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!

Shopping Balls

Do you know the large round, red balls in front of the new Target's? There are 4 or 5 of them... maybe. We pulled into the Target parking lot and Quinn started screaming "look mommy .... shopping balls!" Hassie Clare then said "we take our picture with shopping balls (imagine her saying this in question form.)"
When we left Target they both waived bye bye and blew the shopping balls kisses until they were out of sight.
Amazing how their little mind works!

Jack's Birthday

I am at Uncle Dave and Aunt Jenny's house. Thought I would slip away and blog about our day. Today our nephew Jack turned 11. Jack is the first baby I feel in love with. I remember thinking to myself when Jack was a baby that I could not imagine loving another child as much as I did him. I simply can't believe he is 11 years old. He was such a beautiful, mild mannered baby. He has grown to be a handsome, polite, loving young man (YIKES.... did I just call him a man?????). I am so proud to call him my nephew. He has a bright future ahead of him and I plan on being there every step of the way.

He had his birthday party at the bowling alley. I had no idea bowling could so much fun with 2 two year olds. We had a great time. Maema was with us and she always helps out so much. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pics because we were having so much fun we forgot.

We all came back to The Hagel's house. We were suppose to play some poker but everyone got to gabbing and well ..... you know the rest of the story.

Kenny Ray

Since I posted some "obsessions" about Hassie Clare, it is only fair that I devote a blog entry to my sweet little Quinn Rayann (we call her Quinnie). She refers to herself as "Kenny Ray" and her sister calls her "Kenny Ray" and they both have called her this since they could speak. We find it adorable so we do not correct them. They are old enough for people to ask them their names. Of course we always have to explain the "Kenny Ray" response but we are already use to explaining why we named one of our children Hassie Clare (that is a story for another blog).

Here are a few current things about Quinn (2.5):

• she loves all her BB's (favorite blankie) and her baby Susie more then life itself.


• She has carried around a tiny, pink, plastic baby that is in the sitting position for about 18 months. You never see it because it hides in the palm of her hand. She calls it "sitting baby."


• she is VERY VERY VERY sensitive. About everything. About anything. Sometimes I can look at her wrong and she will cry for 30 mins. I call her "Sensitive Sally." (this is usually her face when her feelings get hurt ------->)


• she is excellent at school and has never gotten in trouble (except one time for pushing her sister on the playground but that does not count).


• she loves to eat. She loves all kinds of food. I've have yet to find a food she doesn't like ... as long as I can get her to try it.


• she is very nurturing and caring. She already "mothers" her babies and her sister.


• she is just now cutting her 2 year old molars (all 4 of HC's have been in for 6 months).


• she is pretty much a perfect kid. well ... except for those GOD awful tantrums she has for no apparent reason whatsoever. Picture this .... the little girls head spinning in the movie The Exorcist.


• She loves hanging out in her crib, by herself at various times of the day to either calm down from a tantrum or to just be by herself.


• She was the easiest kid in the world to potty train. This is day 12 in big girl panties and only 1 pee pee accident.

When I look at Quinn I see myself. Her appearance (especially nose and chin) resembles her father but Quinn and I are such similar creatures. I feel it with every move that she makes. My mom has confirmed this. Every time my mom is around us she says "I've already raised a Hassie Clare and Quinn." She thinks Hassie Clare and my younger sister Karrie are a lot alike and that Quinn and I are exactly alike.

I already want to tell Quinn to relax and smell the roses. I wish I could somehow get in her head and make her believe that she doesn't have to grow up thinking she has to be perfect at everything. And that it is okay to make mistakes. But I have a strong feeling that no matter what anyone tells her, she will be exactly who she is suppose to be. She melts my heart every time she smiles and flashes those big blue eyes at me. And she breaks my heart every time she pops out a big ole alligator tear. I have a feeling that when she is all grown up that we are going to be the best of friends, at least I hope so.

"I a grown up!"

Hassie Clare thinks every time she does something like an adult does that it warrants her saying "I a grown up!" For example, this was our conversation this morning:

Me - "Great job peeling that orange Hassie Clare."
HC - "Yah ... I a grown up."
Me - "No you are not a grown up, you are a very smart, little girl."
HC - "No, I'd a grown up like mommy and daddy."

Hassie Clare's other obsessions:

• The movie Annie (I will have to devote an entire blog about that later).


• Fuzz balls / dust bunnies / lent - she is petrified of them on the floor, between her toes, between our toes, etc.


• Where's Waldo - she loves finding and pointing out things in books. She has the patience of Job.


• Hospitals - for some reason she is constantly worried that she or one of us will have to go to the hospital. I have no idea where this comes from??????


• Tight places that she can squeeze into. She is the opposite of a claustrophobic. For instance, if I am sitting on the couch then she will squeeze behind me and down into the couch cushion. At night she likes for me to tuck her in as tight as I can with her BB.


• Her BB's (favorite blanket).


• Her posy (any number of stuffed animals that she insists she can't live without).


• Rocks.


• I just realized I could go on and on about his girl's obsession:) She is so unique and quirky ... one of the many things I love the most about her personality.

