Chappell of Love

Move It Monday: February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

I finally can spread some good news. I lost two pounds this week. YAY me! My husband and I started the Power 90 workouts and it has been pretty fun working out with him. I was surprised at how fun. We purchased a seat for the baby for the back of his bike so I am hoping there is much more family fitness in our near future.

The kids both start baseball tomorrow night. Which means our lives are about to be turned upside down. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way. The great thing about the park they play out of is the awesome walking track. They just repaved it too. Paisley and I are gonna tear it up.

Source: curvecreation.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

We did slack yesterday in the food department. Cagney made some of his wonderful honey BBQ wings and I made some spinach dip. It was the super bowl, give us a break! At least we were watching someone be active while we ate it? Does that count?? HA!

Not very much of an update today. We are super busy this week, I have a ton to get done. Hopefully I will have more next Monday.

I leave you with this question: Have any of you tried zumba? Yeah, yeah I know I am the only one that hasn't probably, but did you see a difference? Class or just a DVD? Thanks! :)

Linking Up:

~Nicole

This week in review...

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

This week we...

Discovered the chandelier...

Chewed on Sophie...

Played with side walk chalk...

Helped dad measure....

Wore big girl jammies and chewed on the seahorse...

Slept in some funny positions...

Laughed...

Played with our monster trucks...

Wonder what next week holds?

~Nicole

Gorgeous Day at the Park... In January

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

I honestly am still in disbelief that it has been so warm. Last year the kids had already missed a ton of school due to ice and snow. Cagney was off for almost an entire week because the roads were so bad. Not this year.

I really am thankful. Paisley loves the outdoors so much and she is at such a fun stage. She stares at everything outside in such amazement and wonder. It's like everything is magic for her right now.

We headed to the park after I picked Lucas up from school yesterday. It was Paisley's first trip and I have to say, it may be her hangout. She loved watching all the older kids running around and the birds... she even loved the walking trail.

We had lunch there. We will do this a lot in the spring. Sure beats being cooped up at the dining room table.

The sun was in their eyes and this mom didn't even realize it. Go me!

I hope we have a lot more weather like this very soon!

~Nicole

Oh, How Pinteresting

2012-02-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Today's post is a ton of random pins. That's pretty much it.

Source: megkeith.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Want for the bedroom!

Source: recklessabandoncook.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Crab rangoon dip. Shut the front door. I LOVE crab rangoons.

Source: Uploaded by user via Nicole on Pinterest

I cry at stop signs. This is great.

Source: thechive.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Sometimes I just want to scream this at people.

Source: Uploaded by user via Nicole on Pinterest

Made me tear up.

Source: decoratinggallery.bhg.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Want it so badly...

Source: mamakatslosinit.com via Nicole on Pinterest

This is not true, yet still hilarious.

Linking up:

Move It Monday: Januray 30, 2012

2012-01-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

This week has been alright. Nothing wonderful, nothing horrible. Better than last week. We have been doing some home improvement projects and my husband got kidney stones, so it was a little crazy. We did great on food until this weekend. My nieces birthday party was Saturday and we ate out every meal on Sunday. Awesome.

We have the Power 90 DVD and I have started it before but never finished. My husband wants to do it with me this time. He wants to start tomorrow (baseball coaching meeting tonight), but I wanted to start today. I don't know what it is but I have had the annoying dull pain in my left arm since yesterday around 4 pm. Almost like I strained it but I don't know how. So I am unsure if I will begin today or not.

Source: letsmakeahealthiertomorrow.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

I am also doing the c25k program. I just started last week. I did day one and then hubs got kidney stones so I had no one to watch the kids to do the other days. He seems to be feeling better now so maybe this week I can get going on that some more.

I have to say, I battled between getting a chicken biscuit this morning and making myself a bowl of Special K (my son's school is right near a Chick fil A). I opted for the Special K. Yay me!! Baby steps... ;)

I have discovered a few motivating songs to work out to. Thought I would share. Maybe we can all share our running playlists one day soon?

1. Til I Collapse (Clean of course)- Eminem
2. Boom- Nelly
3. Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO
4. Firework- Katy Perry
5. Single Ladies- Beyonce

I am not a big rap fan, but Eminem pumps me up. He has such a dirty mouth though. I have to get the clean versions of course. I have three kiddies with me always.

I'll leave you with this:

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Linking Up:

Til Next Monday!

~Nicole

Duh, Pinning!

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

This week I saw a lot of cute Valentines stuff. If you have kids, you will appreciate these first five. If not, keep reading. There's stuff for you too! :)

Source: libertyoriginal.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

A craft for baby girl for Valentines Day.

Source: funhandprintart.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Doing with all the kids. So sweet....

Source: pinterest.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Cute for Lucas to give family.

Source: familyfun.go.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Doing this for his teachers... sweet!

Source: batemanbuzz.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

I literally cannot wait to make these for his class. They don't do Valentine swaps at the public schools anymore (lame), so pre-k is his only chance!

Source: Uploaded by user via Nicole on Pinterest

True.

Source: iwilltrustinyou.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Isaiah 40:31. I want a tattoo on my wrist of this verse. Cag says I am lame.

Source: facebook.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Simply amazing.

Source: Uploaded by user via Nicole on Pinterest

I ordered this color the other day. It will be precious for Valentines Day. OPI- Mod About You.

Linking Up:

Til next Wednesday!

~Nicole

Paisley is Five Months Old

2012-01-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

Paisley, you are five months old already! My goodness I am so sad that this precious time with you is moving so fast. On the other hand I am very proud of you. You are growing into a sweeter, more precious baby girl every day. I could not be prouder to be your mommy.

I have not weighed you in a little bit, but I imagine you weigh maybe a little over 14 pounds now. Your feet are long and your head is still tiny. :) You are wearing a six to nine months clothes. Still not a ton of hair yet but what hair you do have is getting a little longer. I have to trim your nails every other day due to them growing so quickly and they hurt like crazy!

You had your first taste of food this month. You started with green beans and to my surprise, you loved them. You have loved everything I have given you so far. You are partial to pears and peaches though. I am making your baby food and I enjoy doing it. Especially when I see how much you enjoy it.

This is you on your first trip to the ball field. Between your two brothers, this will be our second home in the coming months. Be ready baby!

You had your toes painted for the first time ever. I think we have to do it again soon. Your daddy is more into it than he will admit. :)

Such a big girl playing outside with your brothers. You think you are their size already and don't let anything hold you back. You are fearless.

Your fingers STAY in your mouth. I have been convinced you were teething for a few months already just because you chew on everything. Your fingers are the newest thing you chew on. I guess they never fail, being permanently attached and all.

You love to play now. I loved watching you get better at grabbing and squealing. You will sit and play like this for about five to ten minutes...

...then you look like this! HA! You keep me busy.

You will play for a little longer than that if I sit you in the high chair. That's because you are sitting up and not missing anything. You like to know exactly what is going on.

Bath time is another favorite. You kick and kick and kick. You kick until you get water in your eyes, shake it off and keep kicking. Then you squeal and laugh...

You are lucky enough to have two cousins that are only a week apart from you. You were born on the 23rd and they were both born on the 30th. You like to play at family functions with Grace and Colton.

Grab. grab, grab is your favorite thing to do. You get better at it every day.

You found your feet as well and use them for anything and everything. I can't keep your socks on anymore.

I love this face, you make it constantly now. You pucker your lips up and I could just melt!

I love you sweet baby girl. Slow down a little for me...

Love,

Mommy

Move It Monday: January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

I gained a pound this week. I am ashamed to even type that. It's nobodies fault but my own. I let too many "excuses" get in my way. After I made my goal list and vowed to meet goal one within two weeks I feel like a failure. I know you are not supposed to feel like a failure, it happens to everyone, blah blah... well, I do anyway. I feel like a failure because I want to lose weight more than I have ever wanted to complete ANYTHING in my life and I let myself down.

We installed hardwood in our kitchen all weekend. It was complete chaos and we had no table or anything. I let the simple fact that it was "easier" to order take out get the best of me. All I had to do was move some stuff around and I could have reached the stove. I also caved and had birthday cake at my Grampy's 73rd birthday party last night. smh.

I have my water jug ready to go. I am walking today rain or shine. It has been raining an awful lot the last several days. Paisley and I are headed to the grocery store this morning and I am not even going down the center aisles. I am going to have a good week. Even if it kills me!

This picture was a slap in the face for me. This is exactly what I need to remember:

Source: blackfitness.tumblr.com via Karlene on Pinterest

I am off to make my inspiration poster I never got around to making this week. Imagine that. Are we seeing a pattern here??

Linking Up:

Until next Monday...

~Nicole

sewing.

2012-01-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

It will be the death of me.

That is all.

Pinspirational Wednesday!

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday, which means it is time for some pinspiration!

I don't have a theme again. I am all over the place on pinterest and it is hard for me to stick to just one topic. ADD much? Well here are a few of my favorites from this week:

Source: downtoearthstyle.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

LOVE the island in this kitchen. We are about to start redoing my kitchen (starting with some beadboard, yay) and I am dying for an island like this. I would stain mine though instead of painting it black. ONly because I am going for a neutral color theme of whites and browns...

