Come Fly with Me (part 1)

*****

First a little business... looking at these pictures makes me realize just how big all of my kiddos have gotten... it's crazy! It's like they all have just sprouted up this summer!! Even my Monkey's are looking more like big boys and less like babies!

Also, I know their names are printed on their shirts and their cakes and I realize that all of you sweet hearts can read them. But, they will still be known as Monkey See and Monkey Do. BTW- Monkey Do is the oldest by 3 minutes. :)

Most of the planning for this party was done in advance, since I knew I would be having surgery. And yes, Puddin's birthday is in October and we have already started planning... maybe surgery had nothing to do with it after all!

********

Since I have over 350 pictures of Monkey See and Monkey Do on their birthday I thought I'd break this post down a bit, cause ya'll know how I love pictures. And instead of cleaning my filthy house like I should be doing, I thought I'd bring you the first installment of Come Fly With Me... my sweet little Monkey's 3rd birthday celebration!!

This birthday party was a bit of a change for us. With the exception of Puddin's 1st birthday party, all of our birthdays have been celebrated at home, and I really like that. Except for the cleaning like a maniac part- that... not so much. So, this year we planned an airplane party at our local airport, which we like to frequent anyway, and it was so much fun! I didn't even have to clean my house for it!!!

View from the tarmac

Since we had a morning party I went over the evening before to set up so it all worked out great.

Funny thing though, when I scheduled the party I was told they rarely have hosted a party, once in a blue moon type of thing, but on the day of the party the boys had theirs with another one backed up right behind us waiting to start their party! CRAZY!

So here is the first installment... the decor...

Let me just say that some of these ideas came from the world wide web- isn't technology great?! There are so many creative people out there that it's just crazy to not utilize their help. This site was especially helpful... check it out when you have time.

Also, a lot of the decor came from the boy's bedroom. Their room is done in red, white and blue and airplanes so that was kind of a no brainer.
And having a July birthday means you can rack up on the after the 4th of July discounts and score some things super cheap.


So let's start with the invites. I knew I wanted them to look like an airplane ticket so I started researching how to do that. And it's what they say is true, there is more than one way to skin a cat. In fact, there are tons! There were so many suggestions on how to do this that I finally settled on something that I didn't have to purchase to make it happen...Microsoft word. I wish I could tell you how I did it but really I just followed the directions on the first one then cut and pasted for the rest.

The envelopes were made from an old atlas my father in law had that he was getting rid of. I used a regular envelope that I had around the house, took it apart and used it for my template. I just cut them all out and used a glue stick to hold them together. I also made birthday labels for the boys but they aren't in this shot. The were basically the airplane you see pulling a sign which had their names and return address on it. Same thing for the front of the envelope except with the recipients info. The labels were also made through Word using their clip art.

Here are some pics of the kids before the party... a kiss for the brothers... they were wishing each other happy birthday as Puddin was trying to strike a pose for the camera...

Daisy actually wearing a hairbow... that lasted 3.2 seconds... silly girl!



The cake/food table

Starting from the left of the table... a bucket of juice boxes, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, Cheetos, strawberries and blueberries. Al of the boys favorites!
The quilts of on the table came off of their beds at home.
They matched perfectly and were great table cloths!


middle of the table... birthday cupcakes... so much easier than cutting cake for everyone while also juggling 2 toddlers that desperately want to put their hands in everything!
The airplane toppers were made from card stock and glued onto small wooden dowels and just stuck in the cake. The wrappers were 4th of July clearance at wally world.


Monkey Do's cake.... a little back story... since the boys were infants they have both had a signature color... I made sure that when ever I purchased pacifiers or cups I always purchased them in their color so that there would be no mix up as to which paci belonged to which baby. Monkey Do has always had blue things and Monkey See stuff has always been red. So when searching for cake toppers I did the same thing. Each of them got an airplane in their signature color to go on their cakes!


Monkey See's cake

Now, I do not claim to be a baker. I could have purchased some of the beautiful cakes I have seen out there but in my experience they always seem so dry for our liking and well, they are just too expensive. Plus, my one regret from their birthday party last year was that they had to share a cake (I made that one too but just didn't think about having 2 for some reason). With twins, sharing a cake means sharing blowing out the candles. So I decided that from now on, they will always have their own birthday cake.

They requested the "yummy brown kind", aka, chocolate. So I made yummy double chocolate cake with butter cream icing. The big white thing the airplanes are "flying through" are butter cream clouds. They didn't turn out looking exactly as I wanted, but they were yummy and the boys LOVED them!

Right side of the table... chocolate airplanes in cotton candy clouds. I bagged these up and tied them onto some branches from our yard and put them all in a vase. EASY!

Also, the children received an "in flight meal". I just packaged up what was at the other end of the table, except the sandwiches were cut out with an airplane cookie cutter and I added an airplane sugar cookie, and packaged them up in clear take out container from Publix. Again, easy. No one had to make a plate for the kids! They just picked it up and found a place to eat!

