Warnke Family

2011 Year End Review

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:00

This year I have really stunk at keeping up this blog! I thought once a week seemed reasonable, but then I couldn't do that and then I thought once a month could definitely be doable, but no. I will really try harder this year! Here is a wrap up of all we have done over the past 12 months...

Last year we started off the year pretty good. The boys enjoyed their first big snow and got to really go sledding. That was so fun! Then we quickly got hit with strep, then the flu. Then not one, but two stomach bugs in January and February. I think I lost about 12 lbs! That was nice since I had that last little bit of weight from Mack, but throwing up...not so fun. We spent the first of the year passing illnesses back and forth.

Once Spring finally came, Carter wanted to play tennis He did great for his first sporting event without Cale! He really did do a terrific job. Then Cale did soccer, which he loves, and then they both did tee ball. Mack took swimming lessons in which he, in true Mack fashion, was completely opposite from his brothers and was the star swimmer in his class. We also did some strawberry picking, a family favorite! We did spend Easter sick too. That was a first for that holiday.

In May for Cale and Carter's 6th birthday we surprised them with a trip to Disney World! Well I was actually more excited than anyone, go figure. Mack would have been had we been brave enough to take him, but we didn't and he stayed with Mawmaw and Papaw. The boys had a blast! We flew, they enjoyed that a lot. Then we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which was awesome! We spent four busy days there and then had to come home. I want to go back so bad!!

On the magical express!

Then in June the boys wrapped up their first year in school. They did great! We couldn't have been more proud of them. In June we went to Great Wolf Lodge with Andy's side of the family. It was a lot of fun, but the water was a little cold for me. The boys actually said it was more fun than Disney, GASP!!! I don't know about all that, but it was fun. Especially the big water slides.

After GWL we left the older boys with the grandparents in Charlotte for a week and Andy, me and Mack headed to the coast for a few days at the beach. It was nice and relaxing. I always miss the kids when we are missing one or two of them. It was nice to spend some alone time with Mack since we had just done the same with the older two at Disney.

I finally talked Andy into a pool membership this year and it was so nice heading to the pool every afternoon. Mack and Carter were jumping off the diving board and swimming under water by the end of the summer. Cale, was trying his best. He did go under some at the end and I think jumped off the board a few times.

July we started the month with our first lost tooth! Cale lost a tooth on the 4th. Then we headed back to the beach for a few days at the end of the month. It was fun, except for the long walks to get to the beach and Mack kept rubbing sunscreen in his eyes (thanks to Andy caking it on his face). August was long until school started back. The kids were of course driving me crazy! Any mom who says her kids don't ever drive her crazy is lying!!! Always remember that and when they say it, nod and say, "ok, whatever." The boys started first grade! I can hardly believe it. Mack started preschool. Because of his birthday he is in the one year old class, which is good that he is the oldest whereas his brothers are the youngest.

September was when Mack turned 2. I really can't believe that! I still baby him way more than I did with Cale and Carter, but in my defense it is much harder to baby two than one. He is very fun and is really developing his speech and motor skills. This age is so fun to watch because they learn so many new things and it is so exciting for them. When he does something new he will clap and say, "yay Mack!" No self esteem problems there. He also likes to do EVERYTHING himself. He says, "Mack help." when he wants to do it himself, which I think is so funny. He loves to play outside, ride his bike, swing, jump on the trampoline, and play in the cozy coupes.

October we did many pumpkin patch trips, we visited an apple farm and picked apples, and headed to the mountains for some family fun in the corn maze. I work a lot this month, but on the weekends was totally family time. Andy and I took a trip to CO. It was for his work, but we were able to enjoy a couple days to ourselves.

November went by way too fast. I once again worked like crazy! We took a nice trip to OH for Thanksgiving. It was Mack's first time up there because he is a TERRIBLE car rider. He did ok. It was bearable and we didn't drive off a cliff, so that equals success. On the way home we stopped in Sparta and got a tree.

December also went way too fast. I am seeing a trend here. It was seriously filled with work, decorating, shopping, school events, school parties, and family time. I love the holidays and hate when they go by so quickly. Carter lost not one but two teeth this month! He actually had his permanent tooth in behind his baby tooth that hadn't fallen out yet. It was funny because it was the same tooth that was coming in for Cale and it was in the exact some amount. Identical twin same DNA stuff is so cool!

Happy New Year!! Hope that everyone's 2012 is full of peace, happiness and good health!! May God Bless you always!!

Christmas of 2011

2011-12-31T11:35:00.002-05:00

This Christmas was a good one. No one got sick, that is a major plus in this house, the boys were happy, and even Mack seemed to be getting into the Christmas thing. I miss babies, but it is nice when they really get into it all. The boys asked Santa for pogo sticks and so Santa got it for them. They don't ask for much or really anything ever, so this was a good thing. Carter was a tiny bit bummed that he didn't get the crayon maker he wanted, but I explained to him that Santa must have run out and that is way. He said ok and that was the end of it. Actually Santa read what a big piece of crap they were and decided it wasn't even worth the $20, although I wonder if he should have just went with it.

