Southern Girls makin tea

All southern girls need to learn how to make good "sweet tea" at a young age!

The Big 35!

I had a fantastic birthday weekend. Friday night my mom and I shopped at the twin's sale. We always have fun. She had a terrible cold but still managed to shop for the sake of her granddaughters:)

Sat. morning (my actual birthday) Jamie and the girls served me blueberry pancakes in bed. Jamie makes the BEST blueberry pancakes in the world. They sang to me, gave me hugs and kisses and then left me to eat in peace and watch all the good stuff I have saved on DVR (Grey's, Private Practice, Friday Night Lights and Medium to be exact.) After a few hours of laziness and gluttony, I showered and left for my 12:30 deep tissue massage at a day spa near our house. All I can say is ... WOW. I left there feeling like a limp noodle.

Sat night we met my brother and his family at the local Japanese restaurant. Fun was had by all. I didn't take any pictures because I took video with my new "bad to the bone" video camera Jamie got me for my birthday! The thing is awesome but I'm still figuring it out. I'll post some video as soon as that happens. I have to mention that I have the sweetest sister in law in the world. She might be family but she is also one of my closest friends!

I had a million things to do around the house on Sunday. The yard was soaked from all the rain. It was chilly outside and the girls are just getting over colds. I get things done at rapid pace with the girls out of the house. My ever-so-thoughtful husband had the brilliant idea to set his camping tent up on the back deck. They played in the tent and eat lunch in the tent with Jamie for 4 hours. This was the perfect idea!!!!!

In the last picture Jamie is playing Chubby Bunny (with grapes) with the girls. You know the game where you see how many of a certain thing you can fit in your mouth????? I know, not the smartest thing to play with 2 year olds but funny nonetheless.

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During my relaxing weekend I was able to reflect on my life a bit and I came to the conclusion that I am exactly where I wanted to be in life at 35. And for that, I am eternally grateful. I am married to the love of my life and my best friend. I have two healthy children. I am surrounded by a loving extended family. I love my job and the flexibility it allows for me to be with my family. Just about every morning when I wake up (as long as the sun is up:), a little part of me feels like it is Christmas morning. When I ask myself "what more could I ask for" the answer is simple ... nothing. I have everything I need in life and that makes me the luckiest person I know.

Stuff

Nothing exciting to post about so I thought I would share how our week was going. Quinn has been sick .... lots of mucus and a nasty cough. I took her to the doctor and she has a double ear infection (her first ever)! She seems to be doing much better after a couple of days of a strong antibiotic. My mom (Nana) was her for the weekend and the first part of the week which helped us out a great deal. Unfortunatly, I think Quinn shared her germs with Nana:(

Jamie has been working long hours. His hard word is much appreciated but we miss him like crazy.



Almost every Wed. Taylor (our beloved nanny. AKA Tay-Tay) takes the girls to our local library for story time. They have cute stories, a craft and they pick out books to check-out for the week. They have a lots of cute little things for the girls to play with and in (see pic). This week the girls got to hang out with their friend Macy Kate. Taylor emailed me these pics from her phone. I always love seeing what they are doing while I am working.

Our wonderful Maema (Jamie's mom) had surgery on Tues to repair her messed up shoulder. She has been in pain for some time so we were thankful that surgery was an option for her. We have said lots of prayers for her and can't wait to give her hugs and kisses! I've been looking for excuse to post a baby picture of the girls and I love this pic! You can see the love and pride in Maema's face.

Twice a year I participate in a consignment sale sponsored by our local multiples club. The preparation is grueling and time consuming (getting all of their clothing and toys hung up, washed, tagged, organized) but usually worth it because we use the money we make from the sale to either buy more things for the girls or put it in their savings. The spring sale always falls on my birthday weekend which stinks but what do you do!

3 girls in white

Hassie Clare and Quinn LOVE LOVE LOVE their Aunt Karrie (my younger sister). I know, I know ..... she looks older but she is 2 years younger:) This picture took my breathe away!

