Powell Progress

Celebrating baby Tate...

2011-06-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Caycee and the upcoming arrival of her sweet baby boy James Joseph Schmitt (II or III), or as we will call him, Tate.

The Hostesses:

Some of our crafty decoration creations

The mommy to be:

The awesome people who came to celebrate Tate:

The gifts:

We can't wait to see, hold, and love you baby Tate!!!

The big 60!

2011-06-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

After Anna Kate's birthday party, we then headed back to Peachtree City, Georgia to celebrate Aunt Faith's 60th birthday.

There was some great food

delicious sweets

tasty drinks

funny gifts

great wishes

memories in the making

Happy Birthday Aunt Faith!!!

Anna Kate's birthday

2011-06-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

After our family reunion, Harper and I headed over to Roanoke, Alabama for a special skate birthday party.

Anna Kate turns 6!!!

Fun time playing games

Meeting new friends

Multitasking at its best:

Ready to skate:

on to bouncing:

Time for races and games:

Happy

Birthday

Anna Kate

We enjoyed celebrating with you

This family is STRONG

2011-06-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today was one busy day. Three family members celebrate their birthday on June 25th, including AA. Happy Birthday AA. Here is an old video just for you:

We started the day by attending the annual Strong family reunion:

The kids always kit the cool playground first thing.

These women are great cooks and bakers.

These two chicks share a special bond by having the same birthday.

This sweet lady always makes me laugh.

These two crazy people work hard and have great plans for their future.
I pray for them all the time.

She loves these precious babies kids.

He is totally spoiled because he is the B-a-b-y
(said with huge sarcastic tone)

and He has these two women wrapped, seriously.

She begs for a pet just about everyday, so she got to play with this cute puppy and it made her day.

He is accepting is new place in the family and really enjoying being the cool cousin.

This is what happens when I leave my camera with one cousin and another cousin tricks him into doing these things.

I have no words... just cuteness.

These two gals are being tortured by the camera.

His health isn't well, but he has such a wonderful lady to take care of him and a huge family for support. We pray that you can find relief in your aches and pains.

Time for those lovely group pictures...

The living siblings and their spouses
(minus Aunt Pearl and Aunt Ruthie you don't attend)

Just because...

2011-06-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just because.....

They are so stinking cute...

Just because he is rocking his new look...

Just because he seriously loves trains...

Just because his smile is so contagious...

Just because he is so talented...

and

Just because she has the biggest heart...

These pictures are from a random day, lazy pajama day,
for no reason other then just because.

Happy Father's Day!!!

2011-06-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's day Daddy

and our little video for Charles aka "Daddy"

Pool time fun

2011-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Every year I make sure to get pictures of my sweet babies in the pool. So, this year is no different. But, lately I have been feeling very nostalgic and have been looking at old pictures and videos. I can't believe how small they were. I truly amazes me to see how much they have grown. So, before the newest pool fun photos, lets look back a few years.....

2007:

2008:

2009:

2010:

and... for this years pool time fun

2011:

It's a girl for Brandon and Amber

2011-06-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Shortly after the beautiful wedding of my cousin Brandon and his wife Amber, we learned they were going to be blessed with a baby.

A sweet baby girl that is...

The decor:

The food:

The awesome people:

Harper's Dance Recital

2011-06-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Harper amazed me at her first dance recital in Georgia.

She has improved so much and I am so happy I gave her the challenge of being part of a class that was filled with students much older then her.

My heart is warmed to see the smile dance brings to her face.

She had absolutely no issues with getting made up for stage lighting. She loved choosing eyeshadow colors and stayed completely still for me to apply them.

It is amazing to see her dance.

It's amazing to see her continue to make new friendships, and not be afraid to embrace people.

It amazes me to see her determination.

It amazes me to see her enjoy something that has filled most of my life.

It amazes me to think just when I can't imagine her any more beautiful...

then she grows and more beautiful she becomes.

It will always stay in my heart the special dance we shared this year.

I love you Harper!

Happy Dance recital

It seemed like yesterday...

2011-05-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

when my mom and I went to visit my cousin who was about to deliver twins. She was soooo large. But, since she on a regular day only stood about 4 foot 10/11 and probably weighed 98 lbs soaking yet, carrying twins to 40 weeks was quite a challenge. Her skin was so stretched and she had to walk with a walker.

But, she did it, and delivered two precious babies. This was 1993. I was 12 years old.

Now, today... they graduate. My first cousin's children are graduating high school and mine haven't even started yet. It is amazing to see our family with its wide aged generations and dynamics.

Meet Conner, aka Twin A

and where you find Conner, not far behind you we find Courtney, aka Twin B

They have always been so close...

So sweet to each other...

So caring and compassionate...

They have both achieved such high honors...

and plan to brighten their future...

at separate colleges.

(I am not certain how that is going to work out.

I know they are going to miss each other terribly)

Our family is so proud of them...

Courtney and Conner with their grandparents (aka my dad's sister and her husband)

off they go...

to start their lives...

All I hope for my children is the same. I struggle each day making sure I am the mother that will create people such as these two beautiful people.

Congratulations Conner and Courtney!!!

Check-ups...

2011-05-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Harper is really really past due for a check-up and Harrison is just past due for his.

Today they were measured, weighed, auscultated, palpated, quizzed, poked, prodded... you name it. You can imagine how thrilled they were about this.

Harper:

37.2 lbs

40.5 inches

Percentiles according to an online calculator:

At 4 years and 5 months:

your child is 37.2 pounds, and that is
at the 52nd percentile for weight.

your child is 40.5 inches, and that is
at the 41st percentile for height.

She also received 5 immunizations getting ready for her to enter preschool.

Harrison:

25.8 lbs

33 inches

50 cm for head circumference

Percentiles according to an online calculator:

At 25 months:
your child is 25.8 pounds, and that is
at the 19th percentile for weight.

your child is 33 inches, and that is
at the 9th percentile for height.

your child has a head circumference of 19.5 inches, and that is
at the 68th percentile for head circumference.

^can you say lollipop?^

He received 2 immunizations that I purposefully delayed.

Last day of "threeschool"

2011-05-20T23:52:00.001-07:00

Today was the last day of preschool aka "Threeschool". Harper has already informed me she would be attending "Fourschool" next year.

They sung a few songs for us and played hot potato.

We now know where she learned how to play "Eye spy". Although she doesn't quite get the rules, still, she loves to play.

Harrison got to participate with his big sister.

Little bunny "floo floo", as Harper would sing it...

Getting ready for the yummy treats the parents brought...

The blessing.... my blessings.

Thank you so much for all your hard work!!!

We love you Ms. Maribel

and Ms. Anna.

A Family's Fight

2011-05-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

The moment I stepped foot into a new school my junior year of high school, Amanda immediately became my friend. We have stayed in touch all these years as best as we could. She has been pulled and torn to extreme lengths over the past year. Please view this video regarding her precious children.

A Family's Fight

Not so much a spring day at the park

2011-05-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

After a not so good day the day before, I decided that I would make sure the kids got some outdoor play today. It had been rainy on and off and just too yucky to go outside. Harper gets stir crazy to the MAX!

When this happens, she misbehaves terribly. To the point of yelling, screaming, threats, time outs, carried out threats, things being taken away, to tears.

(and I don't just mean Harper's tears)

So, today, we started out refreshed and happy and went outside. It is May, it should be May weather, but that it was NOT!

I walked the kids down to the neighborhood park in the double stroller. On the way, I thought to myself, "maybe I should have blow dried my hair". It was a little windy, I thought at first, but just left it at that.

