GWL

Great Wolf Lodge is an adventure, fun, exhausting, scary, family kind of place! Billy and I booked our weekend away with the kids over a month ago and managed to keep our lips sealed so we could surprise the kids. We all had a great time but were simply exhausted by the time we came home.

I was proud of ourselves for planning a weekend getaway around a school holiday, after football, and managed to take a day off of work. So back to my first sentence:

Adventure: What a great idea because GWL is a one stop shop! Play, eat, and sleep.... Brillant. The kids explored and did practically everything. (Blake did everything but we will keep that a secret from the little ones). The lifeguards are not strict about the height requirements considering Lacie went on practically everything and I saw many little ones her age doing the same thing. Who takes their 2 yr child down big slides? We did and she had a blast.

Fun: All three love the water and simply had the best time of their life! I can't begin to describe the amount of slides that each child did each hour that we were there! It was fun to laugh, giggle, and scream in the dark slides. I didn't even care that I was in a bathing suit the entire time.

Exhausting: So tired after the trip! We all took a nap on Sunday so we can could play late into the night. The kids stayed up late and did not sleep in one bit but it was fun.

Scary: So the first few slides with Lacie were scary because who lets their 2 yr old go down all by herself. Now granted, one of us was always ready to catch her but this child never cried or anything even if she went under water.

Family: This was the best part! It was just the five of us spending time with each other. No explation needed.

Thank you to GWL for filling our weekend with fun and laughter!  The waterpark, arcade, storytime, and, Wolf Walk were all great adventures. We luckily didn't get sucked into spending a lot of money eating there because we learned our lesson the 1st time a few years ago.

Stomp, Stomp, Clap, Clap, Ahwoooooo (this is the sound of a wolf)

We will back once again!!!!!

Wrapped by an angel

I often wonder yet truly believe that people watch over us. Without going super religious, I have always believed in God and that our loved ones are watching over us. I hope that I have made loved ones proud and feel that I do most of the time....

When I was a little girl, my grandmother asked for my favorite colors and she knitted me a blanket that I have kept with me all my life. I somehow knew that this would be the last blanket that she would knit so I have always kept it clean and barely used. I wasn't ever sure that I would have children in order to pass it down but it always gave me comfort that my "mom-mom" was always here.  I kept it for selfish reasons and tucked it away so it would always stay nice.

Fast forward many many years, I moved the blanket to Lacie's room but yet never used it because I just wasn't sure that I wanted it to be used. But then lately, Lacie needed a bigger blanket and it was the perfect size so it was the perfect time to wrap my little girl by an angel. Lacie is protected and loved by her great grandmother each and every night.

Somethings in life just give you a greater sense of  peace and this is one of those things for me. I am blessed to have you in my life and my children are blessed to be surrounded by your love.

Me sit

So we all have bad habits, right? Lacie has always been the easiest one and our best sleeper. This girl is so independant and has never wanted to be rocked or anything. She sleeps all night and never wants to sleep with us. Having two boys who would stay in our bed if we allowed them every night, it was a welcome change of pace. The boys go to bed in their room every night but they will find their way to our rooms if they wake up. Grayson is the worst one plus he is all over the bed when he does come in so no one gets any sleep.

We were thrilled and relieved that Lacie was such a good sleeper but we also missed out on her baby days because she wanted to grow up so fast. Lacie being the youngest of 3 has been on the fast track since she was born. Billy and I knew that she was our last and we wanted to enjoy the baby phase but she wasn't going to agree with us. Lacie is a hot paced 2 year old with a vocabulary that would blow your mind.

So back to my point, Lacie now wants us to sit in her room and she would like to sit with us. While I know it is a bad habit, it is so sweet and endearing because she actually wants us. We have entertained it but both know that it can't last forever. It was so good for my heart when she sat with me the other night and gave me kisses. I enjoyed watching her fall asleep and holding her because she is growing up so fast.

I will forever thank Lacie for being such an easy baby and letting sleep way more than the Grayson did at her age. Blake and Lacie were on the same page of sleeping after their first birthday. It is amazing how much better you feel when you get solid sleep.

So the question remains - to allow her to sit with me and create a terrible habit or do we jump back to letting her go to sleep all on her own. I love you Lacie and love that you are finally turning the corner on affection. Your dad and I have been waiting 2 years for you to finally kiss and hug us instead of telling us "no".

Love you Lacie Loo...

Buttcrack

So is it Buttcrack or butt crack? I wonder this because it has become Grayson's favorite word. I could play dumb and say I have no idea where he learned it but it was from daycare friends. G would never say it in school but man does he love it say it at home. It is hard not to laugh but that boy will call u out. He uses it when it doesn't  even make sense to you and me. 

This is also the same kid that has discovered that he shouldnt have to wash his hands if he doesn't touch his wee wee. You ask, how does he not touch his wee wee when he goes to the potty. Well it is possible. He has impeccible aim too! 

Oh Grayson, Grayson, Grayson....... Our little devil.

