eager little boy who is ready to start his school journey!!

He had a great day!

And I only cried ~~a lot~~ a little!

It's hard to believe this time has already come but I truly am excited to see this little guy grow and learn! But he will always be my baby!!

I did get a pic of the brothers... Not the best but it will do!!

Have a blessed week!!!!

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Losing Teeth and Starting Kindergarten!!

2014-08-20T19:36:00.001-07:00

On Sunday.... I was doing my typical Sunday picture of the boys when Maddox randomly sticks his fingers in his mouth and pulls out his second tooth! It was too funny! He lost his first tooth about 3 weeks prior. I had no idea they would start coming out with him just barely being 5! Slow down!

He was so excited!!!

Hope this doesn't gross anyone out!

The new smile after losing the tooth!

Sweet Brothers!

On Monday The tooth fairy Money Maddox got was burning a hole in his pocket. He begged me to go to tractor supply to get a tractor. Toy tractor that is.

Notice this was our first stop

And here is our second stop....hmmmm....something looks funny...well yes, my child has his pants on backwards! How could I just be seeing this...I need to be a little more observant!

Next stop... Wal-Mart.... We ate lunch at Subway while we were there....I savored this moment as I was thinking this was our last random lunch date before Maddox starts school. Only days off school and summer vacations from here on out.

Today was Maddox's first day of Kindergarten... That post up next!!

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Maddox and Ryder’s SC Gamecock Baseball Party!!!

2014-07-06T09:29:00.001-07:00

On June 14th 2014….I threw the boys a joint birthday party.

This years party was a South Carolina Gamecocks Baseball theme. Mainly because….they love baseball and they love the Gamecocks….so why not! I wanted this party to be cheap, painless, and super simple…..and that is was! We left for our cruise 15 hours after the party was over so my mind was a bit all over the place that week with trying to prepare for everything. I am a procrastinator and I get overwhelmed easily so you can imagine!!

But the boys had a blast and so did all their friends so….winning!!!

The goody table!!

The cake turned out super cute…I just wish Ryder’s name was on the front too….it was on the back.

My “can do anything” Mom made these cute Oreo Pops!!! I love how they turned out!!

Baby Ruth and SC Gamecock mints!!!

Cracker Jacks!!!

The Big League chew was a hit!!! All the kiddos were excited to grab their pack!!

All the guest signed their baseball!!

Pop Corn!! My plan was to already have the bags filled and sitting on the table but the bags were huge and I didn’t have enough popcorn to fill them or enough space to set them out on the table. So in the bucket it went!! Help yourself!!

Personalized waters.

Close up of the cake!

Ryder’s name on the back! Thank goodness he’s too young to notice his name wasn’t showing while the cake was displayed on the table!

My dear friend Andrea!!!

Our Gamecock Loving Family!!!

Maddox and his buddy Harrison!!

Ready to play ball!!

Mom and cousin Diana hanging the pinata!

It’s Taylor!!!

Andrea and sweet Annabelle

Elan!

Willow and Maddox

Kali!!

Some Moms and girls staying cool in the dug out!

Ryder’s preschool girlfriend….she is too cute!!

My heart sister Holly and sweet Jaydan and my nephew Caine!!

After everyone arrived we started playing some games. The one above, the kids were in 2 teams and raced down to the bats and had to put their forehead on it and go around in a circle 5 times and then run back…it was too cute!!

Baseball limbo!!

I think Cross was the best at this game!!

Ryder’s friend from church and MMO…Easton!

Hudson is such a cutie!!!

The hotter it gets…the better the dug out looks!!

These 2 are so beautiful inside and out!!!

Liam enjoying his Oreo Pop!

Annabelle and Shep

Hotdog time!!

Zayne and Denise

My beautiful Sissy!

My beautiful Mommy!!

Cousin Chloe

Cousin Kadence

Mawmaw Jean

Cousin Keleey

My sister at heart!!!

Ryder being shy around Anslee!

He went from being shy to giving her a kiss. Everyone was watching…too cute!!

Maddox blowing out his candles

Singing Happy Birthday to Ryder!

Ryder sure knows how to cut those eyes….he’s still cute though!

Maddox loved every minute of his party!! One happy kid!!