Source: withlovefromkat.com via Nicole on Pinterest

This sink would complete the look I am going for... for sure.

Source: dididaniphoto.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

When Paisley gets a little bigger I WILL have a wonderful picture of all three of the kids made and do this. It is so pretty.

Source: simplesong.typepad.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Speaking of the kids, I am in love with these letters for their play room. They're printable and I am planning on putting these in some dollar store frames and hanging them on one of the walls in there.

Source: flipflopsandpearls.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Such a cute sign.

Source: pearls-curlsandasoutherngirl.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

We are finishing the mud room and I am thinking that this is a must.

Source: makeitmyown.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

After making my trash bag holder out of a formula can, I am thinking that this is a MUST for baby girl's room.

Source: smash-club.livejournal.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Call me immature but I laugh every single time I see this.

Source: weheartit.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Can I get an AMEN??!

Source: facebook.com via Nicole on Pinterest

....and another AMEN??! hehe

Well, until next week....

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Monster Jam 2012

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam is a tradition with our boys. Every Fall I purchase tickets, so that every January we can head to the GA Dome in the freezing weather and watch the show. Lucas' entire life revolves around Monster Jam. He has been in love with it since we took him to his first show two years ago. He has a HUGE collection of all things Monster Jam. Here are the boys before the show. We stopped for dinner. We always do, I refuse to pay for dinner at an event like that. It's outrageous and I guess I am just cheap that way.

The night before the show, Grave Digger "The Legend" was at a Little Caesars that was having a grand opening in a shopping center about five minutes down the road from us. Of course when we heard we got there as fast as possible.

Lucas made a poster this year. He was very particular about what trucks we had to print and what it needed to say. Now he wants to hang it in his room.

We usually go to the Party in the Pits which is where you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close and personal. This year it just wasn't in the cards for us. We had to drop Paisley off with my mom and an all day event just wasn't gonna happen.

He cracks me up holding his ears. It IS loud but he refuses to wear headphones or ear plugs.

His Grinder banner he got at the show. It's going in his room too.

Madusa was my favorite truck. Of course because she was the only female and it was hot pink!

Grinder was amazing. He did two flips and kept on going...

Adam Anderson in Grave Digger "The Legend"

Dennis Anderson in Grave Digger. It was a celebration of his 30th year driving Grave Digger. Pretty neat.

I case you are wondering how I know all of this, it's like I told you, my kids eats, sleeps, and breathes this. We watch the World Finals DVD at least once a day.

All in all we had a blast and can't wait until next year! :)

~Nicole

Move It Monday: January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well, this week was okay I guess. I didn't go walking or anything. At all. So I feel like a giant loser. It is very true that you will never ever regret running that mile. On top of that, we had Monster Jam this weekend and of course fell of the food bandwagon. We ate some things that we should not have... and might have drank some things we should not have also.... hehe. I am down four pounds now, so that is one pound this week. I guess I can be happy with that. Much to my surprise, it's something and not nothing. I did a goal list for myself so maybe this will help to motivate me:

10 pounds: Water Bottle (this sounds so small, but I want a NICE really good bottle to take with me on walks and runs. Not just one that my husband brought home from his company picnic.)

20 pounds: Cute workout gear of some sort. Don't want to say pants because I don't plan on stopping at 20 pounds. Maybe some cute sports bras and tops... or a cute jacket or watch...

30 pounds: Super cute sweats from Victoria's Secret. I love their college line but can't bring myself to spend that much.

40 pounds: New yoga pants, and probably a new swimsuit. AHH, we shall see.

50 pounds: New running shoes. I like the ones I have now but have my eye on a super cute pair already...

60 pounds: Zip lining trip with my honey. I have always wanted to do this and so has he. ALSO, new jeans for sure. Maybe some cute dresses... and I have my eye on some precious cowboy boots....

I know this is A LOT to lose but I really want to do this. I NEED to do this. Six more pounds til I can get my water bottle. WOOT! :)

Source: fuckkbeingfatt.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Goals this weak are to eat better and get back on track with my food. Grab some of those carrots to munch on instead of something else. I already made a batch of my favorite new snack. You can find the recipe here.

Source: Uploaded by user via Nicole on Pinterest

I also plan on drinking half my body weight in ounces per DAY. That is a ton of water but I can do it. When I purchased this in Florida this summer, everyone thought I was nuts. Looks like it will come in handy after all. This bad boy holds 100 ounces of water. It's HUGE.

I WILL get my exercise in this week. I don't care if I have to run my stairs every morning and night. I am convinced I need a treadmill so I can have something to do while I watch The Biggest Loser. I feel like such a lump sitting on the sofa while I watch these people puking their guts up with Dolvett and Bob.

Source: google.com via Kristi on Pinterest

I am also setting a goal for myself RIGHT NOW that in the next two weeks I will have my water bottle! No doubt. I CAN do this. Ten pounds total, two weeks: WATCH OUT!!

Good luck to you all. What are your goals this week? Do you have a goal list?

Linking Up:

~Nicole

No-Bake Energy Balls

2012-01-15T12:20:00.000-08:00

I found this on pinterest. The recipe came from here. This is my go to all time favorite snack now. It is so amazing. Warning though, you will not be able to eat just one. Usually two holds me over pretty good. The ingredients are pretty filling. You will need:

1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

These are so simple. All you do is mix ALL of your ingredients together in a bowl. Once it is good and mixed, go ahead and stick it in the fridge for about thirty minutes. I went ahead and made a double batch because we eat them daily now.

Pull it out and wet your hands. If you wet your hands you will avoid a big, sticky mess when it comes to rolling them into balls.

Roll the, into bite sized balls and sit on wax paper. After they sit for a minute I put mine in a freezer bag and keep them in the fridge. I think they taste better fresh from the fridge.

Linking Up:

ENJOY!

~Nicole

Formula Can turned Bag Holder

2012-01-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

I save grocery bags like crazy. I use them a lot. Whether it just be to send something with one of the kids or to send snacks to school. My usual method of storing these bags would be to shove them all inside one main bag and put them under my counter. Well, half of that cabinet was always a mess of grocery bags. No matter how many times I tried to clean it out, it always went back to the same thing.

I used an empty formula can for this. It was the Up & Up brand from Target if you are familiar with their cans (it was the large one). This would also be easy to do with an oatmeal can or coffee can as well. I just peeled the paper off of the can.

I took my exacto knife and cut some slits into the lid. That way I can pull the bags out this way also.

I grabbed my mod podge and found some old scrapbook paper that I had never used. It had probably been in that drawer for over a year. I brushed the mod podge to the can and cover it with paper. It did take two sheets of paper to do this.

I then printed a label for myself. I just picked a font I liked and printed it out. Then I cut it out with a circle cutting scrapbook tool. I mod podged it to the can where I wanted it. Also, be sure to do a coat of mod podge over the entire thing when finished.

TA DA! Now I have a cute and practical place to store all of our grocery bags. No more mess under the counter for us!

Linking Up:

~Nicole

So far in 2012...

2012-01-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

This year has been pretty laid back so far. As laid back as you can be with three kids. Here's a look into what we have done so far:

Played outside. In January. It's been fairly warm here until today. We may have some snow flurries tonight. That excited me! :)

Rode scooters together...

Started back to pre-k.

Had pajama day.

Played some new games...

...in some strange positions.

Found our feet...

Been a little strange sometimes...

...and just been plain cute. :)

~Nicole

It's Wednesday People!

2012-01-11T06:04:00.000-08:00

Time for some pinterest!

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Nicole on Pinterest

I have been wanting a table to go with Paisley's kitchen so that when she gets old enough to play with it she would have a dining table. I wanted a farmhouse table and I think a coffee table and benches like this may be just the thing!!

Source: elledecor.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Want a kitchen like this someday...

Source: southernliving.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Wonder if I could talk Cagney into doing this...

Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Nicole on Pinterest

We have to do this in their playroom. It is getting a makeover this year anyway!

Source: mycakies.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

LOVE the braided headbands. I am so making these with some leftover fabric.

Source: kristanlynn.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Super cute.

Source: fanpop.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Gotta love Friends...

Source: mommag.com via Nicole on Pinterest

This looks amazing... and I am ready for summer!

Source: bostonglobe.com via Nicole on Pinterest

I am officially in love with this man! I am so excited to watch them play this weekend. That says a lot, I tend to let Cag watch football alone...

I mean the hate towards this man baffles me. Literally. How could you not love him? Especially after watching the above.

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Just a Comparison...

2012-01-10T11:56:00.001-08:00

Every mother wants a daughter that looks somewhat like them. I am no different. I don't want her to look JUST like me because obviously I think Cag is pretty good looking. hehe. Everyone seems to think that Lucas looks JUST like Cagney (even though he looks identical to how I did when I was a four year old). Now everyone thinks that Paisley looks just like Lucas. When someone is asked the question, "well who do you think she looks like?" their response is "Lucas" one hundred percent of the time. My Grammy sent my mom this picture of me and I had to do a little comparison...

Of course I did this just for fun, because when it comes down to it do you know who I really want her to look like? I want her to look like Paisley. Because Paisley is beautiful :)

What do you think?