Mommy and my sweet, sweet little Monkeys



The book table. This is something I got from one of my besties...
Each year we purchase our kids a book on their birthday, starting from the day they are born. When people come to visit them and celebrate with them on their birthday we ask them to sign the book with a message to the child. It helps us remember who was there and also gives us some great memories about who our kids were at this time in their lives!
Daisy is attacking a balloon from the book table!
(The table cloth for this table was one of their baby quilts, also from their room).

Picnic tables from our back yard were set up for the kids so they could do their craft and eat while looking out on the tarmac and watching the planes land and take off.


Pilot badges... I found this site to help make these....
These were super fun for the kids and the parents. For each child I added some sweet characteristics about them. After they signed the book they got to pick up their badge and wear it during the party. It was also part of their goody bag.

Speaking of goody bags- we had a baggage claim area set up too. I borrowed 2 old suitcases from the boys room that we use to store dinosaurs and cars and trucks and set them up as our baggage claim area. The plastic tubs were Wally world clearance from the 4th of July. They held a small airplane, a place mat made from that atlas I used for the envelopes, a wooden picture frame with a plane on the front, Southwest Airlines peanuts and wings and color sheet and a bi-plane that the children got to paint as their craft.

Ok- so that's it for installment #1 of Come Fly with Me! I will be working on #2 and #3 this weekend so stay tuned!!!

Today was another well check appointment at our friendly pediatrician's office. I've written about these experiences here, and in a couple of other places too, that I can't find now- oh well. Feel free to scour the archives if you really want to hear about all of the other misadventures. (note to self- I really must re-organize my labels when I have time).

Anyway, in true Flowers form- today was no different than any other visit, except the children are bigger, and if possible, louder. The cast of characters played their part to Oscar winning standards and now I'm exhausted! I was planning to do the long awaited birthday post for the Monkey's but, it will have to wait until later tonight or tomorrow.

These 2 little darlings were the stars of the show....

Don't let their sleepy eyed innocence fool you....

Maybe this is a more telling photo of what was to come...

Almost there... Monkey Do is starting with his persuasive charms.... and before I knew it, Bud was on board with both barrels blazing!!

Now- that's about right... imagine the shrieks that went along with this face combined with Monkey Do deciding he would do the complete opposite of ANYTHING that was asked of him throughout the entire well check appointment, on top of an additional 3, albeit compliant, children also crammed in to this 6x6 exam room and you have exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes of sheer TORTURE!!!

Thankfully Monkey See, Puddin and Daisy were really, really good.

So, who wants to tag along and help next time??

Time Flies

How is it possible that is just a few short hours these sweet precious

gifts will be 3 years old??? Monkey See, swollen-puffy faced mommy, and Monkey Do

It is amazing to me that they are now "hip" high and have

definite opinions about things!

They are both HYSTERICAL and make me laugh every day!

Monkey See and Monkey Do (6 months old)

Somehow, overnight it seems, they have taken a liking to pretend playing...

shouldn't they still be itty, bitty babies?!?

Monkey Do and Monkey See on their 1st birthday!

They are best of friends and both such joys

to Hubby and I. And their siblings too.

Monkey Do and Monkey see on their 2nd birthday

Happy Birthday Monkey See and Monkey Do!

My big boys, Monkey Do and Monkey See, hunting for ladybugs.

Mommy loves you so much!

Still here...

Yes, I'm still here- after a much longer than expected recuperation period. I'm still not 100%, maybe 80 on a good day. Every day is better though.


What happened you ask?? Well it seems when you have 5 babies in 3.5 years you can do some major damage to your body. Yep. major. What was thought to be a quarter sized hernia repair turned out to be major vertical and horizontal rips in my abdomen. OUCH!! (although, it really didn't hurt too often... but hurts a lot now.) Anyway, my doctor realized during surgery that this was more extensive than he originally thought but he was able to patch me up as best as he could. So think of me as your friendly Frankenstein mommy or humpty-dumpty.



At least I'm walking quicker than the granny pace I kept for a few days. :)


Hubby has been great helping out and man, do I have the best-est friends!!! My girls have been fabulous helping out!!! My mom and sister too... I have appreciated the help so, so much!

So now I'm 3 weeks out past surgery and trying to will myself better and praying a lot. (Thanks for the prayers from all of you too!!)


The Monkeys have their 3rd birthday (YIKES! How is that possible!?) in 3 days and I have soooo much to do!!

I also have several orders to fill- I haven't forgotten about you! I hope to well enough to get those started/finished next week.

So I better hop to it! (Ha! Yeah- right!)

I will share a couple of pics though... I know you have missed seeing these little faces!

Super Bud!