All the boys got roller blades from us, well Mack got roller skates. They loved them! They also got some wii games, walkie talkies, and Mack got some tractors. Mack's favorite gift was his very own hippity hop from Santa. He loved it so much that he opened ALL of his presents while sitting on the ball.

Andy got clothes, new sunglasses and a cherry pitter. Exciting, right? He got me a Kindle and NCSU basketball tickets. We aren't really gift givers to each other because it is our money and we like to use it towards useful stuff.

After presents were opened we headed to Greensboro and Charlotte to have two more Christmases. Always fun watching the cousins play together.

Christmas Eve just before heading to Kanki for our traditional dinner.

Christmas morning!

We had to wake Mack up, I guess he was still tired.

Loving the new slippers

Opening his presents on the hippity hop

Picture with my brother's kids. I love how my son is picking his nose! He doesn't do this often, but of course chooses to do it during the picture.

Decorations Are Up

2011-12-17T20:55:00.000-05:00

The last couple years I haven't been able to start my decorating for an entire week after the tree was up. I have been doing this holiday shopping event and it takes so much time and prep that I literally get nothing else done for the entire week. Once it is over, let the decorating begin!

This year while Mack napped I let the boys help me decorate. I have a serious case of OCD, so it was really hard to watch them. I did instruct them to only hang one ornament per branch, but when I would turn around Carter had like three or four to a branch. I didn't even wait until they were in bed to rearrange the ornaments. Andy told me I was a bad mom. They didn't care. I just moved the ones that were too crowded and tried my best to leave as many as I could. When we started decorating the top of the tree they handed me an ornament with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus and said it needed to be at the top and in the middle. When I asked why, they said because that is the true meaning of Christmas! So sweet!! I feel like I have made lots of mistakes as a mom, but if my boys realized the true meaning of Jesus then none of the other stuff matters. We do Santa in our house and this goes to show that it doesn't take away from what the kids understand as being the true meaning. They are smarter than you give them credit for and if you just teach them the real meaning then the other stuff is just for fun. They totally believe in Santa and I love hearing their theories on what Santa does and how he delivers toys. It is so cute!

Last week after everything was decorated I attempted to get a good card picture, notice I said attempted. Well you can see in this post how the card turned out. Shutterfly had a deal where if you posted your card on your blog or website then they would give you $10 off your next purchase. So I of course did that!

I wasn't super happy with the pictures. I read some tutorials about taking good pictures in front of the tree, but the problem is when you don't use flash and have a wiggly 2 year old that equals lots of blurry pictures. I even used the tripod and bribed him with a lollipop. I got a couple good ones, but when looking for a good card design I found one with spaces for lots of pictures. I went with that one and did a year in review type card. Here are all of our pictures from that night and I am enjoying using an upgraded Picasa!

Carter and Andy were such good sports with helping me get my camera right.

I don't know what is up with Cale. He wouldn't smile right.

I should have used this one. I think it is my favorite.

Another silly Cale face and looks like Carter may have joined in.

This is the one I used.

My super sweet boys

The Perfect Tree

2011-12-17T19:36:00.002-05:00

Most years we head up to Sparta, NC to get our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. We go to one of those lots were you find the one you want and they cut it for you. So much fun for the kids. Usually we go to a big one with hay ride, food, Santa, and other stuff, but this year we tried a new one. It was ok, but I think we did find a pretty tree. It didn't have all the hoopla I like, but it had a good tree and that is what the point is.

Mack of course gave us a hard time when we first got there. Hence the picture of him crying and reaching for me.

The big boys

Grandma trying to help wrangle Mack in for a picture. He was very uncooperative. Some people would be shocked, but this is Mack the majority of the time. His way or no way!

A family picture with our tree!

Mack crying again.

The boys watching the tree get wrapped up for the ride home.

Cousin Leah with Mack. She is such a big help!

The boys loving the truck.

Leaves and Thanksgiving

2011-12-17T19:24:00.000-05:00

Today I am really catching up!! I love this owning my own business and being to take off whenever I want! Although the down side would have to be if I don't work then I don't make money. Oh well, my kids are only little once and it is well worth it!!

I always try and do some cute fall pictures in the yard every year. This year it was kind of hard since the kids insist on wearing wind pants to school everyday and the weather was kind of on the warm side and when those things weren't going on it was raining. I finally got them all changed one afternoon and went out and we got ready to take some pictures and I found a snake in the leaves! I did take a picture and it was just a cute little baby brown snake. I say keep'em, they keep the bugs and mice population down! It did make us a little more leery about being in the leaves though. I got a few cute pictures. It was hard since Mack decided it was more fun to throw the leaves, thus making for lots of blurry pictures.

For Thanksgiving we finally made the trek back to Ohio. It has been 3 years since we have been up there. We love going up at Christmas, but this year it didn't work out with the kids days off and at Thanksgiving was Andy's grandma's 85th birthday. Well Mack is a terrible car rider and he has gotten a little better. We got the new (well new to us) car, a 2007 Yukon Denali, and it has plenty of room and a built in DVD player. We even hooked up the old car player for the older boys so that they wouldn't have to watch what Mack wanted for 12 hours. Well the way up was ok. It would have been better had it not rained the ENTIRE way. I don't think that has ever happened to us before. We had a great time up there and loved seeing family. If it was more cost efficient to fly then we would visit more. Once it was time to head home Mack of course woke up sick. He had so much mucus that it caused him the throw up, several times. Well Andy's cousin's wife is a nurse at a pediatricians office and she hooked us up with some meds and we were on our way. Only a few hours later than planned. Andy then felt the need to speed. He was going a little too fast and got pulled on some country roads in OH. Well the policeman felt sorry for us after looking back at our sickly Mack and decided to give us a warning. Andy then drove the speed limit the rest of the 10 hours. We made it safely and no more throwing up, which is about the best thing one can ask for!