~Nicole

Move it Monday

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well, this week I managed to make some.... progress! I lost three pounds. Doesn't seem like a whole lot but that is a huge accomplishment for one week. My husband and I have been on the same meal plan (I say meal plan because I REFUSE to call it a diet). We have had grilled fish. grilled chicken, salads, fajitas, tons of veggies, and of course fruit. I think apples are my favorite go to snack. Or a banana right after a work out. YUM! It hasn't even been that hard. I mean, yes I wish I had a cookie sometimes, but I go have a yummy energy bite and I am set (I am totally going to do a post on them because they are the best snack EVER, so stay tuned). So awesome. Of course Cag has managed to lose 8 pounds this week. Go figure, the man loses more. He also cut out tea and Mt Dew so I am convinced a lot of that was bloat. I was already drinking just water.

We went on a walk with some friends. Cagney was nice enough to fix the front wheel on my jogging stroller and I have a feeling this stroller is going to get a ton of use. I have the baby trend one from Target and I love it. Paisley loves it too because even though she is only four months old, she would much rather be sitting up in this than strapped backwards in her car seat in the other stroller. She loves the outdoors and looking around...

We also went to the ball field. We are very fortunate that we live about five minutes from here. They have a track that goes around the fields and it is so nice for walking. They just repaved it too so I was so excited to try it out. Cagney worked with the boys on their baseball skills...

Her first trip to the ball field wore her out...

This week I am going to make a list of goals. I plan on listing a reward for myself once I meet each goal. I cannot wait to share this next Monday.

I also plan on continuing our "meal plan" just as we have. We do not live close to a Whole Foods at all, but I do have a Dr appointment tomorrow afternoon so I plan on visiting the one that is close to it. I am very excited about that!

I plan to walk every day that the weather allows me to with Paisley. If the weather will not allow me too, there are other methods of exercising. I do have stairs. I also have the Tone it Up website for their awesome youtube videos.

Linking Up:

Fitness Friday @ Fitness, Health, and Happiness

Til next Monday...

~Nicole

50 Ways to Waste a Life

2012-01-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never get it. If you don’t ask the right questions, you’ll always get the wrong answers. If you don’t take a step forward, you’re always going to be in the same place. Life is a journey full of choices. Here are 50 wasteful choices to avoid.

Spend time regretting the past and feeling sorry for yourself.
Complain about problems and do nothing to solve them.
Follow the path of least resistance and quit when the going gets tough.
Ignore your passion and follow the money.
Setup your lifestyle so it’s dependant on your next paycheck.
Spend more than you earn and rack up lots of financial debt.
Try to control everything and then worry about the things you can’t control.
Focus on what you don’t want to happen.
Fear the things you don’t fully understand.
Let everyone else make decisions for you. Don’t decide on anything, ever.
Let small issues snowball into big problems.
Be jealous of everyone else.
Hold onto anger. Never forgive anyone.
Always be right. Never let anyone be more right than you.
Seek external validation before you consider yourself good enough.
Make sure everything you do impresses someone else.
Lie to yourself and those around you and put up with others who lie to you.
Keep doing the same thing over and over again until the day you die.
Never finish what you start.
Stay in the same place forever. Never travel.
Compare yourself unfavorably to those who you feel are more successful.
Belittle yourself and hang out with other people who belittle you.
Never learn anything new.
Never take responsibility for your own actions. Blame everyone around you.
Don’t let anyone help you.
Be suspicious. Trust no one.
Multitask, multitask, multitask! Do everything at once.
Fill every waking moment of your life with commitments.
Don’t help others unless you have to. Do only the things that benefit you directly.
Think about all the things you don’t have and frown.
Never exercise. Only eat junk food and fried food. Let your health rot.
Don’t say what you mean. Don’t mean what you say.
Never tell anyone how you feel or what you’re thinking.
Never say, “I’m sorry.” Never say, “I love you.”
Get involved in other people’s problems and make them your own.
Always put your own needs on the back burner.
Make others feel bad about themselves.
Watch TV for several hours every day.
Do lots of drugs. Drink lots of alcohol.
Don’t play, just work.
Let your hobbies go.
Let your close relationships go.
Take everyone seriously and everything personally.
Remember the insults, forget the compliments.
Fail to plan. Always wait until the last minute.
Let it all bottle up inside.
Always disregard other people’s opinions and suggestions.
Dream about your future goals and never take action to achieve them.
Fear change and resist it.
Work hard, do your best, and then condemn yourself for not achieving perfection.

(via Marc and Angel Hack Life)

We are starting a makeover on our life as we speak. We have a little more on this list that we can shake our head at than I would like. I think I am going to print this and hang it somewhere. We need to be reminded of these things. It is so easy to read this list one time and think, "sure, I'll do better." When does "better" actually start? I say TODAY! Cag and I have sat together this weekend and made some goals for us and our family. I cannot wait to reach them. I am so very excited to live the rest of my life ENJOYING it and doing my absolute best not to waste a second. Nobody is perfect and nobody ever will be, but reminding ourselves of the things on this list will help us all to get through such small things in life that seem like such a huge deal!

Hope you enjoyed!

~Nicole

New Food & Nails

2012-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

I did a resolution post and in it I talked about how we wanted to start eating a lot healthier. We have been doing just that. So far so good. I do crave things though... mainly chocolate. But enough about that, here are some of the yummy things we have had for dinner:

We had an awesome grilled chicken salad. SO yummy.

These fajitas were flat out amazing. I may make them again next week they were so good. I will have to do a recipe post on them. I want to share the love!

We aren't the only ones trying new foods around here. Miss Priss had some green beans for lunch the other day. Doctor cleared her to start some solids. I am making her baby food myself. I just want to know exactly what is going in it. I love doing it too. There is something about knowing that you are giving your baby all natural food and that it is great for her. I think I just want her to have better eating habits than I do. Or even better than the boys. They try to eat awful and I try my best to get them to eat better, although they have been loving these healthier dinners more than us I think!

Here she is when she had her carrots for the first time. I think today we may try the batch of sweet potatoes I made her.

I am also linking up to a Nail Party today!

I did my own toes for Christmas (mostly due to Christmas budgeting). I found this on pinterest and thought it was festive and adorable. First paint your nails white. Completely white. Then cut very thin strips of blue painters tape and once the white is completely dry, put them across your nails in a candy cane like pattern. Then paint the red over your nails. Once the paint is GOOD AND DRY, you remove the painters tape and VOILA! Be sure to add a clear top coat. Simple and cute. Anyone can do this. Especially since I did it with a baby in my lap half way through (and I am horrible at doing my own nails).

I couldn't resist posting these cute little toes. We had our first nail painting session a few days ago and it was so hard with her being a wiggle worm but so worth it. Just look how precious!

Linking Up:

~Nicole

New Years 2012

2012-01-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

We were pretty low key the New Years Eve. It was down to four of us since Blake had to go to his mothers that weekend. We had discussed our options and Cag and I agreed that we would be much better off staying home and off the roads (and not being out til 2 am) with a 4 month old. Who am I kidding though, we really aren't the "get dressed up and get a baby sitter to go out and party all night with a ton random people we don't know" kind of people. At least not since we have kids. We decided we like to ring in the New Year with our little lovelies, so that is just what we did!

We had some company. My sister and brother in law, Cag's brother and his wife and daughter, Cag's mom, and Cag's cousin and his wife and daughter all came over. We had a cozy little bonfire in my fire pit we got at Target on Black Friday! SCORE!

We shot off some fireworks. I am sure it was much to our neighbor's amusement. They had a display worth at least a thousand dollars. I am not exaggerating. Those are my kind of fireworks though. Let someone else go broke buying them all, sit in lawn chair at a very safe distance beside our warm and cozy fire, and enjoy :)

Lucas and Brooklyn enjoyed some sparklers of course...

I am sure that when we ring in 2013 we will be doing the exact same thing. Only wouldn't it be much cooler if New Years was in the summer so we could be floating in the pool? Right?

~Nicole

Happy Hump Day!

2012-01-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

It's Pinterest time. This week I am not going to do a certain theme, just a random combo. I'm feeling adventurous! :)

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Even though I am not eating any dessert currently, I will one day when I am maintaining and I can run it off then, right?

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Something I have struggled with for a long time now...

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Ooooooo

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True. OK moving on.... (can you tell we are on a fitness kick here?)

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Made this this morning and it was beyond delicious. I will be making this a regular...

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These are to die for. One or two fills you up too so it's not like you have to eat the whole bag. Amazing AND easy.

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I NEED this shirt. So cute.

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SO me...

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This guy knows how to parent...

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I am starting to realize that maybe I pin too much? Is there such a thing as pinning TOO much? I may have a problem...

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Vince "Gill", "Fin" McMissile, and Gary

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Lucas got a fish tank for Christmas. Poor baby can't have any real pets. He is allergic to anything and everything with fur. We had to get rid of our cat and two dogs when he came along (it was sad, but well worth it. We wanted to keep him :)

Santa brought him a Spongebob fish tank for Christmas. He was very excited. Santa cannot transport fish however, so he asked Cagney and I to take Lucas to pick some out for his tank. We started out with an algae eater, three mollies, and a snail. I have never had a fish tank so I did not now that I wasn't supposed to put an algae eater in a 5 gallon. Apparently he needed more room and a bigger filtration system. In my defense, the chick in petsmart told me he would be fine. That was until he croaked the same night and I did my own research. RIP "Escalade."