Old Faithful (3 yrs ago)

I haven't been posting nearly as much but I was waiting for that perfect story to share with everyone and I think I found the one.

Here is some background to this story...When we went to Disney ....Blake had a pee emergency and we were not near a bathroom and we still aren't sure how long Blake can really hold b/c he typically has to go when he says it's time. So we are in the middle of the parking lot and I could tell that he wasn't sure where to go so I said to Billy "tell him to go on the tire".

Who knew that Blake would think that it was the best thing over. So within a week - Blake asked 4 times "I go pee on the tire"....We were always not near anywhere to stop and no offense - I don't feel like washing pee clothes or carseats. The tire is my lesser of two evils.

So anyhow last weekend - we were outside playing and my mom and dad were over when Blake said " I pee on that tree". I immediately said "No way" but Blake was so cute stripping down and wanting to pee on the Willow tree....However, Blake didn't estimate the strength of his flow so when the pee hits the branches - it sprayed up and hit him in the face. So needless to say - we were all cracking up while Blake is trying to pee and....

I just found this in my drafts and don't know why it was never posted. This post is over 3 years old but it was a moment I had forgotten about! 

Giggle monster

I think I have discovered that I love the way kids laugh especially the laugh that makes them have hiccups. Lacie lights up my life when I hear her giggle. She thinks she is toughest thing and will dig her heals in but you can make her laugh and it makes you smile.

 My favorite thing is hear the kids just giggle! Don't you wish adults would laugh more often? We tend to take ourselves too serious, including me. I can't remember the last time that I laughed so hard that I cried or pee'd in my pants. I do remember the last movie that I saw that cracked me up. Did anyone see Ted? Who knew that teddy bears could be so bad? But anyhow, I am sure you eat the point is that we as adults need to laugh like our kids.

Lacie, Grayson, and Blake have great laughs and I hope that we can always laugh with each other.  I will never grow tired of hearing them laugh, giggle, crackle, or all of the above.

The dr will see if you are lying.....

Today was the 2nd eye appointment for Mr. Blake. You ask why? Blake had been complaining about not being able to see so I set up an eye appointment 2 weeks ago and he lied, lied, and lied. I first felt terrible bc he had me buffaloed but then I realized that he was making it up. While I can laugh about it now, I didn't find it funny at all and was more disappointed that he even pulled that stunt.

So Blake found himself in Dr Butera's office today who is a pediatric opthamologist and had seen Blake as a baby for his lazy eye. This time, his father took him bc well it was his turn and he is a good dad.

The funny part was that I had told Blake after the first appointment that he was going to see a dr who would put drops in his eye so she would see straight into his and know that he was lying. I guess it worked bc he told the truth today and isn't going blind and only has a slight issue. Nothing that requires glasses but something to keep an eye ( no pun intended) on.

So Confused

I had this desire to write until it took me 5 minutes to get logged into our blog. Now I am just frustrated that it took me so long to log in that I can't even remember the topic that I wanted to write about.

I have to say that this school year is going pretty well because we finally figured out a good work schedule which makes it work with the family. I get up early (which I enjoy) and get into work by 730am so I can leave by 4pm and pick up Blake. Blake and I then sit down and work on his homework while I fix dinner.  Billy is then behind me with the little ones and it is such a blessing to have dinner ready for them the minute they walk in the door.

The kids are much happier getting to play and hang out with us and the stress level had reduced dramatically. While we have some other things going on and maybe one day I will post about it.

As most of you know, I am fairly private person however an open book when asked. I am terrible liar and I am who I am. I care way more than I will ever let to friends and family. I recently texted one of my dear friends and asked if I could vent. She was immediately right there on the other side of my phone letting me tell her about my "terrible Tuesday". The day started and ended on a crappy note but my friend made me feel better. I have guilt about being a working mom and often blame our issues and concerns with the kids based on the fact that I work. My friend who stays home with her kids reassured me that they are going through the same things with their kids and that it has nothing to do with me working.

I was so lucky to be able to talk to this dear friend because she put things in perspective and made me feel guilt free which is hard to do. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

9/11/2012

Well here I am again after a long break!  Shocking, right.

Grayson turned 4 over the summer and spent a week in NC all by himself for the very first time. I had faith that Grayson would make it the entire week but others didn't have the same faith. I swear he grew up while being gone that entire week. Don't get me wrong because Grayson is still Grayson!

Our baby Lacie turned 2 yesterday and it is hard to believe! Even Lacie still calls herself the baby mainly because she thinks that Billy and I will cave and give back the pacie.  We cold turkeyed the paci but she still will ask for it about once a day. Lacie's hair is growing but it is still very blond.

I remember when Lacie was born two years ago and I was over the moon but then a friend texted me and said how glad she was that she wasn't born on September 11th. I never really thought it until she pointed it out but I am glad that we get to celebrate her birthday before the anniversary of such a sad day in history.