The closer to the park we got, I started to totally rethink our wardrobe choices.

This was NOT a shorts and t-shirt kind of day.

The kids could have cared less....

They were OUTSIDE!!!

So they climbed, and slid, and ran around like crazy...

They were happy and even smiled for the camera

See

Oh, and even at the same time!!!

After we returned home, I decided to open up the windows in the house to let some fresh air in. After about 45 minutes, though, I had to close them. The wind was just too much.

A few hours later, I learned that the high was only 61 degrees!!!

Oops.

Mother's Day weekend

2011-05-10T22:57:00.000-07:00

Mother's day weekend started off on a lovely hot Friday afternoon full of fun as the kids...

made sidewalk masterpieces

blew bubbles

ran around the yard and threw the sprinkler

rode scooters and bikes

played ball

ate Popsicles

and enjoyed everyone being home together, as that doesn't happen too often....

Saturday started off with Harper and I going to practice for the recital, then we went to portrait innovations for Harrison's 2 year old pictures.

Then we went to visit with Aunt Pearl (to my mom), Great Aunt Pearl (to me), and Great-great Aunt Pearl (to Harper and Harrison)

On our way back from Aunt Pearl's we stopped off and ate dinner a new restaurant in town.

It was very delicious...

The weather was spectacular

the company was amazing (minus the fact that Charles couldn't be there, booooo)

but one thing we could have managed without were the Cicadas!!

That has got to be the most annoying loudest noise I have ever heard.

Sunday

I completely failed my duty to our family and have absolutely NO pictures of this day.

I woke up to a lovely present and cards from Harper, Harrison and Charles. My dad made some yummy french toast, bacon and eggs.

Charles grilled steaks and baked potatoes for a late lunch before Amber and Dad headed back to Florida

Mom and I got to spend a few hours by ourselves to window shop. This is one of my favorite things....

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Day 4... Last day in the parks... BOOOO

2011-05-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Animal Kingdom and I have a love/hate relationship. I don't want to steer people away from Animal Kingdom from my crazy luck (or whatever you want to call it), but I just can never seem to get what people LOVE about this park. I was determined to give Animal Kingdom another 1/2 day try. I was so pumped that this day was going to be great, but I was let down again.

We had another early early morning planned, as Disney so kindly change EMH from 8:00AM to 7:00AM for our last day in the parks. We planned to spend our early EMH at Animal Kingdom (AK). We arrived on time and was handed this piece of paper letting us know which attractions would be open for EMH.

But, lets take a closer look at what Animal Kingdom has to offer this early in the morning.

I didn't notice originally the sort of fine print next to the Safari and the exploration trail that neither of them opened until 7:45AM. So, we headed straight back to the Safari to get, "Sorry, the safari will not open until blah blah blah, get a fast pass". (Strike 1)

So, then we tried to step right over to the exploration trail to get what I think is the FUNNIEST phrase anyone could ever say at Disney's Animal Kingdom. "I am sorry, but the exploration trail is closed until 7:45", Me: "So, what is open? and why isn't this open until 7:45am?" CM: "Sorry, but everything to do with *Animals* doesn't open until 7:45AM each day regardless of park opening?" Really? So, you mean to say you are going to open up "Animal kingdom" at 7:00AM, but don't expect to see any "animals" until 7:45!!! (Strike 2)

We walked over to Dinoland USA or something like that to ride the TriceraTop spin (aka dumbo ride themed like a dinosaur). We rode it twice without even getting off. Then we went over to ride Dinosaur. This ride is really intense so we didn't even give Harper a choice. She was technically tall enough, but I didn't want to scar her for life. My mom took the kids in a store while we enjoyed the ride.

*side note* EVERY gift shop was open.

After this area, we walked over to do It's tough to be a bug, only to find it was having technical difficulties and would resume as soon as they were fixed. STRIKE 3

But we got to see this pretty bird near that entrance.

By this time, it was approaching the magical 7:45am and we were able to do another trail with lots of other animals and birds (can't remember the name off the top of my head). At the beginning, you got a animal guide to help you spot the animals and birds. Harper carried it around finding the animals. She was like our little explorer. Very cute!

Bats!!!

Beautiful tigers

Mandarin Duck

The theming in the park is spectacular, I have to admit.

We wandered over to see the festival of the Lion King show. I have never seen this one. We have seen the Nemo show and it is fantastic. Since the Lion King is being re-released on DVD this fall, I wanted the kids to see it.

Luck, Karma, whatever!!!! But, it started, it was amazing, the kids were glued to the performers. About 1/2 way through, all of a sudden the lights go up, the performers leave the stage.... and....

"Due to unforeseen circumstance, we need to end this performance of the festival of the Lion King. Please exit the building"

WHAT?!?!?!

are you serious?

come to find out, part of the stage caught fire. I am so relieved no one was hurt, but really can this day get anymore strange? Charles and I both agree, even though we didn't get to see the whole performance, it was worth every minute of it. I will try to see this one again (if we ever go back to AK, that is)

We then cashed in our fast passes for the Safari which the kids loved!!!

After the safari we finally went through the exploration trail to see the rest of the animals

He was so close to the glass and he was watching everyone walking past. He was guarding his baby who was walking around with the Mama.

Harper's hand in comparison

I had to grab some lunch at one of my favorite quick service places. They have the best chicken fried rice. YUM.

After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to rest (not really, but get out of the sun) before heading to Epcot for our last magical evening at Disney.

I let the kids put on the swimsuits because I had planned to let them splash around in the splash pad between future world and world showcase.

We rode Nemo and Figment one more time...

Splish

Splash

I think one of the water parks is in our near future...

Then off to world showcase. I love this area and was really sad to see our time running out so quickly, we didn't get to do 1/2 of the countries. Live, learn, and take notes for future trips, right?

This was in the Norway pavilion gift shop

We had a quick dinner in the American pavilion, then started walking back to the front of the park as we watched Illuminations. We realized that MK was opening until 12AM, instead of just 9:30PM at Epcot, so if Harper stayed awake, we thought we would hop one more time and go out with a bang!

well,

never mind :(

This was a great trip. It was different from all the rest. I love Disney so much and miss it terribly between visits.

When we got back to the hotel, we were thrown back into reality as we learned that terrible storms were sweeping across Alabama and Georgia. My neighbor was posting some worrisome posts on facebook regarding the tornadoes. We watched the news and facebook for a few hours before we fell asleep. We hoped our home was ok. It's strange being so far away when something like that happens.

Our house and county for the most part was untouched, but surrounding counties could not say the same. As we got closer to home we got to see some of the damage, not the worst damage, but still its so humbling to see pieces of barn roofs on the opposite sides of the street and see trees laying on their sides, completely uprooted from the ground.

Thank you to everyone who kept us in their prayers and thank you for following our super fun, can't believe it's already over, already planning another one, Disney trip!!!

DAY THREE...

2011-05-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a little different because:

1. We only planned one park
2. The park opened even an hour earlier then the other two days. Alarm set for O'dark thirty.

A small vent regarding the hotel we stayed at. Don't get me wrong, the military resort is nice, and its on property, and we get the same benefits of on-site resort guests like EMH, BUT if we stay at a resort like this, then I expect to be able to get there on time. We were at the bus early, loaded the bus and were ready to go. The resort buses don't start running (at this resort) until 30 minutes prior to park openings. But, when you go to Magic Kingdom or Epcot, it's not just a bus ride. Once you get to TTC via bus, then you have to ride the monorail (only option at this time and they only run one monorail at that) to either Magic kingdom or Epcot. So, needless to say we MISSED the opening ceremony that I really wanted Harrison to see.