We HAD a dalmation mollie too. I am not sure if he was sick to begin with or if he got sick from the algae eater. He croaked the next morning. RIP "Shark Bait."

This little guy above is Vince "Gill". Pun intended. My cool husband helped name this one.

"Fin" McMissile literally lives inside Squidward's house. Lucas named him because he is his favorite character on Cars 2. I am not sure if he is just moody or emo or what. He loves it in there and it may be because it is dark. Maybe he is depressed because his friend died? He is beautiful though. Bright orange with black fins. Maybe we will get a picture of him... one day...

Gary gets around. Here he is inside Spongebob's window.

My proud baby and his first pets! The three that are left seem to be doing just fine. He checks on them day and night like a good pet owner. I think his favorite feature is the cool new night light.

~Nicole

Fitness Goals

2012-01-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

The below is me! I AM the last man standing! Well, the last WOman.

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Remember when I stated my New Years Resolutions? I was serious about them. ALL of them. Cag and I started yesterday on the health kick of ~~2012~~ Life. We went to the grocery store on New Years Eve and bought a ton of veggies, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal... all that healthy stuff. So far so good. Turns out, when you EAT good, you FEEL good. Kind of how when you eat crap you feel like crap, huh?

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We have started the above process already. I even gave myself a bedtime. Turns out you need plenty of sleep to be healthy and take care of three kids and exercise. Who knew?

I had the hubby take some "before" pics of me. I know, bold huh?Seriously this is probably the most embarrassing thing I will ever post. I can't believe I am doing it but I feel it totally necessary. For me.

EW! I even broke out the leggings. I do NOT wear leggings in public and the only reason I own a pair is because they came free with a pair of jeans from New York & Co. Trust me the only time I have worn these were under jeans while riding four wheelers in the snow. I was bold enough to post these pics but not bold enough to wear these around town! HA!

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I found the website above on pinterest. It is called Tone It Up. Love everything about it. They have free fitness videos and recipes and even a pretty cool community on there. Looking forward to hanging out there on my journey.

I am very excited about this. I don't feel comfortable posting how much I weigh (the pictures say enough), but I plan to update every Monday. I also plan on having Cag take a new picture on the first Sunday of every month. In the same outfit.

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Linking Up:

Move It Monday @

~Nicole

My "Totally Cliche" New Years Post

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is so typical of anyone getting ready for the new year. The only thing is, I fully intend to do this. Every single thing on this list. Not just do it for a week, or a month. The thing is every year I swear up and down I am going to stick to it and I never do (whatever "it" may be that year). All I can do is keep telling myself that it is time for a change. That I made myself a promise and it feels just as bad to let yourself down as it does to let down other people. Hopefully 2012 has great things in store for the Chappells.

1. MONEY. Yep, I said it. Just like everyone else in the world I am going to be better with my money. This year I don't think I have a choice and I have to be better with my money. Not doing so is really not an option and that is as deep as I care to venture into that topic, so.... next!

2. HEALTH. I refuse to type "lose weight." Of course that would be a nice added bonus but it seems that whenever I try and lose weight it never happens. I am trying a new approach. I want to be more active, but instead of forcing myself to do p90 videos I am going to start walking again. I LOVE walking. I did it a lot a little over a year ago. I even completed my first 5k. My kids enjoy going on walks with me. Paisley loves to sightsee. What in the world do I have holding me back? Oh, that's right... NOTHING. My boys play baseball and I was a pretty darn good softball player at one time so who says their dad is the only one that can get out and practice with them? Some of the wii games we have will whip your tail too. Plus they are fun to play! Win-win!

3. FOOD. I am not about to give a speech on how I am going to go on a diet. Those don't work for me just like "planning" to lose weight doesn't work. Cagney and I have been talking for weeks about how we are beyond excited to start a vegetable garden. We had a small one in 2010 and did not do one because I was ginormous pregnant this summer (2011). This year we plan to expand it and plant a ton of stuff. I am so so so excited about this I can't wait. I wish we could start it now. We are also getting some hens. The kids are excited to get some pets and I am excited to get some eggs. Hopefully we will have them by spring. I am thinking they would make a great Easter gift. I would like to get six. We have already named them: Dolly, Loretta, June, Patsy, Reba, and Tanya Clucker. You know the last one is awesome.

4. ORGANIZE. I say this every year and I really do hope to follow through. Cag is on board so I think this year may be a winner!

5. BEACH. I know I said we are doing a money makeover but I WILL take my sweet baby to the beach if only for a weekend. I want her to go as a baby. She would love it. Ocean sounds are her favorite.

6. PICTURES & VIDEO. My computer crashed last month and I almost lost all of my pictures and home videos. I thought I had for a full day and I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach and cried. Needless to say the first thing to be accomplished on this list is I will be transferring all of my pictures and videos onto DVDs. I could do a backup drive but the computer repairman says that those are never one hundred percent and I ain't taking any chances! He also says to put your pics onto DVDs instead of CDs because they will hold a ton more. This probably falls under organization and I wasted a whole paragraph, huh?

Maybe I should make a resolution to not ramble? :)

~Nicole

Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Santa came! Apparently my kids were good because he showed up! They were very excited!

Lucas' pile. He got a DSi, a bb gun, a fish tank, video games, a scooter, and a kite among a few other small things. Just what he asked for.

Paisley was too small to really ask for anything and honestly too small to play with anything, but we think this stuff will be so fun for her in the coming months. She got a Laugh and Learn house, a small kitchen, a tea set, holiday Barbie, and a few other little things.

Blake's pile. He got an iPod touch that he has been begging for months for, a skate board, helmet, some hunting stuff, and a docking station.

Running in to see what they got. It amazes me that Cag and I have to wake them up on Christmas morning. Lucas loves his sleep. When I was little I remember going down around three am and checking out everything. Not my kids, we woke them up around 7:30. Blake was already awake, but then again he always is!

Lucas checking out his stuff. Out of all that cool stuff he picked up the Monster Trucks first. Go figure.

Blake checking out all of his things.

Lucas looking at Bikini Bottom. He got a Sponge Bob themed tank. It now has fish in it and we will have a whole other post on that later.

Paisley was so cute. She just looked at all of her things. She was amazed.

She got some pearl earrings and plenty of nail polish in her stocking.

Blake reading his Ripley's book. His favorite gift we gave him.

Lucas and his favorite present from mom and dad: Cars 2 and matching house shoes.

Can you see him?

Paisley opening gifts from mommy and daddy.

The last gift they opened. Two small bags and each contained a monster truck. Hint: we are going to Monster Jam in two weeks! WooHoo! This always falls in January where we live so they usually get tickets for Christmas. Lucas can't wait!

That's not all. There is more Christmas stuff to come.

~Nicole

Paisley is Four Months Old!

2011-12-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Paisley you are four months old! This month has flown by faster than any so far with you. We have done so much this month it is crazy! We have enjoyed every experience we have had with you and look forward to many more to come.

We went to the doctor for your four month exam. You weighed 13 lb 6 oz. You are in the 85% for your height, 50% for your weight, and your itty bitty head is in the 5% range. At least you don't have a huge melon. If you turn out to have hair like me honey, it will take care of it for you.

This is a coat from your Nana and Pawpaw. You wore it on Christmas and looked precious in it. You looked like you were straight from Paris.

Speaking of Paris, you love Beauty and the Beast. You will watch it wide eyed in your bouncy seat when I am doing chores.

You don't look like this very often, but when you do you let the world know. Your lungs have definitely developed well.

You attended your first NFL game. We went to the Falcons vs the Jaguars. The Falcons won by a long shot. Maybe you were there good luck charm,

Sleepy head.

Your naps have gotten better and better. You depend on them, but that's okay because so do I.

We went back to church this month too. This is you that morning. Our music in service can be kind of loud but you did great. Up until the pastor started and I had to walk out with you. But that was okay because you quieted down and slept the rest of the service like a good girl.

You had your first Christmas tree in your room. We did a candy theme. It was precious.

We also put you in your Jenny Jump Up for the first time. I knew you wouldn't be bouncing just yet, but you sat in it and spun around and had a blast anyway.

You love to spend time in this carrier with your daddy whenever we go places now. I wore it to your brothers Christmas party at school and you didn't make a peep. This picture was at your very first Christmas parade.

You had a ball opening presents too. Nana and Pawpaw got you this car and you loved it so much. I knew it would come in handy since your brothers are about to start baseball again. We will be making lots of trips to the ball park and this beats a stroller every time.

This was the first time you saw out tree all lit up. Priceless.

You also had your first trip to the zoo. You weren't too into it just yet. Mainly you just slept in the stroller but you did ride the merry go round with some friends.

Still loving the bumbo... and Sofie...

You were absolutely previous in this Christmas dress. I had them put your monogram on it. I love little smocked dresses and I am sure you will wear lots more in the coming years...