His preschool friend Campbell! They will also be in Kindergarten together!!

Ryder’s smiling!!! Little Laura was trying to play with him earlier during the party and Ryder was not wanting her to play with him. I said “Ryder, she just wants to play with you”, He responded, “but I not a toy”! LOL! Cracked me up!!

Pinata time!! We made about 2 rounds of all the kids swinging before it finally started to bust….that was one tough pinata!!

Candy scavengers!!

They got the memo!!!

Gift time!!

Cross and Jaydan made the boys cards and they were so sweet!!

Krista will always be a very special friend…and being cousins is just a bonus!!

Sister Sister!!! Love her so!!

It was a super fun party and I absolutely can not believe that my boys are 3 and 5!!! I have to say every stage just keeps getting funner but I sure do miss lots of things about them being younger. God knew what he was doing when he created the stages of growth….better yet the stages of life!! I just want to soak up all I can!! Loving and Living Life in the Moment!! Happy Birthday my sweet boys!! I love you to the moon and back!!!

Carrigan’s Go Cruising!!

2014-06-23T19:08:00.001-07:00

Warning….this is super long!!!

I’m sure if you know me personally or have followed my blog for any length of time…you all know too well that I LOVE CRUISES!! So about a month ago…we found a great deal on a cruise and decided to make it our family vacation. I had already planned to take off work the week of the boys birthdays so we decided not to tell them where we were going and made it their BIG Birthday Surprise!!

We had their party on Saturday morning, and left out about 3 am Sunday morning. The boys didn’t go to bed until about 12 so they were good and tired when we picked them up out of bed and put them in the car….back to sleep they went. They slept until 7 and 8 that morning! We arrived at Port Canaveral around 11:30. Easy Peasy driving down….the ride home…not so much!!!

On Saturday I went to Walmart and dug into the $5 movie bin looking for this jewel.. Good ole Sandlot!! It helped pass almost 2 hours of the ride!!

Let the overview begin!!!!

Day 1….Traveling, Boarding and Settling In!!

Sunday was also Father’s Day! We sang to Chris several times that day! I am so thankful and blessed to call him my Baby’s Daddy!! We couldn’t ask for more. He exemplifies a GREAT FATHER in every way!! He is the spiritual head of our house and truly guides with God’s guidance. He prays over us every morning and every night. I’m sure he is interceding during the day too. WE are so blessed to have this amazing man leading our family!! He deserves to be celebrated every day!

We passed our passion for the 24 hour ice cream machine on to our kids very quickly!!! We put down at least 2 a day!!

Daddy and his chaps before setting sail!!!

The boys LOVED the putt putt course!!

Maddox is a good little putt putter!

Ryder admiring the Disney ship!!

Let the eating begin!!! I really ate so much I was miserable from day 2 on!!!

The first night at dinner! Thank goodness it was just our family at a table. Ryder did better than I thought but it was still a little challenging. After the second night we took them to camp carnival and Chris and I had date nights!!

Handsome Dinner Date!!

My little stud muffin!!

Little Cutie and Big Cutie!!

One of the highlights of their cruise…coming back to the room and seeing what kind of animal they had on the bed!!

In the elevator!!

This face cracks me up….what is even funnier is he is not really playing the game….just pretending!

Ryder….you are cute as can be on a motorcycle but I pray to God you never get one!!!

The simulator was their favorite arcade attraction!!

Day 2….Day at Sea

The next day…Monday, was Ryder’s birthday!!! I woke him up jumping like a crazy woman on the bed and singing to him. He cracked me up when he started saying “calm down”. Too cute coming from a freshly turned 3 year old!

We packed a small present for him to open on his special day! He was so excited!!

Ryder doesn’t like his pic taken so I have told him he doesn’t have to smile at the camera but I just want to see his eyes….so this is what I get! Hey, I’ll take it!! At least I can see those beautiful blue eyes and that sweet face!!

It’s day 2 and we are starting it off right….more ice cream!!! Birthday Boy was allowed all he wanted!

Sweet brothers!! They really get along great most of the time!! Makes this Mama heart happy!!