Wild Thang... AKA DAISY

Monkey See and Monkey Do


Puddin, Monkey See and Monkey Do writing on their new chalkboard wall.



Puddin and Daisy having a heart to heart on the swing set.
My precious girls!

So, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things but it may be next week before I'm back to regular posts.

Thanks for checking on me and thanks again for the prayers!

Hubby here, writing for Melissa. Melissa had surgery this week and is home recovering now. Recovery is taking longer than we thought but she will be back to answer emails soon. More blog posts to come when she is feeling better. Prayers for a speedy recovery would be appreciated.

Happy Weekend

Poor things...

You know it's past time to do laundry when you look up and see this...



Both boys wearing their sister's panties. **sigh**
Because in their words... "we doan hab no mo unna weyah!"

Looks like some one also needs to clean the front of the dishwasher too!!!

His latest obsession

It's been well documented throughout this blog that my oldest son, Monkey Do, has a love of accessories. For instance, he fell in love with a pink Easter bonnet, he often enjoys wearing a bicycle helmet, or a floppy cowboy hat, sunglasses and sock hats are really nothing new for him, top hat? oh yes, thank you so much, and even his sisters shoes... yes, he adores them all!! (which is really funny because he has the gruffest voice of the bunch... except when he says, I lusch you too!)


Anyway, this is his newest obsession.
A thrift store blazer.

Bought with a pilot's hat, for the specific purpose of adding boy clothes to the dress up attire. For months, he has wanted nothing to do with it. Apparently now, it is a perfect fit. He wears it all.the.time. These photos are from 3 consecutive days of me waking up to Monkey Do dressed so dapperly. He sure is a handsome little thing, isn't he?!

I love him dearly... what's not to love?!!

But, I did, however, draw the line at bedtime when he put in on over his footed pajamas and declared, "nite-nite!" to us all. (Although, he still does sleep in his baseball cap.)

Mercy, I wonder what's next!

Blessed

** Warning- long post, full of pictures!! Proceed with caution!**

One of my favorite songs kind of sums of how I feel right now... what a great weekend!

Blessed - Martina McBride
I get kissed by the sun
Each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the
Bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my
Front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

Across a crowded room,
I know you know what I’m thinking
By the way I look at you
And when we’re lying in the quiet and
No words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift

This week was fantastic! My husband celebrated his birthday and had lots of fun. It was nice to see him relaxing and soaking up some time with the kiddos on his special day.

Hubby and his favorite birthday cake... chocolate, chocolate chip! Puddin said, "YUMMMM!"

We grilled out for his birthday dinner and just had a relaxing- chore free day. Price*less!

Hubby and co. relaxing in the pool!

blowing out his candle and making a wish

Monkey See digging in...

Monkey Do cheesin for the camera- again!

Bud and hubby before opening presents!

Bud decided he loves ice cream!

Daisy said she'll stick with the chocolate cake!

Today was a whirlwind, but good kind of day too.
After church we raced home to prepare the kids for a babysitter. Puddin had her annual dance recital today so we had to drive to Nashville, and be on time.
Thankfully, we made it! The other kids were excited to spend time with the babysitter too!!!
Puddin danced so beautifully! And, Hubby even danced too! What a special Father's day gift! The school decided to have the girls and daddies have a special dance in the recital, it was so, so precious! They danced to My Girl.

How appropriate!
And yes, I cried.

It was so special to me, I can only imagine how special it made Puddin feel!!

Just the look on her face when she saw her daddy heading on to the stage was worth a million dollars!

warming up before the show...

one last practice!

My Girl

March of the Daddies!

**tears**

The big lift!

2nd number~ Rockin Robin!... very cute!

curtain call

I also got to spend some time with my step dad since he spent his Father's day at a dance recital in Nashville- God love him!

And I was able to talk to my daddy on the phone. Not as good as in person but I was so grateful that I was able to spend a little time with him last weekend instead.

Now, my sweet family is sleeping and I just feel BLESSED beyond measure.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

Special Day!

I am so blessed to have found you.

You are everything I could have ever asked for ;)

I love you dearly.

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband!

May this birthday be the best ever and the year full of blessings!!

Trying again...

So, since I never heard from Gypsyzmom, I re-entered the numbers in random.org and we have a new winner! Congrats to Glittergrits! I hope your cousin likes the Puddin Pop kid you chose! Email me at mhudspeth at msn dot com with your address and I'll get your Puddin Pop Kid shipped out this week!

** Gypsyzmom, please contact me to claim your Puddin Pop Kid! I have no way of contacting you to arrange shipping! Try to contact me before Tuesday please!!
Thanks!!

We have a winner!!!

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments! Ya'll are so sweet! I'm glad you like the little Puddin's so much and I hope they will be a blessing to those who receive them!

