It's Mother's Day!

Daddy's are best for this:

Mommy's are best for this:

Oh what a great day! I scored an ultimate spa day from my wonderful hubby and I am extremely excited!!! I can't wait to get fully pampered for a day! He did a great job with his shopping but I have to say my favorite presents are the ones that are made. Tatum came home from school Friday with a bag in hand and ran straight to her room when she walked in the door. She came back out empty handed and then gave me strict orders not to look in her closet. I am horrible when it comes to surprises so I did get the urge to peak. Stay in your seats people, I controlled my urges and waited until today. So, this morning Tatum came into my room for what I thought would be to give me my present but instead she came to tell me Cason and Raileigh escaped from their room. I looked up over the comforter and there was Tate standing in my door way and the little monsters right behind her. They both had huge smiles on their little faces and Raileigh was quick to say "hey mommy" in her sweet little munchkin voice that I love! After the excitement died down Tate quickly remembered it was mothers day and ran to her room to get my present she had been hiding and sooo excited about. She gave me a sweet card with a little poem on the front and on the inside was art by Tatum. She had also decorated a candle with a bunch of stickers just for me! It's the little things that make Mother's Day so special.

The best part of being a mom on Mother's Day is just knowing I am the mother to three of the most precious children and I have such a wonderful devoted husband to share them with! Many days I am stressed and exhausted from the many tasks motherhood brings but it is well worth it when I hear my angels say "mommy" or reach there arms up for me to hold them. I love being the one that holds the magical kisses to fix any booboo. I love being the one they run to for comfort when they are scared because they have complete trust in me to protect them. Every day they show me they love me by their need and want to be with me and that is all I need for Mother's day or anyday but the presents are a plus! ; )

This entry is dedicated to the four most amazing people in my life! You can drive me nuts at times but you know how to put a smile on my face and melt my heart! I love you Christopher, Tatum, Cason and Raileigh!!! Thank your for a wonderful Mother's Day and everyday!

Tate's Gymnastics and Baton Recital

This years Gymnastics and Baton Recital was of course adorable! Tatum loves to have an audience so she felt right at home in front of lots of people. Her tap and ballet recital is in 2 more weeks so more pictures and video will be on the way! Enjoy!
Nina and Tate
Tate with Grammy, Papa and Charlie

Us with our little star!

Mrs. Janice

Mrs. Shawn
Baton Routine
Gymnastics Routine

Easter

What a wonderful day!!! We woke up earlier than usual Sunday morning to enjoy Easter breakfast at church. We arrived a little late (not surprising) but still enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. I missed the testimonies that where shared because I had to escort my little prince to the nursery due to wiggle worm syndrome. We had a wonderful Easter Service and I enjoyed being in church with my husband by my side and my big princess in my lap. After church we made a quick trip home and then headed off to Grammy's for lunch. Lunch at Grammy's is always delicous and Cason and Raileigh have a great time there because there is SO MUCH STUFF they aren't suppose to touch but love to try. The Easter Bunny was so kind and took the dyed eggs from our house and hid them at Grammy's because he knew the kids would be there! Tatum had fun hunting for eggs and as soon as Cason and Raileigh grasped the concept they turned into babies on a mission. It took them no time to realize there was candy in the eggs so as soon as they found enough they sat down to eat. We had a great day and enjoyed spending time with family. My most favorite part of the day was listening to Tatum pray over her breakfast. She thanked God for her food and then said "and thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins and that he rose again". Knowing my five year old does not look at this day as just another celebration or a day to get little presents but understands its purpose and why we celebrate is such a wonderful blessing. I am going to leave you with some pictures now and I hope everyone else had a wonderful Easter as well!!!