Believe it or not…out of all my cruises…I don’t think I have ever got in the pools on the ship. I’m just not a fan of them. But this year was different…when your 3 year old birthday boy says that’s what he wants to do…you put on your suit and get in! I smiled the whole time….I love this age that my boys still cling to me like a leech in the water. It was over their heads and they had no floaties….so I was their security…and I loved every second!

The second night was formal night! So we got cleaned up, put on our best (that we brought) and headed to dinner!!

Handsome boy/man !!!

My little 3 year old! I can’t believe he’s 3!!!!

The waiters came out and sang to Ryder!!

They put this napkin on his head and he did not like it one bit! He started cutting his eyes!! It was hilarious….everyone around us was laughing!!

He jerked the hat off and was happy to blow out his 3 candle!!

Loving the Loving!!

Unfortunately we didn’t’ get a professional pic of us….but a sweet fellow passenger offered to take a pic of us and I think the background couldn’t be more perfect! Not to mention I didn’t have to pay $22 for an 8x10…Win Win!!

Towel animals of the night!!

Change of clothes and they are ready to hit the arcade!

Focused!!!

Mommy and Daddy Selfie!!

Ryder chose to spend all his birthday arcade money on the simulator!!

Day 3…Half Moon Cay!!

On Tuesday we were at Half Moon Cay. I love that place!! A beautiful beach on Carnivals private island….yes and yes!!!!

We had to take a tender boat to the island….the boys thought that was pretty cool!

They had this little water slide on the island and the boys loved it!! By the time we left they were all but flipping down the slide!

I mean….why can’t NC beach water look like this???

Lots of fun playing in the water!!

Sand Play!

There was such a long line to get on the tender boat so we just stayed on the beach. We were the last ones left on the beach and it was GREAT!!

Family Shot!!

We took the kids to Camp Carnival and Chris and I had a date night…we realized that was the first dinner on a cruise with just the two of us in forever. And for the first time in forever….no pic of it.

When we went to pick up the kids….this is what we found!!! It was too cute! They have never had their faces painted before. It was jungle night at camp carnival!!

Good night tigers!!! (Why could they not have painted a Gamecock face??)

Day 4….Nassau

Happy Birthday Maddox!!!!

Wednesday was Maddox’s birthday!! I woke him up singing and bouncing on the bed and he started whining!! lol! must have been my singing!! Since Ryder got a present…he woke up anxious to get his!! So he opened his present and we sang to him!!! How is he possibly 5???

You won’t ice cream for breakfast??? Well of course!!!

We wanted to keep our excursions simple so in Nassau we took a taxi to Paradise Island and went to Cabbage beach. It was beautiful!!!

It is such a blessing when a by passer ask you if you’d like a pic with everyone in it!!!

In the taxi headed to the beach with the birthday boy!!

Ryder said, “this driving is tearing up my nerves”! Lol! We busted!!

Come to Daddy!!

Hey there Cutie!!

My sunglasses gives away who the photographer is!!

Playing their hearts out in the crystal clear water!!

And we worked up an appetite for more ice cream!!

Did I mention we ate A Lot!!

Heading to camp carnival!! Chris and I had another date night!!

We had our own fun while they were having theirs!!

The monkey is my favorite!!! Maddox and I ended the night going to the candy shop and letting him pick out his special birthday candy and playing in the arcade!! We also was entertained by watching half the people on the boat at the dance party on the deck! I tried to teach Maddox some dances but he wasn’t feeling it! Happy Birthday my sweet Maddox!!

Day 4… Freeport

Once again our plans for Freeport was to go to another beach. We got off the ship and found a taxi to a recommended beach.

They thought they were hot stuff not having to buckle up or ride in a car seat.

Well hey there good looking!!

Okay…couldn’t decide which pic to post!!

Another sweet bystander took our pic…after seeing me struggle to try and prop my camera and set my timer!!

I mean…he looks like 5 going on 15!!

Whewww….this is better….the toy is a reminder he is still a little boy! He asked for his pic to be taken with Hulk.

Relaxing in the room with Daddy!!

Getting ready to set sail from Freeport!!

Our view from the Lido deck!!

Heading to Camp Carnival! They were so excited to go there every night!