Rainy Halloween

2011-12-16T21:24:00.000-05:00

This year was the first year it was actually cold on Halloween. It was also the first year it has rained and the first year I actually bought all three kids new costumes. Needless to say we were going out no matter what!! After the first trick or treaters came by we decided to brave the weather. The boys picked out their costumes in August. Last year they would never decide and then I had to make them a ghost costume. It was terrible and yes I sew, but no I don't do costumes or clothes! This year Cale decided to be Bumblebee from Transformers, which he has never seen, and Carter decided to be Mario. I really wanted some kind of matching or coordinating, but no they wouldn't humor me. For Mack I still get to pick, so I picked Cookie Monster. He loves him and tries to talk like him. It is so cute! He got the most use out of his costume at school parties.

Once we hit a few houses, armed with raincoats covering new costumes and umbrellas, Carter proclaimed that the rain had ruined his favorite holiday! Really?! They don't even eat a quarter of their candy and it's not because we don't let them. I think they just like the candy hunt and thrill. Well they came back with more than enough candy. We didn't hit all our regular houses, but the neighbors that we mainly see on Halloween. I know, we won't be winning neighbor of the year anytime soon.

Don't you love the mom who takes the pictures with the raincoats on! I was so not thinking. I will blame it on jet lag!

Got one without coats, but Mack had already stripped down and was enjoying his lolli

Going through the loot!

Out West

2011-12-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

At the end of October Andy and I took a trip to Colorado Springs. Actually Andy had to do a job site visit and since I had never been I tagged along. It was very beautiful! I don't think I have ever taken so many scenic photos before. The Rocky Mountains were so amazing. They almost didn't look real.

The first day we got there Andy had to do his job site stuff, so I stayed at the hotel and chilled. So nice to sit and do nothing!! That NEVER happens at home, which is why this blog never gets updated. That night we had dinner with a guy Andy had been working with out there and his wife. They gave us some great tips for our trip. The next day we headed out to a town that was having a coffin race, it was Halloween weekend and that brings out the crazy people. We should have figured that a Halloween festival would be a little different for us, but we thought it was a family type of event. Well there were lots of families there and it was definitely interesting. For living in the tobacco capital of the world, I don't think I have ever seen so many people smoke as I did when we were in CO! I thought I was going to die at this coffin race thing, so we went and ate lunch in a non smoking restaurant. Then we headed up to ride the Pike's Peak Cog Train. We didn't stick around for the coffin race, figured it wasn't really our thing and I didn't want to have an asthma attack.

We were totally bummed that we didn't make it to the top of Pike's Peak. There was snow on the track. Really?! Does it not snow enough there that they don't know how to clean it off? Oh well, it was fun and we made it to about 12,000 feet. Then we headed off to see the Garden of the Gods. That was pretty and very neat to see. One thing I couldn't get over was how brown everything was out there. Even most of the homes were brown. There wasn't much grass either. You know in south, it does not look like that. It is very green here or at least where we live. It was very fun to see what other parts of the US look like though and I had a great time!

The next day we drove to Crippled Creek and saw some awesome views. We also gambled with some blue haired old ladies. It was fun. Then we decided to try and drive to the top of Pike's Peak. Nope, didn't make it that way either. We made to just above 12,000 feet and were able to see much different views than we did on the cog train. We got out and walked a little and it was insanely cold and windy!! That was the end of our fun little getaway weekend! We came back on Halloween just in time to take the kids out for a lovely, rainy trick or treating event. It was a great trip and I'm so glad I got to go experience it and catch up on sleep!!

October Fun

2011-12-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

Back to October, yes I am late again and tonight will hopefully be a catch up, we took a little trip to the mountains. We love going to the mountains in the fall. The leaves, the temperature, and lots of fun stuff to do. Our new favorite thing in Sparta in the fall is the corn maze place. Lots to do and keep the kids active and busy outside!

We also made lots of visits to the pumpkin patch and ended up with a lot of little pumpkins! The boys are still enjoying first grade. There have been times when I have been a little frustrated and the thought of homeschooling has crossed my mind. Then I snap back into the reality that public school is where we need to be. At first I get a little nervous about the things they may learn, but then I am happy about the life lessons they do learn. They are good boys and are Believers, so I know that can be helpful to them making the right choice. I don't think as Christians we should be afraid to send our children into public schools. We should have the faith that they can be the light that the non-believers need. As for their education, I think it is also fine. There have been some areas where I wasn't happy with how my children were doing, so we just work harder on it at home to help them improve at school. Parents are a part of their child's education even if they do send them to school. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT against homeschooling. I recently read a comment though that one homeschooling mom (someone I am not friends with and don't even know) said that she thought public school kids had no manners and it was because they weren't at home being taught manners and under the close watch of their parents. I'm sorry, but I think my kids have great manners and I think HER kids are going to turn out crazy because they ARE under her constant supervision. I couldn't have been more angry to read that. How dare her say that about someone else's choice for schooling for their children. I hate to break it to her, but I have known some kids that were homeschooled and didn't behave perfect. Newsflash to her, all children have their moments and no one's child is perfect. I'm just glad my children are in an environment where they are friends with people from all walks of life and aren't just friends with people like themselves. Anyways, I will get off my soap box now!