Don't get me wrong, it didn't ruin the trip but it did bother me that we do all this planning and preparation and still didn't make it since we waited SOOO long for the monorail.

We headed right in and got a family photo in front of Cinderella's castle with very little random people in the background (will have to add that picture when our photo pass CD comes in)

We saw Mary Poppins hanging around the carousel, so we visited with her first thing.

Then, we rode Dumbo. I had a strategy with this one (don't judge me, it's my families fault I am OCD, lol). AA got it Dumbo #1, then Harper and I got in Dumbo #2 (behind AA), and Charles and Harrison got in Dumbo #3 (behind Harper and I). This way, AA could get a picture of Harper and I and I could get a picture of Charles and Harrison!

Viola!!!

While we were riding Dumbo, Nanny and Paw paw went to get fast passes for Peter Pan.

This hour was the best spent hour in any of the parks by far. We accomplished so much including the tea cups.

Not really a fan...

Huge fan...

We also rode in that first hour:

Snow White's Scary Adventure

The many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh

The Carousel

It's a small world

Then we made our way to the Castle for our Breakfast reservations at:

(you know, the ones you have to call exactly 180 days from the day you want to go at 7:00AM sharp and you MAY get reservations)

We checked in, received a table assignment, walked inside to this wonderfully decorated room where we waited to visit and take a picture with Cinderella

This meal is prepaid meal, meaning you have to pay for the meal in full when you make the reservations. You also get 2 poses of pictures to go home with you included in the price of the meal. Each pose has a 6x8 (crazy odd size) and four 4x6s. We did a group picture and one with just Harper and Harrison.

Some of the decor

During the breakfast we saw

Snow White

Sleeping Beauty

Ariel

and

Belle

Here are the picture package photo folders

The insides of the folders

and the actual photo scanned

After breakfast, we headed to get in line for the Rapunzel meet and greet. Due to some more technical difficulties (scheduling issues), Rapunzel was not there for the 9:15 showing, and they already had a full show for the next showing, but the kind CM told us to come back around 10:15 and we should get in for the 11AM show.

So, we went to the restroom,

found Pinocchio

*TRIED* to see Tiana, but got nowhere with that.

*disclaimer: If you want to read a not so magical moment read below. If not, then skip the next paragraph of my vet*

Ruby, a CM standing outside of Princess Tiana meet and greet was extremely rude to us when we were just simply trying to figure out what to do with Princess Tiana not being there. We went over to the Tangled meet and greet and received a very sweet magical response to the effect of Rapunzel's hair got all tangled and we had to cancel the first showing, the next showing is already full but if you come back around 10:15 you should get in the next show. So nice, so precise, etc. So, as we were walking over to Tiana meet and greet (the other major priority for my daughter. She even chose Tiana at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique), we get Ruby waving her hands stopping as we approach the line saying "No Tiana, Just Naveen". So we *TRY* to simply ask if she knew when Tiana would be appearing and everytime we tried to ask, Ruby interrupted us, talking over us with her waving arms "No Tiana, Just naveen". She wasn't even listening to what we were trying to ask. We never got anything but "No Tiana, Just naveen" We were trying to figure out if she knew if she was going to be out at All during the day. She was just so rude. I understand she may not have had any other information other then that, but all she had to say is something like "I am so sorry, but Tiana isn't meeting yet. I am uncertain at this time when and if she will be meeting today. I am sorry for your inconvenience" Simple, polite, and to the point. WE DID NOT GET THAT AT ALL. Now, a few minutes later, after our tangled meet and greet to check back and tiana was not there at this time. My mom went up and another gentleman was with Ruby and they had more information for guests which was fine. We never got to see Tiana and that is ok, but the rudeness of the CM, Ruby, was just unacceptable.

On the way back to the Rapunzel line (where Nanny and Paw paw were saving our spots), we found the fairy Godmother.

We even squeezed in yet another carousel ride

When we went into the Rapunzel meet and greet, the kids started out by coloring a Rapunzel coloring page around a large table.

Then, the CMs did a dance with the kids around the table

Then, we got our special time with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

After this wonderful meet and greet, we rode some more rides like Buzz lightyear, the people mover, etc. We ate lunch at the Cosmic Ray's Starlight cafe'. I think this is my favorite quick service restaurant in Magic Kingdom.

After a few other rides, we headed toward the front of the park for THE BIG EVENT!!!

A little history. We debated over the past months if we would go through with cutting the curls off while at Disney. A few days before we left, Charles and I both agreed not to cut them all the way off, but have them shaped up and rock the curls a little longer.

Then, this same morning, during the breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table, Harrison was called a "Princess" THREE times during the breakfast. Each girl was given a wand and wishing star and each boy was given a sword. YEP! He was even given a princess wand.

I do understand he *was* wearing a pink polo shirt and he did have some beautiful curls, BUT, common sense people! If we had two princesses, then don't you think they would BOTH be in pretty princess dresses complete with tiaras, sparkly shoes, make-up and glitter head to toe? Really?

That was the final straw, as we have been asked his whole life if he was a girl, or received comments like "Oh, what a pretty girl." Enough is enough, right?

So, here we are, it's 3:00PM at the Harmony Barbershop on main street.

Margaret was AWESOME!!!

She prepared Harrison with plenty to do during his haircut

I thought I would be fine watching, but after the first cut, I lost it! My sister has a video of me, my mom and my dad all crying like babies.

It was hard to watch, but the more she cut, the better it looked

Harrison sat so still, relaxed, and so determined to finish is work of getting every piece of confetti onto is Mickey stickers

At one point, we thought he was going to fall asleep.

Believe it or not, people, but that is still Harrison.

He still makes the same funny faces

and copies everything his sister does

and runs around like a mad man

But, we all have had to do some double takes, thinking...

OMG! It's Harrison. He looks so different.

and looks even MORE like his Daddy (if that is possible).

Love this boy!!!

Afterwards, we walked down mainstreet and ate some icecream outside (not a good idea, btw). We then walked around some shops to stay out of the heat. Debated canceling our dinner reservations, but then decided to keep them, and I'm glad we did.

The Plaza Resturant is awesome! I love the steak and cheese sandwich with housemade chips. YUM!!!

On the way out, we decided it was a must that Harrison see Mickey Mouse with his new look.

This was a fun day!!!

DAY 2...DHS...MK...and BBB Oh my!!!

2011-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

I triple checked my alarm to make sure we started out this day on time.

I acutally woke up 10 minutes before the alarm and gladly got a 10 minute head start.

We made Rope drop for Disney's Hollywood Studios (DHS). We couldn't see the rope, but we were close. If you know Disney, you know if you want to ride Toy Story Mania, you have to get there early or be prepared to WAIT...

We have never had a chance or wanted to do the major waiting to ride this ride, so it was on the TOP of our list this time.

and we got to ride TSM...

we loved it....

and decided to get Fastpasses to ride it again!!!

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

After we rode TSM the first time we split up for a bit. Mom and Charles went to ride Tower of Terror (3 times in a row), Rockin' Rollercoaster, and the great movie ride.

The resident wimps accomplished:

visiting with Chip and Dale

Rode The great movie ride

Watched the Voyage of the little Mermaid

Disney Junior Live on Stage

After we met back up, we got in line to visit with Buzz and Woody

After our amazing visit with some of Harrison's favorite characters, we cashed in our fastpasses for TSM, again.

