Camo and Bows

A river runs through it and Egg carton boats.

2013-06-18T19:51:00.000-05:00

My kids love their foil river so much I literally just leave the foil in the garage and pull it out when I need to keep my kiddos occupied while I pull weeds.

Yes the foil gets torn, but the beauty of the foil you can fold it back together and the holes don't really make a difference.

Braelynn has declared the job of supervisor of all Hunter and Lorelei related activities.

Lorelei always wants to be on water control duty. We call her the damn and Hunter has self declared himself the engineer.

I always save my egg cartons. You can use them for almost anything.

Egg carton boats. Just an egg carton torn into individual parts. They float really easily down the foil river, cheap, and take no fore thought.

I am a mother of three whose husband works out of town 90% of the time. I really love awesome, fun, memorable activities that don't have you running to the craft store, having you plan out in advance, or shelling out money you need for a mind saving happy hour sonic drink.

Most of all I have realized we don't have to reinvent the wheel every day.

Play dough, chalk, and bubbles are classics for a good reason!

What are your "classics" you pull out on a regular basis?

Phone update

2013-06-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

So my Anton has been working in North Dakota on and off the past two years.

Right now he is working in North Dakota for a six month stint.

You would think that with him not home as much I wouldn't neglect updating; however, it hasn't been the case.

Even though my phone is far from good at taking pictures I love looking back through the album.

My phone pix always cover the unexpected moments in life.

I am so blessed to have three children to get to enjoy all day every day. We have had fun planting strawberries, tomatoes, radishes, carrots, and grapes. We are already reaping tons of crop as it has been beautifully wet this year. I love warm summer rain!

Braelynn can't get enough of her toes, attention, and whatever food may be in your hand.

Hunter has lost two teeth in the past couple of weeks. Course they both have been lost for real before being able to make it under the pillow. There has definitely been some letter writing to the tooth fairy going on.

I have been having a blast helping transform our bible class curriculum to church into a rotational model curriculum, I am the PTO Vice President for Hunter's school, and I have been doing some volunteer coordinating. I love staying busy while still having a blast swimming, playing cards, chasing, and cuddling with my three ornery spoiled beautiful wonderful children.

3 months already

2013-05-02T13:27:00.003-05:00

My sweet Braelynn is already 3 months older.

She is giddy, loves attention, constantly wants held, and has a wonderful full belly laugh.

She has already firmly implanted herself upon our family.

It would be impossible not to love her completely with all your heart.

Phone pix

2013-04-29T19:59:00.001-05:00

Just sat down to feed Braelynn and started looking through phone pictures. It is amazing how fast life goes. I have the perfect family to let it fly.

For you mommy!

2013-04-29T19:49:00.001-05:00

My sweet Hunter picks me a flower every day and comes running up to me and says "for you mommy I love you!" I don't think I could ask for anything more perfect in my life. I love my Hunter so much!

Swimming at the Y!

2013-04-19T18:03:00.001-05:00

Took Braelynn swimming for the first time ever today. She is a little fish! Braelynn was as elated as Hunter and Lorelei to be playing in the water. Hunter and Lorelei would race down the slide as Braelynn was perfectly content to kick her little toes in the water. The simple moments of life make life so enjoyable!

Phone pictures

2013-03-23T14:03:00.001-05:00

Life had been so full. How amazing it is to have the children.

Mermaid

2013-03-23T13:01:00.001-05:00

We can't forget the water park, the huge water slides, and the mermaid show! Go grandpa for sending the picture!

Florida Sunshine!

2013-03-23T12:32:00.002-05:00

As Hunter is currently looking out the window enjoying the snow the week before Easter it made me reminiscent of our summer Florida visit.

My dad and my sweet innocent younger brother live in Florida now. As hard as it is being so far away from my now one year old nephew Harker I know they love the beautiful year around weather.

My dad is such a fun and awesome Grandpa who spoils my kids so wonderfully.

He made our summer visit a beautiful and magical vacation.

I have got to find where I put the beach pictures. We spent many glorious days playing in the gulf, making sand castles, digging for crabs, and getting pink in the sun.

Lorelei was an immediate little fish who would flop around in the water with pure joy.

Hunter was a very serious sand engineer with in depth projects each day.

Remember I am pregnant with Braelynn in all these pictures.