Here is my second attempt at posting pictures from our fall fun.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-07T21:14:00.001-05:00

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

New Obsession

2011-10-12T09:16:00.001-04:00

My newest obsession and taking up ALL of my little bits of free time is Pinterest. If you haven't checked this out yet, then go do it now! I resisted for awhile because I knew I would be addicted. Well I was totally right. I only decided to go for it because I kept seeing views to my items coming from Pinterest, so that made me interested to see what it was really all about. Basically what it is is bookmarking items you find that you like on the internet in one spot and with photos instead of having to go through a bookmark list. You can view what your friends pin and what everyone on there is pinning. You can search, search by categories, categorize your pins by specific groups. It is awesome! In the last week I have already made two recipes I found on there and re-organized my desk with a very helpful tip I found. It really has been very helpful. There are lots of funny interesting things on there. I think it seems to be super helpful if you are a photographer or teacher, lots of great ideas!!

Here are a couple pictures of my finds from Pinterest:

Cream Cheese Chicken

My desk organization. If you have been to our house then you probably remember the clutter that was there before. I sure hope it stays this way!

Dividers have mail, each kid has one, coupons, receipts, my work, grocery list and coupons, etc.

First (Maybe Last) Apple Picking

2011-10-07T20:39:00.001-04:00

We are so excited about fall in this house! We all love this time of year. The weather is a little cooler, lots of fun things to do and yummy food! We have never been apple picking before and decide last Saturday that we would go. We like apples and we like going to places to pick your own (trees, pumpkins, strawberries, etc.), so we thought this would be fun. It was an hour and five minutes away, that wasn't bad. The new car, a.k.a. the bus or Bertha, entertains the kids and keeps them out of arms reach. We got there and there was a fun hayride up to where you pick the apples. We got to ride it back (because on the way up there was a birthday party, so we had to walk) and that was fun. Picking the apples was fun and challenging because they were running out and you really had look for them. After was got back down we bought some super yummy Wine Cake and apple cider slushys. Then the boys went to ride the tire swing. They loved it and now want one! Andy of course thinks it is too dangerous, but I think it would look awesome on the big old oak tree in our front yard.

The part that makes us say maybe we won't do this again...the cleaning of the apples. We have an apple tree and they always have these black spots on them and we just thought that is what they were suppose to look like. Well apparently it is mold. When you get the apples home you have to soak them in bleach water and then scrub, and I mean scrub, and mold spots off. This was a lot of work and Andy said after only doing half the half bushel that we got, that he was done with the apple picking. It was a fun experience, but cost a lot less at the farmer's market and no long scrubbing needed.

My little guy modeling a new tee for me.

I love this guy!

I love these guys too!! Even though they agreed to only one picture.

Cale stuck around for one more.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day!

Carter, so happy!

Mack eating his "moldy" apple. We are great parents.

Cale

Hayride

Fun times on the tire swing!!

Guess Who's Two

2011-10-07T19:58:00.001-04:00

I seriously can't believe that my baby boy is two! Last month, yes I stink at updating this thing, my little sweetie had his second birthday. I had a great zoo birthday planned and all of our family was actually going to be able to come, which never happens. Then it had to go and rain! I was seriously bummed. My mom was in town because my birthday is only two days before Mack's and so my dad came to get her and we just had dinner and cake to celebrate. I felt like the typical mom to a second or third kid because I feel like his cake was just thrown together, because my plans had been rained out, and I didn't even get a good picture of the cake. I had no theme or anything. Turns out that he loved the cake. I put cars on it and that excited him more than the cake. The funniest part was he was actually trying to blow out his candle and he did end up doing it! I think that is why I forgot the cake picture because he was totally blowing out his candle, while everyone was trying to make sure he didn't grab the candle. Last week Mack had his 2 year old check up. He of course did great when it was time to prick his finger, but cried when the nurse put the band aid on! Then he did great with the flu shot. He also let the doctor look at him and opened his mouth wide and let her look in his ears. He ended up being 35 1/4" tall and about 29 lbs. When I came home and looked, I of course lost Cale and Carter's 2 year old sheets, and on the boys 3 year old sheets they were 35.5" tall and 36" tall! I thought it was odd that Mack was wearing 2T shorts that they couldn't wear until they were 3!