We just got back from the grocery store, at 3:00 in the afternoon, with no nap. Yes, you heard me right... NO NAP!!! Some days I wonder if I haven't lost my mind! the kids were great in the store, except for one little monkey found that freedom to run down aisles in grocery stores can be very exciting!! So, that little Monkey missed out on getting a free balloon as we left the store.
Anyway, all in all they were great, until we got home. Then chaos set in because I had to get dinner started (in a hurry- we have family coming to visit and I was waaaaay behind on starting the BBQ today). Plus, I had a couple of stinky babies that needed a diaper change and 3 very crabby older kiddos who were just grating on each others nerves. So, I sent them all to bed... @ 3:30 in the afternoon! Crazy, I tell ya!
Actually, their not sleeping, I hear them jumping on their beds right now. Anyway, it buys me some time to start the BBQ and finish up the giveaway!
There is always a method to my madness.

So.. the giveaway...
I went to random.org and plugged in my info and the winning # was comment 13!!! Yay Mandy!!!
Mandy says, "I love the puddin pop dolls too but the dream pillow is precious!!!!! So sweet, I might just need one for myself, LOL."
Now, in the interest of full disclosure I must say, Mandy and I are real life friends and she has 2 Puddins already! She is also a mommy of multiples+one, aka, twingles! (very cute, I know).
So, because I know Mandy in real life and this is my first giveaway, and stress make me extra generous, I thought I'd plug in the stats again and give away another one as well!!
So, yep, we have 2 winners!!!
Winner #2 was comment #12!! Gypsymom!!
"It's SO hard picking just one favorite, because I really love them all, but if I had to choose one I'd say the small Puddin Pop (girl) in light pink chenille with purple floral fabric skirt and purple ribbon. She has light blonde hair styled in a bob and pulled back with a purple ribbon.
brown eyes. Her belly says:
She who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadows of the Almighty.Psalm 91:1"

So, Gypsymom, email me your address and I'll get your little Puddin shipped on Monday. And Mandy, shoot me an email and let me know a good time to stop by for your special delivery too!!
(mhudspeth at msn dot com)
Have a great weekend!!!

Puddin Pop Give away!!

Ok- so I'm new to this whole give away thing, and I'm not really sure of how all of the "rules" work, so bear with me!
Here's how this one will work. Go visit the Puddin Pop Etsy Shop and check out the goodies. Choose a favorite.
Come back here and leave me a comment.
On Friday I will randomly select a winner!!
Sound good?? :)

I have much to share and I know I have been absent a lot lately, but life is busy and the sun is shining and well, we've just had a lot of stuff. I hope to catch up on some blogging this week and share some funny stories and adventures we have been having.
Until then, have a blessed day!!

PS- I have several emails to answer as well... I promise I will get back with you!!!

What Happened??

Ok- something weird is happening with my blogger stuff again.
I have my comments set to be moderated and they are supposed to go my inbox first... they haven't been.
When I finally found them this morning I hit "publish" but now see that they have disappeared! Gone off into blogland somewhere forever!

So, I had 4 comments this morning and 2 were for custom orders... if one of them was for you- I am sorry!! Please just email me directly at mhudspeth at msn dot com and I will get back with you that way! I will need the size, fabric (chenille or minky), color and hair style and color/texture, eye color and Bible verse. If you want a name on the back please specify that as well.

OH- BTW- on PINT SIZE PUDDINS I can no longer do pig tails. Sorry! It's just too much hair for a little itty bitty head and it tends to cause a lot of problems in the creation process. So PINT SIZE PUDDINS ONLY COME IN BOBS these days.

Thanks for understanding!
Have a great day!!

Finally!!

Well, I finally have all of the most of the items listed in the shop!!

I haven't listed the baby blankets yet. It takes a while to list everything and after a busy day of swim lessons, garage cleaning, bush trimming, baby wrangling, and multiple meal cooking, well, I am too tired to list anything else!!! Plus, I'd really like to get some better pictures of the baby blankets... I may have to enlist the help of my little models~!~

Here are a few cute pictures from the weekend...

baby Bud's first visit to the pool!

Puddin and Daisy ready for the pool!

Daisy and Monkey See going for a ride!

Monkey Do chowing on a cupcake!

Monkey See crashed out on the living room floor! Poor baby had too much fun!

Anyway, check out the shop when you have time!

I hope you all had a fabulous Memorial day!

And thank you to all of those people who served our country fearlessly!!!

My hubby is one of those brave men!

Whew!! What a hiatus!!

This have been really boring and dull around here... nothing exciting... HA!!!! Surely, I fooled you, right?!

That little bloggy break was unscheduled but I filled it with lots of stuff.
I'll get around to sharing some of the craziness soon! For now, just a quick note to say that the Etsy shop will be opening tomorrow evening... after a scheduled family day adventure, and a mini Puddin Pop Kid photo shoot. I hope to get the photos loaded and everything listed as soon as possible.