Grandpa Brown took us to the Tampa Aquarium twice. If you know my children you would know that they are obsessed with sea life. Both of them we infatuated with all the creatures at every turn. It made me desperately wish Kansas had more aquarium type venues.

As if the Beach and the Aquarium weren't perfectly awesome enough Grandpa Brown took us to Disney world for four days.

I don't even know where to begin with Disney. It was a perfectly magical experience.

Lorelei was convinced she was a princess mermaid and Hunter wanted to try every roller coaster he could possible find. He would try to walk on his tippie toes to get on the ones for which he was too short.

We rode Thunder mountain more times than I can remember. I loved riding it over and over with Hunter as I remember my dad letting me ride he same ride over and over when I was five.

Lorelei was either completely wired or passed out. The amount of walking and activity Hunter could handle in a day definitely put Grandpa and Mommie to shame.

I think each night we made it back to the hotel we fell into bed exhausted.

Hunter flirted with the princesses and even got a kiss from Belle.

Lorelei was terrified of most of the characters, but was entranced by the beautiful princesses.

Mommie loved the fresh sea food.

Grandpa spent all of his energy completely spoiling his grand babies.

So as it is snowing here in Kansas we are looking forward to the next time getting to Visit Grandpa Brown, Uncle Jack, and nephew Harker in the land of sunshine and pure fun.

Thank you Grandpa! We miss you!

Dear Granny Di.

2013-03-22T19:54:00.002-05:00

With my fatigue I almost called you the other day. Since I can't call you I will make a blog post. You read my blog everyday while you were here, so it comforts me to imagine you reading this in heaven.

I can't believe it is almost been four years since you have spent a holiday with us.

The last Easter weekend we had with you was magical. As Easter is rapidly approaching this year I miss you so much and I realize that there is a lot that I haven't told you.

Just as I told you what I thought would happen the last May we spoke. The next child we had was a girl and we named her the same name I told you we would. Lorelei Jean. She came sooner than we had planned, but God seemed to have planned out our children perfectly. I know you love sharing middle names with her. She has the most spunky personality. I remember you saying repeatedly Hunter is going to make it hard on the next child, because he is so easy to love.

Lorelei and Braelynn have entered and have been so perfectly easy to love as Hunter has always been.

I can't believe you are missing holding your girl grand babies. They are perfectly girly in style while having strong take care of themselves personalities.

You would laugh at all the shoes your daughter has bought Lorelei. Lorelei loves them so dearly and keeps asking for more. Of course Aunt Terra obliges. Oh and Daddy does as well. I fell more in love with your son when Lorelei was getting jealous when Braelynn was born, he swooped her up and took her shopping for clothes. When he told Lorelei she had spent enough she looked up at Daddy, batted her eyes, and said "shoes". Of course he went and took her to buy more shoes.

Hunter really didn't struggle much with the addition of Braelynn, but Anton after Lorelei's shopping spree came home with a pile of pvc pipe.

Your son and Hunter spent the rest of the day building the most amazing fort in the basement. Hunter was thrilled with it, but didn't understand why daddy wouldn't let him hook a hose up to it and run water through the pipes in the house. : )

You must treasure in your heart how wonderful of a father your son has been. You can tell he was born to have children and he loves them and works hard to have meaningful relationships with each of them. The kiddos definitely have them wrapped around his finger. Probably partly due to inheriting the Tony smile. ; )

Hunter takes the big brother job very seriously. It is amazing how instinctual nurturing is in his personality. Course there are still several sibling moments, but the second someone appears to threaten Lorelei or Braelynn the incredible Hunter comes out and he is able to take on the world.

Hunter and Lorelei both already have a passion for books and Hunter began reading on his own at three.

He still has a ways till reading big books on his own, but he can do short books pretty well.

Braelynn was by far my most difficult pregnancy. I gained a lot less weight with her, but probably because I was sick almost every day of the entire pregnancy. June when Tony was in North Dakota I was so sick I could barely walk and I lost 15 pounds in a month.

Hunter and Lorelei as much as I feel horrible about it were rock stars and played perfectly together.

In a lot of ways I think they became, so much closer as I couldn't take them to church or out for that whole month. Luckily by July I was mainly just getting sick from 3 to 6 am and would just have bouts during the day a couple times during the week.

I remember you talking about trying to go camping while pregnant and you keeping everyone awake from being, so painfully sick. I was so there this time around.