This kid is so fun! I love all of my kids so much and I love the fact that they are all so different. The first two are different, but they are still very similar. This guy on the other hand is a complete opposite from his brothers. They are very cautious, shy and sweet. Mack is very outgoing, brave, and rough. He is sweet too, but also very head strong. I love when he grabs me and says, "ug" and that is for hug. Also that he loves giving me kisses and blowing kisses and that he gets so excited about EVERYTHING! This kid is seriously happy and excited most of the time, with the exception of when he isn't getting his way. The other two are still also very loving and kind. They love to still hold our hands, give us hugs and kisses, and love seeing us. They are very kind and compassionate at school. That makes us very proud. Cale has a little girl in his class that has vision and hearing problems, she was also in his class last year. He truly loves taking care of her and helping her. It is so sweet! He gets so excited in the morning at car pool when he sees her walking into school. Her hearing teachers tell me that he is the sweetest kid and is always looking out for her. Just today one of her teachers stopped me to tell me how kind he is to her and how he always makes sure she knows what to do. He told me last Sunday that at church that they were suppose to draw a picture of them doing something Jesus would do and he told me he drew a picture of himself helping this little girl. He said it is because it is what Jesus would want him to do. How sweet is that! I am so proud of him. Carter has also made some very good character decisions since being in school. He seems to choose the kids that are more alone to be his friends and I think that is sweet. He is also very sensitive and I worry about him getting hurt, but he seems to really be carefree. He didn't really know any kids in his class this year, just like last year, but he still came home and said he loved school. He does have some friends now and seems to be doing good. Mack is also doing great at school and waves and tells me bye at the door. He loves school and it is so cute to hear him tell me what he does. I will ask him if he played outside and he will say yes and then I ask him what he played with and he says,"um, car, truck." I'm so glad that they are all happy and healthy children. I truly feel blessed everyday!

Birthday Boy!

He loved unwrapping the presents, after he realized there were goodies in there.

His sweet brothers helping him.

Excited about his car cake!

Blowing out his candles!

His new favorite toy! This Cookie Monster toy is so funny. I recorded a video of Mack playing with this and I will try and upload it.

Last Beach Trip of the Summer

2011-08-23T10:25:00.000-04:00

The last weekend in July we went to beach with the Warnke side of the family. The boys had a great time! They love the beach, pool and of course playing with their cousins. We mainly just took it easy and went to the beach and pool. I am hoping for maybe a fall beach trip, that is if the hurricanes don't mess things up!

Cale

Carter and Charlie

Mack after an exhausting morning of crying because he got sunscreen in his eyes! Poor baby!!

The boys building their roads and tunnels

Playing in the pool. Mack is swimming with his face in the water!

Cale and Carter "sorfing"

Enjoying the kids pool

Mack once again tired after not taking a nap and then rubbing more sunscreen in his eyes. This is the last day that Daddy is allowed to put sunscreen on the baby.

One last kid picture before we go and as always I have a child totally not wanting to participate. I think this happens every year.
Does it ever end?

4th, Lost Tooth, and More

2011-08-02T23:49:00.000-04:00

July 4th wasn't too big an excitement around our house. We went to the pool late that afternoon once the craziness has died down, then it thundered so we had to leave. The fireworks that may or may not have occurred ended up being way past my poor kiddies bedtime. You see it doesn't matter what time they go to bed, they get up at the same time in the morning (7:00, if I am lucky). This summer the boys have been letting Mack and I sleep in to a whopping 8:00 though. Anyways, the big event on the 4th was Cale losing his first tooth!!! The boys cut all of their teeth on the same day or within a day of each other, so I was very curious to see how they would lose them. It is August and Carter still has all his teeth. He isn't too concerned with it though.

Mack is a very funny kid! He is so happy and he has what we call a Dr Evil laugh. It is so cute, but sounds so sneaky. He has started this summer putting 2 and now 3 words together. The other day he said, "Cookie all gone." That is a big accomplishment with this kid because he has been a late on talking. It wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't so sure of what he wants, but can't tell us. He is getting much better at communicating. Although he has start in with the 2 year old screaming thing and then he gets the time out thing until he is ready to calm down. That has been working pretty good so far, but we will see as 2 gets even closer. I can't believe my baby is almost 2!! Where did the time go! I feel like just last month I was 9 months pregnant and thinking this kid would never come out and now he is about to turn 2. I wish I could make time stop, but I think that is making time go even faster. My big babies are going to start 1st grade in less than a month! I remember their first day of preschool and that seemed like it wasn't that long ago. I was looking at pictures tonight of when they were Mack's age and reading some old posts and it is so funny how different they are from Mack and just how much I have forgotten. I felt like those pictures were the only memories I had because it just seems like I can't remember when they were turning 2. I think I do remember enjoying that time with them and it being a fun age. This summer has had its ups and downs with them. I think I just can't accept that they are growing up too and that my expectations are too high. I just want them to be good and sweet to each other and others forever and I feel like I am losing that with them. Maybe not, maybe we are just so tired of being with each other everyday this summer (thanks to Andy and no camps)!!

Mack chillin on the couch

My boys on the 4th! I totally forgot to have them dress festive. I think this is the first time I have done that!! Too much going on and no brain cells!!

Cale's missing tooth!!! The tooth fairy was very generous with the first tooth, he got $5!