Lazy Weekend

For the first time in 5 months, we had a lazy weekend. And it was wonderful. I felt like we had good quality family time. We read a lot of books, watched movies, played "pretend" and did a handsome amount of laughing and sleeping.

I'm sure I'm not the first mom to experience this but I thought it was worth blogging about. I have a feeling I'll look back on this blog entry in 10 years and think ..... it was only the beginning. Hassie Clare woke up Sat morning around 3am throwing up. Jamie set up camp for us on the couch, equipped with a large mouth garbage can lined with several bags, clean towels, wet wash clothes and the remote control. Hassie Clare and I snuggled in on the couch watching Sesame Street, MaggieBeast and Blues Clues. She laid on my chest. Every 20 mins she would look up at me and say "I need to throws up" and we would sit up to the garbage can. Poor thing. Her belly was completely empty by the second hour of this. This continued for four and a half hours. Not too bad ... could of been worse and so far no one else has gotten sick (KNOCK ON WOOD).

So here is my point, over the course of the next 2 days, Hassie Clare could do no wrong in my eyes. Her cry hurt my heart more then ever. I felt a strong need to meet her every need and load her up with hugs and kisses even when she was not being very nice. I could not have possibly loved on her more or told her I loved her anymore then I did. We all know Hassie Clare walks to the beat of her own drum and can be a handful:) But after seeing her so sick I started thinking about all the little kids and babies that are "really sick." I can't imagine the indescribable grief and helpless feeling the parents must go through. I have this overwhelming feeling of gratefulness that my kids are healthy. Along with this gratefulness comes fear, an overwhelming fear, a sick at my stomach-I might have a panic attack-put them in a bubble fear, that something will happen to them. It consumes my mind more then I ever thought it would. I usually live in the present, plan for the future and don't worry about the "what ifs." But I can't seem to shake this feeling of worry. Not only when they are sick but every time they leave the house, especially when I am not with them. Does it get easier as they get older? Does it get harder? Or am I certifiable and need to be locked away in the nut house? NO COMMENTS ON THAT LAST QUESTION PLEASE :)

Dr. Kelly Worth

I had to blog about one of my very best "yankee" friends. She opened up her own chiropractic clinic in Pacific, MO this month. She has worked so hard to get where she is today. I am so proud of her. If you are ever in St. Louis and need an adjustment...... she is just a hop, skip and jump away from there.

Here is a pic of my girls, the Hammer girls and Camden (our friends Chandra & Tom's little boy - Kelly's nephew). Kelly has this on the wall in her new office along with a bunch of other really cute photos of friends and family.

Hassie Clare staring as Orphan Annie

Our little rock star. As I've mentioned before, the girls LOVE LOVE LOVE the movie Annie. The old original version with Ms. Hannagen, Daddy Warbucks, Sandy ... remember??????

After wedding pictures were taken last weekend at Karrie's wedding but before the church filled up with folks, Hassie Clare decided to warm up the crowd a little by working the stage and belting out tunes to one of her favorite songs. Thank God Jamie thought to grab his camera and get the last of it on film. Watch her eyes scan the crowd at the end of the video .... I think she enjoyed the applause a little too much. Make sure your volume is turned up!

Hassie Clare Bear ..... COMING SOON TO A THEATER NEAR YOU!

Funny comments of the day

Funny #1:

Jamie said to the girls "I need to go potty. I'll be back in a little bit."

Hassie Clare replied "Go for it daddy."

Funny #2:

Hassie Clare was sitting on the potty and I told her to hurry up because we were going to be late. She replied "my pee pee is scared, it won't come out cause the water is cold."

Funny #3:

When Quinn wants something she expresses it to us by saying one of her favorite babies (Susie, Lillie or Missy Baby) wants it. For instance, when she is hungrey she says "Susie's hungry" or "Missy baby needs a snack" or "Lillie needs a sippy of juice." Last night I walked into their playroom and said jokingly "who made this mess." With a very serious face Quinn replied "Missy Baby did it. I put her in time out."

I never thought 2 year olds could make me laugh so much.

My baby sister got hitched!

