Sugar and Spice and Puppy Dog Tails

Holy Superhero Parties, Batman!!!

2009-11-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Haleigh was able to attend a superhero birthday party yesterday for one of her friends. I thought it was such a cute idea and Haleigh loved dressing up and it was so much fun for me because it prolonged Halloween (I just love dressing my kids up). While I was trying to think of a clever title for this post I was searching for Batman one-liners and his motto. I came across some very interesting and funny quotes. I thought I would share a few along with some photos of the cutest bat-girl you ever did see! My batgirl also got her hands on her bat-camera and took some shots of her own, as you'll be able to tell.

Robin: "Holy molars! Am I ever glad I take good care of my teeth!"

Batman: "True. You owe your life to dental hygiene."

Batman to Robin: "When you get a little older, you'll see how easy it is to become lured by the female of the species."

Robin: "Let's go!"

Batman: "Not you, Robin. They have strict licensing laws in this country. A boy of your age is not allowed in a drinking tavern."

Robin: "You can't get away from Batman that easy!"

Batman: "Easily."

Robin: "Easily."

Batman: "Good grammar is essential, Robin."

Robin: "Thank you."

Batman: "You're welcome."

Robin: "Picked up the seal pulsator yet, Batman?"

Batman: "We're still over land, Robin, and a seal is an aquatic, marine mammal."

Robin: "Gosh, yes, Batman, I forgot."

Robin: "Where'd you get a live fish, Batman?"

Batman: "The true crimefighter always carries everything he needs in his utility belt, Robin."

Robin: "If we close our eyes, we can't see anything."

Batman: "A sound observation, Robin."

Batman: "What took you so long, Batgirl?"

Batgirl: "Rush hour traffic, plus all the lights were against me. And you wouldn't want me to speed, would you?"

Robin: "Your good driving habits almost cost us our lives!"

Batman: "Rules are rules, Robin. But you do have a point."

(in Batmobile, on golf course)Robin: "Let's get going and make an emergency bat-turn!"

Batman: "Not this time, old chum. Have to think of the golfers. The retro-rockets would burn up the course for a hundred yards."

Smile, you're on bat-camera

Someone has taken the bat-camera

Bat-Mommy

Bat-Daddy

Bruce Wayne?

Ready for action

Showing her bat-muscles

Fall Photos

2009-11-06T11:59:00.001-08:00

One of my friends in the neighborhood took some photos of the kids a few weeks ago. We thought maybe we would do family photos, but I wasn't feeling it and thought I would rather have photos of my kids than any of myself so we let the kids dress in their costumes for a few and then in orange and black with the pretty fall colors. Amy did a great job and I wanted to post some of the photos that are my favorites. If you are on Facebook you can see all of them when you go to my profile page. Enjoy!!!

I love his eyes in this one!

The same one in black and white, which I love but I hate taking the color out because of his beautiful eyes. Such a hard choice!

One of my favorites!

Another one of my favorites!

Once Trevor got his costume on he went running down this path. Poor Amy had to keep up with him the whole way. He didn't want to hold still. My little running Nemo.

I love this one. I love her face and how cute she looks in the hat and I love that Matt is helping her with her dress.

I love her face in the one. She absolutely loves rolling down the grassy hills at the park.

This one cracks me up! Typical Haleigh and Trevor. Haleigh is laughing and pulling Trevor over and Trevor isn't so happy.

Feelin' the grass with his toes.

I love his face in this one.

He Did It!!!!

2009-11-02T18:00:00.001-08:00

Today, Trevor accomplished something I wasn't sure was going to be possible. But he passed with flying colors. What did he do you ask??