I hope you have all been well, had lots of fun and sunshine filled days! Have a wonderful Memorial day tomorrow!!!

Blessings,
Melissa

Things to remember

I thought I'd stop in for a quick post of some things I want to remember forever. You know, those things the kids say that I'm afraid I'll one day forget.

Here goes, in no particular order,

"my eyes sad"- Monkey Do when he's crying
"You da bess!" -Monkey See
"Ummm, yep!"- any response requiring a yes by Monkey See

"my boo-boo bad, bad huwts" - Monkey Do

bousheas= blueberries- Puddin @ 2years old

doot= dirt- Monkey See and Monkey Do

Monkey Do's all time favorite song right now... Oh Susanna!

Monkey See as he throws a ball. He gets in the "stance" for whatever ball he is throwing and throws with surprising accuracy!

" I not happy to see you wight now!" Monkey do when he's in trouble.

Listening to Daisy "sing" along to Oh Susanna! Too funny!!

I'll fly away- Puddin's favorite song

Preschool with Puddin

The other day the babies and I were downstairs while puddin and the boys were upsatirs playing. I noticed it was quiet, which usually only happens when they are napping. After a few minutes I made my way upstairs and into Puddin's room where I found this...

Also known as Puddin's preschool.

She had the boys and several of her stuffed animals lined up neatly while she read a story to them and played school.

Sooo cute!

She is very into pretend play these days.

Some days she's a mommy and other's a police officer. Some days a teacher and every day a princess ( that one never waivers!).

I love seeing these 3 interact with each other and develop bonds that will last a lifetime! And I can't wait to see Bud and Daisy join in!

Happy Sunday

My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

Psalm 84: 2-4

Mothers Day 2010... an adventure to remember!

** This post is really more for me to remember this day. It's very long! And, it has taken a whole week to get it written and published but it was a great day and I want to make sure I remember it! If you are not into long, wordy posts you might just want to skip over it!

What a wonderful Mother's Day I had! It started off as any old usual morning... me dragging my tired self out of bed while my bright eyed and bushy tailed family was having breakfast. I am not a morning girl- although I wish I was.

Anyway, I headed straight to the coffee...yummm. It really is a good jump start in the morning. Then I turned around the Puddin saying, "HAPPY MUDDERS DAY!!!!" **precious!!** Then, I was definitely awake! I swear, I could eat that girl up she is so sweet!
She then went on to tell me they had something for me... yay! presents!

I noticed they were all holding slips of paper in their hands. Upon closer observation I noticed they were Chuck E. Cheese coupons, for me!!! Don't be jealous, now. They were spectacular! Just the kind of Chuck E. Cheese gift every momma dreams of, one was for a free hug, one for a clean room, one for an extra nap (for me)- you get the picture. They were perfect! And even better was that Bud and Daisy were even holding one for me and neither of them had even slobbered on them yet!

After loving on my adoring children, I turned around yet again to find my hubby standing in the kitchen with a dozen roses!!! **sigh** I love that man! I have no idea when he picked them up, unless it was the night before, when around midnight he mentioned we were out of milk and he really needed to go to the store so we would have some for the kiddos tomorrow. Such a sneaky man!

Anyway, after hugs and kisses all around we started the mad dash to get to church, hopefully on time, preferably before worship ends and most definitely before the invitation. Some days you take what you can get. This day, however, we made it- early!!! How, I'll never know. The important thing is we managed to get everyone dressed, fed, and bags packed and in the van and to church EARLY! Like I said, It was a great day!

Monkey See has started having some separation issues as of late so I knew to expect him to throw a kink into things during drop off. And as expected, he did. It turned into the teacher prying him off of me as I promised I would be right back after I learned about Jesus and me dashing out of the room. We finished dropping everyone else off and made it to the sanctuary before the 1st song!! However, into the 2nd song, Mommy Guilt sat in, so I had to go check on my sweet little Monkey. As I walked passed the room the babies were in I heard the all too familiar screeching cry of Daisy. She was throwing an all time fit but after checking in the peep hole I could see she was ok, just wanting her mommy. I continued down the hall to Monkey See's room and all was quiet. Thank you Lord.

Church was great, really great message and worship. Just all around great!

After church The Family decided we would go to brunch for Mother's Day. So off we headed to our local Ryans. This was a out first ever visit to Ryans and I think everyone in the place could tell. For those of you who have never experienced it, let me explain... it's sort of like a cafeteria, but it's a buffet, with a waitress. Clear as mud, right? We didn't know that as soon as you walk in you immediately give your order and pay at this stand, then you are allowed to find a seat and get your food and stuff. We had 5 small children and an extra large diaper bag, and 2 of those 5 smalls were potty training! So, we patiently stood in line, Hubby juggled Daisy and the diaper bag while I juggled Bud and my purse while wrangling the other 3 munchkins. Whew- we were so happy to find a table after we paid the hostess!