Tate's First Soccer Game

Last week was suppose to be the start of the spring soccer season. Due to the rain the first two games got cancelled so they will now be playing two make-up games on Saturday. Yesterdays game was also going to be cancelled due to the rain but the Y made arrangements for the kids to play in the gym. Tatum was so excited to finally get to play! 4 and 5 year olds playing soccer is probably one of the most entertaing things to watch. Tatum spent the majority of the time smiling and waving at all her family sitting in the stands but she did manage to get a few kicks in. She has to work on watching the ball a little better instead of watching us. She has a tendency just to run in the same direction as her team but has no clue where the ball is. Playing in the gym was interesting. Due to the hard floor the ball rolled faster and made it hard for all the little tiny legs to keep up. They also used to basketball score board for the timer and at the end of each quarter the very loud buzzer would sound. The kids hated the buzzer and when it would go off all you saw was little hands covering ears at the exact same time. Many of the kids realized the clock counted down and as it started approaching zero they prepared themselves by covering their ears ahead of time. Tatum had alot of fun playing and got extra sweaty. Her coach is great with the kids and we are very thankful for that. At the first soccer meeting I thought this was going to be a bad idea because there was no organization and lack of communication but it has come together well and I am so glad we signed her up. It is a great way to teach little ones teamwork and it is one more thing we can enjoy as a family. Cason and Raileigh had a good time eating snacks and drinking juice in the stand as they watched their Big Sis play. They will be out there before we know it.

The Twins are Two!!!

It's only been three days since I posted Tatum's birthday blog and I am already having to post another one. A little peice of advice to all of you considering adding to your family, think about the timing ALOT! I really am having fun with all the birthdays it is just a little hectic.

So.... my munchkins are TWO!!! I can't believe it! I can remember the day they where born so perfectly it makes it hard to believe it has been two years. They have grown and changed so much over the last year. They have always had different personalities but now their personalities are even bigger and complete opposite of each other. It is amazing how much they learn in such a short period of time. Even though they keep getting older all three will be my babies forever and ever!

Their birthday party should be interesting seeing as how they could care less it is their birthday. This morning Tate and I went into their room singing happy birthday and Raileigh looked at us as if we lost our minds and Cason hide his face and didn't really care for the attention. They have had many birthday phone calls today and I am sure they are wondering why everyone is singing to them. Cason is so bashful and shy all the attention makes him blush and hide his face, its really cute. Raileigh being the little meany she is doesn't care to talk to anyone. They are so silly! This morning I had to take a picture of them since they are officially two years old.

As you can tell Cason is thrilled and I really don't know what to say about Miss Raileigh other than she is a clown.

FIVE YEARS OLD!

Five years ago today a beautiful 9lb. 5oz. baby girl was born. That chubby baby I am referring to is Tatum Nicole. Yes, she was once big! I have spent the evening looking through old pictures and realizing how many firsts she has had. Over the past five years I have said " she will be 5 before we know it and headed off to kindergarten" on many occasions. Well today it finally happened, My baby turned five and in the fall she will enter a whole new world. As sad as it is to watch your children grow up it is also one of the biggest joys! Everyday is one step closer to her going off to college or getting married and having her own children but if she never grew or learned I wouldn't have so many wonderful memories that I have and will always have. She has my heart and I thank the Lord everyday that he gave her to me and for everyday he lets me spend with her. I am going to go finish crying now but I am leaving you with pics of SOME of her firsts.

Firsts Moments in the world.

First Mother Daughter Banquet

First Friend

First Halloween

First and Longest Road Trip to Texas and also the first time with her blankie!

First Christmas!

First Birthday!


First Trip to the Beach!

First Pet!

First and hopefully the last peircings!


First time helping Daddy wash his car! First visit from the Ice Cream Truck!

First visit to Mrs. Janet for a haircut!

First Day at Eastmont

First Dance Recital!

Mickey Mouse Knows His Stuff

When Tatum arrived home from school today she was suffering from a case of the hiccups. She walked in the house and instantly told me she needed some pineapples to cure them. I have attempted to give her pineapples in the past and she always says she does not like them so I was somewhat surprised that she was asking for some. I asked her where she heard pineapples helped with hiccups and she told me she saw it on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I laughed, gave her some pineapples and just figured this was just one of those silly things Mickey Mouse said to get a laugh out of kids. I decided I would google it and to my surprise pineapple juice really is a remedy for hiccups. Tatum tought me something new today and I have Mickey to thank. What has the world come to?!