We decided to cancel our lunch reservations at Mama Melrose. It was italian food and we all agreed that it would be too heavy for how hot it was that day. The dining reservation lady on the phone was less then nice. Right out rude to be honest, makes you not to worry about doing the appropriate thing and just not show up.

-vent over-

After a quick light lunch, we headed to Magic Kingdom.

Harper immediately wanted to ride Dumbo. But, in that part of the day the wait was 40 minutes, OUCH! AA decided to wait with her...

While we waited for Harper and AA to finish up at Dumbo, we took Harrison to ride the carousel.

He was less then thrilled, but I think that was because he was on the horse alone.

Harper had a 4:00PM appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Harper chose princess Tiana

She smiled ear to ear the whole time...

Making her wish...

So beautiful

This was in the area where we had Harper's photo shoot (included in the package at BBB)

Afterwards, Harper insisted that she ride the carousel... again.

She waved to all her people (she said it just like that. "Mommy, I need to wave to all my people")

As I suspected, Harrison loved the carousel much more with someone on the horse with him

We decided to head back to the hotel and eat wings from the sports bar at the hotel and relax a little.

we bathed the kids, reorganized/packed, and lights out for another fun day at Disney

Day ONE in the parks!!!

2011-04-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

We started day one off on a rough start. Somehow, we managed not to set our alarms right, but AA came to the rescue about 30 minutes past when we wanted to get up. oops.

Harrison woke up to a room full of Disney (and one Thomas the train) Mylar balloons, and a birthday banner.

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet boy!!

While I jumped in the shower like a mad woman, Harper and Harrison enjoyed their Easter baskets.

And, then we were off to EPCOT!!!

By the way, we made it for EMH at 8AM despite our slip up on time.

She was so amazed at Spaceship earth.

First stop, Soarin'

Harper was tall enough as suspected and super excited.

Harper handled the ride well, up until the very end with the fireworks. She sort of freaked out but survived just fine.

Next stop.. Test track. Again, tall enough!!!

But, they were having technical difficulties, so we got fast passes to come back later.

Then we headed off to the Nemo ride. The kids LOVED it, and all the fish.

A little while later, we headed back to Test Track and Harper, again, did fine until the end... the really fast part. She survived.

*you can go ahead and mark this the last big girl ride Harper rode this trip, lol*

The boys had a special boys only Birthday lunch at Rose crown and pub in England pavilion. They gave that meal a two thumbs up. The staff brought Harrison a desert and and card that the staff all signed.

The girls ate a quick lunch and got in line to meet some fairies.

After we met back up, we hopped over the Magic Kingdom to see Mickey Mouse!!!

Then, off to see some Princesses...

Then to really toot the birthday boy's horn, we rode the Train!!!

even caught part of the afternoon parade

Harper rode the carousel (make this turn 1 of probably 10 during our trip, lol)

After a few hours at Magic Kingdom, we headed to Chef Mickey's at the contemporary hotel for Harrison's Birthday Party dinner.

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday Dear sweet Harrison,

Happy Birthday to you!!!

Make a wish...

This cake was very very sweet, but very very delicious!

Presents back at the hotel

Arrival Day (at disney if you didn't know)

2011-04-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

We drove down to Disney on Saturday April 23rd. I was so proud of us for setting a time goal to leave the house and we did it with ONE minute to spare. The directions said it would take 7 hours and 51 minutes to arrive. But, as we all know with a 4 year old, turning 2 year old, and heck, me with the potty breaks. We drove through for meals and made quick bathroom breaks. The weather and traffic were perfect and we arrive in 8 hours and 15 minutes with all breaks. woo hoo!!!! ( i think Charles was ready to be there and I'm sure he drove a hair over the speed limit)

One major difference with the drive (other then we used to only live 3 hours away), was since we came down on a different interstate, we didn't come in via interstate 4, we did have the huge welcome Disney signs, etc. Charles made a comment to the affect that we up through the bowels of Disney, lol. But, I didn't care because we were FINALLY HERE!!!

WE got checked in no problems (other then having to wait about 30 minutes or so for our rooms to be ready. no big deal. we actually made great time).

Organized the room as best as we could and got changed so we could head to dinner. Rode the SOG bus to the TTC, activated our tickets. Had a little scare because we had forgotten that there was a black out on our tickets (through this day, but we weren't using them until the following day) and about had a heart attack with the really sweet but really much older lady told us we couldn't use the tickets. We explained what we were doing, and we got all on the same page, and everything was fine, but not before I almost peed my pants.

Then we rode the monorail to MK, then hopped on the WL boat to the Whispering canyon cafe.

While on the boat realized i forgot to take the diaper bag, and just hoped the boy child didn't lay a stink while we were gone. We were just going to dinner, and he had just given us a surprise in the hotel room. FAT CHANCE. as we are sitting at the table, i start to smell it. Really? I had to go pay $13 or so for a small pack of diapers and wipes in the gift shop. OUCH!

some of the decorations in the hotel:

The kids loved the linking logs...

(and Charles, too)

We gave the Whispering Canyon Cafe TWO big thumbs up!!!

YUMMY

Double YUMMY

complete with the extra charm this restaurant has to offer:

Afterwards, we walked around the hotel, toured a room, and headed back to our hotel to give the kids a bath, pack, organize for our first day in the park!!!

Easter Party at "Threeschool"

2011-04-22T00:09:00.000-07:00

Today we attended Harper's Easter Party for Preschool.

It was actually at a local park which is filled with picnic tables, party pavilions, grills, many many areas to play, nature/walking trails, etc.

We always here about certain kids in Harper's class, but at the Eater party, THREE different parents came up to me and said that all their hear about at home is HARPER!!!

Sibling picture: FAIL

Harper was a very quiet, precise, and intense Easter egg hunter...

Harrison, on the other hand was a fast, furious, and fierce egg hunter...

I think he needed extra hands...

So proud of his accomplishments

I am so glad Harper has amazing social skills. This is an area I struggled as a kid. I was very shy and timid. Once I got to know you, we were golden, but I would sit back and watch for a long time before engaging in a relationship. Harper, not so much. EVERYBODY is her friend!!!

She has such a big heart!

I love her so much...

Celebrating the boy child disney style Pre-trip plans

2011-04-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

Although I have been counting down for 6 months, we are now down to SEVEN days!!! I am so excited, I can hardly contain it. Over the last six months, I have become Disney obsessed, as my family would put it. I call it Disney extraordinaire. There were a few priorities this trip.

First, to eat at Cinderella's royal table (aka CRT on the Disney forum www.disboards.com). I knew that you had to call exactly 180 days from the day you wanted to go and call at 7am and you MAY get reservations. Well, SCORE! We will be eating breakfast with Cinderella and other princesses (subject to change without notice) on Tuesday April 26th at 8:10am.

Secondly, we need to find a new spot for our progression photos in Disney. Although I am SUPER excited with the fantasy land expansion project. I was really sad to hear "our spot" for pictures would be demolished. We are open to suggestions if you have any neat areas. I prefer something in Magic Kingdom (aka MK), because that is one constant with ALL our trips. So, for a quick stroll down memory lane:

December 2007

December 2008

September 09 (09-09-09, I wonder what day that is? )

Thirdly, get Harrison's hair cut in Disney. Our original plan was to make it his First hair cut, but of course as soon as we said that, his hair started growing like weeds. So, we had it shaped up a little, then his sister decided to shape it up some more. So, we have a reservation at the Harmony Barber Shop in MK also on Tuesday. The big question now is do we just shape it up again and keep the curly look? Or do we give him more of a big boy hair cut? I just can't decide. I feel like the moment I cut the curls off, I no longer have my baby. What are your thoughts?

