Funny Friday

Not sure if this is funny or ridiculously cute...

Ok, its ridiculously cute!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my daddy's birthday. I have Always been and Always will be a daddy's girl. :) He has forever been a strong influence on the person I am today. He taught me how to fish, how to pray, how to protect myself, how to love, how to cook, how to be generous, how I wanted my future husband should be, how to laugh, how to enjoy life....



...he is a fantastic father & papaw to my girls. Ayla is somewhat unphased by him. haha Its kinda funny. She will talk all day about her papaw and going to see him at work, etc. But then when we visit him she suddenly becomes very shy? It kills him! Thankfully, Leah digs her papaws funny faces and snuggles.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Thankful Thursday (x2)

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,

and they will become one flesh."

Genesis 2: 24

These are a couple more pictures we took at the wedding. In light of the sad, sad tragedies and young lives lost recently I can't help but be mindful of my family. I say it every day... we are SO blessed. My girls are happy and healthy. My husband and I are thriving and best friends. We are able to support our household on one income. Sometimes I struggle with a lot of worries. Definitely something I have to pray about constantly. I know God does not want me to live in a state of anxiety. I just wonder why some have this hurt on a more personal level. I know there IS an ultimate plan and I am a part of that. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost or are struggling this summer. I pray that you will find comfort and patience in your time of loss.

Lets jusy say Im half way done.

Leah watched mommy take pics. The lighting isn't great, but you get the idea. Just wanted to share what I have been putting a little time into. :)

I have...

Fixed breakfast, bathed the girls, picked up the house...

twice,

nursed a baby (mine), wiped many noses,

eaten the other half of Ayla's cold waffle leftover from breakfast,

dropped the girls to play with Mamaw, grocery shopped,

picked up the girls, let my littlest sleep in her carseat,

fixed lunch, read books, tucked Ayla in,

made homemade baked eggrolls- my mom's recipe,

and sipped on lemonade...

Wonder what the rest of the day has in store for me. It is only 2pm.

I love my family!

We had an amazing time this weekend. However, it was equally exhausting as amazing. My family is always good for some drama and lots of laughs. And it was short of neither. I love my family!

I took a huge amount of pictures. Some, of which, I am Very proud. My girls were very good and my husband was the hottest there. Really. :) I sent flower girls and bell boys down the aisle, put rollers in Ayla's hair, danced with my family, ate too much and wanted, I took pictures, served cake, I pooped out early- so tired, and I still want more cake.

Glad the start of the week is here. It will be a busy one for sure. I am working, have dance practice, finishing up Ay's special project, playgroup, and Im sure more... summer is coming to an end. Im not sure how I feel about that?

My family

Mommy & Leah

My wonderful parents

Ayla cuttin a rug... she does a mean chicken wing move ha!

Past bedtime

Prayers for Stellan

What an amazing child that has shown people who God is. And that miracles can happen. He is again in need of our prayers. For comfort to Stellan, wisdom to the doctors, and patience for the family. He was just airlifted to Boston for medical intervention for SVT (too high heart rate).

Funny Friday

I so wish I had a picture for this post.

So Wednesday we hosted playgroup in the pouring rain. The house was buzzing with 10 children and 7 moms. Lots of toy vaccums and strollers running around moms chatting in the living room. I heard a few voices from the master.....

Partners in crime....

Meredith and Ayla

standing at my jacuzzi tub

water running.

Me: "What's going on?" "We don't turn on the water girls."

Mere: "Baby Baa" "Baby Baa"

I turn to find a babydoll wading in the small pool of water....

Me: "Yep, baby is getting a bath."

Of course, just so you know, I did teach them that only Mommy's give babies baths. And they were to Never run the water again.

Shortly after I found them back in there.... this time only staring at their friend bathing!

(Note: No babydolls were harmed in this lesson)

What have we been up to?

This week has been another busy one. My mom took off a good portion of the week so we spent alot of much needed time with Mimi. It was nice just calling her whenever I wanted to ask her how to cook something or chat about our upcoming family wedding. We've chatted, swam, and started a very cool project in Ayla's room.