You met Santa! How exciting!

Santa came to see you too. You can't play with very much just yet but soon enough you will be into all of this.

We took some Christmas pictures with your brothers.

You guys are my heart. My babies. My life.

Just look at how big you have gotten. It is getting to be a little much. I love you so much baby girl.

~Mama

Away in a Manger...

2011-12-23T09:04:00.001-08:00

Lucas and Blake had a date with Grammy and Grampy. Can you guess where they went? They said it was a very cute movie and they loved spending time with the great grandparents.

Timmy has been in the cookie jar...

Lucas made some Christmas art. First he made some lights out of his thumb prints.

Then he made a PRECIOUS picture.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
-Luke 2:11

~Nicole

The Reason for the Season...

2011-12-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
-Luke 2:14

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Linking Up:

~Nicole

Falcons Rise Up!

2011-12-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

Guess where we went?? Paisley attended her first Falcons game. Cagney was thrilled to take her. It's kind of funny that we haven't even taken the boys to a game yet and the first child we take is our only girl. She seriously love football though. Sometimes during the day if I need her to be still and let me fold laundry I will turn on ESPN. She watches it like a hawk. I think it is the colors moving around. She still isn't that interested in Nickelodeon or Disney yet. I'll keep trying... I really wouldn't mind a girly girl. :)

Her daddy bought her a pink Falcons jersey. She wore some black leggings with it and her sequined converse. Everyone had a fit over her and they were all in disbelief that she didn't make a peep the entire time we were there. She was amazingly well behaved for a three month old.

Kick off. The view from our seats.

Watching the game in daddy's lap. It was so funny to see him carry her around in her little pink jersey. He wore the baby carrier and wore it proud. Only a real man will feed their infant daughter a bottle in the middle of the Georgia Dome during an NFL game. Love him so much!

Of course he has high hopes that she will continue to love football. I told him she will probably be a cheerleader one day and he said he was fine with that. <3

~Nicole

Lucas' School Christmas Party

2011-12-16T13:31:00.001-08:00

My baby had his first school Christmas party yesterday. My mom came with me and he was surprised. Daddy couldn't make it due to work. They had a birthday cake for Jesus, chips, fruit... you name it.

Paisley was there as well. She wore her I heart Santa shirt. My cousin made her bow, it has a candy cane in the center.

They painted nativity scenes. So adorable.

Chowing down on some good food. I took so many pictures of the kids little performance, but I didn't want to post a ton of pics of other peoples kids. They sang Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and the cutest little song about Jesus that I am going to record Lucas singing and post soon.

Lucas and his teachers. He has wonderful teachers and has enjoyed every second of his preschool experience so far.

~Nicole

Lemon Sugar Scrub

2011-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

We needed a gift for the kids teachers and we are on a budget. A tight budget at that. We decided making something would be nice, but what to make? I saw this at Under the Table and Dreaming blog and knew we had to do it.

Just mix together two and a half cups of sugar, one cup of olive oil, and four tablespoons of lemon juice. That's it! That will fill a 12 oz mason jar but we did two 6 oz ones instead.

Lucas made some for his two teachers...

Blake made some for his three teachers and his bus driver as well...

Lemon Sugar Scrub! Easy as pie. It works wonders too. I made a batch for myself as well. We had enough left when we were done making it to wash our hands with it and they were so soft!

I just tied some twine around the lid and we cut out our own tags with our "fancy" scissors. Added a Merry Christmas Stamp and we labeled the top of the lids using white cardstock and mod podge.

Linking Up:

The Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

~Nicole

Pinterest can be Magical...

2011-12-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

Last night the hubs and I were talking about our goals. Yes, we had a serious discussion about it and on my list (darn near the top too), is to take the kids to Disney World while they are small enough to enjoy the true magic...

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Ain't that the truth??!! I never get sick of it. That's why I have so many Disney pins. There's a little kid in all of us.

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Never knew this! Awesome!

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Want this painting for Paisley's room. BAD.

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He is my favorite character and I think this would be hilarious to see.

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I bawled in the theater. TWICE.

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P Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. :)

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BEST. MOVIE. EVER. I have loved this since the day my daddy took me to my first movie and this was it. In the theater I sat on his lap the entire time.

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Second best. Ha.

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Pooh is classic. If you haven't seen the new Pooh movie and you have small kids, you should! It is a must. Lucas loved it.

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Love this.

Hope this wasn't too juvenile for anyone. I just love me some Disney.

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Reindeer Food

2011-12-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

This is a something I came up with to give to the small kids we are close to (my best friends kids and my cousins kids). It's not much, but to a child it is huge. (Or at least it was when I got it when I was little).

Reindeer Food.

All you need is:
Mason Jar
Brown pipe cleaners
Google eyes
Red felt

I just hot glued the eyes and red circles to the jar, then I made some antlers out of the pipe cleaners and hot glued them to the lid. Fill with bird seed and VOILA! I am going to let Lucas hand them out along with this poem:

Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home.

SO cute and simple.

Linking Up:

The Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

~Nicole

Christmas Craziness

2011-12-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

My honey made this all by himself. So proud of him. It's pretty good too. Muscadine wine. :)

Princess Paisley wore the cutest Christmas outfit on Saturday.

...and another on Sunday. Our friend Brittnee got this for her for Christmas. So sweet. Her first outfit to church. I am so glad we went to church. We had not been since about three weeks before she was born. We needed it. Can't wait to go back this Sunday. She slept through the service. We have a loud band at our church too, I was shocked.

Remember the Thanksgiving door in November? Now we have a Christmas door. You can see the Star, the Angel, Baby Jesus in a manger, Mary, Joseph, a donkey, and two wise men. I asked Lucas why Mary had a sad face and he said it was because all of the animals in the stables kept pooping and it was making her sick. Anyone think he could be any more boy than he possibly is??

~Nicole

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

It's looking a lot like Christmas at the Chappell house. Pictures galore ahead- BEWARE! :)

I bought this cookie jar on Black Friday a few years ago and love it...

My mama gave me this cute little Santa this year. He used to be in her house.

Got this at Hobby Lobby for twelve bucks. Worth every penny.

I put the kids Santa picture and a cute little Christmas plate on the cabinet in our kitchen.

This was a Kirkland's find.

I made this wreath last year...

My burlap wreath I made. I also made one for fall that hangs from the mantle.

Love this picture I got at Kirklands. You can see Timmy popping out of the flowers here too.

Our tree. Cagney hates the topper. He says it looks like an alien trying to come out of it. What??! Is he blind? It's beautiful!!

My "light up" gifts. I traded my sister the snow man I used to have sitting in this spot for them.

The stocking were hung...

We have had this angel for about six years. She used to be on top of the tree.

Cagney's UGA Santa sits on an end table.

The kids Christmas books are in the living room for easy access.

I ordered this sign of of etsy this year. I LOVE it.

The deer are our only outdoor lights this year. We are slacking.

The nativity. I have a Willow Tree nativity on my wish list "one day." Sigh.

I think this is the most important decoration we have. No, I am certain of it. :)

Linking up:

~Nicole

Santa Baby...

2011-12-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas Pinspiration

2011-12-06T15:46:00.001-08:00

This week I decided to link up to some Christmas pins. I have a whole board of Christmas stuff. I saw the first two last night and had to throw them in.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026598937/

This made me cry when I read it. It seems like yesterday I was holding him for the first time and now I am about to leave to pick him up from pre-k.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026598936/

LOVE this idea for my craft room (to serve as a bulletin board maybe?) and for the playroom. We need some wall decor in there.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026594011/

The kids are out for two weeks for Christmas break. One day the week of Christmas we are going to do some random acts of kindness. I think they will enjoy it so much.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026539916/

Doing this idea for the White Elephant games we play at family get togethers for Christmas. I used a blanket, magazine, and hot chocolate.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026498417/

My two favorite colors together!!

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026469691/

This would be so cute in the kids rooms. You could get fabric to match their decor...

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026469258/

I want this hanging in my living room. I would keep it up year round.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026462791/

Doing this with Paisley for sure. Lucas will probably do Santa hands! :)

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026595016/

I actually did this last night and it works! Super easy and saved money by not going to the salon.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026597331/

I WILL make this for baby girl for next Christmas. So precious...

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Mini Tree Mania!

2011-12-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Every year we put mini trees in the kids rooms. This year I got to do a new one for Paisley's room and it was a candy theme. I had more fun doing it than any tree in the house. With so much testosterone I have craved this girly stuff for a while!

The snow babies that sit at the bottom are from my mom. She used to decorate with them but they look great beside her tree.

Her star is made of gumdrops. How precious!

You can see the pink, sequin tree skirt better here. The ornaments are gingerbread people, peppermints, mini sugar cookies, lollipops, and pink glitter balls.

This is Lucas' tree. His room is baseball themed (although he has been showing more interest in football- go figure). His ornaments are baseballs and footballs. The tree skirt looks like a big baseball and a simple gold star sits on top.

He also has a mini nativity at the bottom of the tree.

Lulu with his tree.

Blake's tree is awesome. His room is a hunting/fishing/cabin feel. His tree has a camo tree skirt and the topper is a fishing basket and pole.