Start of Summer

2011-08-02T23:18:00.000-04:00

This summer has been really busy! Can't you tell?! I am just now posting June. The boys finished up kindergarten on June 10th and then we were off and running for the summer. I don't know how I let Andy talk me into not doing any camps this summer. That was a huge mistake!! The summer started off great. In June we went to Charlotte and the Great Wolf Lodge. The boys did all the slides except the only one that they weren't tall enough for. I was completely shocked!! Even Mack had a great time on the little kiddie pool. I really wish the water had been warmer though. Then they stayed the whole week in Charlotte while Andy, Mack and I headed to the beach for a few days. Andy surprised me with a trip since we had just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. Yes, we took the baby with us. Having one kid after have twins and then three is a serious piece of cake! Eating out was a little challenging, but he did good. Well good enough for us to finish our meal!

Mack had his first swim lessons. He took them the whole month of June. I was a little worried since he hadn't really been in the water until we went to swim lessons. He ended up doing great! He was literally the star of the class, his swim teacher said so and this isn't just a Mommy bragging! He learned to hold his breath and go under, jump off the side, and swim from me to the instructor and back. That part was more us propelling him, but he was trying to really swim and he was holding his breath.

The boys on their last day of kindergarten!

Andy and I on our 10th wedding anniversary

The boys having fun just playing and doing nothing!

Mack swimming in swim lessons!

Mack at the beach...Topsail

Sprinkler Time Already?

2011-05-23T19:14:00.000-04:00

We go to Florida and the temps are in the low to mid 80s and come home and now it is in the 90s! Andy tries to say that Florida is too hot, I think not. Well at least for the moment. We broke out the sprinkler yesterday. I wish it was we opened the pool yesterday, but fat chance on that one happening anytime soon. I am in the process of once again trying to find a decent pool to join. We have a public pool down the street from our house, but I don't like it. I pretty much don't like any pool where I don't have a 10 foot buffer zone at all times. I am a pool snob and like my space. Andy will not agree to putting in a pool, so for now I will have to do with crowded gross public pools.

The older boys now love the sprinkler...

but Mack wasn't too crazy about it.

Disney Part 3

2011-05-19T23:03:00.000-04:00

This should be the last installment of the Disney trip. These are the fabulous views from our balcony. If you are planning a trip and wondering where to stay, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is awesome! It is far from everything, well except the Animal Kingdom. Which ironically we waited 20 minutes for the bus to take us there because of the influx of scooters now days, I won't get started on that one. We did have quite a long bus ride to MK, which was a bummer. I do think the view made it all worth it. Cale was so excited, saying he got to see two of his three favorite animals (the third being the elephant)!

Zebra and Giraffes eating (I purposely left the balcony columns there so you can see this was actually our view)

The excitement of seeing the animals so close

Cale wanted to make sure you could see the giraffes in the back ground!

The Savannah

ostriches and zebra

Disney Part 2

2011-05-19T22:53:00.003-04:00

This Disney trip is looking like it will take at least 3 posts! I guess I could have done a slide show, but was too lazy. Here is the rest of the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and some of the Animal Kingdom.

Tired Boys

The morning of the shuttle launch. We went to the 5th floor overlook, but unfortunately for us the one more it was cloudy was that one. What we thought would be an awesome once in a lifetime experience didn't happen. There were lots of others outside that were disappointed as well. After the shuttle launched and we all realized that there was no way we would see it a collective sigh was heard. Lots of heartbreak over that one.

Hollywood studios or as Andy and I kept saying MGM. There wasn't a lot here that interested the boys. Andy said he would definitely want to skip it next time. I however love Tower of Terror and always have to do that one. I was all set to ride by myself and then the boys announced that they would do it. They hated it! No tears, but did not like it. I forgot how many times you kept going up and down. My bad, hopefully they are not scared for life! The new Toy Story ride was pretty fun, but the boys all like the old one better. The new Star Tours ride was opening slowly and we were lucky enough to get to ride it (it officially opens tomorrow). The boys really liked it. It was a motion simulator 3D. They loved the 3D! We did the Muppet 3D and Carter kept trying to grab the stuff, it was so cute! We ate with the Disney Junior people at Hollywood and Vine. The food was ok and they boys were thrilled for Mack that they got to meet Oso, that is Mack's fave. After that we headed back to the Magic Kingdom for more thrilling rides.

When they were Mack's age they were obsessed with Little Einstein! They still like it and now Mack loves to pat, pat, pat...blast off, too!!

Lots of dessert and just food in general on this trip!

The Animal Kingdom was fun, but not too much to do there either. I think next time we may hit here and Hollywood studios early on the extra magic hour and then go back the the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. The boys loved the safari and a couple other things like the boneyard and the bug 3D movie. They did Everest, but didn't like it. Even Andy was a wimp about that one! I thought it was a lot of fun. I like roller coasters a lot though. We were suppose to eat breakfast with Mickey that morning at Chef Mickey's, but wimped out and decided to sleep in. We then ate supper at the Yak and Yeti in the Animal Kingdom. It was good food. We were going to eat at Boma the restaurant at our resort, but Andy chickened out on the African food. I wanted to try it. They did have corn dogs!