Leah checking out the fun

Picnic and swiming with Mimi, Aunt Sarah, & Parker... Leah's eye view

Ayla and Parker, my nephew "jumping" off the steps

Much of the week has been spent preparing for my cousin Jason's wedding. I love weddings and this one is sure to a Great one! Casey (his fiance) has the best taste and I am sure no detail will be left untouched. All the Owens' have new duds and we will, no doubt, be the best looking family there. haha I won't take it back :) I even bought some rollers for Ayla's hair! I am so excited. Just a few things left to do before the big day. I am putting together an emergency kit for the bride. Jeff's shirt needs ironed like 50 times! I detest ironing. Spending time with my Aunt Kerri and lil cousins. Plus whatever the bride can throw my way.

As I said before, we started a new project. Nothing new for me. I always have some sort of project going on. But, this one is going to be magical! Can you guess what it is??

I am no where near done, but that is a little sneak peak. I said magical, and that's a little much. But, I think its definitely going to be awesome. I need to stop talking it up just in case it fails! Gulp. I should be done soon. Touching up and finishing touches.

We shall see....

Speaking of seeing... check these babies out!

My Grandma came over and brought the girls these sweet little dresses she made. Not the best picture, but they are perfectly simple and sweet. She totally made my day! Ayla immediately wanted to put it on. We tried it on over her clothes- so no fashion show today. But, I am hoping to put both the girls in them soon. I think it will work for fall with layers too! Oh man. Plus, I have plans to get them embroidered. Sigh. I love having girls.

Hope you guys are finding interesting ways to spend your days.

Thankful Thursday

A Father's Love is Unconditional and Never-ending

Just as our Heavenly Father first showed us.

"The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion."

Numbers 14:18

My Blue Eyed Baby

Feeling our age

Tonight Jeff played in the annual Alumni soccer game.

We were both feeling our age, so to speak. Let me explain....

When I first approached the fence Jeff was in play.

He headed the ball and glanced in our direction.

For a minute I felt like we were in high school again.

He looked so cute. Really. Much like he did back then.

Even in the same number he wore back then.

Notice I said... back then.

Prior to the game Jeff was so nervous.

Nervous he was going to break, hurt, or tear something.

Not that he'd make a fool.

He's way too competitive for that.

I was feeling my age as I looked over at the young crowd to my left,

texting, talking, enjoying the game...

without children.

I was two in tow.

Packing Gma O as a reinforcement if needed.

Regardless, of our age

the game was fun to watch. I love soccer.

Ayla behaved.

We shared nachos :)

Leah napped in Gma's arms.

We came home early and watched Nemo.

Im in my PJ's at 8:45.

Im feeling my age.

Funny Friday

Ayla was having a rough naptime the other day. She typically naps about 2 hrs each day. Sometimes longer, if Im lucky. ha. Sorry. Anyways, we have times where she lays in bed and plays and after a while I go in and remind her to nap. Usually this works. Well, after 30 mins or so I went in and reminded her....


Me: "Ayla Joy, its naptime. Please go to sleep." *kiss


Shortly after I left the room, crying insued....


Me: "Ayla Joy, its naptime. Why aren't you sleeping? (sharper tone)"

Ayla: "I pay to Gob" "I pay to Goooobbbb"

Me: "Ok, let's pray, then you go to sleep, right?"

Ayla: "Ok, Mommy"

We prayed and I left the room. Ayla continued to not nap, but it was ok.

Seriously....

...Cutest baby ever! And one great friend/photographer to capture it all.....

Thankful Thursday

And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds.

And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1: 24-25

Yard Sale Saturday

Just wanted to let everyone know we're having a yard sale. I am putting in on Jessie and her MIL's stuff. I think it should be a good one. Jessie has alot of great home stuff that she won't be needing in her new house! I also have a few home decor items. Mens coats, men & women clothes, some baby/toddler girl clothes (not a whole lot in case of girl #3 one day). Everyone needs to go check it out or just come by and say hi to Jessie, Koen, Leah, and myself. :)

8-?? on Troy Rd. Address is posted here.

Leah

My sweet second born turned 3 months today. It has by far been the fastest 3 months of my life. I can't imagine my life without her. I know sappy, right? But, its true.

Right now, Leah is growing like a weed.

She was 12lbs 1oz 24in long today!

At 3 Months....

smiling, laughing, and coo-ing.

holding head up strong.

rolling over from belly to back (crazy, I know).

playing with hanging toys.

very expressive with her face.

still nursing great, takes one bottle a day.