He sat through

AND

with plenty of

there was no

and Mommy was

I'm so proud of you, Trevor! We had a great family outing watching a double feature of Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

Last night was such a fun Halloween. My parents came down to help and spend time with us and I'm so glad they did. I can't imagine answering the door while I'm trying to get dinner ready, get kids dressed in costumes, and go trick-or-treating. Poor Matt had to work and I felt bad that he missed out on all the fun. Trevor was truly a sight to be seen. He absolutely LOVED Halloween this year. It took him one or two doors to figure out what was going on and he was all for candy, candy, and more candy. Some of the doors he would march right up to, pound on, and then yell when the person answered the door. I felt so bad for taking him back home when I did because he was having such a good time, but the weather was getting chilly and it was bed time for little Nemo. After dropping Trevor back at the house, I took Haleigh back out to "hit" some more houses. We had a lot of fun and I could tell when Haleigh was finally wearing down. It was getting cold and she was tired of walking, but thankfully I had brought the stroller that she could stand or sit on when she got tired. What a great year of trick-or-treating and I love the fact that our neighborhood is still safe enough to take the kids around door-to-door and see friends and neighbors while you walk around. I can't wait for next year. Trevor will be heading up the trick-or-treating for sure! My little Silvermist fairy answering the door.

Haleigh as Silvermist

Trevor getting ready to go trick-or-treating.

Trevor as Nemo. (Another of his very favorite characters)

Trevor's New Best Friends

2009-10-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Trevor loves Toy Story. He loves Woody, he loves Buzz. I actually think that Buzz is his favorite character but sometimes it's hard to tell because he smiles so much when he sees Woody too. I love having a child that love Toy Story because I love it too. I love having something that I can count on without a doubt to sooth and calm my child if everything else fails. Some of you know what I'm talking about because I had to totally cater to Trevor's every want and need the other day. He was screaming and crying and I could not find anything that would help. I finally put the kids in the car, went for a drive with Toy Story in hoping to sooth the rabid beast in the back seat. Guess what, it worked. The kid loves Woody and crew. I'm so excited that a new movie is coming out in the summer and it can't come fast enough. Trevor now has a new best friend that we've visited twice at Target. There is a Buzz Lightyear toy that is $129 (yep, you heard me right. And no, I'm not considering buying it, but it's a nice pick-me-up for Trevor during a shopping trip to the store) that looks so real. He moves, he talks and he's just really cute and Trevor seems to think so too. I had to take photos of him and Buzz at the store yesterday because he was so happy when he saw his friend again and he totally breaks down and cries when we have to leave. Too bad there isn't a $150 Woody around the corner, right?

Birthday party, neighborhood party, and trunk or treat

2009-10-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was quite an eventful time. On Friday evening we attended a really cute Halloween birthday party for Harlie Stock. Katie did such a good job with the decorations and food! It was fun just watching how much fun the kids were having. The kids colored trick-or-treat bags and then played games. After the games it was time to eat, open presents, and then enjoy some cake. After cake the kids got to go "trick-or-treating" upstairs. Katie had four different doors that the kids would knock on and someone would give them a treat for their bag. It was so cute and I know Haleigh and Trevor had a great time.

On Saturday we attended the annual neighborhood party that one of our neighbors, Patti, throws every year for the kids. She's so nice to put this together every year and I know Haleigh was really looking forward to going again. Trevor and I only stayed for the first part because it was right during his nap time and he was getting cranky. Trevor actually won 3rd prize for his Yoda costume (thanks for lending it to us Amy!) and Haleigh came home with a prize she had won for one game and a bag full of candy from the pinata. After the neighborhood party we had a couple hours before we had to drive up to the church to get the car ready for the trunk or treat party. Haleigh had such a fun time going around to all the cars and getting more candy in her bag. Trevor was fine just sitting in the car (out of the rain that had decided to settle in on all the trunk-or-treaters) watching Toy Story while we handed out candy, gathered candy, and drank hot chocolate! It was such a great time and I don't think any of the kids cared that it was raining.

Haleigh and Sophie awaiting the trunk-or-treaters in the back of the car

The cars setting up to get ready.

Haleigh, Olivia, and Sophie crammed into the "trunk"

Yoda wants candy.

My baby Yoda in front of the house in his Yoda mobile.

Getting ready to bob for apples at the neighborhood party

One of my favorite photos! Such cuties!

Yoda needs blanket he does.

Getting Yoda-ed up.

Trick or treat from your friendly neighborhood Lowe's man.