Disney Part 1

2011-05-19T19:34:00.003-04:00

We finally took the boys (the older 2) to Disney World!! I love Disney and the last time Andy and I went, in 2003, we decided to wait and not come back until our first child (hehehe) was old enough to enjoy it. Well 8 years and 3 kids later we finally got up enough nerve to book a trip. We ultimately decided to leave Mack with my parents, since he doesn't like confined spaces and wouldn't make it during the long days. I hated leaving him, but it was the right thing to do. Especially after getting there...I don't know if I have ever seen so many crying babies and toddlers in my life! I think he would have enjoyed some parts, but we would have not enjoyed the whole trip and Cale and Carter would have especially not enjoyed the trip as much as they did. Next time, hopefully in the fall of 2012 if I have my way, we will take Mack.

At the airport and ready to take off!

On Disney's Magical Express...so excited!!

This trip made me realize a lot of things about Disney that I had never noticed pre kids. I don't mean the excitement and joy, I LOVE Disney and have always had that, but I mean the ruthlessness and crazy people that are there! I told Andy before we left that I have summed up Disney as survival of the fittest. Meaning if you can't push your way to the front of the bus, bathroom line, or trying to slowly front you in line for a ride (that almost happened to us) or win at a game of walking down the road/sidewalk chicken then you are going to get flat run over and leave bruised and battered. Yes, that is exactly how it was. I was actually laughing right before we boarded the bus to go to the airport because this family was pushing their way to the get on the bus even though us and another older couple were clearly there before them. Me and the older couple just looked at each other and laughed. Why were they in such a hurry to board a huge bus when not that many people were waiting to get on? Ugh! That is how it was the whole time. This is why our society is the way it is. The adults teach the children such terrible habits and no manners. We taught our children that it was better to stand back and be patient because Disney World wasn't going anywhere! I was also amazed at how pushy people were just to get into the park. Going through the ticket machine you had to put your ticket through and then adults had to scan their finger. Well everyday the person behind me was right on my heels and I mean literally on my heels. I can only go as fast as the machine will let me and I had to put through two kids tickets as well. Andy said he wanted to do a documentary on how this was really not the happiest place on Earth or at least from the parents perspective. He actually heard one dad the morning we were leaving yelling at his kids, that looked to be around Cale and Carter's age, "You've ruined my whole day!" Andy said the kids were back talking him, but still. We just tried to laugh and find humor in the silliness that went on. Life is just too short to care.

In spite of it all, we had a great trip and we (well the boys and I) can't wait to return! We decided to go big and stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So worth it!! In my next post I will put some shots from our room. So cool to watch giraffes sleeping and eating right outside. We have stayed at All Star Sports before and it was just like a Mickey themed Motel 6, so I wanted something a little more special this time. This was seriously the nicest hotel and I highly recommend it.

Our flight left at 7 Saturday morning, so we were up and at the airport at 5. It is a good thing we only live 10 minutes from the airport. We arrived at the hotel about 11 and then off to Epcot we went. We didn't make it to our room until after 11 that night, which made for a very long day. We had a character meal at The Garden at Epcot, so good!! It was our favorite one. The Land itself is an awesome place to eat. All the food is just so good. The boys favorite ride there was Spaceship Earth and the Test Track. I was surprised that they actually did everything and liked it pretty good, no tears! The only downer of the day was that it rained starting about 3 or so and didn't stop until about 8 and then really cooled off.

The next day we went to the Magic Kingdom. It was a beautiful day! The boys were so excited to ride all the rides. We ran and did Buzz Lightyear two times in a row because no one was there and then the boys wanted to ride Space Mountain! We were so happy since that is one of our favorites. The liked it ok. It was just a little too fast and too dark. I had really forgotten how dark and scary these rides could be to a child. It is funny the things you don't recognize until you have kids. We had lunch at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends. That was good. The boys aren't too into the characters, but do appease me by getting their pictures made with them. Their all time favorite ride was Thunder Mountain Railroad! We rode it three times! We also rode Splash Mountain and they weren't too thrilled about getting wet. We were in the front.

Here are some of the pictures for Magic Kingdom the rest and the rest of our trip will be in the next post. Enjoy!

6 Years Already

2011-05-19T14:11:00.000-04:00

I remember after they were one week old we didn't think that we would make it one year, but here we are 6 years later and it honestly gets easier. We still have our battles. Mainly for me having to repeat the same 3 don'ts all day long, but other than that they are very trustworthy and sweet boys. I really didn't think that I had done a very good job with them. It was so hard for me to cuddle them as babies and have one on one time with them. They were very high maintenance and demanding babies and did not sleep during the day. They grew past all that and became good sleepers and very snugly toddlers and preschoolers. We would snuggle every morning after breakfast and they are honestly still like that. I guess it goes to show that how you hold them or how long you hold them as infants doesn't really matter after all, as long as you meet their needs and show them love.

I will say I still feel like a failure most weeks, what mom doesn't? Cale put on a mother's day program in his class, it had been recorded the week before, and during his part he got upset and had to start over. Well for some reason Cale didn't sit with me during the showing and he was covering his face on the floor when his part was on. I felt like the worst mom EVER! Seeing my child feel so embarrassed and up there sitting by himself. I sent Carter up to get him and he came back and then sat with me. It was a scarring moment for me as a mom, but I really don't think he thought anything else about it. I love that they don't dwell on things like we do.

