When you're planning a safari...

...you can't forget your baby sister.

Field Day fun

Coach Mrs. Constance gives last minute instructions:












"Okay, I'm gonna go run my race but I'll need you to check my hair afterwards."

















"Slow down Keaton! Your legs are way longer than mine."

















"Easy does it. There's water in there, you know."

















"Okay this is so not funny. Who gave me the pink egg?!"













"I'm concerned about our chances here."













"Come on ladies! I can't do this all myself!"












"Never mind...I can handle this."

Crazy Hair Day at school...

...Can you tell?

More Field Day candids

Thanks to Jeannie.

I'll just have water, please

Mom (trying to make conversation with a three-year-old): "Landon, what did you have for lunch today?"

Landon: "Chicken nuggets, french fries, and chup (ketchup)."

Mom: "Was it delicious?"

Landon (unwilling to elaborate): "Yes."

Mom: "What did you have to drink? Was it Dr.Pepper? Lemonade? Sprite?"

Landon (perking up): "Nope, it was diarrhea Coke!"

Mom: "Diarrhea Coke? Don't you mean Diet Coke?"

Landon: "Yes, I said that...Diarrhea Coke."

Mom (hiding my chuckle): "And was it delicious?"

Landon: "It was de-licious!"

All I wanted was a nice picture of my children

And I almost got it on the first try. However, if you look at Peyton, she looks a little annoyed. She seems to be covering her ears and expressing her exasperation...or wishing everyone would just be quiet.














I probably should have stopped while I was ahead because this happened next:













Peyton appears to be reaching for us to rescue her from the chaos around her.


And then this picture happened:













Doesn't she look like an exhausted little angel whose halo is pushed to one side?

I agree, sweet baby, sometimes it's easier to just give up and let them do their thing.

The eyeroll seen 'round the world

After baths and right before bed...

Keaton (3rd grade): "Hayden, how 'bout I read you a book!"

Hayden (kindergarten): "Hmmmm, okay. But when you don't know a word, just tell me and I'll help you out."

(Insert HUGE eyeroll from nine year-old girl here.)

Forget those fancy baby beds...

...I prefer my daddy's chest any day.

The intruders partygoers

Dave and Miranda were crazy gracious enough to invite all eight of us to their home last night to help celebrate Miranda's graduation from graduate school. Not only did we have the opportunity to overwhelm entertain our hosts, but Dave and Miranda's poor sweet parents were also there to experience our invasion visit.

So shocked considerate was everyone that they didn't mention notice Landon's spilling of his Dr. Pepper on their uber clean floor. They ignored didn't hear Hayden burping proudly at the table after he inhaled ate all of their cherries. Dave and Miranda even braved the heat and mosquitos spent time outside so the kids could throw at least 486 a few balls to Mason their dog.

Dave, Miranda, and their parents all seemed to tolerate enjoy our little rascals darlings even when they were exhibiting lack of manners, interupting, and flopping on chairs less than perfect behavior.

Congratulations Miranda! So glad we could stress you out more celebrate with you!

Many thanks

To my sister Gina and her family for the use of this terrific swing. Peyton's time in this swing each day allows me to get dressed. Keaton is rarely impressed with my efforts, but it's better than my pj's.

Have you tried these?!

Oh my goodness, are they wonderful! I hide them from my children, but they must have found them as the amount of M&M's is shrinking in the 1 lb. bag I have precariously perched atop a crystal vase in my butler's pantry. Surely, it's not because I am eating them that fast...my kids just must be good finders.

Oops

Our little song bird encountered a problem last night during her solo when she forgot the words to her song in front of a cafeteria full of parents, students, and friends. She was temporarily devastated.

















Her mood improved, though, once the dessert buffet was brought out. It's amazing what a little chocolate can do to cure what ails ya.

Ummmm, Thanks?

Keaton: "Mom, How long after a baby is born do you get dressed and start looking pretty again?"

Comment made ten days after Peyton's birth; ten days of me trying to "get dressed and look pretty."

Oh well.

For Sale...Cheap!

For Sale: Teenage Girl


Previously the perfect child (that should have been my first clue) who has since decided she is grown and I am the dumbest person in the world.

After the sale I reserve the right to visit her on any good days (you are on your own on those bad days.)

In the interest of full disclosure you should know that she is quite expensive, is prone to extreme lapses in judgement, and if your sleep is a priority to you, don't even consider this purchase.

She is, however, beautiful, smart, and normally quite loving.

Since there is sure to be seller's remorse I won't actually go through with said transaction, but it sure felt good to put her temporarily on the market.

Check back often as the price may drastically drop before her graduation next year. And with five future teenagers to follow, watch for "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" specials.

When supervising four kids with four balls...

...a Granna has to figure out creative ways to protect all of her "important parts" from the inevitable hits:

A near perfect first week

She eats. She burps. She sleeps. She tinkles. She poops. She coos. She rarely cries. She's healthy.

Best of all, though, she can make each person in this house smile simply because she's here.

Who could ask for anything more?

Around here

A first bath...

















...generates quite an audience.

Prom night

Sutton went to the prom last night after a late-starting volleyball tournament. She had to dress quickly but was able to get all "prettied-up" just in time.

She eats what?! HOW?!

The boys are a little distressed.

All my children have been breastfed; two of them over a year and two of them over two years. Hayden and Landon were nursed the longest and were definitely harder to wean than their three sisters; so much so that I’ve often teased that they’d still be nursing had I not encouraged them to stop.

It’s so funny now to see the boys’ reactions to Peyton’s eating habits as they have no recollection of actually nursing themselves, even though Landon weaned barely a year ago.

Recent comments:

Hayden: “Mom! She’s biting you!”

Landon (staring at my covered breast): “Does she eat you all up?

Hayden: “You got juice in there too?”

Landon (at the drive through window): We need some itty-bitty French fries for my baby stister.”

Hayden: “Why don’t you drink chocolate milk so she can have another flavor.”

Landon: “How ‘bout I bring her a cookie instead.”

Landon: "Can I do that too?"


Actually, Landon, that would be quite helpful.

Playing Pocahontas

Keaton had a project due today based on her research of Pocahontas. Thank goodness Naunie, my mother, was here to take over costume duty so I could play baby. They put together the cutest Indian costume Keaton was so very proud to wear. She even got extra credit for their effort.

Thanks Naunie! I owe you one.

Awake, alert, and pretty darn cute

My first favorite baby item is...

...the Miracle blanket. It is truly amazing.

Peyton can be screaming and completely hysterical after her sponge bath each evening, but once I put her in this blanket, she utters not a single sound. I need to get another one as I have found myself washing this one each day.
Yet, I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that little Miracle blanket is baby-ready so my little miracle continues to feel safe and snuggly...and oh so quiet.