I am just like everyone and can you exactly where I was and what I doing when I saw news. I won't bore everyone with the story but I can tell you that Billy and I sat on the phone (sweet dating days) and watched the 2nd plane hit NYC in complete silence and shock. Working for a local police department back then makes you love and hug your loved ones a little bit more since that day.

While I am not a super overtly religious person, I do believe in God and I find comfort in him or her (sometimes I think both) on days like today. While we never understand the exact meaning at the time but there is a greater plan for all of us.

"I am not Blake"

So the other morning - Lacie was awake with Billy and I while we were getting ready for work. But during the night - Blake has decided to climb into bed with us (he sleeps at the bottom of our bed for some strange reason) and the Grayson came in a few hours later. We don't typically have anyone sleeping with us anymore but I swear they can sense when one has woken up.

Anyhow - I told Lacie to go get Blake up and pointed to him in our bed. So Lacie started yelling and I do mean yelling "Bake" over and over. Well she was over on the side saying "Bake" numerous times but was looking at Grayson. Well we all know that Grayson and Blake look a lot so she was confusing them or just didn't care who she was looking it when she was yelling.

Well Grayson finally grew tired of listening to Lacie so he sat up and said " I am not Blake".

Billy and I were cracking up because cranky pants has zero patience especially when it comes to be called Blake.

I have a backpack like my brothers!

Lacie has a new backpack instead of a diaper bag. Our pottery barn outlet was closing so I was able to get it for a great deal. Lacie decided that she needed to try it on just like her big brothers.

Lacie has a lot of spirit and keeps us busy. She loves to climb chairs, barstools, dressers, and anything dangerous pretty much. I love Lacie Loo but she is busy just trying to keep us. She talks up a storm but is a happy kid. She wakes up and goes to sleep happy. Who could ask for me!

Happy 6th Birthday Blake

Blake turned 6 this year! He finally got the party at Pump it Up and it worked out great. They make the party very easy on the parents and I was able to just enjoy the time with the kids. We had about 20 kids show up which was a great number. Blake has very sweet friends from school, neighborhood, cousins, etc. Lacie loved her first experience at Pump It Up. She is a dare-devil just like her parents.

Blake then went to his favorite restaurant on his actual birthday. Blake loves going to Japanese restaurants (aka - Volcano Place) and he eats a ton. Billy and I took Blake and enjoyed having special time with just him. My parents kept Grayson and Lacie for dinner that night. I would have loved if everyone could have gone but Grayson is scared to death of the fire and just doesn't enjoy the experience at all. So since Grayon refuses to go then it was just easier on everyone if they had dinner with my parents. Very thankful that they are so close to help us out on these type of occasions. It is so easy to take a 6 yr old out to dinner vs having to wrangle busy ladybug and G who screams at the fire.

Happy Birthday Blake! You are a bright shiny star who makes us proud each day. We are so impressed with how much you have matured over the last six months. Grayson and Lacie have the best big brother ever. You are patient, kind, funny, sweet, and loving no matter what.

Love you,

Mom & Dad

Cousins came for a visit

We had a great weekend because Billy's cousin Angie and her daughter (Blair) came for a visit. This is the first time that they have come to VA to see where we live and we had a blast. Of course, Aunt Margaret came with them and she is always a blast.

Everyone came in town for Blake's 6th birthday and we had a house full of fun. The kids had a blast having their cousin Blair at their house. Next time, Braxton and Bailey will need to take the ride with them and come up to visit. We have such great families and everyone loves the kids dearly. I have lots of extra help and I can never thank them enough.

Dianne and Mary are always helping me with meals, laundry, sewing things that I could never do when they are in town. I used to feel bad about them helping me out so much but now I just appreciate it and always say Thank you. Life is busy with 3 little ones so there is no reason to say no. As long as they don't mind folding our underwear then I guess I don't mind the extra help.

Jan 2012

Well it has almost been a year since my last blog entry. I have become a slacker when it comes to blogging but I think I have managed to make more time as we start off 2012. Here are the some of the big things that happened in 2011....

Blake started Kindergarten and is absolutely loving it. He has a fantastic teacher and I get the pleasure of helping with his class every Monday. We have had a great experience at our school and really love all the teachers. Blake is doing well and has matured a lot.

Grayson started preschool at Douglass CC and he is doing fantastic as well. He is the sweetest kid at school and when he is by himself. But watch out - because he has another side which isn't all that pleasant at times. But no matter what - we love you G.

Lacie turned 1 and became a busy little bee. She crawled, walked, climbed, and talked earlier than we ever expected. Sadly I feel like I didn't have a baby for long. Lacie holds her own when it comes to the boys (or at least Grayson). She is funny and will give all of a run for our money.

Billy and I made a tough decision to sell the business. It was a bitter sweet decision to sell our successful franchise of Kids Closet Connection but it was for the best. With working full time and have 3 small children - I was personally tapped out and this was something that had to go. We found a great family that was willing to take the business on and we wish them the best of luck.

There were many great things that happened in 2011 and I will try my best to reflect as I blog in 2012.