The ornaments are different fishing lures, shotguns, and fish.

Blake and his tree. I begged for this pic. I have to beg a lot these days and that's why there are more pictures of the smaller kids... sigh.

On another note, our elf, Timmy, has been busy again. This time replacing the stockings...

He even put a diaper on in place of Paisley's stocking.

Lucas looks for him first thing every morning. Wonder where he will turn up next?

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Move it Monday: Take One

2011-12-05T13:21:00.001-08:00

This picture pretty much sums it up. As brutal as it sounds. I'm talking about me of course. I have struggled with my weight since right after I got married. I gained about 20 pounds right after marriage and was very unhappy with that. Now I WISH I weighed what I weighed then. I had my first baby on March 30, 2007. I gained probably a good 75 pounds during that pregnancy. A lot of it was fluid, I swelled terribly. I lost a good bit of weight after having him. Then I gained it all back. All of it. I think my problem was that I took a diet pill and once they were gone, my appetite returned full force. I will be the first to admit that I lack in the self control department when it comes to sweets. I just had my second baby in August and only gained 25-30 pounds this time around. I had lost all of that within the first three weeks of her life. Problem is, I was just as heavy when I got pregnant with her as I was when I had gained back ALL of that pregnancy weight from baby number one.

This is me now. This picture was taken two days ago and it makes me a little sick. I have got to do something. Maybe this blog will help me do it? I sure hope so. Not for anyone but me. I really want more than anything to feel GOOD about myself. I don't want to mentally compare myself to all the skinny moms at the park...This is me at my bachelorette party. What in the world HAPPENED??! I would die to be that thin again.

This is my plan. I did a 5K two Christmases ago and was really into running/walking, but somehow stopped. I am not even quite sure how. It just happened.

I might post this in random places at our house. Bathroom mirror, fridge....

I absolutely love Jennifer Aniston. I know I am not in my 40's, but she is proof that being in shape has nothing to do with your age. Just because I am not 16 anymore is not an excuse. Just because I had two kids is not an excuse. She is in the best shape of her life.

I know it is the Christmas season right now and that dieting for anyone is pretty much a joke. I do not intend to call this a diet. I want to make a lifestyle change. As far as food goes I will substitute fruit instead of cookies or brownies. Sounds simple, but for Queen of the sweet tooth that is drastic. I like sweet tea and coke, but I drink water 98 % of the time. It is my favorite drink ever. You never feel gross after a big glass of ice water. That 2% of the time I was drinking tea and soda is out the window starting now.

I will do my best to post any progress or even just thoughts every Monday. Maybe it will be easier for me if I have somewhere to type what I am feeling so that I can go back and see how many changes are working... I guess we shall see!

Linking up with Ashley at The Domestic Wannabe

Until next time-

~Nicole

We went Back to Bethlehem

2011-12-04T17:29:00.001-08:00

We attended a program Saturday night that is one of the most amazing things I have ever been fortunate enough to attend. It is called Back to Bethlehem and is put on by Hopewell Baptist Church in Canton, GA. SO amazing.

Getting ready to go in.

Sissy and Blake in line.

When our group was escorted in, we were held in a small area where a woman informed us that her father owned the local Inn. They were so full that they had to turn away a woman that was expecting and the only room that had for her was in the stable...

We entered the town and boy was it a site to see!! They had food everywhere...

Plenty of fish...

Lucas smelled some frankincense and myrrh...

The boys watched them do some wood carving...

Sharpen knives...

Make horseshoes...

They even got to go inside a home. Well, it was what a home would have been in Bethlehem at the time. In this picture they are sitting in a bed. Or as I would call it, some hay bales with a blanket on top...

Paisley talking to her pawpaw...

Just as we got past the Inn and came to the stable, we witnessed something amazing. I couldn't get a great picture.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 9-14

This soldier followed me all night. He never smiled, but I had to get a picture with him. We had become friends by then, he just didn't know it...

You can't see it good, but there are three crosses on the hill. The guards at the bottom discovered the tomb had been opened...

He has Risen!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:6

I hope we all remember what Christmas is really about.

I know this is silly, but I think it is so cute. I actually put it on my Christmas cards. You may recognize it from the Grinch:

"Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more."

~Nicole

Christmas Parade 2011

2011-12-04T10:59:00.001-08:00

Every year we attend the Christmas parade downtown. It is a tradition and one of the things the kids look forward to the most. It was Paisley's first parade. She started it off in her baby carrier. Cagney specifically asked for one of these when I was pregnant and it was a hit. She loved being in it and it gave me a little bit of time with the other kids. Lucas sat in my lap through the second half of the parade and I have to admit it made my day. He hasn't had that much to do with me at one time since she has been born. I ate it up.

My boys getting ready for the parade to start. Waiting patiently...

Patty Loveless is from our town. She was the grand marshal. If you don't know who that is, she is a country singer.

My nanny and pawpaw sat with us. Paisley absolutely LOVES pop. She can be very picky about who she goes to and when but she has yet to turn him down.

Cute float...
Okay, I took a picture of this car just because I love the color SO SO much. I want it to be the accent color in my house. Such a pretty blue.

This is how she spent the second half of the parade. A little too much excitement for her.

Yes, I took a pic just because I love the bow. So adorable!

Here comes Santa Claus!!! Can't wait until next year. Hopefully it will be sunny and in the 50's like it was this time. Better when you have small kids that hate being bundled!

~Nicole

A Day of Spontaneity

2011-12-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Today was certainly not what I expected when I woke up this morning. Not in a bad way though. It's just considering that when we woke up it looked like this outside:

You wouldn't think we would wind up here:

Not in December. I mean it's almost Christmas for goodness sake, yet it was warm enough to go to the zoo. Not just go to the zoo, but go to the zoo with no coat, hat, or gloves.

The first time I took Lucas to the zoo he was right at a year old. That was the last time. It was the middle of the summer and a million degrees with a million people. Today was the exact opposite. You see, I'm not so sure that going to the zoo in December is the cool thing to do. Unless you're us. We ruled the zoo today. Epic win.

My princess on her very first trip to the zoo. We had it all to ourselves which made it much easier with the SEVEN kids we took. I think when people saw us coming with our three strollers and pack of wild animals they decided to move on to the next exhibit. This was fine with me as it left us with a great view of everything.

We went into the tropical bird exhibit. Pretty neat. Amanda joked that Blake looked like Ace Ventura. He was trying to get all the birds to land on him.

My two meerkats.

Hakuna Matata.

Lucas and Anna Beth. He LOVES her. They play so well and are the same age. He has always said he will marry her one day. Guess we'll see. HA. Too bad she has a crush on his older brother. That's okay. He has a girlfriend at school too. Oh, to be a four year old. The same four year old that informed me in the car that he did not "piss off Paisley." Maybe all he really reminded me of was to watch what I say more? SMH.

Okay, notice the sign to the right. I noticed it right after I took the pic. Can't read it? Look closer:

"DO NOT CLIMB ON STATUE." Awesome.

Sweet baby birds! I love this pic.

This was the highlight of the trip. A mama gorilla and her one year old baby. She was so protective. We watched her forever. She fed it, carried it, she even played peek-a-boo with it. Precious.

This guy put on a little show.

This is where we ended up. Then we proceeded to come home and fall out. All in all a fabulous day with fabulous people. Now going to rest for a weekend packed full of activities already. Joy.

~Nicole

Embrace the Camera: Take One

2011-12-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to something I think is awesome. Embrace the camera. You can participate here.

I think this is such a great idea because as moms especially, we are so used to being the one behind the camera. Seems like every time we go anywhere or do anything I come home with the great pics of the kids and my husband. So I have decided that I will try and make it a priority to include myself in at least one photo. I don't LOVE having my picture taken, but I will love having these memories down the road.

The first week actually has nothing to do with my kids. About two weeks ago I attended the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn with my bestie. We ran into her sister-in-law and one of her friends at the mexican restaurant across the street. We had a margarita and went across the street to swoon over Edward Cullen. (AWESOME movie by the way). I love anything Twilight.

~Nicole

How Pinteresting...

2011-11-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday and today I figured hey, one kid is napping and the other is sucked into Mario Kart world. I am going to post something for myself. I am addicted to pinterest. Literally. Can't get enough. So here goes...

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026546876/

Love Food Network. Hate her.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026550906/

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026554830/

This made me laugh loudly.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026580477/

Reminds me of my BFF Williams Family Farm

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026581677/

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026585652/

Cute idea for next time I have snack week at school.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026585688/

I want this desperately...

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026585691/

Paisley NEEDS this.

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026585693/

Best idea ever. Tape kids doorways with crepe paper so they have to bust out on Christmas morning. Santa wanted to make sure they stayed in bed ;)

http://pinterest.com/pin/156429787026585672/

True Story.

Linking up:

Follow me on pinterest. You know you want to ;) Follow

Santa! I know him!