We decided to skip the dining room the last night. That is rare for us. We LOVE the dining room….but we had a late lunch and I could not possibly put another bite of food in my mouth….I was in pop mode!! So we headed to the Serenity Deck for adults only and relaxed in a hammock…it was perfection!!

After a couple hours of just hanging out and relaxing around the boat…we went and reserved our spots for the Family Night Movie…..FROZEN. As if we haven’t watched it everyday since Easter!! The boys were glued to it as is it was their first time seeing it!!

Chris went and got the boys and we were cozy with popcorn for the next hour and a half!

Chris got a little too cozy!!

My little cuddler!

Our last night…..how sad! I sure do miss having my room tidied up twice a day….and chocolate on my pillow…and those cute little towel animals!!

This little dude was out in a minute!!!

Our last breakfast as we wait to get off the ship!

It was an awesome vacation!!! We are definitely a fan of going on a cruise for our family vacation!! The boys are already asking to go back!! I am so thankful to God for my family and this precious time that we got to spend together making sweet Memories!!!

Mother’s Day 2014

2014-05-11T21:06:00.001-07:00

Today was a great Mother’s Day!! Everyday is great with these kiddos!! I am so blessed to be their Mom!

Kisses after church!

I can’t even stand the cuteness!!!!!

I spent most of the day cleaning up the house and getting things ready for my family to come over. But it was all worth it…I love hosting and I love being with family!

Cousin Willow

We have a Mother’s Day tradition of getting together with the Harrison’s. The kids are at such a fun age and they play together so great!! I was so entertained by just watching them play and interact.

Little Laura tickling Maddox

Little Laura putting Ryder’s shoes on.

Maddox’s Baseball pose!

The boys grilling!!! Nathan is the BEST griller!!

I posted this pic because of the photo bomb in the back behind the Gator. lol!

Little Laura is the best helper!

Maddox and Harrison are 6 weeks apart in age. They only see each other a few times a year but it only takes them a minute of being around each other and they are the best of buds!

The kids requested to watch Frozen. I love how they piled up on the couch together. So sweet!

We grilled steaks…..yum! The kiddos table!

I loved this sweet moment between my Dad and Stella. They were in their own little world.

Blowing Bubbles!

Chris has the company Gator for the weekend so he took the boys for a little ride!

The best Mommy ever!

She’s seriously the BEST!

Ryder knocked out before everyone had left. I am one thankful Mommy!!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Backing Up….To My Birthday!!!

2014-04-07T21:01:00.001-07:00

It has been almost a month since my birthday but I wanted to make sure I recorded my special day!

Two extra special blessings that make my day so special. Every year I have with these boys is pure JOY and I pray God gives me at least 50-60 more!!

The Saturday before my birthday the hubby had arranged a night out to eat with some friends. Of course he let me pick where I wanted to eat. I love some Olive Garden…so that is where I chose!!

A funny story that happened right after this pic was taken. Ryder decided to pull his pants down if front of God and the 50 people waiting outside…and all the people that happen to have been looking out the window at Ruby Tuesday….and take a wiz…..yes he did. Oh my before we even knew it was happening the 50 people waiting outside was all turned around looking our way chuckling and saying “bless his heart”! lol! At that point we just had to let him finish and then have the talk with him about apropriate places that is OK to drop em!

Three special friends!!! Love these girls to pieces!!

Our Men!!! They are all special too!!

I LOVE breakfast foods so I called my Mawmaw to see if she would like to go to Cracker Barrel with me. Had to start the day out right! But Laura started my day out GREAT! She greeted me with Stella and Starbucks in hand! Sweet baby loving and some good coffee….my Mawmaw and Cracker Barrel….yes my morning was going fabulous!

We dropped the boys off at school. It may have gotten a little crazy if I had tried to take them out to eat too.

Spending time with Mawmaw and Stella….was pure JOY!! I may have spoiled Stella a little by giving her some CB gravy!! She was gobbling it up!!

After picking the boys up from school…we headed home to spend the afternoon. It was a GORGEOUS Day!!! Mid 70’s and a beautiful Carolina Blue sky!! We played outside for most of the day. Ryder cracked me up….I told him to go inside and change out of his good clothes and to put on some play clothes. He came out in his boots…grey skinny jeans that were on backwards and a halloween shirt…that was also backwards but he had already fixed it when I took this pic!! lol!! He is one funny kid!!