Leah got her first round of shots today. I tend to delay most of my girl's immunization- at least off of the normal schedule. I like to wait til they are healthy and ready. She shrieked the sadest cry ever. Oh man.... I am so not good at this!

She spent most of her day like this. On Mama's side of the bed. It is most definitely her favorite spot in the house. :) Sweet, sad girl.

It has been the best 3 months watching both my girls grow together and hit milestones separately. I always thought it would be difficult to have 2 babies 2 and younger. But, I just couldn't imagine it any other way. God is good, and our family is so blessed.

Top Knots

Im pretty sure God made me to be the Mama to little girls.

The tutus and hair bows excite me gallor.

A pink in any shade is my friend.

And these top knots, well, they put the shama-lama in my ding-dong.

I just can't wait til this little nugget sprouts some hair for me to play with.

Until then I am enjoying her toes and rolls. So cute.

Can you believe she will be 3 mo on Wednesday? It just seems like she's so new, yet been here forever at the same time? We have our long awaited 2 mo well baby on her 3 mo birthday. Whoever planned that was a little off, but whatever. I can't wait to see how much she weighs!

My Extracurriclur Activity....

Besides me a fun loving, stay at home mom. I do have alter-egos. One Courtney, RN. Whom swoops down to help sick people in need when the hospital is busy (and it fits into my schedule, of course). And the other being Coach Courtney. I don't talk enough about how much I love to coach and love my girls.

They keep me young. We laugh so much and work so hard to get where we are. I coach for WHS Dance Team. However, I am the All-Stars coach. I get to choose a team from the Varsity squad of dancers who are willing to put their all into traveling and competing across the state. Its very hard, time consuming, and Worth every minute.

This past weekend we had our summer camp. We were fortunate to have access to 2 Amazing choreographers from a studio in Chicago. These are world traveling, company dancing, SYTYCD choreographing, ABDC achieving dancers..... Really. I won't say their studio or company. They do not know Im bragging blogging on them. But, they are amazing and have forever changed the way I think about my own choreography and passion for dance. We rarely stopped laughing and they rarely stopped sweating. I can't wait to see them again and show them what we did with their competition piece they helped us with!

Now that camp is over the climb toward my season draws near. My goal every year is to be ready by October. That gives me 3 months to finalize my team, finish choreographing the routine, teach the routine, perfect it and compete in my favorite venue. I will hopefully take you guys on our journey next year. I know alot of my moms read this so look out for embarassing info- mostly on myself, but maybe on your girls!

Its gonna be a great year.....

Funny Friday

Ayla: "I watch belly movie"

Holding Crunchless Abs DVD.

Trauma Drama

Seriously, the day started out without a hitch.
Happy girls.
The sun was shining.
We visited Mimi and Mamaw.
Got our bangs trimmed, pee-peed on the potty for suckers.
All was well in our world.
We had lunch with friends.
Held tiny baby Patrick.
Snapped a couple pictures.
Drank Orange Soda.
Long naps.



Up from naps...
Small crusties found on little ear.
Shear panic sets in.
Several phone calls made.
One tiny, daizy earing found (PTL).
Super fast trip across town, speeding through lights.
Mommy hyperventalating.
Multiple attempts to make tiny daizy go back.
Lovingly gave cheetos to child to console.
Another frantic drive back across town.
Baby wants to breastfeed, screaming.
Met Daddy on golf course.
Tiny daizy forced back where it should be.
Popsicle to celebrate.
All is well, again, in our world.

Thankful Thursday

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:39 NIV

Guess What?

Ayla

Got

Her

Ears Pierced!!

And We Think She Looks So Cute.

Don't You?

My little girl is growing up...

This past month has flown by and I am realizing more and more everyday how much

Ayla is growing up.

Its sad to say, but I may have taken advantage of the time I spent alone with her before Leah was here. Now that time is pretty rare. But, I love spending my everyday with her.

She reminds me to put her sunscreen on...

She's getting braver in the pool. AND wears the cutest bikini...

Last year she wouldn't ride these and buried her head in my shoulder...

Today we went to the mall with Mimi and sissy. We rode the carosel...

Today also marked another milestone... but we'll blog about that later....