2011-11-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon we got bored, so we decided to knock out our trip to see Santa this year. The kids were so excited. We didn't even have to wait in line. He was so good with them. Blake told him he wants an iPod touch, Lucas said he wanted a PSP, and Paisley grunted at him. :) She wasn't afraid of him at all. She is the total opposite of her brother. He screamed for the first three years when he had to sit on his lap. (Yes, I am totally ghetto and took a picture of a picture. My scanner is broken, don't judge ;)

All ready for her first trip. I love this little dress. I ordered it on etsy and it has her monogram on it.

Everyone ready to go!

Also, Timmy has been making quite a scene at our house lately.

Yesterday, we caught him reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas...

Today we caught him zip lining! That little elf is a dare devil.

Lucas has enjoyed him this year more than ever!

I ordered our Christmas cards last night. They are the cutest ones we have ever had and I am so excited to get them! I can't wait to mail them out. I love receiving Christmas cards every year.

~Nicole

Breakfast with Timmy

2011-11-27T17:58:00.000-08:00

Look what we found on our table on Thanksgiving morning.

A certain someone came back...

TIMMY! He showed up o Thanksgiving morning and brought us breakfast. He brought us the cutest little Christmas plates, some donuts, hot chocolate, m&m's, and candy canes. He also brought a note from Santa. Lucas was very excited about that!

The kids look so excited don't they? They really were. You just can't tell it in this picture. HA! It was early on Thanksgiving morning.

Paisley was just glad to be a part of it all.

Eating his donuts. I swear, they were WAY more excited than they look!!

Good morning sunshine!!

After we ate, daddy read the Elf on the Shelf to everyone. Now we can't wait to find out where Timmy pops up day to day!

Linking Up:

~Nicole

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T17:38:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna start it off right with the cutest turkey butt you've ever seen!

Lucas made a Thanksgiving story at school. They sent all of this home in an envelope titled "Lucas' Thanksgiving Story". It was too cute to not hang on the door to our pantry.

This shirt suits her. That is for sure.

My sweet babies on Thanksgiving. We only had two places to go this year which is very out of the ordinary for us. We usually have at least four.

I forgot my camera when we were out and about. I did manage to snap a few of my babies though right before I headed out to do some Black Friday shopping. Got everything on my list. I am almost done and so happy.

My sweet girl had a wonderful first Thanksgiving. I know next year will be just as great. We have so much to be thankful for.

~Nicole

Lucas' Thanksgiving Party!

2011-11-27T16:16:00.000-08:00

Lucas had a Thanksgiving Family Feast at school. The kids sang some cute little songs to us in the sanctuary. It was precious. Cagney was able to leave work and come. That made Lucas' day. He waved the entire performance.

My camera wasn't doing such a great job taking pictures during their performance.

Paisley was showing her support for her bog brother. Dressed in her Gobble Gobble outfit.

They had a whole meal for us. Lucas didn't want to eat though, he was too excited with everything else going on.

They made the cutest little place mats. Each kid put on theirs what they were thankful for. Lucas said: Mama, Daddy, Blake, Paisley, and Cat. Cat?? The one we DON'T have. LOL he cracks me up!! :)

Here is a video I made of Lucas singing his Thanksgiving songs he heard at school. We took video of the performance, but you can understand this much better:

~Nicole

Paisley is Three Months Old

2011-11-25T11:15:00.001-08:00

Baby girl. It is absolutely ridiculous that you are already three months old! You are growing faster and faster. You can stop whenever you like. :) You get more and more beautiful as each day goes by. I am so blessed that God brought you into my life and that I get to be your mommy. I can't think of anything better in the entire world.

You LOVE football. We just discovered this. Your dad always thought that his "football" kid would be one of the boys. So far, it is you. One of your favorite things to do is sit and watch football with daddy. He eats it up.

These two boys are pretty much in love with you. I don't think I will ever have to worry about you being taken care of between them and daddy.

You are too ready to be big. I wish you would slow down. I already started you in your bumbo chair because I felt bad for you. You try and sit up all the time on your own. This helps you out some. You seem to like it for about ten minutes at a time and then you are usually over it. Just like the bouncy seat.

You may kill me one day for this, but I just HAD to do it. How precious. You have the sweetest little rolls and I could just eat you up!

You started laughing. You smile a lot but laughing is a new thing for you. It may possibly be the sweetest sound in the world.

Had your first bowl of rice cereal. Must have satisfied you good enough because this was the result.

You started rolling from your tummy to your back. Now you are just trying so hard to roll from your back to your tummy, but you haven't quite mastered that yet.

Your first Halloween has come and gone. You were a mermaid, for about five minutes, I put your costume on and snapped a pic and took it off. You hated it but you still looked beautiful.

You were ready to trick or treat with your brothers though.

Your first Thanksgiving was yesterday. Your shirt definitely suits you. I am convinced that daddy may be your new favorite person. You get a special glimmer in your eye when he comes into view. I think the term "Daddy's Girl" may be an understatement. That's okay though because he is one hundred percent wrapped around your little finger. It is so sweet watching your little bond grow.

I cannot believe how much you have grown sweetheart. I love you so much.

Love,

Mommy

What to do on a rainy day?

2011-11-23T12:55:00.001-08:00

VOILA!

Random November 2011

2011-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to finally be blogging again! The computer crashed and has been in the shop for a while, but I picked it up yesterday and I am good to go! The only problem is that now, along with being SUPER busy with the holidays, I am behind on blogging. I may have to double post to catch up!

HOW CUTE ar these chunky thighs? How come nobody thinks they are cute on grown women? I tell ya, this chick can pull them off...

Showing her UGA pride for the GA vs Auburn game. Or can we even call that a game?? HAHA

Apparently, they were on a fishing trip. This basket has been a train, plane, car, truck, semi, boat... you name it. The hanger is the pishing pole, DUH!

I love this picture. She has two very proud bubbas!!

Look what Cagney bought! Well, I bought the glass. Isn't it cute?

Right before our first Thanksgiving dinner. Good pic of all three.

Someone loves sitting up. I started her in this a little early, but she loves it and is holding her head up strong, so oh well. Whatever works...

~Nicole

It's Impossible to get a two month old's handprint...

2011-11-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

So she made a foot print turkey instead. Lucas made a hand print turkey. H was quick to critisize the fact that we still had ghosts on the fridge. So we had to make something a little more appropriate.

When I was making lunch, Lucas kept asking me how to spell names. When I was done I realized this is what he had done to the bottom of the pantry door. Precious.

He also asked me to "spice" his hair this morning. I tried to tell him it was called "spiking" your hair and I found out I was wrong. He said all the girls at school loved his spicy hair today.

~Nicole

Random Happenings

2011-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

How sweet is this?? That has got to be the girliest cousin Eddie outfit there is!! HA! These pj's and this hat are soo cute. Not too many hats fit her pea sized head. It's so tiny.

Yay for cute shoes!

They make a certain someone very happy!

(See that dimple?? Comes from her daddy).

Someone had her first taste of rice cereal and loved it so much she fell asleep eating it. Her daddy was holding her. Would've put her in her bouncy, but it was occupied...

...by her brother's newest obsession. It was the one Cag used for his Halloween costume. I took Paisley's onesie off it and he was beyond mad that it was naked. So he put his pajama pants on it.

Then he had a party on the stairs.

~Nicole

Lucas' First Field Trip

2011-11-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Lucas had his first ever school field trip! He was so excited when he brought the forms home. They went to a local pumpkin patch. I know they all had a blast. He slept the entire way home.

They were watching a calf drink from a bottle. I took a ton of pictures but out of respect for other parents, didn't want to post pictures of the other kids faces.

He was about to feed some chickens. This was pretty much all he got to do in the petting zoo due to his allergies. Poor kid.

We went on a hay ride. When we got in the middle of the pasture, the cows surrounded us wanting some hay. Looks like they've seen this drill before. They were lined all the way up and down both sides.

The line of cows after we pulled off.

Each kid got a baby pumpkin.

Having a blast with his buddies on the slide.

The kids sang us a few songs and put on a little show. It was so cute.

I told Cagney that instead of dropping a ton of money on outdoor toys, we should just sit out some hay bails in a maze. They played on this more than anything else there. I had to threaten Lucas to get him to the car...

Told ya.

My sweet boy posing for me.

This is what little sister did most of the time.

He has another field trip at the end of the month. This time they are going to the movies. He is excited already!! :)

~Nicole

Random Kid Moments

2011-11-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

~Lucas just put on a play for me entitled "The Vampire Diaries in a Jungle Far, Far Away." Starring Foghorn Leghorn. Wow.

Lucas (10-11-11):
Me: “Lucas pick up your drink you're spilling it everywhere.”
Lucas: “Mom, it’s four drops, don’t exaggerate.”

Blake (10-1-11):
Blake: “They must be a vegan.”
Nana: “Do you even know what that is?”
Blake: “Duh, it’s someone who was born a boy AND a girl.”

Lucas (10-15-11):
Me: “Baby I hope you stay this size forever.”
Lucas: “No mom, soon I have to grow to a big kid so I can watch Transformers. Then the next day I will grow to a man so I can watch man movies.”

Lucas (10-15-11):
Blake: “I want the smoked chicken and corn.”
Lucas: “Yeah mom, I want the smoked chicken and horse.”

Spa Time!