We spent the past 4 days in Lebanon, TN which is just on the other side of Nashville. As a memory keeper for me, I thought I would blog an outline of our wonderful weekend. It took me about 4 hours to get everyone packed up, outfits ready, formal gear in order, etc. I had no idea how hard it would be to pack for 2 year olds that are potty training. We left out on Thur. just before nap time.

This is what happened before we even got to the interstate!

We had an uneventful 5 hour trip. After we checked into the hotel it was time for girls night out (aka - BACHELORETTE PARTY). Jamie, my mom, Fred and Amy kept the girls at the hotel. We started the night out at Demo's restaurant then headed to a little night club back behind the restaurant. We had a great time but most importantly ... I think the bride-to-be had a great time! Fun was had by all!




The next morning, after breakfast, we went swimming at the indoor pool in the hotel. I WISH WISH WISH I had brought my camera. I could not believe how much fun the girls had playing in the water, going underwater while holding their breathe and jumping off the side of the pool. If they continue at this pace, I think they will be swimming by the end of the summer. Their cousins Jack and Josie were with us and the girls wanted to swim like them so bad!

That night we had the rehearsal dinner. Brent's mother put on a nice dinner at her church. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera in with me but I did get one shot of Quinn in her car seat on the way to the church.


The next day was full of excitement! We had a busy morning getting everyone all dolled up for the wedding. Paw Paw Fred ironed the pretty dresses, I did everyones hair, mom and Amy kept the girls busy while I put the final touches on everything and Jamie kept me from going crazy!!!

The wedding party had to be at the church at 11:30 and let me tell you .... it was a challenge. But we made it on time thank you very much:) I think Karrie is a pretty girl but she was a BEAUTIFUL bride! Her dress was spectacular. The girls thought she was a princess.... and she really looked like one. Here are some shots of us getting ready at the church before pics.

These pictures were taken during "picture time" before the ceremony.

"Aunt Karrie really is a princess."

- The most beautiful flower girl ever!

The ceremony was perfect! It was full of love, sentiment, tradition but short and sweet ... the perfect wedding ceremony in my opinion. I managed to keep my tears to a minimum but it sure was cool to watch my little sister marry the man of her dreams.

- The Children's Parade

- Our mom and brother David

- Our Dad's

The reception was at The Wild Turkey Ranch. It was way out in the sticks on this cute little farm. It was raining and cold so we could not enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The reception was in a barn. But not the kind of barn you are thinking. Yes, you had to walk through horse stalls to get inside but I tell you......I can not imagine picking a place that fits Karrie and Brent any better then this place. It was adorable! The food was tasty, the spirits were flowing and the music fit the atmosphere. They really pulled off a great wedding day!!!!

- Bride & Groom cutting the cake

- The Douglass's first dance

- Me and my Dad

- Getting jiggy with it. Amy and Jack have all the moves in the family.

- My parent's on their "almost" anniversary @ Karrie's wedding. They were married on February 29th ... leap year. They celebrate it on February 28 which will be Karrie and Brent's anniversary.

- "YUMMY WEDDING CUPCAKES!"




How cool is it that some of our best friends happen to be family!


After the wedding we were all beat! The girls were dying to go swimming again so we gave in, got our suits on and headed down to the pool. Nana (my mom) joined us in the water. My dad and his lovely wife Glenda came down to watch the girls swim. It was a nice relaxing end to an unforgettable day!


Memphis had a record breaking snow storm while we were gone. I've heard everything from 2 inches to 16 inches. I'm not sure who to believe:) We decided to take our time on the trip home because we knew we were going to run into traffic issues on the interstate between Jackson and Memphis because of the weather. We stopped and ate at Loretta Lynn's. The girls loved the giant Buffalo in front of her restaurant. Quinn called it a "Buffalope."





Highlights of the weekend for the girls:

• Sleeping with mom & dad
• Sharing a room with Nana, Paw Paw and Amy
• Swimming
• Dancing @ the reception
• Eating cup cakes
• picking up a new uncle

WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!