And that's when we realized we were center stage.


After i had everyone in a seat with a cup and a cracker (meaning they were quiet) I could hear the murmur throughout the dining room! It really was very funny. At least the kiddos were good. Bud made some friends a couple of tables over so entertained numerous people while he played peek-a-boo and made faces with his new friends. Puddin entertained another table with her sweetness and talk of her one day, soon to be, prince charmin', and the other 3 were just hilarious! the boys loved the food and in between bites you could hear, "Umm, that good Momma!", or " Umm, I wike it!" And Daisy, well she isn't called sourpuss for no reason. She really is very selective about who she flashes her pearly whites at, and if it's you, consider yourself lucky! That girl can give some serious Idon'tknowwhoyouthinkyouare looks!

So while feeding our brood hubby and I would tag team, I'd get the food for the kids, he'd get his food while I would chop and serve. When he returned I would get my food get the kids round 2 (they really did like the food!) Finally, we all had a plate and were having a nice little family meal when the man sitting behind us comes over and asks us if our kids have a piggy bank. Hubby said yes, they did. He then hands us 5 $1 bills and says it's for our kids piggy banks! We kept refusing the money but he wouldn't take no for an answer. Then he and his family kept remarking on how well behaved they all were. It was really very sweet.


Eventually the kids finished their food, with only 1 potty break in between, and they even had dessert! (Puddin was very happy!)


Everyone there was so nice! People kept coming up and wishing me a happy mother's day and complimenting the children. It was a sweet lunch for sure.


The it was time to leave and hubby picked up Daisy and I carried out Bud. I think I left out the part about Bud doing his business during dessert... well, he did, and sheeeewwwww-eeee! I thought I had gotten the wrong end of the deal until we got to the van and hubby's shirt was soaking wet. I asked him what happened, turns out Daisy had soaked her diaper all the way through! We thought she had been changed at church, still not sure about that, either way she was soaking wet! So, we did what we always do when this happens, I got the other 3 in their seats (thankfully Monkey Do and Puddin can fasten their buckles on their own so I only have to do Monkey See's harness) and then we changed the babies in the front seat of the van.


Once they were dry we headed home for a family nap.


Thankfully, everyone cooperated. Except me. For some weird reason, I couldn't sleep. So I laid there and watched the rest of some weekend movie and then thought about how blessed I am. I know that sounds so cliche, but really, I have everything I ever prayed for or dreamed I wanted, and they were all sleeping! It was very peaceful, and sweet. I am blessed.

So fast forward a couple of hours, I decide that I would like to go to Lowes and pick out some flowers to plant outside (and the kiddos love Lowes). We also realize that we are out of wipes so since Target is next to Lowes we swing in there first, I jump out and go in while hubby circles the parking lot. While in Target I saw a friend of mine and visited with her quickly, got my wipes, and a few other things and then headed out. Hubby wasn't answering his cell phone so I just waited on the curb for him. After a few minutes I could see him in the distance approaching...very slowly. As he got closer I saw it. A flat tire. My immediate reaction was I was so grateful it happened right then and right there. I mean, most of the time I am alone with the kids, what would I have done? I know how to change a flat, probably, but how do I do that and keep 5 small kids safe at the same time?? Also, I am all over town, a lot, and a lot of the streets/interstate aren't very conducive to a mother of 5 small young 'uns changing a tire. Thankfully we were in the Target parking lot. I know Target, I feel safe there and I visit there often. So, in my head and heart, I was so happy for God's sovereign timing! Yay!

So we pull to the back of the parking lot, which actually happens to be the front. I mean it's where all of the cars entering to shop drive past, but it was the best possible place for us to find open parking. So we unload the kids, I put the babies in their stroller and the other 3 on a little grassy curb. I set the rules, stay on the curb, no moving about. We had lots for them to do anyway. Since our donut is located under the middle seat hubby had to completely remove both middle seats and get the donut. Now comes the embarrassing part. My filthy van!! Oh my word! It was terrible!! There was so much stuff!!! So I grabbed a bag, positioned myself to have one eye on the kids and I started cleaning the van out. This gave the children tons of books to read and coloring books to color in and toys to lay with that they hadn't seen in a while.


Finally, after many cars whizzing past (scaring me half to death- I was finished with the van by this point) hubby gets the donut on And we realize.... it's flat!


Now, a nice man had pulled up about this time and offered to help. Maybe it was the look on my face that screamed " these people are driving too fast in this parking lot and we have a flat donut and need help" that made him stop. I don't know, but we were sure grateful he did. He offered to take the donut off and get air in it so that we could get home. This also allowed for hubby to help me for a bit since the kids were now getting hungry and bored. NEVER, EVER a good combination.