2011-11-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

Paisley loves the bath. LOVES it. If she is crying and you sit her in her tub she immediately calms down. She would let me give her ten a day if I had time.

We just had to put her robe on now that she is a little bigger. It looks so precious on her.

Her big brother loves helping with bath time. You think they might look alike? Just a little?

~Nicole

Never Grow Up

2011-11-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet 2011

2011-11-01T12:32:00.001-07:00

BEWARE!!!
Extreme picture overload ahead!!!

We started Trick or Treating with our pumpkin face quesadillas, like we do every year.

My little pirate. He was soooo cute if I do say so myself.

We lost the eye patch and bandana before trick or treating. He couldn't handle it. HA!

The two boys together.

Blake was a werewolf. Totally scary!!

Paisley was such a beautiful mermaid. She hated the costume though. I had no intention of making her wear it out, just for a few pictures.

See? She wasn't so happy.

Alan. He was so scared nobody would get it. Then when we got to town every other person wanted their picture made with him.

I just went as a girl from the eighties. Perfect hair, don't ya think?

My sister and brother-in-law went as a gorilla and a banana. All the kids loved hers, they kept shouting "Peanut butter jelly time!"

King Kong and a baby??

Family portrait. This one is going in the living room... NOT!

My mother-in-law was a witch!

Starting to trick or treat. I love how Paisley is looking at Blake. She's like, "what the heck??!"

What she did the majority of the time.

We ran into our neighbor Evan.

The End. I have to say, I love Halloween, but I am so so happy to see Christmas nearing closer and closer... just finished taking down Halloween stuff and thinking we are going to watch The Polar Express for the first time this year. :)

~Nicole

Halloween Festivities 2011

2011-11-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

Our county holds a trick or treat village every year the Saturday before Halloween. This was our first time taking the kids. It was so cute and safe for them and they had a wonderful time.

Local businesses set up booths and hand out candy and information. Some were more creative than others. Some places even set up little haunted houses for the kids to go through (kid friendly of course). At this one in particular, you had to fish for your candy!

This one was my LEAST favorite. You had to pick a booger out of a giant nose and redeem your candy. Being I have two boys, this was probably their favorite. Nice.

Cute little place set up to take your kids pictures with a big pumpkin man. Paisley was not even phased by him. Maybe she will not be terrified of Santa like her brother was...

Then we headed to my parents for a dinner and a bonfire. Great time! Note to self: When you have three kids, do not stay out til 2 am. You WILL feel it the next day.

~Nicole

The Great Pumpkin Carving of 2011

2011-10-27T12:21:00.001-07:00

We carved our pumpkins on Sunday. Cagney does it with them every year and I sit and watch him! He gets so aggravated because he likes to be a perfectionist. But don't we all? Check out Blake's reaction to the pumpkin guts!

He picked a grim reaper for Cagney to carve. He wanted a haunted house that had a thousand tiny windows and Cag said NO WAY.

I love the look on Lucas' face when he first felt the goo...

His favorite part was cleaning the inside out. Such a boy.

While they cleaned and carved, I held Paisley and she snoozed til it was her turn.

Lucas picked two happy ghosts. He said they weren't too scary.

Ew daddy, this stuff feels gross. I am a girly girl already, you know this! HAHA!

By the time he was done with hers she was out again. We did a "P" in the center (which as you can see was an epic fail), and did her hands on either side of it. Not bad for her first pumpkin!

The pumpkins all lit up.

All three on display. Cagney said we can never have another kid because then he would have to carve four of these and that is just not happening! Love his reasoning, lol.

Everyone with their pumpkins. We carved them four days ago and are already about to throw them out. It should not be 75 degrees every day this late in October! It makes the pumpkins rot faster!

~Nicole

Paisley is Two Months Old

2011-10-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Miss Paisley is two months old! I can hardly believe it baby. You are growing way too fast for my liking. I know one day I will look back at these pictures and think of all these little memories with you. It makes me so sad that time is going by so fast. That's why I am treasuring every second with you while you are still little.

At your two month check up you weighed in at 11 lb 5 oz. You are now 23 inches long. You are in the 75th percentile for both height and weight. Your tiny head is in the 25th percentile. I think it is so cute! :) The doctor gave you a clean bill of health. Says you look perfect, but we already knew that.

You not only smile now, but you giggle like crazy! You cackle all the time. This was at Lucas' Fall Festival at school. You had just as good a time as all the other kids!

You got earrings this month. You did so good. I was so scared and made daddy hold you, but you are tough. Just like with the shots. You get it from your mama ;) Daddy is still head over heels for you. He gets wrapped tighter every day. He loves his baby girl.

You carved your first pumpkin. Daddy carved a "P" in the center and we traced your hands on either side and carved them out as well.

Your brothers are in love with you too. Lucas' new thing is reading to you. He loves it. Blake is very gentle with you and Lucas thinks you can run around with him.You are a much better sleeper now. For the most part you sleep through the night. You take two naps a day. One in the afternoons for about 2-3 hours. That is when I try and get some things done.

What a difference two months makes. You grow more and more into your own little self every day. I love you sweet baby!

Love, Mommy

Earrings!

2011-10-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

A certain baby girl in our house got some new jewelry this past weekend. Her daddy has been wanting to get this done since we walked out of our gender ultrasound. No lie. We got in the car and he said, "How old does she have to be to get her ears pierced?"

So naturally, I made him hold her. I do shots. By myself. The least he could do was spare me having to hold her down so they could poke holes in her ears. The lady pretended t do daddy's ears first.

Here we go...

It looks way worse than it was. She whined for MAYBE ten seconds on the first ear and this picture was taken after the second one was done. She whined for a minute on that one, but never did shed a tear over it. She took it like a woman. She's gonna be tough like her mommy. They look so precious too. SO worth it, don't know what I was worried about!

My sweet baby is growing way too fast. I wish she would slow down just a tad! Now earrings, next prom... :(

~Nicole

Halloween Feet

2011-10-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

We made a craft for Halloween! I've seen this around blogland and had to recreate. Biggest to smallest: Blake, Lucas, and Paisley. Notice we added a bow? I couldn't resist! ;)

~Nicole

Monday Link Party at Craft-O-Maniac
DIY Project Parade at DIY Show Off

Caramel Apples

2011-10-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Last might the boys and I made caramel apples. Yep, we did it the lazy way. No homemade stuff for us. I did this with two kids and while watching a two month old, so I think I did okay to even do this! HA!

Lucas is demonstrating wrapping the caramel around his apples. This was so easy and mess free. My kind of deal.

Ready to bake them.

Now Blake is making his. They made five each.

Pop them in the oven for ten minutes and VOILA!

Paisley thought the boys were so funny.

She is well entertained.

So proud of their job well done.

Ready to chow down!

Mmmm... I think we have a new favorite!

It kept getting stuck in their teeth.

We have more fall activities planned for the next two weekends. I can't wait! :)

~Nicole

I Love...

2011-10-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures of sweet baby girl and her beautiful baby blues.

I love these pictures of my husband being nothing but a big kid with my little kiddies.

~Nicole

Fall and Family... pics

2011-10-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

We attempted some family pictures this weekend. We went right before our trip to the pumpkin patch. I tried to plan it before everyone was worn out and ill, and right after lunch so nobody was starving. (These boys are hungry ALL the time). My mom took the ones of all five of us for me. I was so glad to finally have a picture of us as a family of five.

We went to my Nanny and Pawpaw's house to make them. I didn't want a fancy background, just some leaves and maybe their lake.

I think these crocheted hats with bows are so precious. Unfortunately, it seemed to annoy her all day long. She has the smallest head, even for a two month old, so it kept sliding over her eyes.

More leaves in this one. It is so hard to get two kids and a baby to all cooperate at the same time. Well I guess they better figure it out soon because I LOVE to take me some pictures. Especially of my babies.

Blake was posing. Turned out to be a really great picture of him.

I love how they are all actually looking. I couldn't believe it!

I had to post this because I thought it was so funny. My pawpaw has about twenty goats. They all heard us and came stampeding down to where we were. The kids almost had a heart attack when they heard them (they aren't scared of the goats, they were just startled). Wish I could have captured a picture of their faces. The rest went on about their business but this one stopped and posed right between the boys. My grandparents spoil them, I swear they think they are human!

Oh Lucas, Lucas, Lucas... He has the most precious grin and has always cooperated. Not that day. He still looks adorable, but he kept smiling with just his mouth instead of the rest of his face.

Little man!

The boys in front of the muscadines. Cag brought home a HUGE bucket full and is going to make wine apparently. I'll let you know how that goes... ha!

My sweet boys. They really do love eachother, but I swear they argue so much lately. It's the age difference. I know how it is being five years apart in age, and they're six years apart. Me and my sister are really close now though, so I have high hopes for these two. Especially since they already love eachother when they think you aren't looking ;)

Paisley in her new fall boots! HAHA!

We had a little shooting practice since we were there. Two Thanksgivings ago, we shot every gun he owned I bet. If you knew him, you would know that took all day!

Just had to throw this sign in at the end. My nanny has a green house and this sign is beside the door. If you knew HER, you would know how perfectly this suits her!

~Nicole