The kids waiting in line to go trick or treating at Harlie's birthday party.

Enjoying some yummy birthday cake

Trevor "fixing" all the Halloween decorations.

Making pumpkins. Look at the cute Annie birthday girl. Such a cute costume!

The Halloween birthday party set-up. I loved the fruit "bowls" made out of oranges!

Coloring trick-or-treat bags.

Jasmine and Mr. Lowe's before the birthday party. Looks like he doesn't like hugs, even from a princess.....watch out for that wrench!

Haleigh in last year's costume.....Jasmine.

I wanna be like Daddy!

I Love Halloween

2009-10-24T14:14:00.001-07:00

Not just for the candy, or the spooky decorations but for the absolute fun of dressing my kids up!

I LOVE IT!

More Photos!

2009-10-20T21:28:00.001-07:00

Here are two more photos from our photo session this past Friday. I'm loving the coloring on Haleigh's photo and you can't help but love a teary-eyed Trevor.

Let the Fall Festivites Begin!!

2009-10-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I took Haleigh and Trevor to the scarecrow festival held at Thanksgiving Point. I took them last year and Haleigh had a wonderful time so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go again. Haleigh and Trevor had so much fun with the pony ride and then Haleigh got to spend quite a while on the bouncy houses. I was so very proud of Haleigh going through the Haunted House. I think she went through about four times. I love watching my kids have fun and hopefully next year Trevor will be able to participate a little more. I got their faces painted and we ate out on the grass in the nice warm sun. The weather was perfect and we loved spending time with our friends, Katie and her girls and Emigh and her girls. Thanks for the wonderful day everyone!

Mommy, Haleigh and Trevor getting ready to have some fun at the Scarecrow Festival!!!

Haleigh, Olivia, and Harlie are getting excited!

Haleigh on her pony of choice. She chose this pony because of it's purple bridle.

Haleigh was all smiles!

Mommy and Trevor getting ready to experience the slide.

Weeeeeeee!!!

Haleigh says "weeee, weee, weeee" all the way down!

Trevor trying to hold still the best he can. He got a ghost painted on his forehead.

Haleigh getting her kitty face painted on.

The finished project.

Haleigh playing the chicken toss game.

Tossing Frisbees at Bolt.

Playing in the big pumpkin.

Setting sail with some awful looking pirates. (I'm talking about the skeletons of course....the other ones are adorable!)

One of Haleigh's favorite things. The blow up tunnels.

Sleepy after a hard day of having fun (well, in Trevor's case it was watching the other kids have fun mostly).

Painting Mrs. Pumpkin

2009-10-20T13:17:00.001-07:00

Haleigh painted her Halloween pumpkin last night. She decided on the colors and the face and did such a good job. The paint was a bit runny because she didn't quite dry the brush out when changing colors. She did make it sound like she planned it that way because she told me that this pumpkin was crying. She has chicken pox; hence, the spots. She has a green mouth and a yellow tongue and I think it's adorable! Haleigh told me just the other day that she is going to be an artist when she grows up. She loves painting, drawing, coloring, and working with clay. She may be well on her way to becoming an artist. I'm sure her uncle Jake would approve!

Too Excited!

2009-10-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

One of my friends in the neighborhood took some photos of the kids today to practice and I just saw one of the photos and wanted to share with everyone. It turned out really cute and I'm excited to see the rest of them. Enjoy!

Some Random Favorite Things

2009-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Just today I was watching Trevor eat french fries and I realized that it's absolutely one of my favorite things to watch babies eat french fries, especially my babies. What is it about those chubby little hands grasping a long, thin McDonald's fried potato and sucking all the salt off while gently nibbling the fry away? I just love it. I love looking through the rear-view mirror watching Trevor do this (yes we're french fry car eaters....well, all of us except Matt who thinks I'm crazy. But if you waited to get to our house from the nearest McDonald's, those of you who live here or have visited us here, know that our fries would be crunchy and cold.....blech!)