You would laugh that Braelynn was born on my birthday naturally. She is such a perfect beautiful baby, who is already so tough.

Tony was perfect through the delivery and helped me through the horrible awful pain of pushing.

On the 28th of January two hours before I went into labor I was on the phone with Terra discussing when she would come up for the baby.

The doctor had told me that I wasn't progressing at all, was probably going to go late, and even if they induced me a week late would have to do a special type of induction.

So we decided Terra would come up the night before the induction, stay at our home and watch our kiddos for the night. I also had just received the beautiful hospital gown she had made for me in the mail. Yes that she made! She has become a excellent seamstress. She made a gorgeous quilt for Lorelei with scrap Olivia pig fabric and other fabric you had left behind. Lorelei sleeps with it every night.

Boy was Terra surprised when I called her just a couple of hours later to tell her that we are going to the hospital and had dropped the kiddos off at some beautiful friends from church house.

That girl drove through the night to see sweet Braelynn and come stay the next night with our other babies.

Terra and I have really grown from sister in laws to sisters in the past couple of years.

I am so grateful that you have given her to me.

She stayed with us for the week after Braelynn was born and took care of my family and home while I was recuperating.

Oh you would love that the nurse named Rusty who was my labor nurse with Lorelei was my labor nurse with Braelynn. What is even more shocking was that she remembered me. It was like having an old friend in the delivery room with me and she took perfect care of me as I was walking the halls in pain.

Braelynn was born right at the end of her shift on my birthday. God is so amazing.

Hunter's first soccer game of the season is supposed to be tomorrow. He is such a little competitive athlete. He is a blast to watch. I can hardly believe I am registering him for Kindergarten next Tuesday. He is such an old soul and is impossible not to love him with all your heart.

Lorelei has such a spunky personality. Every room she walks into she has people falling in love with her. She of course was our first child with stitches. All for a pair of shoes. : ) I think in a lot of ways she is my pay back. With the cutest smile she could destroy Rome in a day. She definitely fills my heart with love.

Braelynn brought me immediate happiness. It is hard to believe how completely aware of her surroundings she already is. I think she chooses to stay up at night, so she can have her individual time. As utterly exhausted I am, I still can't help but drink in everything about her.

My whole life I have dreamed of being where I am right now. It is so desperately flawed and perfect at the same time.

I started writing you today, because since Braelynn has be born I have been missing you more than usual.

I ran into someone who worked with you at Larksfeild at a birthday party just recently. The first thing she said was you were such a proud Grandma.

I loved how you had a little "Hunter shrine" and were excited every time I gave you a picture. I loved how you emailed me every day after your lunch hour saying how much you loved looking at the pictures on the blog that day. I loved how we talked on the phone almost every day just talking about how perfect Hunter and Tony were. I loved how deeply and patiently you loved my child.

It hurts with every bone in my body that Lorelei and Braelynn will never get to meet you till heaven and Hunter has just a few memories to hold on to. It hurts and pierces my heart that my children don't get to experience your passionate love every day as you were so perfect at giving.

I desperately miss talking to you on the phone months before any holiday making plans to share our love of holidays with our family. I miss cold winter days and sewing with you and our in depth talks. I wish you could see how much you have made me grow as women. I miss us in the garden together with our hands covered in dirt.

I miss listening to your beautiful Alto voice at church and sitting comfortably next to you.

I so desperatley wish you could come visit and see your beautiful grandchildren and the man your son has become, but even as I write this I know that visit would never be enough.

I love you and thank you for loving me and my family with all that you had.

I miss you and pray that you are helping God prepare our place in heaven.

With Love

Your youngest Daughter.

The in law doesn't apply with the love you have given me.

Life's bleachable moments.

2013-03-22T13:45:00.001-05:00

Lorelei I just want you to know this is how happy you look in the tub after pooping in the Lego bucket. I on the other hand don't look as happy, but as I cleaned up your poop I decided I loved you enough to document this moment for when you call me to tell me your daughter pooped in the laundry hamper. Now the house still smells like your poop, so I am off to look under the bed and couched to see of there are any other beautiful Lorelei turds hanging out somewhere.

Braelynn Reece is One Month!

2013-02-28T15:53:00.001-06:00

Blizzard fun!

2013-02-26T15:14:00.001-06:00

I remember as a child a snow day was a blessing and two was magical. Four encompassing a weekend was never even thought of. How beautiful it has been being snowed in our home.