I will have to pick this topic up again when I have more time. Our sweet little Hassie Clare, life would be so boring without her. She is going to challenge me as a parent. Our minds work so differently. I already wish I could be more like her, especially her free spirit. And she is only 2.5! Such a cool kid!

Potty Training

No one told me how much fun potty training would be (you can't hear the sarcasm in my voice). I guess I didn't prepare myself mentally for this task since this is my first time potty training a child. I had not idea how our lives daily lives would revolve around a bathroom.

Quinn has been ready to potty train for a long time. We have been waiting around on Hassie Clare. A couple weeks ago we just decided that Hassie Clare does not care if her diaper or pull up is wet or dirty and probably never will. So we just decided to go for it!

Thankfully, they have done great! Quinn has not had an accident in her big girl panties since day 1. Hassie Clare has about 1 or 2 accidents a day but they are usually our fault for not making her go sit on the potty every 30 -45 mins. They love their new Dora and Princess panties! But what they love most of all is the M&M or heart candy they get when they use the toilet. They get 1 piece of candy for going #1 and 2 pieces of candy for going #2. Hopefully their teeth won't rot out from all this sugar!

Today was their first day at school in big girl panties! I can't wait to pick them up at school to see how they did.

Here is a pic of them when they first started using the potties. We have pics of them with their first pee and poopoo but I'm positive no one wants to see those:)

For my records ... they have been in panties for 10 days (except at nap and night time).

****UPDATE 4/6/09 - I was trying to remember when the girls were officially potty tained. Thanks to my handy dany blog, I just scrolled down the page to find this blog entry. We never looked back on potty training once we started. Thankfully, Hassie Clare and Quinn caught on to the concept quickly. They have been out of diapers and pull ups (except at night) for 2 months. They no longer have accidents at night in their pull ups but I put them on the girls "just in case." The girls even go to the restroom at home by their self now. Quinn has never had an accident and Hassie Clare has had very few accidents. They are growing up WAY TOO fast! ******

Valentine's Day weekend

I am super excited about this weekend. We decided yesterday to go up to Cape Girardiau, MO to a Valentine's Day party at Jamie's aunt and cousins house. Maema (Jamie's mom) with some other family members are driving down from Union. I am one of the lucky people that actually love spending time with my in law's and their family. Call me crazy but how can you go wrong with good food, lots of spirits, laughter and poker! Yes ... I said poker. They are some poker playing fools! They will use any excuse to get together to play some cards. Don't let me confuse you ... it is not a nice little friendly family card game. I have lost $80 bucks at these gatherings. But at the end of the night .... it is all in good fun. I can't wait!!!!!!

Hassie Clare and Quinn got lots of candy at their Valentine's Day party yesterday at school. They were very excited. I put most of their candy into their "I went potty" bag. Here are a few pics of them before they went to school.

Hassie Clare being her silly self.

Snakes, Nickels and HUH

My thoughts are that I will "try" and post during the week about funny things the girls say, what they are doing developmentally, how I feel as their mother ... basically everything I want to remember someday when I look back and read this blog. Plus, this will help loved ones that live near and far keep up with our crazy lives.

Today's topic: Snakes, "nickels" and the word "HUH"

Now remember my girls are 2.5 (actually they are 2.8 but for all practical purposes we will say two and a half).

1) Snakes
Our wonderful nanny Taylor (AKA Tay Tay) took the girls outside today to play in this outstanding weather. Hassie Clare climbed up in her playhouse and started screaming bloody murder. She was yelling "It's snake Tay Tay, it's a snake." Tay Tay captured a pic with her phone.

But really it was just a little worm crawling up the slide. Ohhhhh good times!

2) "Nickels"

The girls are in a mother's day out program a couple of days a week ... we call it school. So at school today they had a Valentine's party and got lots of candy and stickers. Tonight while I was cooking dinner Quinn was sticking sticker on my legs, belly .. basically anywhere she could reach. So I leaned down to tell her how much I liked her stickers and she started sticking them to my chest while saying "I puttin stickers on you boobies." I corrected her and told her she was putting them on my chest and that my boobies were lower. I then pulled my shirt down to point out the difference of where my chest is and where my breast are and she said "you have pretty nickels mommy." In case you didn't get it ... nickels are also known as nipples in our household. She cracks me up!!!!

3) HUH

I'm not sure if we need to get Hassie Clare's hearing checked or what but she is driving me CRAZY by saying "HUH" after everything thing we say. Is it a 2 year old thing or what?????? I'm not convinced it is her hearing because she doesn't seem to say it when I ask her if she wants to go outside to play or if she wants a snack. I wonder if they have a test for "selective hearing."

I finally joined the blog world!

Well .... I have been following blogs for over a year and I really enjoy reading about other families and watching their kids grow up. Time is going by way too fast and my little baby girls are growing up at the speed of light (okay ... maybe this is an exaggeration but it feels like it). So in all efforts to slow down time, I thought joining the blog world might help me document the little and big events that are happening in this wonderful life of mine. So here I go ..........