Cutie-pa-tooties!

Happy Birthday Ava

The first picture of Ava Jayne

So excited to get a homemade dolly from her friend J. She loves it! Not so sure about the swing though! Mimi LOVIN' the swing!

Princess dresses from Ta-pa and Ya-ya Elmo birthday cake I'm comin' down the slide Watch out below! Make a wish!

3 years ago, I was holding my first baby. She was so tiny, only weighing 6lbs, 1oz and 18 inches long. She was so beautiful. I couldn't believe she was finally here..... then she started crying. Oh DEAR... life really is going to change. And oh how it has. I have delt with more spit up, throw up and poop in the last 3 years than I have in my whole life. I have had to grow up a TON since that day. I have to admit that I take back (on almost a daily basis) of things that "i will NEVER allow my children to do". I love being a mom. I love being Ava and Emery's mom. I have never worked so hard at something. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother and stay at home to raise and teach my girls.

Things you are doing right now: Singing singing Singing. ALWAYS TALKING. Being a princess. Such a big helper in the kitchen. Asking why and what... A LOT! Learning your numbers (10-25) and learning to spell your name. Learning the Articles of Faith. Learning more about the scriptures.

Some of dads favorite things about you right now: You are talking really well. Loves to be silly. Cute cute little girl. How you teach Mimi "the ways". Lots of energy. and for the most part a very happy little girl!!

Some of moms favorite things about you right now: How you get excited about the little things. The way you smile in the morning. All of the songs you sing. Being brave. Helping with the laundry and dishes. How you love your little sister. How you still love the color orange and really would be happy if everything in life were orange-y!

Ava, mom and dad love you so much and are so proud of you. Keep being a happy and loving little girl. We love you!!!

Tonight, we went to the park for a little party. Ava wanted an Elmo birthday cake and for her friend J to be there. J even wore an orange dress because she knew you would love it! It was a pretty great night. The kids played, we ate dinner, had some cake, opened presents and played some more. What more could you ask for on a 3rd birthday!!??!!

We missed our family, but are so grateful to have awesome friends here in Georgia.

Happy 3rd Birthday! We Love you Ava!!!!

Happy Fathers Day!

Here is a video for Dad from his girls. Happy Fathers Day! We love you, Dad! Love, Your two girls!!!

This is it...

A couple of weeks ago, Mimi was in bed and Ava was just playing downstairs. I asked Ava to come over to see me and give me a little snuggle-time. Ava bluntly looks at me as says she really doesn't want to. At that very moment, it hit me. This is it. This is the time that everyone ALWAYS tell a mom about. You know the one. Where there will be ONE day when you will want to just sit down and hold your little baby, and that little baby (which very well may not be a baby anymore and may actually be only 6 days away from turning 3) doesn't want you to hold her. The time that passed so quickly. The times I didn't sit down and hold my baby because I had laundry or a bathroom to clean. Yep, this was it. This was that dreaded day that I never thought would come to me because MY child would always want me to hold her..... I was quickly awaken from my thoughts of dread when Ava says to me " My mom, why you so sad, mom?" I answered her in that same way of dread. Of how I really just wanted to hold her and have a little bit of snuggle-time but that you (Ava) didn't want to. She then climbs up into my lap and says "THAT BETTER, MOM"!!!! I laughed out loud and said... Yeah, IT IS A LOT BETTER!!! Thanks Ava for keepin' it real! This is a video of Ava singing Give said the Little Stream. She actually sang this song for 20 minutes. straight. Mimi doing "background music" playing in the kitchen with the pots and pans.

Two by Two

Two Names You Go By: Mom and Leash

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now: Pink shirt & jeans

Two Of Your Favorite Things To Do: Spend time with my husband and kids and read

Two Things You Want To Do Very Badly At This Moment: click my heals and have the house cleaned and go have a pedicure

Two Favorite Pets: I am not really a pet fan. If I had to choose it would be a horse and an outside only dog... if I have lots of land where the dog could run and play and I wouldn't feel guilty about living it outside all day.

Two People Who Will Fill This Out: I am not sure

Two Things You Did Last Night: Went to the store and took a shower. HEY... i have been sick and so have my kids... I'm lucky I got a shower all day!

Two Things You Ate Today:Cheese and crackers

Two People You Talked To: My mother in law and good friend Tricha B.

Two Favorite Holidays: Christmas and Mothers/Fathers day

Two Favorite Vacations: I really don't know. I am about to go on my first cruise, so I am hoping that will be one and then maybe snow skiing, but not my honeymoon. That is a whole different blog.. about the honeymoon from &^*!. Its okay, my husband says that too!!!

Two Favorite Drinks: Water and a good milkshake! I tag Lauren, Abs and Erika Smith

The funny things

A conversation I had with Ava the other day. A: Mom, I got lots oh goodies in my puurse a-day. Do you wanna see? M: Sure (she starts pulling everything out as she is saying each item) A: Well, I have my 5 rocks, my keys, my carrs, all my bracelets, my phone and the best part... all the tuff to make a hambuurgerr. See mom, lettuce, 2 meats, 4 breads, pickels, and yomato. M: Wow Ava, you really do have all kinds of goodies in there!

In-laws, railing, and fun toys!

Josh's parents were here May 21-27. It (as always) was fabulous!!! Not only did the girls have so much fun with Ta-pa and Ya-ya, but we adults were productive. Josh and Mike put up this awesome railing. Now we don't have to worry about the girls falling off the edge. We also painted a chair black and the strawberry box red. For Mike and Marcia's birthdays they wanted a sandbox, slide, and a picnic table... just little people size! They also got the girls a swimming pool for an early Ava birthday present. The girls love everything. Thanks so much Mike and Marcia for all that you guys do for us. We love you so much! Can't wait to see you in October!