So, you've probably guessed what my next favorite random thing is. I love my babies in towels after a bath. I love to cuddle them up and put that cute little hood on. I love to get the baby powder and lotion out and if they have colds I also get some Vicks. My kids LOVE to have the lotion rubbed on their legs and arms and especially on their backs because it tickles. It makes me sad that Haleigh usually wants to put the lotion on herself now, but sometimes she still indulges me.

Last random thing for today. I love spending time with my sister. She only lives two hours away but I feel like we never have enough time together. I love the above photos because they show our personalities and how much the kids enjoy each other's company. I think my sister is one of the few I let in to my whole world. She understands and "gets" me and there's nothing more reassuring then talking to her. I love you Kandi!

Fifteen Months

2009-10-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Trevor just had his fifteen month visit this past Friday. I always dread the doctor when my child is older and more aware of his or her surroundings. Sure enough, as soon as Trevor was laid down to measure he felt that crinkly paper and starting tossing and turning and crying. He didn't want to sit on the scale either so the nurse had to weigh me and then zero out the scale so I could hold him and they would be able to see what his weight was. For the most part he was very good at the doctor's office. When the doctor came in he took one look at Trevor and said, "really? 15 months? He's a big kid. I feel like I should be calling him 'sir' ". While I talked to the doctor, Trevor sat down with his blanket and just laid back against our diaper bag. The doctor thought it was so funny that he was so relaxed and laid back while he checked his ears, heart beat, and lungs. Then, of course, it was time for shots, three to be exact but it went quickly and Trevor only cried for a short time. I hate having to hold him down while he looks at me with questioning eyes. Those mean old nurses! So, Trevor weighed in at 27.2 lbs. (75%) his height was 34 3/4 inches (upper 97%) although when I look at those curve charts and see his dots his height dot always looks like it's way above the curved lines but I guess that's where 97% is. I can't imagine still that there are heavier 15 month olds out there. Trevor about breaks my arms as it is! We love you T-Rev and we're so proud of your growth!!

Trevor at 15 months

Trevor at 5 months old.

Trevor in the hospital with Daddy and Haleigh. 1 day old.

Trevor in his Jordan gear and North Carolina basketball at about 2 months.

Trevor at about 1 month.

Splash Park and Farmer's Market

2009-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago Matt and I took the kids to a local farmer's market and then to a splash park that the kids had been to before, but Matt had not seen. The last time I took the kids to the splash park my camera didn't take any photos and I was so upset, so this was my make-up trip. I still didn't get all the photos I had taken.....stupid camera, but at least some of them worked.
The farmer's market was quite small, but we enjoyed looking at the booths and buying some fresh salsa, corn, and green beans. We also ended up with two new additions to the family. Two small little water frogs that Haleigh named Marlin and Dorey (hmmmm, I wonder what movie she has been watching lately).
The kids had a blast at the splash park. Haleigh is a bit timid around the water but gets used to it over time, where Trevor just plows right in and gets wet. He wasn't afraid of the water it was just a bit chilly at times. It was a great day spent with those I love most. After we got home from our day's activities our neighbors, the Poulsens were kind enough to watch the kids while Matt and I went to a Real soccer game. This is the first one that I've seen and the first one we've both seen in the new stadium. It was a lot of fun and it was so nice to have a evening out together.

Haleigh and Trevor enjoying the splash park.

Trevor loves water and playing in it.

Haleigh playing with the "Nemo" fish that squirts water.

Let's get wet!!

Trevor in his street clothes before the water came on.