For their birthday we decided to surprise them with a trip to Disney World! We only took them, Mack stayed at home with my parents. they loved having that time just with us, Mack can be quite a hand full sometimes. It was definitely a trip I will cherish forever and I hope they will too. Next time we will take Mack, but we are going to wait until he is old enough to really enjoy it and have fun.

Birthday number 1 with Grandma and Grandpa

Mother's Day
(yes, Mack is crying)

Happy 6th Birthday!!

Finding out we are going to Disney World!! They really had no response because they have no idea about what to expect. Next time this will be a whole different face and reaction!

Pirate Mickey shirts to wear

Money to spend

Cale wanted a doughnut and Carter wanted a chocolate cupcake (after which he only ate the icing)

Chicken Little

2011-05-03T19:55:00.000-04:00

The boys had their first tee ball game a couple weeks ago and here is the video I shot of them playing. I think Carter could pass for Chicken Little with his big helmet on. He disagrees.

Few Forgotten Shots

2011-05-03T18:52:00.000-04:00

Here are some cute pictures that I just ran across and realized I forgot to post.

Mack reading. I wish he always loved books this much. Maybe it will come with time.

My green leprechauns and St. Patty's Day. They totally think there is a tiny leprechaun that messed up their classes at school. Every time Andy turns the lights on and off in the playroom they think it is either the leprechaun, ghost man or now the Easter bunny. Although, a few days after Easter Carter asked me who really put the stuff in his Easter basket, me or the Easter bunny. I asked him what did he think and he said he thought it was me. I had no response. What are you suppose to say? We have actually never told them the Easter bunny comes and puts stuff in their baskets. That whole thought just creeps us out. They started talking about he Easter bunny when they were 3 and learned about it at school, from other kids or teachers I don't know.

Playing badminton in the backyard. Andy said it was rednecky to have this set up. Although I think that no one can see our backyard except for the old neighbors behind us and at our old house we didn't have a backyard and it was in our FRONT yard. Really, what's worse?

I Feel Like Chicken Tonight...

2011-05-03T18:41:00.000-04:00

New recipe on the new blog, http://easycrockpotting.blogspot.com/. This one takes me back to my childhood. I use to love Chicken Tonight! Enjoy the recipe, my family sure did!

Time Flies

2011-05-02T21:19:00.000-04:00

I haven't been doing very good at blogging, so I am trying to make up for it lately. My business has been crazy busy and I feel so blessed that I can actually contribute to paying the bills. Well because of that other things have had to suffer. Blogging being one of them and unfortunately couponing being the other one. I know, I can't believe I said it! I love to coupon and I have totally been slack about doing it lately. I have gotten my binder all organized and was ready to do super doubles this week when I got slammed with orders. Oh well, thankful for the work coming in to compensate the lack of couponing!

In other news, my babies are almost done with kindergarten and are going to turning 6 next week! I can't believe how fast time goes. I have been thinking back to when they were born a lot recently and mainly because they are getting to the point where they have been asking about stuff, like what day of the week it was and where and so on. They were born on a Wednesday and this year their birthday is on a Wednesday, the Wednesday after Mother's Day. The year they were born I was obviously very pregnant and the host at the restaurant we went to was handing out flowers to all the moms. I walked in and he handed me one. I told him I wasn't a mom yet and he looked at me and said that I was very close. I can't even imagine how crazy I must have looked!

Mack is growing fast too. He is picking up more words every day and understands pretty much everything we say. Today he came and got me and started running down the hall pointing to his room ran in and stopped at the changing table and pointed up. I asked him did he have a poopy diaper and his response, "YEAH!" Yesterday we picked strawberries and he had one in his hand in the car and then I noticed it was gone. I asked him where his strawberry was and he took out his pacifier and pointed in he mouth. He had of course already ate it and we all died laughing!!

Mack doing some computer work

The boys trying to build their train track.

Mack watching Cale play his Leapster

Carter getting the whole couch to himself.

Spring Sports

2011-05-02T19:38:00.000-04:00

We jumped into playing sports this year. They played soccer last year, but only because we encouraged it. This year they got to pick what they played. Carter did tennis and tee ball and Cale chose soccer and tee ball. This past Saturday they needed another soccer player, so Carter went in there and played. I think he made one little boy mad because he kept taking the ball from him. Carter can play soccer, he just chooses not to because he says he doesn't want to run that much.

Little kids playing sports is just so funny! The first tee ball game Carter hit the ball and then just stood there and then kind of ran. I had to yell for him to keep running. It is definitely a learning experience, but they have fun and at this age that is all that matters!

Here is Cale at his first soccer lesson (he is in the yellow).

Cale taking control. He LOVES soccer!

Here they are at their first tee ball game. Cale is in the number 9 and Carter is the one standing in about the short stop position beside the kid with his legs spread apart.

Cale is 9 and Carter is 8

Carter up at bat. It was cold and windy and the day of the tornadoes that hit Raleigh.

Cale is in the far back. Notice the sky. Later there would be 20 some tornadoes in our area. We had to run to the basement that afternoon because of a warning and tornado siren was going off. Events that never happen here in Raleigh.