We relaxed a little before Maddox’s tee ball practice! Ryder photo bombed this one!!!

Tee Ball Practice!!! I can’t wait for his first game of the season on Saturday!!

After his practice…I got to choose supper too!! Lucky me!! I love Mexican…Chris does not. But he was willing to eat it….just for me! He’s a sweetheart!!!

I LOVE this man! He makes everyday special!!

When we got home…Chris had me a cake….that he and Maddox apologized for….they said it was ugly. But I think it is PERFECT! Hey…any cake is perfect for me!!! Nom Nom!

My birthday gift!! I love this thing. I honestly where it everyday!! I’m hooked!!

I know I am another year older….and I would like to pause time….but the truth is…I am just happy to be alive and healthy and living a blessed life! I have so many promises here on this earth and I plan on living them to the fullest. Though we may go thru tough times here on this earth…God created us to live an abundant life thru him….and that is my plan!! Thank You God for another year!!

Scooby Doo and Chris’s Birthday!

2014-03-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

Wow…I never intended to take a month off from blogging. For some reason it is getting harder and harder to keep up this little space of mine. But…unlike other times that I have been lacking in post….this time I have a better plan to help myself stay more current. It is important to me to record as much of my kids growing up as I can. This is the only scrapbook I’ve got going right now….and I am missing out on recording way to much!!

We have had a laid back weekend! We celebrated my sweet Hubby’s 37th Birthday yesterday!! It was rainy here most of the day so it made us super lazy so we just relaxed. Chris enjoyed many naps! Hey….when it’s your birthday…you have the right to take all the naps you want to!!

Today was Suzy Sunday at our church. A very special lady in my church is battling ALS. She was able to attend service this morning and to show our support the congregation all wore black and green. They actually sold special t-shirts but they sold out so fast we didn’t get ours in time…so we just went with the colors. It was an awesome service! Pastor Mike taught on Faith and how to stay strong when our prayers don’t always get answered when and the way we want them to….and when we need healing….our Faith needs to stay strong no matter what we are seeing in the carnal….we can’t go into “faith fail”. That is when the enemy can come in and steal our HOPE! It was a great word…right in season! My faith that Mrs. Suzy will and can be healed of ALS is strong and firm…no wavering!! Our GOD IS ABLE!!!

My boys have gone into a Scooby Doo craze!!! Ryder stays dressed in the costume most of the time when we are home. We are currently watching back to back episodes on DVD as I type this now…and last night at Hobby Lobby…the boys left with their very own Scooby Doo….Beany Baby!!! lol!! That they wanted to use their own money to buy! Oh…and also they fight over the Scooby Doo monster truck that was found at Target last week. I so wish they would have had two!! I love these little phases that they go thru!!

I know I’m skipping around on our weekend but here are some pics from Chris’s birthday. We met up with our special friends Keleigh, Chase and Elynd at Texas Roadhouse.

I love how these 3 play together so well!! I’m pretty sure if Elynd doesn’t marry one of my boys she is going to have 2 VERY protective “brothers” looking out for her.

My handsome hubby! He just keeps getting hotter with age!!! I am so thankful for him! His 36th year has been super hard so I am praying that 37 is a wonderful year for him…..he deserves it.

I love that in these couple pictures we have kids that the kids in the picture both look like they are at the point of meltdown! Lol! Ryder’s head is on the table and sweet Elynd who loves to get her pic taken was over it!!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!!!

2014-02-23T19:49:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday Feb 12th…. it started to snow!

And our family could not have been more excited!

Maddox and Ryder was so excited….when it started they went running around in the back yard!….In a Superman costume of course!

Watching it from the window!

I made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast!

Mid day…we had enough to go sledding!!

The boys LOVED sledding!

I wish I could just bottle up Maddox’s excitement playing in the snow! He giggled the whole time!!

Snow Angel!!!

My first snow angel….I honestly don’t ever remember doing one before!

Our traditional snow picture….I’m pretty sure this will be the last year Chris can throw him up in the air!