Lastly, making this birthday trip to Disney something we would NEVER forget. This is Harrison's birthday party. I also wanted to make sure we incorporated Easter as well since his birthday this year is Easter. The baskets are traveling with us, we visited the Easter bunny and let him know where the kids would be this Easter. As for Harrison's birthday I have made a few plans for his big day that should make it special. I have also made, gotten help making, or ordered special items to personalize our trip.

Personalized Stroller tag, because I learned on my nifty forum that our stroller brand and model is one of the most popular ones from the outside stroller rental companies in Orlando.

Pressed penny organization!!! Mini M&M container for quarters and shiny pennies and mentos gum container for the finished pressed pennies. I know my kids are going to love this. Harper already loves getting pressed pennies so this is going to be our hobby for now. They are still a little young for the pin trading.

Harper's dress she is going to wear on Harrison's birthday

Harrison's birthday T-shirt

Personalized autograph books. Not what I originally intended but, its a LONG story and I don't end up looking the best in it, soooo, I will leave it at that (think major OCD moment)

I will be back with more updates and detailed posts of our fabulous trip. My one request from everyone is that you pray for our family during this trip.

Thank you!!!

Dear Blog...

2011-04-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am very sorry you have been neglected. My attention has been focused on our very soon coming Disney trip. I have been so excited about this trip that I have been a very lazy blogger lately. So, I have taken a moment to update you the best I could. You now have NINE back dated posts from the dates of 2-27-11 to 4-4-11. I hope this will make up for my laziness.

Sincerely,

HOP

2011-04-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today we had an unplanned or poor planned worked scheduled day off together. Whew! did you understand all that? Basically, Charles was going to take a day of holiday so he could take the GRE but decided on a school that doesn't require the GRE and forgot to take his holiday off and put himself back on the schedule... creating a day off together...

and we all know how often that happens.

I was fine with it.

The kids were excited.

So, we decided to take them to the movies. We had a blast and believe it or not... Harrison did awesome!!! We made notes for our next attempt at the movies: 1. Always take two adults 2. Sit right before the movies starts. 3. Have plenty of snacks. Harrison's snack of choice was gummy treats.

Congratulations Shanna!!!

2011-04-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today Charles and I were honored to be guests at one of my friends from work wedding. I have only known her for about a year, but she is one special lady. So sweet and I could not be more happy for her. Since Charles and I don't get many chances to be off together, we proclaimed the wedding date night.

We started off at a O'Charley's for appetizers and drinks with some friends (really cool ones).

Then off to witness the beauty of a wedding ceremony...

sorry for the craptacular pictures. I didn't use a flash.

The cool ones

Groom's cake

Centerpieces

Wedding cake

Shannon and I

(I work with 2 Shannons and a Shanna, it gets really confusing)

Natt

Caycee and Linna

The Mr. and Mrs.

The hospital crew

The bride

Congratulations!!!

Morning brunch

2011-03-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

While we were in Florida, Harper insisted to eat most meals on Pawpaw's back porch.

Tyler's super fun Mickey mouse birthday party

2011-03-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

This was one full load of precious cargo. Mallory and Madalyn in row 2 and Harper and Harrison in row 3 of the beast of a vehicle that Devon strolls around in

The party was amazing.

There was face paint

or arm paint. Whatever floats your boat

We tried to get Harrison to participate. So, mommy got a spider with sparkle

The centerpieces

Sweet Madalyn

"Um... Who or What is that?"

Yes, your eyes are not playing jokes. There was a roasted pig. Harper was sooo excited to see the pig. I think it took her awhile to figure out the pig was not alive, lol.

A magic show:

and The Mr. and Mrs. themselves...

Of course they did the Hot Dog dance, and what better to be the wiener, LOL

The Birthday Boy and his proud Daddy

Happy 1st Birthday Tyler!!!

Unexpected trip to Florida

2011-03-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

We got a call that my Dad thought he was having another Stroke. What a scary phone call to receive. Mom and I decided we need to arrange our lives in Georgia and head down to Florida to be with him. After many tests and consultations with doctors, they discovered that He did NOT actually have another stroke, but has a severe case of vertigo. Talk about relief. We are soooo thankful and happy that Dad was doing good and this was something that could be fixed. Harper and Harrison were so thrilled to get to see their Paw paw and AA while we were in Florida. I was able to capture a few moments while we were there

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

2011-03-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

My green beauties

Nothing much really happened today, but we did wear green!!!

Fun with Chalk

2011-03-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today we enjoyed the warmer weather and played outside for a bit. He decided to leave Nanny a note reminding her that the yard is no place for tires, lol Love moments like this:

My little fish

2011-03-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

This was one big proud mommy moment for me. Yes I had tears in my eyes. I don't know how to explain it, but it's just one of those things that melts your heart.

Operation: Painting Harper's room green

2011-03-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

We have only lived in house for almost a year and we have yet to paint or hang photos or decorations. Maybe this year we will get around to it. So, to get us started we are decorating Harper's room. First off we need to paint. Here is our adventure with that.

The Before:

Taping off everything:

Ready to paint:

Painting is fun!!! (NOT)

The After:

Signs of a happy customer

Proof that he does EVERYTHING his sister does

Now, lets see how long it takes me to hang pictures in her room, LOL

Happy Birthday Charles

2011-02-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

This year Charles' birthday was low key but he enjoyed his special time...

You can find his special request birthday cake here

Florida State and cakepops...

2011-02-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

It is a few days until Charles' birthday and I wanted to make him something nice for his birthday. His request was for red velvet cake pops. So, I had to think about a way to present them uniquely.

So, this is what I came up with

Florida State Cake Pops

Can you see it???

Happy Birthday Charles!!!

Random February day...

2011-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Two months from today this guy will be TWO years old!!!

On that same day we will celebrate Easter. I didn't realize Easter fell so late, but it does and won't fall on the birthday of my adorable son again until 2095 (according to a website). He will be 86.

This girl has become quite the writer. I am really impressed with ability to write her name and other letters (most of the alphabet) on demand.

He should be in the worlds record book for best copycat. I think I say this daily, but if Harper rolled around on the floor like a dead cockroach, Harrison would do it too. It doesn't matter what it is, he will copy.

She has discovered this daring part of her personality. Daring by really pushing her limits with what is acceptable behavior and what is not, what is acceptable language and tone of voice and what is not. I will leave it at that. (breathe.... and....breath)

They both are psycho over bubbles!

I am psycho over them!

I love them to pieces, until it hurts, until it makes me cry, until my friends are tired of the stories yet I squeeze in one more. They are simply amazing.

A storyboard

Unexpected....EXTREMELY fun day

2011-02-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought yesterday was amazing... along came Friday. The day started out typical for our family. Charles had worked the night before so he was headed to bed as we were getting ready for preschool. It was pajama day. That was exciting for Harper. She wore her brand new pajamas she got for Valentine's day. She wasn't that thrilled at first because she really wanted to wear her Tinker Bell pajamas, but they were looking really rough from the frequent wear and just not appropriate by my standards... which are a little on the OCD side.