So, while they removed the donut, the potty training Monkey's decided they needed to potty... BAD! thankfully, I keep a potty in the van and, it just so happens, it was handy! So I flipped the lid on it and one at a time they sat on their potty in the Target parking lot and did their business. And they stayed dry!


After the man left with the donut, hubby and I were dealing with the kids when it became apparent things were going down hill fast. We had been out here well over an hour by this point and they were hungry and bored. So I took them into Target for popcorn while he waited for the man with the donut to come back. Right before I headed that way a big truck pulled up with a couple in it. The woman asked if we were ok, and she was showing genuine concern, almost like there was some familiarity there, like we knew each other. Only we didn't. Clearly she could tell I had no idea who she was. Then her husband leaned in and I could see his face and I realized they were Bud's friends from Ryan's earlier in the day! It was so funny! The woman said she saw us from a distance and said to her husband, "Hey! It's The Family!" HA! Hubby and I both thought that was funny!


Finally I made it to Target, fed the children, talked to several people who had seen us in the parking lot, visited the restroom with all of them, changed diapers and headed back to the van.


And they were just finishing up! The seats were already in the van so we loaded everyone up, decided to wait on the flowers and headed home.


Hubby called Walmart on the way home and found out their automotive center would be closing in about a half an hour so he dropped me and the kids off at the house and headed to Walmart to get a new tire. He got there minutes before they closed and was able to get 2 new tires! It all worked out perfectly.


I fed the hungry children, bathed them and got everyone ready for bed. Hubby got home just in time to help tuck them all in.


It was a another adventure for sure- but a wonderful mother's day!




(But a really bad hair day! Ugh- what was going on with my hair here?? Oh well!)

Froggy Went a Courtin'... a repost

ok- I'm still planning to share my mother's day recap, it really was blog worthy, but it's been another late night and I'm up to my eyeballs in fabric, and I am sleepy! I'm trying to get some goodies ready for an upcoming show I'm doing, and I'm filling the etsy shop, and I'm finishing up a couple of orders. If you are waiting for me to ship- sorry! Hubby has been swamped at work too and, well, life has gotten in the way. We will be shipping on Friday though so be on the lookout for your packages then.
Until then, here is one of my favorite posts from May 2009. Oh, the memories this brings back! Stroll with me for a moment down memory lane...
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May 26, 2009

** Just so you know...no dogs or frogs/toads were injured or mistreated in any way.

We are back and semi rested from our 1st family (all 7 of us in tow) trip to Pulaski. After you get past the car ride (2 hours) which involved much crying, a lot of vomit and a little whining as well as some gnashing of the teeth and clawing of the face, the drive wasn't so bad.

Upon arrival, 2 of our children then proceeded to roll down a very steep embankment after they were frightened by my parents beast dog they affectionately refer to as Molly. Thankfully the children were saved by their crazy, screaming mother (screaming for their father to get rid of the dog!!) and their brave, super hero father who chased the dog until she was caught and imprisoned. Whew!

Once we finally unloaded everything but the kitchen sink from our van the day went into full swing and involved a LARGE pool and a LOT of people. Momma was NERVOUS to say the least. But my little people did great and had lots of fun. I will post some pics from that later.

What I really wanted to share was what happened after everyone left. I washed a load of diapers and while I was waiting for my moms washer/dryer to do it's thing I gave the kids a bath and hubby started to reload the van. During this time it had started to rain and the yard started filling up with toads and frogs. So hubby comes back in telling me about this HUGE frog out on the steps. I REALLY wanted him to catch it! I wanted the kids to get to see one up close and experience the whole frog thing. So,off he went. He came back with not 1 but 3 frogs!!!
We were so excited we loaded those puppies up in a shoe box and added them to the load of stuff in the van. The kids never knew their were frogs under their feet the whole way home!

So this morning I remembered the frogs! We were getting ready to leave to go to my Bible study but we first had to see the frogs. I told them I had a surprise for them and we headed to the backyard. Oh what fun!! They had a great time with the frogs/toads (I'm pretty sure they were toads). Monkey Do started out brave but was more comfortable with a little distance. Monkey See liked poking them with the bubble wand and Puddin puffy heart loved them! She sang to them and baby talked them, she even found a hole they could live in! She was very sweet.

So enough from me- enjoy the show! (I have turned the music off but if you click on the picture of Tex Ritter and then minimize the screen that comes up you can here the music selection that goes along with the slide).

Out of the mouthes of babes

A conversation overheard today on the way home from preschool.

Puddin: Hey boys, I have a great idea! When we get home we can outside and play Cinderella. I'll be Cinderella and Monkey Do, you can be the mouses and make my dress and then you can be the evil stepsisters! And Monkey See you can be Prince Charmin'. That sounds great!

Me: confused.. wondering why monkey Do has been given the less desirable parts of the story. I know that she and Monkey See are close, but really! So, I wait to hear the response from the boys.