Tri Again

2009-10-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

This post has been a long time coming but I feel like I just haven't had the time in the day to sit down and post on my blog. After Haleigh had her camp out party I had to gear myself up for another mini Triathlon. This one was shorter than my previous one but I really liked the first one I did and I found that I was a bit addicted to finding another venue to practice my Triathlon skills. The Triathlon was in Murray on Labor day and I was able to do it with a friend (thanks Beth!! ). It's much more fun doing it with someone than by yourself I think. Thanks to my parents for watching Haleigh while I did the race. I think she had a fun time watching her Mommy, but I think she enjoyed the playground a tad bit more. Okay, okay....a WHOLE LOT more. It will come, in time I'm sure. I completed the race in 47:06. I can't really tell you how that compares with my other race because the distances were so different and shorter. The swim was 150 meters, the bike was 4.4 miles (I think), and the run was 1.4 miles (I think). Overall I was a little bit burned out at the end but I felt good and it was a lot of fun. I really want to train better this winter to be in better shape for the spring so I can work on beating the times I've acquired this year. I think next time I'll rent a road bike and see how that improves my race speed. My two biggest adversaries right now are consistency and nutrition. If I can get a hold on those then I'll be a lot better off.

I've included some photos of my first race in Layton that my sister took and then some of my race in Murray. I think I just look like I'm in pain when I run, no matter what. How do people run and not look like that, I'd like to know.

Me as #36 before my first Triathlon.

Swimming a part of my first race by doing the breaststroke.

Transition time

Starting on my run for the first race.

Haleigh watching me do my transition from swim to bike at the Murray race.

Haleigh relaxing at the playground while Mommy runs. Very fair.

Haleigh was so sweet. After I got done with my race she handed me a bouquet of leaves she had collected for my finish. What a gal!

Another shameless plug

2009-09-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided to start selling Avon again and it seems so much easier than it used to be when I sold it in North Carolina. Here is my personal Avon website that you can order from or you can order from me by email or phone call as well.

www.youravon.com/heidiclark

I will be happy to bring you a brochure if you live close so you can look through all the fun stuff.

You Think You're Okay.....

2009-09-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

.....................and that you are dealing well with losing a pet and then this shows up in the mailbox.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining and the thought of the animal hospital taking the time to do something like this was beyond thoughtful. It just brought things back so fresh, so fast. I don't think a day goes by where I don't miss Cinder or I think she is still here. It will take a long time to get used to the fact that she is gone. Haleigh and I have talked a lot about her being gone and where she is now and the happiness I find in knowing she's in a better place and running around like a puppy again makes me feel so much better.
We still miss you, girl but it wouldn't be right if we didn't.

Eight Years

2009-09-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

Has it really been eight years since that terrible day? Matt and I were discussing that it seems like it just happened. I guess those images are so ingrained in our minds and hearts that it seems like yesterday. I remember exactly where I was when I heard what had happened. I was working at the bank in Lenoir, North Carolina as a Teller Coordinator and we had no television. All we had was a little radio that we huddled around to hear what was happening. Of course we heard bits and pieces from customers as they came into the banking center. I remember the somber feelings that seemed to hang in the building like big dark clouds. When I was able to go home, Matt was already home watching television. The photos and video brought it to reality and I remember sitting in silence for hours watching in horror with tears streaming down my cheeks. I remember so many questions going through my mind, so many unanswered questions. I remember the silent skies and the first day when airplanes were again able to fly. The nervousness when I saw my first airplane back in the sky cannot be defined. One moment I remember especially is when congress (I think that's who it was...correct me if I'm wrong....eight years is still a long time for particular memories I suppose) stood on the steps and sang God Bless America. Never in my life have I been more touched by that song. God bless America and God bless those men and women who have sacrificed and do sacrifice everything so that we can enjoy sitting at a computer and typing on a personal blog and many other simple freedoms that some do not enjoy. I love my country and I'm so grateful for those who defend it everyday.

Goodbye to Summer Campout

2009-09-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Haleigh had been begging me all Summer to sleep out in the backyard so we came up with the idea of having a "Goodbye to Summer" camp out party with her and some of her friends. We made little knapsacks (hobo bags) for the invitations. I wish I would have got longer sticks but in the end they were still cute.
We used bandannas (that the girls could wear to the party) for the bags and put the tent-shaped invitations inside along with a flashlight.

The invitations folded out to invite Haleigh's guests to our campsite.

Our tent invitations made out of camping scrapbook paper.