Daddie the helper

2013-02-17T18:18:00.001-06:00

Lorelei asked daddy instead of mommy for help with make up. Big mistake. Lol

Sisters

2013-02-15T17:32:00.001-06:00

Braelynn's two week pictures

2013-02-15T10:45:00.003-06:00

Welcome Baby Braelynn

2013-02-09T17:07:00.001-06:00

Braelynn Reece

2013-02-08T09:28:00.001-06:00

Sweet Braelynn Reece choose to bless my birthday at 7:06am on January 29th. She weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 20 inches long. She is healthy, beautiful, and the perfect addition to our family.

Hunter and Lorelei are adjusting well as mommie and daddie are learning the new joys of having a family of five. I don't quite think we can call our family little anymore. : )

Coming Soon to the Hayes Family...

2012-07-28T15:24:00.001-05:00

The Hayes Family is expecting our third child January 31st. We are excited even though it came as a complete surprise to us.

Hunter is elated to be a big brother again. At the early sonogram Hunter said, "Mommie, why did you eat that baby?" After explanation that I didn't eat the baby Hunter said "Well can we look at the baby in my tummy to?" I love the things Hunter says.

Lorelei isn't quite old enough to understand she just kisses my tummy ALL the time.

My husband is supportive as always and is sad to miss the rest of the pregnancy since he is and will be in North Dakota for who knows how long. Course I am sure he doesn't miss the mood swings and the sounds of me being sick. : ) Anton's work will fly him home 10 days before the due date and he will get to stay a while afterwards.

I am thrilled that our family is growing and we have one more beautiful child to love.

Really?

2012-07-27T01:17:00.003-05:00

So at Red Robin I was taking both Hunter and Lorelei to the bathroom. I kept telling Hunter to keep the stall door shut. Hunter replys " Why is someone going to come in here and fight us?"

I guess I need to pay more attention to what he is learning from those PBS cartoons.

Amazing Wonders Aviation 2012 VBS

2012-07-26T13:33:00.000-05:00

Registration Check in Counters

I had the great pleasure of getting to be on of the co-directors for our church's VBS this year. I had such a blast organizing and decorating. It is always such a privilege to be apart of something that you know your children will love and learn from.

There was so much and so many people apart of VBS I wouldn't even know where to begin to talk about it.

I am blessed to be apart of a congregation who is eager to devote their time and money for the benefit of our children.

I am ready to start planning for next year. : )

Victoria Falls

Paracutin Volcano

Hallway

Sunset in the Great Barrier Reef

Control Tower

Baggage Claim

Worship Rally hangar my Father in law made

The things Hunter Says

2012-07-25T17:07:00.001-05:00

Hunter just a bit ago runs up to me all excited.
Hunter "Mommie where are we going?"
Me "No where buddy. Why?"
Hunter " I am all dressed up, so where are we going?"
Me "Hunter that is the outfit you have been wearing ALL day."
Hunter "But I look nice"
Me "Buddy you are just wearing a Thomas shirt and shorts"
Hunter "Yes I am all dressed up, so where are we going?"

I guess something in the y chromosome is what causes a boy to go all day before he realizes he is wearing clothes.

Shaving Cream Fight!!!

2012-07-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

I had my fabulous cousins from South Texas come up and stay with my grandparents a couple weeks ago. They are wonderful people. It was a very hot week when they came up. I took advantage and did something I have been dying to do since my church camp days. Total cost was a total of 6 dollars and we had shaving cream to spare. The kiddos were begging to do it again. Corynn and I expected to sit on the side and watch, but it was way too tempting not to join. Especially when even my grandpa joined the fun.

Hunter's Description of preschool.

2012-07-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

As we were getting ready for Hunter's last day of summer session preschool Hunter was describing preschool to me. "We make a HUGE mess. Then we clean it up. Then we make another HUGE mess. Then we clean it up. We sit on the carpet on our mats and we line up in lines A LOT!"

Pretty interesting description I thought. : )

Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS 2012

2012-05-15T15:01:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been doing with my free time lately instead of blogging. I must admit I have become a VBS junkie. I have always loved coordinating events. Being able to coordinate something so fun for my own children has been so much fun!!! I could spend all day talking about everything we are doing. ; )

We are definitely going all out this year.