After we came in…it started sleeting and the 8-10 inches of snow they were calling for was starting to seem slim. We were SO disappointed…we only had about 3 inches and the sleet was beating that down to nothing.

But on Thursday morning…I woke up to the most beautiful sight! Huge snowflakes pouring down outside my window. I excitedly woke Chris up! We are like kids when it comes to snow! It snowed heavy for the next few hours and we ended up with our 10+ inches!! My boys had never seen snow like this.

I made liver mush casserole and blueberry cream cheese stuffed french toast. Mom and Dad came over and ate with us. It was the perfect morning!!!

The view from my bedroom window!

Yummy Potato Soup for supper!

We set the bowl out to try and get some snow for snow cream!

Ryder is almost waste deep in snow! He didn’t love walking in it!

That night we did some Super Fun sledding….my cousins have the longest driveway and it is a great hill. The conditions have to be just right to sled on it and for the first time in 10 years….it was. The boys LOVED it….it feels like a roller coaster ride…with a lot less control! We had to bail out a few times to keep from going in the creek at the bottom! Fun times!

Now that we have had our big snow…I have SPRING FEVER!!!! Hurry up Spring!!

Thank you God for this beautiful snow and the extra time it gave me to spend with my family!!

Valentines Day 2014

2014-02-14T22:52:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all the snow….I got to spend most of the day with two of my Valentines!!

Maddox was so excited about Valentines Day this year! He knew that he was getting a surprise and that we were going to make a Valentine cookie. When he woke up he said “Today is a Special Day” and then he told me he had something for me….and proceeded to give me a big ole kiss!!! He sure has been a little sweetheart lately!

The boys opened their goody bags and then I made per Maddox’s request….chocolate chip pancakes!

Ryder was so cute….he said, “oh my goodness, Spider Man underwear” . I love that he gets excited over little things like underwear.

I told the boys that they should make it their goal for the day to be super sweet to each other. It wasn’t long after that I caught this sweet pic of them playing with their football guys. They were getting along and playing so sweet!

I went into work after lunch for a few hours but before I left the boys made their big Valentine cookie!

and showed off their heart mask….that they loved b/c they turned into superhero's when they put them on!

Don’t laugh at the tie and how it’s tied….Daddy wasn’t home and Mama couldn’t figure out how to tie it! lol!

My First Valentine!! I Love him so much!! We exchanged cards before he went into work. We were laughing b/c we both got each other a massage. Great minds think alike! Ignore the mountain of laundry behind him….that’s what happens when you play out in the snow for two days!

Ryder consumed way too much chocolate….every time I turned around he was begging for another piece.

Kisses for Mommy when I got home from work! Two sweet Valentines!!! I’m so blessed to call them mine!!

I picked up House of Pizza for our Valentine dinner and we had a relaxing evening at home!! Doesn’t get better than that!!

Hope everyone had a Super Sweet Valentines Day!!!

Play Date at Discovery Place Kids!

2014-02-05T19:58:00.001-08:00

Today we had a play date with Bonnie, Liam and Kali at Discovery Place Kids. We stopped by a real fire dept on the way to visit Bonnies brother in law and so the kids could explore all the fire trucks and boat!

A quick lunch at Bojangles and then the next 3 hours the kids played and explored their little hearts out!

Bonnie at the fake café!

Chef/fireman Maddox

Milking a cow!

They loved the submarine! I think Maddox felt like he was on Octanauts

Theater Play!

Hollaring at the cute girl in the mustang!!

Maddox dressing up like a doggy.

Racing Balls

Water Play

This section was another favorite. They loved working on the car!

Kali looks like a pro!

Business man Ryder

At the airport!

Cute friends!

I think this is a glimpse into the future. I will try not to blink!

Bonnie is such a sweet friend. I always enjoy catching up with her!

Ryder’s favorite area was the water tables….I had to drag him away!

My cuties!!

They wore themselves out!! We treated them to milk shakes at Mickey D’s!!

Fun times!! I love a good play date!!!

Potty Training Weekend!

2014-01-20T21:39:00.001-08:00

We had absolutely no committed plans this weekend! Those are hard to come by! So I thought no better time than to get serious with potty training Ryder!