Now all we had to do was deliver the invitations and get ready for the fun party. Many thanks to Beth and Jeff for letting us borrow their tent and DVD player to use for the party. When the girls first showed up we set their sleeping bags in the tent and then everyone came in to make Mud Cakes. I let each girl have a cup and spooned the "mud" (chocolate pudding) into their cup. After the mud was in their cup, each girl received a bag of Oreos to crush up (for the dirt on top of the cake), and last I gave them some gummy worms to put into their mud and dirt. Of course I thought we would be done by then, but then the girls requested sprinkles (because dirt has to be pretty of course) and something to "poke" their worms down into the dirt and mud. Every one's mud cakes pretty much turned into a mixed up mud mess, but they were okay with that. We saved those in the fridge for the girls to take home the next day. After we cleared up the "mud" we got ready to paint pet rocks. I got paint brushes and paint out and each girl got a rock to make into a pet or whatever they wanted. The girls had a good time painting the rocks and the paper that we set the rocks on. By the time we were done painting it was dark enough to have our camp out scavenger hunt. Earlier in the day I had collected some of Haleigh's stuffed animals and put clues on them. We started with one and it gave us a clue to the next animal to find. I threw the stuffed animals out into the back yard all over and the girls ran around with their flashlights to find the correct camp out animal (if Shamu, horses, and alligators count as camp out animals). At the end they all got a prize of glowing necklaces and bracelets to wear in the dark. After our scavenger hunt the girls all went upstairs to brush their teeth and then we headed out to the tent to read not-so-scary ghost stories and to watch a movie. The girls were all tired and didn't last through the whole movie. We ended up turning the DVD player off and going to sleep around 10:30. During the night it started to rain and I worried that the rain would wake up the girls, but they all seemed to sleep through it well. It started raining again between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning and Ashlee woke up and needed to go inside so we got up and went inside which woke everyone else up. I thought we would at least get to sleep a little later, but we made it inside to watch Strawberry Shortcake and eat cold cereal. I had asked the moms what the favorite cold cereal was for a couple of the girls and so each girl got to choose their favorite and even mix them if they wanted. Thanks to everyone for coming. Haleigh had such a great time with all her friends. Thanks to Katie for staying on Friday night and helping with the games and stuff. It helped A LOT!!!!! Now enjoy some photos from the party.

The girls (and Trevor) the next morning playing the scavenger hunt again....they really loved that part of the party.

Trevor eating breakfast with Ashlee and Emily.

The girls doing their butterflies (they all take dance at the same place and this is what they do there apparently) and sitting in a circle to get ready to go on the scavenger hunt.

Early in the morning watching Strawberry Shortcake. Nothing is better than Saturday morning cartoons. (Except maybe sleeping in.....but that's just a Mommy point of view, I'm sure!)

Eating a treat before the big hunt outside.

Painting rocks and the paper.

Mud cake makers.

Smashing the Oreos to make dirt.

Haleigh helping me make the pudding before the girls got there.

Trevor coloring in his Mickey Mouse coloring book while Haleigh and I get ready for the party.

Haleigh helping make the invitations to her camp out party. She cut out flowers to put on the inside of every one's tent invitation.

Breakfast morning choices. Thanks Kara for letting me borrow the cute, cute bowls!

Shameless Plug

2009-09-06T14:45:00.001-07:00

I just started up a blog for Haleigh to keep as a type of journal and to post her drawings and things. Let me know if you would like to be included on the list to check this blog because it's private.
Her blog address is:

http://haleighbugclark.blogspot.com/

Goodbye Old Friend

2009-09-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

I think this has to be the hardest post I have put on my blog so far and I'm not sure if it will do justice to Cinder and her life. After almost 11 years our good friend and companion, Cinder passed away. Ever since Friday we could tell she wasn't doing well and it didn't take long for her to go down hill. I just wish we would have known on Friday so we could have helped her a long the way and not have to have her experience any discomfort. On Sunday I called a local vet to set up arrangements to bring her in on Monday morning to put her down. I HATED the fact that I was making a life choice for another living creature and just prayed that she would be taken when she needed to be. On Monday morning Matt took her outside (he had had to start carrying her outside because she was having such a hard time getting up and walking) and after he brought her in she took a few last breaths and she was gone. I'm glad we all got a chance to say goodbye to her that morning and I'm glad she could go under the most comfortable circumstances (being in her own home around her family). Matt and I were able to be there when she went and it was a very emotional time for us. She was our first baby. We got her right after we were married and so we've hardly known life without Cinder. We could tell our own "Marley and Me" adventures with Cinder. There were so many times that I got so angry at her for chewing up things and destroying things but we stuck it through and came out ahead with a good dog. Cinder destroyed so many things when she was a puppy. She chewed up a whole bottle of Advil, chewed up the handle of a very large knife, chewed up power chords, chewed up most of my journals (that was a tough one), gave one of our good friends a black eye, tore a tree out of the ground (running away from fireworks). She also had her fine points too. She loved orange slushies, frosty paws, her stuffed dog we called "boyfriend", her dog friends that we called "romeo" and "boyfriend" (the would always come to our windows when Cinder was in heat), she chased away cats (even got one run over when she tried to chase it across our street), killed mice, spider, and lizards but wouldn't come close to the roaches in FL (I don't blame her). Cinder LOVED to ride in the car. I don't think there was anything she loved more (maybe chasing squirrels) than taking a long ride in a car; and I mean long. She drove from NC to FL with Matt and did so well. She also drove from FL to UT with Matt in the moving truck when we moved to UT and she was so good the whole way. Every year on her birthday (or as close as we could come) we would take her to McDonald's and get her a hamburger happy meal. Cinder was so protective of me at all times. She was part chow and part lab and they say that chows have one particular person that they will stick with and defend while labs are happy-go-lucky. We always said she had her Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personalities because of her two breeds. Sometimes she was the happy, playful lab and sometimes she was that defensive, ornery chow. When I was sick or sad she was always right by my side. When I was pregnant with Haleigh she would not leave my side. She slept right by my side of the bed and right on the bed next to me if Matt wasn't home. After Haleigh came, Cinder had found a new person to protect. Haleigh and Cinder always had a special connection and could communicate in such cute ways. Cinder was so gentle with Haleigh (which we had never seen) and was always by her side. Haleigh will certainly miss her "Cieooooo". Part of me feels a little guilty because once we had children Cinder didn't get all the "perks" she was used to. We just didn't turn out to be as good of dog parents as we had once been. Hopefully she always knew that we loved her even if she didn't get to go in the car as often or take walks to the dog park.
We will miss you Cinder, a.k.a. Chachki Moobarkinstein, Poochie Moo Moo, Cinder Poo Poo Head, Cinder Pinder Puddin' and Pie, and Cinder P. Hound dog. You will always be with us in our hearts and in the memories we keep alive. Now we'll just have to settle for a doggie guardian angel. We know you are finally chasing all those cats (especially Walter) and squirrels in heaven and I'm hoping you don't have to worry about roaches because I can't imagine those would be heavenly creatures.....who knows! Maybe they do have a higher purpose. We will never forget you and we will love you always.

I've included some of my favorite photos of Cinder. I don't have any puppy ones because I have to scan those in (and actually find them) but I'm sure when I find them I'll have a seperate puppy post. The photo at the top of my blog is one of my favorites and plainly show the love that Cinder and Haleigh shared.

Cinder and Haleigh looking out the window. Something they LOVED to do together.

Cinder loved Daddy too!

Again, looking out the window and waiting for Daddy to come home from work.

One of my very favorites. Best friends.

Watching for Daddy

I think I used this on our Valentines cards we sent out.

Walking on Christmas Day at crecent lake and the dog park.

Giving kisses.

Cinder loved Haleigh and they were always exchanging kisses.

Guess Who

2009-08-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight after I took Trevor out of the tub and was rubbing lotion on his head I started playing with his hair (I can't help it....the boy's got some fun locks). After I was finished I immediately thought of someone from a movie. I'm interested to know if anyone gets this impression. I won't be surprised if no one does because it's much better in person of course and I don't know if the photos do the "do" justice. But, let's find out.
I'll give you a hint......

it's an animated film.