Monkey Ballerina pajamas

Harrison ready to take Harper to school

At about 11AM, I get a phone call from Charles, who is upstairs. Harrison and I were downstairs watching cartoons and waiting for time to go pick Harper up. So, now, Charles and I are having a phone conversation with each other in the same house! He informed me that he was getting in the shower, to wait for him, we would go pick Harper up from preschool together and head to Atlanta for some lunch at the Varsity. He has been wanting to take me their for some time now, so today was that day.

As we drove in, Harper was less then thrilled that we would be eating in the car. We explained to her how this restaurant worked and it would be really fun.

After we let her out of her car seat, she was much happier

We ordered and waited for our food. It was crazy to see HOW MANY people come to this place. It was packed.

Oh, the diet was totally thrown out the window this day

The view was neat. To my right was this tower:

And to my left you could see GA TECH:

We even got cool hats and everything...

Harper's tune changed once the food came. She thought she was hot stuff to eat out of the car seat and out of a box.

Harrison enjoyed himself too. We let him get out of is car seat and sit in my lap in the front

Yummy french fries

Silly little man

Then, we ventured off to find the Olympic park. We found it, but we just had to find parking.

So, basically it cost us $5 to go to a free park

This park has such neat waterfalls

Oh, if you didn't already notice... Harper had a wardrobe change...

JUMP!!!

They climbed

They went down the slides

and mastered new skills

Harrison's new thing that I am not happy about. He is telling me to stop taking pictures of him. "Mama, Stop"

Harrison loved the tunnels

Harper loved the boat

and swing, but only if this random girl was pushing her not her Daddy, go figure.

There were places to climb every where you looked. They had a blast.

Love this picture, just wish my pathetic p/s camera would have focused.

We decided to try to get O-U-T of Atlanta before the afternoon traffic hit. We got lost... again. But, we found this very fun random statue

"SQUIRREL"

Back near home, I made Charles run in Best Buy (I know twist his arm) and play with the two cameras I have been debating over to see which one he likes best. This camera will be his go to camera as well. He doesn't touch my other camera unless I make him.

Charles, then decided since we already blew our diet out of the water for the day, that we would go ahead and go settle with another craving he had been having. Mexican food!!!

Harrison blowing the cheese dip before he ate it

So, what I thought was going to be a lazy kind of day ended up begin a fun filled family day that I would not trade for anything!!!

Random day, yet so much fun...

2011-02-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our weather has been beautiful. Maybe mother nature will listen to the groundhog, who didn't see his shadow, and let us have an early spring. Unfortunately, I am certain we will have at least one more cold snap before then. But for now, we will take it.

The kids and myself had to run some errands. I needed to mainly go buy a new hairdryer. It finally bit the dust. It was a wonderful hairdryer, really. I was trying to remember how long I have had that hairdryer, and I want to say for my entire married life. So, going on 9 years!!! Money well spent in my book.

So we headed to Sally's, bought me a new hairdryer and also got a pack of hair ties for Harper. The last pack were less then perfect. Actually they sucked. *If* it didn't break before you even got it in her hair, then it most defiantly broke while removing it.

Then, we moved on and grabbed some lunch on the go from Zaxby's. I had a piece of a gift card left over but couldn't remember how much was on it. After paying for our lunch, it still had $0.14 remaining. So, if anyone wants something REAL NICE from Zaxby's for $0.14, let me know.

After lunch, we headed to PTC to the best buy to see if they happened to have two cameras in stock for me to hold and touch and hopefully make a decision on a new point and shoot camera. The best buy in Newnan didn't have either model and I had searched and searched all over trying to find a store that carried them in stock. I was willing to drive north of Atlanta. Someone told me they were able to hold them at their best buy, so I wondered if it mattered which best buy you were at. PTC is known for its high end housing, living, and shopping, so naturally it was my first choice (plus it's only 15 minutes away). SCORE!!! they had both of them charged and ready to play!!!

From best buy, we headed over to stride rite to have Harper's foot measured and to get an idea of what we would want as far as summer shoes go. I am waiting on purchasing because I was told that their Easter shoe sale, buy one get one 1/2 off, starts March 9th. So we browsed, measured and tried a few pair on to get an idea.

We headed home after stride rite so Harrison could get his nap. He fell asleep on the way home. I took him upstairs and put in him in his bed. And now starts the reason for this post.

It was such a beautiful day we opened the windows and the front door and just Harper and I sat on the front door step, talked, blew bubbles, and played. I grabbed my camera because that is naturally what I would do, right?

She has been asking me to blow bubbles for weeks!

I love her fierce concentration

She even agreed to smile for the camera

We talked about Disney, and how Friday was pajama day, and how much I LOVED her, etc.

She went to the bushes and was playing all sorts of imaginative games. I watched, giggled to myself and made a point to burn this moment into my mommy brain. It was one amazing moment for us.

We had such a lovely day. No yelling, beautiful weather, great behavior, fun times...

Thank you Harper for such an amazing day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

Harper and Harrison were very happy with their Valentine's day gifts from Charles and myself. Charles and I were very lucky and were able to go on a date alone Sunday night. My mom was super kind to watch them so we could have some time to ourselves. Since Charles and I work opposite shifts so that we don't have to find much childcare coverage, we typically only have one night off a week together. We rarely get that one night to ourselves. We are OK with that. We love our babies, and would not change anything because they bring such joy to our lives. Of course we are working toward a different situation so that we can have more time together, but for now, this is what works, so that is how it is...

We went to dinner at Longhorn. YUM! Charles, then did what he knew I would love.... He let me go in five stores and let me look at whatever I wanted. Of course the whole time we talked about the kids, looked at items for the kids at all the stores, and mostly we discussed our mutual excitement over our upcoming trip to Disney. Seriously can't wait!

This morning, Harrison woke up to a cool Thomas the Train hat, a new red polo shirt, a Thomas the train book, a mickey mouse lollipop, a box of conversation hearts, and a Mickey Mouse card that played music.

Harper woke up to a new pair of pajamas (mainly for pajama day at preschool this coming Friday), a princess tin lunchbox, a sight words workbook, a Mickey Mouse lollipop, a box of conversation hearts, and a princess card that played music.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

Who has a Mama's boy???

2011-02-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

I DO!!!

Remember last year?

He calls my name one thousand times or more a day

He always hugs and kisses me

He loves to sit and snuggle with me

He is upset when I leave

He loves to test his boundaries with me

He loves to make silly faces, then makes me do it too

He tries to sleep in my bed every night

I never knew being a mommy to a boy would be this great

All I grew up with was girls

All I knew was girls

I have learned so much and I could NOT be happier

He may look like his daddy

Copycat his sister

But... HE LOVES HIS MOMMY!!!

Today, I had one mission and that was to get another picture of Harrison with the MOM tattoo on him. You know, typically Harper would run screaming at the sight of "Millie" (the name we gave my camera). But, of course, the day I really didn't plan on taking Harper's picture, she is all sad and left out. So, we did some impromptu shots... in pajamas and all.

Harper loves her mama too

She even looks like her mama

People even say she acts like me... but I tend to disagree. She acts like AA

She loves to dress up

and loves everything girly, and some not so girly things too

Don't you just love these wrinkled feet. Her Ichthyosis affects her feet the most.

And playing with a few storyboards

Italian Cheese.... I really don't know the name.... dip

2011-02-09T00:49:00.000-08:00

I great family friend whipped this up at one of her famous Halloween parties a few years ago and I HAD TO HAVE the recipe. She was so kind to share and I have been preparing this every since. I have shared the recipe with other friends so much, I thought I would capture the steps for everyone to see and enjoy this yummy dip.

