Powers Family Blog

Update on Nothing

2012-02-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

Hello all! This is a quick stop in to let you all know that the Powers family hasn't fallen off the face of the earth! We have, however, been SUPER busy. Between school events, homework, and the regular everyday routines, I feel like I've had zero time to sit down to blog. We've also not done much that qualifies as "picture worthy" lately :) . We do have some exciting stuff coming up though! We have tickets to see the Fresh Beat Band on the 24th in Kansas City, birthdays, and spring break. I promise I will improve on the updates Mom!

Till then, I hope everyone has a fabulous Valentines Day! Love you all!

More Crafts!

2012-01-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say that we've been doing something super exciting...no, wait, I don't! It's been great to get some time to relax and get back to normal after last month. Jolee's gotten back into school and is doing great, as expected. We've told her teachers and nurse that she needs to have an imaginary "bubble" around her at all times! If we could send her to school in bubble wrap, we so would. LOL

I've also been enjoying getting back to crafting and making pretty girl things. Here's a few of my newest things.

Woven headbands - these would be fun to make in school colors

These are just a few of the tons of flower pens that Jolee and I got really good at making last month during her down time.

Some loopy flower bows. These are really fun to make!

Flowers with pretty petals. I'm still trying to get good at sealing the edges on these.

Here's the first of some headbands I'm also starting to make. I always start things by making some that I know Jolee would like. I really like how these turned out. I'm getting ready to start making some that are for older girls or adults.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and enjoying the beautiful weather!!!

December to Remember!

2011-12-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I am sincerely sorry that I've not posted anything recently. We've had a VERY eventful few weeks! December was full of the usual Christmas parties at school and shopping for presents and general holiday anxiety :) But we knew we had one major event that we needed to get through in the middle of the month. We have know for the last several years that Jolee would need an operation to fix the upper jaw in her mouth, but we needed to wait until several teeth came in and others got moved around thanks to braces.

We had begun the discussion with her several months ago, so she knew what to expect. That being said, we were all still nervous. It's never easy knowing that you child is going to have to go through any pain. Luckily, she has a fantastic surgeon at Children's Mercy in KC. It couldn't have worked out any better than it did. My parents live in the same area as the hospital, Jolee is not missing school thanks to Christmas break, and she had the holiday along with her birthday to distract her.

She stayed one night in the hospital, and came home to Nana and Papaw's the next day. We stayed right by her side and tried our best to keep her comfortable. The first few days were the only difficult ones. She was unable to speak, so she would write out what she wanted to tell us. She couldn't walk because of the bone that got taken out of her hip, and that pain was the worst of all. The pain meds made her sick to her stomach, so she couldn't keep any liquids down. Fortunatly that didn't last any more than 3-4 days. After that time, she began making HUGE progress! It's been just over 2 weeks from the surgery, and I can't get over how well she is doing. She is walking like there was never an issue, and speaking almost normally again. She still will not be able to do any sports or activities for several months while that bone heals, but other than that, I am finding myself almost forgetting it even happened!

As a result of all of this, I didn't get many pictures of Christmas. But here's what I did manage to get:

Blast From The Past

2011-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

I came across this little gem the other day. That's me, back-right, modeling some of my mom's creations back in the day. It made me realize how much like her I am. I had almost all but forgotten that she had a business venture of this sort when I was younger.
I've been brainstorming for the last month or two about starting a small business for me to sell the things that I love to make little girls. I'm not quite sure which direction I want to take it: online, craft fairs, or simply selling by word of mouth around town. There are pros and cons for each. I'm hoping to make a decision sometime in the next few weeks or a bit longer. Several of my friends and family members have said they think it would be a great idea and that they would support me 100%. So, who knows! This year may be the start of something completely new to me!

Veteran's Day Parade 2011

2011-11-29T12:39:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago we all went to the Veteran's Day parade in West Plains. Brady made the decision that we would sit with Jolee's class instead of his :) He sat on Daddy's shoulders the whole time, and especially loved the tractors!

Final Mighty Mite Game

2011-11-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

I know it may be a tad late, but here are the pictures from the last Mighty Mite game of this season. It was held at the West Plains High School field, and wouldn't you know it...it was the only game that we won! The girls had a really fun time and Brady and Blake got out and cheered their little hearts out too. I'm going to miss it :) GO COLTS!

Spooky Fundraiser

2011-11-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, the kids and I headed over to Jolee's school for their yearly PTO fundraiser, the fall festival. Each grade has a booth. It can be anything...games, food, picture taking, etc. It's so much fun! And this year they added costumes to it! They've changed to school calendar around enough so that we couldn't fit a costume party in at school. So they added a costume contest to the fall festival. It was great getting to see all the kids!!! I'm so glad she goes to a great school that does alot for the students to participate in :)

Jolee and some of her sweet (and scary) friends

Jolee and Haley

Brady and his buddy Blake

His cotton candy is bigger than his head!

Me and my kids - before this picture,I had completely forgotten that I had whiskers on. I checked out the picture on my camera right after it was taken, and, WOW!!!

Brady got in on the "cookie walk"

Brady and I landed ourselves in "jail" - it's a fun cage-like thing they set up. You give a ticket to put someone in, then they use a ticket to get out. The kids LOVE it!

Jolee joined up with us! (Notice our sweet ID number necklaces???)