Start guessing!!!

This photo you can't see the hair as much......I just liked the "sinister" *hint* *hint* smile.

Back view

Trevor who?

We Are The (Fast) Tigers.....The Mighty, Mighty (Fast) Tigers

2009-08-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Last night was Haleigh's second soccer game. I know, I know; why don't I have a post about her first game? Well, that day I wish I could do over because I had taken the kids to the splash park and taken lots and lots of cute photos (I'm sure of it) but came home to find out that my camera had no memory card in it, so, no photos! How could I miss this you ask? Well, on our vacation In San Diego we dropped our camera and now the screen doesn't work anymore so you have to point, guesstimate, and click. (Kind of like "olden" days, right?). After putting the memory card in and making sure the batteries were fresh we headed out to Haleigh's very first soccer game (and Matt's too because he's one of the coaches). I opened the diaper bag to get the camera out, and I had no camera to speak of. Wow! Not my day!

So, you get a post about Haleigh's second game because now I can include photos. The kids on the team all came up with the name, Fast Tigers. They didn't want to just be Tigers.....they have to be fast tigers to get that soccer ball I suppose. Apparently the names of The Flowers, The Cheetahs, and the Leopards were ruled out among others. Haleigh's first game can just be described as pure chaos. The second game was a little more subdued and the kids are getting a better idea of what they are doing. Haleigh is still really reserved and tentative. I told her that soccer is cool because it's the only time it's okay to go and push past kids and take something away from them. I think most the kids have cried at least once during a game for one reason or another; losing a shoe, landing hard on the ground, not getting their treat till the end of the game, or scoring a goal....really! Trevor loves cheering for his sister and after the games he loves getting down and running around on the grass and kicking the soccer ball himself.

I'm so proud of my little fast Tiger and I can't wait to see her develop her soccer skills during the season. Then I guess it's on to basketball, oh boy!

Haleigh's favorite time of the game.......snack time!

Haleigh getting some kicks in during warm-ups

Haleigh hangin' with the Tigers

My fast Tiger

Cute soccer dress, eh? My future star.

Third Time's the Charm

2009-08-25T18:58:00.001-07:00

Haleigh started her first day of her new preschool today. This is the third year of preschool for Haleigh and I know she just loves to learn new things and meet new children. She was so excited to ride her scooter to school because it's only a short distance from our house. It was perfect for me because I could drop her off at school and then go running with Trevor and the stroller is a lot lighter with Trevor's weight than their combined weight for sure!

Haleigh knew a couple kids in her class already so that helped her become more comfortable with her new surroundings. I'm looking forward to hearing all about her new adventures at preschool. She came home so excited about how much she loved school and that "school was cool". She thought it was quite funny that they learned about the letter M and not the letter A because " 'A' should come first". They painted school buses to take home for their first project. They played with play-doh, and read the book Munchie Mouse. Haleigh also liked that she got her own pencil box with her own scissors, crayons, and glue. I think she is a bit worn out because she had soccer practice tonight but I'm sure she'll catch on and we've started a school bed time that is a little earlier than she was going to bed during the summer. I'm so proud of my little scholar and I love her very much!

Haleigh ready to ride her scooter to school

My big preschooler.

Trevor ready to go on a jog after dropping Haleigh off at school.

It's That Time Again

2009-08-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last night we were able to watch our Panthers play, they played pretty poorly, but hey, they played. Isn't that what preseason football is all about? Letting the fifth stringers get some t.v. time? I love, love, love NFL football. It's so much fun to watch and playing fantasy football just makes it that much more fun. Here's to hoping our Panthers pull it off this year! Go Fox and crew.....get 'er done! Here's to also hoping that the Teen Girl Squad will be the victor, or at least play better than last year.
I took some photos of Trevor in Haleigh's old Panther's jersey and he looked so, so cute!
Trevor getting ready for the game in his Julius Peppers jersey.

Trevor likes these types of hand-me-downs

This kid HAD to be a Carolina fan.....look at his Carolina blue eyes!!!

My cute little Panther