You will need:

3- 6 oz packages of Alouete Garlic and herb cheese (I think the regular one does better, the reduced fat one doesn't mold as well)

1- jar of Classico sun-dried tomato pesto

1- jar of basil pesto

2- loaves of bread. I love the Publix 5 grain Italian bread. Some times it comes with 2 skinny loaves in a bag or 1 larger loaf in a bag. Either way you need 2 bags of it.

Saran Wrap

Bowl for molding. I love my pampered chef mixing bowl with lid.

Close up of the bread. This is the larger one loaf, so I bought two

1. Sit the Alouete cheese out to get close to room temp or just let if soften up a little. It makes it easier to spread.

2. Line your bowl with saran wrap. I used press'n seal, but I think regular saran wrap works better. If you use the press'n seal make sure the tacky/sticky side is down.

3. spread 1 package of the Alouete cheese in the bottom of the bowl (this will become the top of the mold)

2. pour off a the oil from the basil pesto (green pesto) and then spread it on top of the alouete cheese.

3. Spread the sun-dried tomato pesto (red pesto) on top of the green pesto.

The three layers so far from the side

At this point I slide the bowl into the fridge to let it form a little before the last layer.

While the mold is in the fridge, I cut up the bread.

With the larger loaf, I slice it down the center then in thick enough pieces to hold the dip.

Its a heavy dip.

4. Use the other 2 packages of the alouete cheese to cover the red pesto (making this your last layer, which will be your bottom layer).

Place back in fridge until you are ready to serve. I suggest 3-4 hours at least. Overnight is great.

When you are ready to serve, flip the bowl over onto a plate or platter and SLOWLY lift bowl and saran wrap off the mold. Place the bread around the mold and serve.....

Most of all.... ENJOY!!!

Happy Birthday Bethany

2011-02-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

What can I say? We LOVE birthday parties...

This weekend, we celebrated Bethany.

Bethany is the precious daughter of a really great co-worker of mine. Seriously... awesome lady, awesome sweet girl...and perfect little family. Love them.

I got to help out. I made the cupcake toppers and my Italian cheese dip.

Bethany getting ready for her celebration

The party was held at the Turnaround, which is a roller skating rink/christian center. They even hold Church there on Sundays...

Happy Birthday Bethany

This is my favorite! So much love for this sweet girl.

She turned the big 10!

Oh yeah, my kids wanted to skate. Well, Harrison wanted to skate once he saw Harper (because that is his thing... to copy Harper's every move). And when he actually got the skates on and tried, he quickly changed his tune.

Valentine Photo shoot

2011-01-31T16:33:00.000-08:00

During our quick visit to Florida, I managed to squeeze in a Valentine photo shoot. My friend Devon found the neatest park. Not your typical swings and slide park, though. It's like this little village complete with vintage train station, train car, firetruck, and old fashion stores.

My bad attempt at a sun flare. I have no idea how to do these correctly, but I had the opportunity so I tried

BFFs

Seriously, they love each other, fight with each other, giggle, run, play, pretend with each other.

As we approach the BIG TWO, I have been having to use ammunition to get his attention. Ammunition of choice=marshmallows

Mom, really.... how many more?

Flash Photograph... FAIL

ALL

THESE

BARF

So, there they are. They are my heart. My husband... He is my Valentine. They are my heart.

Last years Valentine shoot

Celebrating Kendal

2011-01-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

During our QUICK trip to Jacksonville and one of the main reasons for going, was attending Kendal's 5th birthday. You can read about Kendal's birthday festivities from last year here.

This year.... SWEET and SASSY.

Let me just say, if there is not a place like this in your area... GOLD MINE.

First, off the girls head off to choose their choice of costume/dress/princess, etc to dress into...

Harper chose the pink one to be like Aurora

As Harper was changing, I had one mission. To meet this precious guy. My friend Deanna welcomed Andrew into her family right before Christmas. This is Kendal's baby brother. Since being so close to Christmas it was just impossible to make a trip to Florida before now.

Next step... Hair and Make-up...

Kendal with her cousins

Who is feeling like a Princess?

Harper does!!!

Answering questions and getting ready for their princess fashion show.

Yes, they have a runway and everything!!!

As Harper walked down the runway this was read:

This is Harper.

She comes from the kingdom of Harper.

Her only rule is that her brother leaves her alone.

Her favorite thing to do as a princess is to dance.

Her favorite princess pet is a tiger.

The party girls

I love this attempt not to look at me or smile

The birthday girl

Getting ready for cake

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear sweet Kendal,

Happy Birthday to you!!!

Checking out the generous goody bag from Kendal

And when you think it can't get any over the top

Yep. That is a PINK limo!!!

I was a little nervous...

Call me a sucker...

Call it peer pressure... (all the other mom's were letting them do it)

Call it whatever...

No car seat. Inappropriately placed seat belt and all...

I let her do it.

She survived.

and... SHE LOVED IT!!!

Happy Birthday Kendal!!!

FIVE inches...

2011-01-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

One huge priority of mine during our short trips to Florida is to get some Jeanette love. This trip I decided to let Harper in on some hair cutting love with Jeanette. It was so past due, but I wanted to keep her hair long for her four year old pictures to do a comparison picture of her and myself. You can see that here.

Before:

Is that a small Chihuahua?

AHHH.... much better!!!

Thank you Jeanette!!!

Harper's 1st haircut

Another haircut of Harper's

Who's your Valentine???

2011-01-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today, I made a small lesson about Valentine's day for the kids. I had bought a few decorations, treats for Harper's class and teachers and put them all in this bag and put it away until all our Christmas get togethers were over. I also ordered them Valentine shirts.

Today I took all these goodies out and placed them on the couch and read them the story of Valentine's day.

After the story, they looked at all the items. Harper immediately switched out the 1/2 bathroom's rug and soap. She loves to wash her hands, and since Harrison does EVERYTHING that Harper does... Guess who else loves to wash their hands?

Then, the modeled their Valentine Shirts. I also ordered Harper a swimsuit, really for our upcoming Disney trip, but since it was red I threw it in with the Valentine stuff

Then, we finished decorating the house. I bought some window cling decorations at Target.

Thank you $1 spot!!!

After we were all done with the decorating, Harper asks me "Mommy, is that it?", in this doubtful voice. I guess she was expecting a full out decorated house since everyone knows Christmas throws up in my house, lol. I had to explain it wasn't like Christmas, but also that we really didn't have many Valentine decorations that we would have to build them up year after year.

Later that afternoon, after Charles and I high-fived (he got up and I went to bed... the joys of working opposite night shifts), Harper and Daddy had a little fun with the camera as well

Harper took this picture. She was trying to do it like Mommy does. I think she did pretty good

Mommy board Atlanta birthday meet-up

2011-01-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

So, most everyone knows I am a nerd, or whatever you want to call it. I like to talk to people on forums. I have made some WONDERFUL friendships with ladies that have the same thing in common with me, yet I have NEVER met them. I have talked to most of the ladies on what I refer to as my "mommy board" since I found out I was pregnant with Harper.... so over 4 years.

Every time I get a chance to meet a mom, I DO!