Monkey Do: No way, I not a mouse! I not wike it!
Monkey See: I not a mouse too!
Puddin: Well you have to be a mouse Monkey Do. Don't ya know Prince Charmin's don't wear hats!

Finally, an explanation

What I've learned this week...

People are resilient.
Water is powerful.
The Great Flood of Nashville isn't really a big news maker for the national media- regardless of the damage, death and destruction done to an entire city.
I am so grateful for a leaky ceiling compared to what could have been.
Getting quotes and estimates for house stuff bugs me.
I like things done quickly and right. I do not like being talked to as if I don't know anything. Thankyouverymuch!
Builders make mistakes.
Potty training boys is not for the weak.
There are ups and downs in this potty training thing.
Be creative.
Slow down.
There are not enough hours in the day.
Plan ahead.
Weekly dinner menus are my friend.
Laundry multiplies faster than rabbits around here. I think I'm caught up, then I blink, and there are 2 more piles of laundry.
Clean clothes do not put themselves away- no matter how often I wish it would happen!
I want a farm. With a garden. And animals. Not big ones- nothing more than hip high.
Putting my house on the market terrifies me! I can't fathom the idea of having a home presentable to show with 5 little people living here!
When you have a rough day, sitting on the back porch with a baby bird is very calming.
I could/should sweep the floors 5x a day. Twice a day isn't enough.
The babies are frustrated. They want to keep up with their siblings but haven't figured out this walking thing yet.
My kids are growing. I knew that, but last night while putting them in the tub, there was noticeably less room. It made me sad. (We bathe all 5 together right now in our big tub).
Daisy is hysterical.
Puddin isn't shy at school anymore! This is HUGE! She even stood on a stage to help a magician last week at school. I was amazed and proud and wanted to cry.
Monkey Do is very, very musical. His new favorite song... Oh Susanna! (yep- it's precious!)
Bud didn't need an exorcism- just amoxicillan. yay!
Monkey See is extremely competitive. He likes to be first and win, every time.
I need to be more disciplined with my quiet time.
Next time I go to the grocery store I need to get 5 free cookies instead of 3. The babies noticed they did not have one. It did not go well.
Next time I go to the grocery store I need to make sure Monkey Do has his balloon tied to his wrist or I will hear about his lost balloon for days afterwards.
It's May, January-April have come and gone, and I have 2 baby showers to plan, today.
The witching hour is coming- every dingle day- prepare for it and be more patient. It really shouldn't surprise me, it happens every.single.day.
I am a sucker for puppy dog eyes.
Rock more.
An evening with a cup of coffee and a good friend is priceless.
Hubby and I are overdue for a date. Must book a babysitter, today.
The babies are becoming toddlers before my eyes- while it's exciting- it also make me sad.
I need to dust the blinds. today.
The babies like to shriek- at the tip of their lungs- it's an attention getter for sure. I think my hearing is being affected.
I can strap a 30 pound baby into a 5 point harness car seat, one handed, while holding another 25 pound baby on my hip. It's a gift. I should be in the circus.
Nap time, sweet sacred nap time, is changing around here these days. I don't like it, but I'm trying to embrace it and be more positive about it.
The port-a-potty must go back in the van today.
My idea of "getting ready" before I leave the house had drastically changed. drastically.
My kids love each other- really love each other. It makes me cry too- but the happy kind of tears. :)
Remember to soak it all in. These days will be gone before I know it. And then, I will be sad. And cry.
I am blessed.
I'm sure there are many more things I learned this week but thanks to baby brain, I can't remember what they are!
I'll try to be back next week with more pictures antics and fun stuff to share. Until then, Happy Mother's Day!

Here comes the sun

I found this on Facebook. The devastation is astounding. Especially when you have been to these places. I like that she chose the song she did too. Nashvillians are a resilient people.
Here comes the sun!

Severe Weather

The weather here has been just that- severe. The entire Nashville area is experiencing extreme flooding. Even the Cumberland River is at an all time high and crews preparing to sandbag in efforts to keep the river out of the downtown area businesses. It's crazy, awful and frightening to watch the events on the TV- yet that's pretty much what we've done today. While we are not in Nashville, we are south east and are experiencing tons, and tons of rain. Yesterday I saw 2 dead squirrels in my street- apparently they had been thrown from the trees during the tornado warning (we were in the closet.) A couple of hours later, after the rain started, they were gone, washed away by the current in our street. We are fortunate though, while the weather has been bad, we have not been in the direct path of anything destructive and I'm praying it stays that way. I'm also praying for those that are directly affected. Homes, businesses, cars, delivery trucks- all washed away.
This video shows what happened yesterday evening...



Can you imagine?? I can't. This is a road I have driven over and over again.
So, we'll spend the night warm and snuggly with our babes, grateful to be safe and warm and pray for those who are not. Wherever you are, I hope you are safe and warm as well!