After a full day at home Saturday….not leaving the house. Ryder had his first day of no accidents!!!

So on Sunday after church, we made a little trip to walmart to claim his prize. We told him on Saturday if his underwear stayed dry all day he could pick out a toy at Walmart. Bribery at its finest!

So on Saturday…our day looked like this! Lots of playing in our pajamas! I’m pretty sure I did about 10 loads of laundry.

Sunday was church! The boys wore their “Carolina Panthers” outfits this Sunday. I had them laid out for Chris to put them on them last Sunday for the big game but Maddox started throwing up that morning and they weren’t able to go to church.

I didn’t take any pics of Ryder pottying on Saturday so I snapped a few in his Sunday best!! lol!

It was such a nice day out we decided to take the boys to a nearby ball field to let them practice ball. There was also a playground and they had a blast playing!

We are going to race!!!

The rest of our evening was spent watching Football!!! I think I will be pulling for the Broncos!

Today was Project Get Chris’s Mom and Dad’s house ready to sell. Chris worked over there all day Saturday and a few hours Sunday. So me and the boys went today so that I could start cleaning it and staging it to get ready to go on the market.

We got out for some fresh air at lunch time! It was gorgeous today!! There was a super nice playground nearby so we took our Bojangles and ate outside and then the boys played.

Then we came back to the house so I could finish up cleaning….I also did some rearranging.

I wish I would have done before pics. Brenda would have loved how I rearranged and placed things. We miss them so much!

After we left, I had promised the boys a treat for being so good over there. They had no tv, and only a handful of toys….they have been playing so well together and I am so thankful!!

This is Ryder on the way home….bless. It took a lot to wake him up once we were home!

I feel like this was a productive weekend! My laundry is caught up, Ryder is Potty Trained and We have made a dent in getting Chris’s parents house ready to sell.

But BEST of all, I had lots of quality time with my family!!!! God is Good!!

Monster Jam and Panthers Weekend

2014-01-15T19:35:00.001-08:00

But before I get started here are a few pics of Maddox and Stella from last Wednesday. She is seriously the cutest and sweetest four month old baby girl!! Maddox loves holding her and is so sweet to her!

She is starting to sit up by herself!!

Maddox feeds her and is even trying to teach her about super heros!!

Saturday we took the boys to the Monster Jam!! We went to the 2:00 show which worked out perfectly since it was super rainy Saturday.

Poor Ryder didn’t feel so great.

We met up with the Ratliff’s at Sammy’s in Belmont to eat lunch and then on to the Monster Jam.

This was Ryder’s first Monster Jam and I think he enjoyed it but with him not feeling so well….he made no facial expressions the whole time we were there. Bless.

Maddox had a blast as usual.

Elynd thought it was a little loud at first but quickly warmed up to it!!

I’m sure Chase and Keleigh had the time of their life!! lol!

Keleigh enjoyed holding Ryder in his “not feeling so well” state. He usually wont sit on a lap that long.

Custest kiddos!

Sunday I scored a ticket to the Panther Playoff game thru Laura.

I was so excited about going to such a big game but I was also really excited about tailgating for the first time ever. Yes, you heard me right…I had never tailgated.

Our freshly cut ribeyes from Harris Teeter marinating…..

After having Nathan and his Dad grill me this ribeye….I am a HUGE fan of tailgating! lol!

Lots of fun photo ops walking to the stadium…

Heading into the stadium

Waiting for the game to start.

Pregame

And that’s all….my battery got drained in 15 min and we LOST……so sad! But it was a blast!

Best of all was spending time with my Sissy……nothing like a good sister date!!!

All of my boys stayed home and cheered them on!!

Poor Maddox woke up throwing up Sunday morning so Chris had his work cut out for him at home…..and because we like to do things as a family….I got sick on Sunday night during the night…..yuck. So I said that to say…I’ve always wondered how in the world I could take care of two little ones while being sick myself. Well… here’s my story of how I did it. God intervened and my boys turned into ANGELS for the day. I layed on the couch all day and they played perfectly together in the living room all day! It was a miracle from God!! They were so good and I was so thankful!!

Such a fun weekend in this somewhat not so fun month of January!!

God is Good!!