My first meeting was back in June of 2007. Harper and I met Kisha and her Sweet daughter Mia and her older son Alex:

My second meeting was right after Harrison was born. Mel made a trip over to the East coast for a Wedding. Unfortunately, her girls Kate and Claire stayed back in California with family. But, let me just say meeting Mel was treat enough :)

Since moving to Georgia, I have met another Melissa! Mel from the above picture is a Melissa too. This Melissa also just moved to Ga, but from New York. Her Sons are Declan and twins Caleb and Ian. We met at Lenox Square mall Pottery barn kids free story time:

And most recently, like yesterday, I got to meet Jackie with her son Zachary and younger daughter Reagan. Her older daughter was at school. Melissa with her three precious boys came as well for a Jan 07 birthday celebration (remember Harper decided to grace us 4 weeks early):

Always a fun time when meeting on of my moms!!!!

I look forward to who I may get to meet in the future. There is already some chat about a Southeast meet up and I will be all over that!

Harper 4 years

2011-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

I want to start by apologizing to my sweet Harper for taking so long to get some four year old pictures taken. You are only four once. But, between Christmas, your Birthday, family Christmas parties, etc, there just hasn't been a great time. Plus, it seems like mother nature wants to play a joke on me since every day I have off... it rains.

So, today, I decided was going to be the day for your four year old mommy done photo shoot. Of course, mother nature didn't fail me. It was raining. I tried to go with natural light, but it wasn't working. I had to bust out the external flash.

I had big plans to do a comparison picture of you and I at the same age. I wanted you to be in a light lavender outfit/dress just like me, but that didn't happen as well. Oh well, I loved the outfit anyways. You wore it to your Pinkalicious birthday party. I also decided to pass on trying to recreate the whole scene with the fabulous beige carpet. I hope you appreicate that!

I also struggled with the idea of NOT taking you to portrait innovations for the first time. I love to take pictures. I am also my own worst critic. I have always taken pictures around your birthday, but always had some taken there just to be on the safe side in case I wasn't pleased with my own work. As I still think my work stinks, I took the plunge and didn't take you. I hope these pictures will be special to you later on.

I had been letting your hair grow out to do this comparison picture. I don't think your hair is quite as long as mine was at that age, but it got close. Now, that I finally was able to capture some pictures to forever remember the way you looked at four, I will be scheduling a *HEALTHY* hair trim. I hope you don't mind. I know you think you are Rapunzel or as you call her "Tangled Kapunzel", but we need to shape it up some and make it more healthy looking. I will bribe if necessary.

I love you Harper. I hope you enjoyed your photoshoot!!!

Getting an early start on 2011 TOP moments

2011-01-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

So, Saturday, I had to sleep all day because I had worked the night before and I had to work again Saturday night. Charles took Harper and Harrison to a birthday party at Monkey Joe's. So, I knew Charles was planning on cooking Tilapia for dinner but I assumed he was going to cook it on the stove. I go to bed around 8:30 AM and I fall asleep fairly quickly. I do remember hearing the wind howling on the corner of the house. I knew it was suppose to be a windy day.

So, around 2:40 PM, I woke up because I needed to go to the bathroom. I smelled our grill, or what I thought was our grill, and just thought to myself.... "What is he cooking? Why is he already cooking the fish? He must have decided to smoke some ribs or something" <----Seriously, this is the funnies part of this whole thing, I promise.

I go back to bed and fall back to sleep and wake up to my alarm at 4:00PM and jump in the shower. I am out of the shower and applying my make-up and Charles busts in the room and asks:

Charles: How long have you been awake?

Me: Since 4:00, why?

Charles: So, you just got up when your alarm went off?

Me: Um, yeah.... why? (he can't stand it sometimes because I always answer him with a question)

Charles: So, you have NO idea what went on?

Me: NO! What?

Charles pulls me over to the window and throws open the blinds...

Me: OH, SH*T!!! (it was surprising so sorry for the language)

Apparently, three doors down, the neighbors decided to cook some chicken on their light weight grill. The wind tipped it over and caught their yard on fire. They *tried* to put it out by themselves=FAIL.

Their immediate neighbor (2 doors down from us), fire alarms started sounding and she looked out her window to find very high flames right by her house. She called 911.

The wind was so bad that it got out of control really fast, but we seriously live less then 2 miles from the fire station so they were there quick.

So, I when I woke up at 2:40PM, it wasn't our grill I was smelling, it was our street!!!
Charles asked me how on earth could I have slept through all that especially with the sirens right outside my house. I have no idea.

I am so glad that our houses were not seriously damaged.

My immediate neighbor's lawn furniture and trampoline were burnt along with her gutters. I am not sure about the other two houses that completely got their yards Barbecued.

People that are aware of our lawn woes will understand this next statement.

I am secretly a little bummed that the fire didn't come over into our yard a little more to take care of our DEAD grass that they laid way before we moved in and then didn't take care of. Especially since we have been arguing with the warranty company for months over this issue and they keep telling us its alive.... NOT!!!

Never a dull moment at the Powell's house, right?

Family Christmas... after Christmas

2011-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family. Since we always celebrate after Christmas, I decided to go with a winter wonderland theme. I had a blast shopping for decorations in the after Christmas clearance sales.

What we called the Old people table...

The little kids table

The winter wonderland family memory tree

snowflakes made with my sister's cricut machine (love it!!!)

Notice ice is STILL on the ground in the shaded areas

The cool people table (aka, the table I sat at)

The food line. We went with a Mexican theme... I think it turned out great.

The OLDEST cousin giving his best impression of Russell (who couldn't come, booooo) who is the youngest cousin.

We had video games for all ages...

We did a white elephant gift exchange. One of the rules I made up for the game was that the gift had to be wrapped creatively....

Aunt Brenda whipped up some adorable aprons for the younger kids. The pink fabric was the fabric I used to cover the tables at Harper's pinkalicious party :)

Time to make the brownies...

The next morning my cousin Bradley and his wife Stacia hosted a family brunch. It was very yummy. Afterwards we enjoyed golf cart rides. They live in Peachtree city which is a golf cart community. Very neat to see so many cart paths that can get you to almost anywhere you want to go...

Harrison waiting to go on the golf cart ride. I used a different action to try to hide the awful color cast my pink sweater casted on his face...

I *think* everyone enjoyed themselves. I know I did. Merry Christmas to my wonderful family. I love you guys!!!

Powell Progress

Celebrating baby Tate...

The big 60!

Anna Kate's birthday

This family is STRONG

Just because...

Happy Father's Day!!!

Pool time fun

It's a girl for Brandon and Amber

Harper's Dance Recital

It seemed like yesterday...

Check-ups...

Last day of "threeschool"

A Family's Fight

Not so much a spring day at the park

Mother's Day weekend

Day 4... Last day in the parks... BOOOO

DAY THREE...

DAY 2...DHS...MK...and BBB Oh my!!!

Day ONE in the parks!!!

Arrival Day (at disney *if* you didn't know)

Easter Party at "Threeschool"

Celebrating the boy child disney style Pre-trip plans

Dear Blog...

HOP

Congratulations Shanna!!!

Morning brunch

Tyler's super fun Mickey mouse birthday party

Unexpected trip to Florida

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

Fun with Chalk

My little fish

Operation: Painting Harper's room green

Happy Birthday Charles

Florida State and cakepops...

Random February day...

Unexpected....EXTREMELY fun day

Random day, yet so much fun...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Who has a Mama's boy???

Italian Cheese.... I really don't know the name.... dip

Happy Birthday Bethany

Valentine Photo shoot

Celebrating Kendal

FIVE inches...

Who's your Valentine???

Mommy board Atlanta birthday meet-up

Harper 4 years

Getting an early start on 2011 TOP moments

Family Christmas... after Christmas

Arrival Day (at disney if you didn't know)