Hopefully this is the closest thing to jail as these girls will ever get!!!

Brady loved the golf game

Getting his second face-painting of the night - a checkered flag!

Jolee and one of her best friends Kaity

Halloween Parties

2011-11-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know about everyone else, but our Halloween week was CRAZY! I wouldn't have it any other way :)
Thursday was the day for parties at the kids' schools. Brady's was in the morning, and Jolee's was in the afternoon. Lots and lots of running around! I really enjoyed going to Brady's. I was able to stay and watch their morning routine. I LOVED getting to see all of the things that he does and watch him interact with his friends!

Brady was excited to get his picture taken :)

All of the kids looked adorable!

Brady and Luke in their matching costumes

Their both had to sit on Miss Kayla's lap during story time

Best friends :)

Jolee's Party

Brady was so excited to sit with the big kids for their caramel apples!

Me and the kids

Jolee and some of her friends

Congrats Jessica and Mitch!

2011-10-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, after our crazy-fun party, we went to Springfield for my cousin Jessica's wedding reception. She and her husband Mitch got married in Las Vegas the week before, but had a reception for everyone back home. We had a great time getting to see the happy couple and also have a mini family reunion!

My mom and I

Brady and I talking about something super important ;)

Brady and Uncle Del playing on the iPod

Jolee and I

Cousins!! Jillian, Jessica, Emily, Patricia and me

My beautiful Aunt Pam

Brian and I

My dad and his siblings: Aunt Diane, Uncle Del, Aunt Donna and Dad

My mom and 2 of her kiddos

My awesome Dad!!!

Trying to get Brady to sit still for a picture

The best we could get!

2nd Annual Haunted Halloween

2011-10-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was out 2nd Annual Powers Halloween Party, and it was worth all of the work!!! I managed to get all of the costumes done in time, and got all the decorations up just in time for madness. Brian set up a haunted hayride (the kids loved it!), and we played lots of games and ate lots of food. Nana, Papaw and Aunt Emily got to come down for it, along with lots of other family and friends. I've already started planning next year!

I was so happy the dress got done in time!

I have the best man in the whole world! Dressed up as Rhett just for me :)

Me and Emily

Emily and Nana turned into witches!

The Mummy game got very CRAZY!!!!

The winning team: Kimmy, Blake and Kaity

Beautiful Kaylynn

Picking out prizes!

Luke and Brady

The whole gang

McWilliams Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we took the day to go out to the best place to be in the fall - the pumpkin patch! We are lucky to have a great one in West Plains, so off we went! We had a great time. The kids even got to participate in a pig scramble! Sooooo cute. Lots of apple cider and pumpkins later, off we were...till next fall!

Happy Birthday Chaise!

2011-10-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we headed up to KC for my sweetie-pie nephew's 4th birthday. Brady and Chaise are really close together in age, so it's super cute whenever we're able to all get together. They had it at one of the "jumpy" places, so naturally the kids had a great time! We got to stay the night with them, so that made the trip so much more fun! Happy Birthday Chaise!!!

Birthday Boy going down the slide

Daddy and Brady in an intense game of ping-pong. Right after this shot, Brady took a shot to face :( Poor kid!

The boys teaming up

Aunt Sara and Uncle Brian :) BTW- I love being an Aunt!

Chaise's great-grandma made the cake (WOW!)! Brady was a tad bit obsessed!

Sweet kids everywhere!

The best shot I could get of the boys together LOL

First Football Game!

2011-09-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we had our first football game this Tuesday! It was definitly rough around the edges, but the girls had a lot of fun. They all looked adorable for their pictures (totally stressed me out! The sweatshirts didn't get done till 10 min before our meet time!). The Colts ended up losing, but it's okay! There's always next game!

Jolee and her sweet friends Kaylynn and Alyssa (sisters)

Me and Jolee before the game!

Coaches Jessica and Sara!

Jolee posing for her individual picture

Jolee and her good friend Kaity

Me and my awesome friend (Kaity's mom) Nicole

The girls in their group picture

Jessica and I with our girls

Me and my future football player

Me and the best cheer daddy ever!

My boys hanging out during the game

Starting the froggie chant :)

Huddle time!

Our awesome girls!

Jolee and her new friend Kenzie

Me and my excited Jolee

Me and the kids

Great Night to Fly

2011-09-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, Brian took Brady and I up for a quick joyride up in our most recent addition. I hadn't been up in it yet, and it was a great time! I enjoy the slower (and closer to the groud flights) rides, much better than way up high flights. This was a lovely little jaunt on a beautiful night. I just love the way the country side looks from above. Brady sat up front with Daddy, and he even got to take over the controls for a little bit!

Getting ready to take off!

Brady watching Daddy and doing his best to copy him

My pilots

Just got done looking at the house

Watch out world! Brady's at the controls now!

Beautiful Missouri

After we had gotten back home, we saw what had happened just a bit earlier out in Reno. As a family that enjoys attending air shows, I can't even imagine what they are all going through. The pilots family was attending the show and saw the accident. I know the excitement and joy that I feel when I watch Brian up in the air, doing what he loves. Those poor people went from that great feeling, to watching their loved one disappear in front of them. While we were up in the air enjoying the beauty of it all, there were hundreds of people in the middle of a tragedy involving the same beautiful skies. So sad.

Let's Go Colts!!!

2011-09-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

If some of you don't already know, it's football season in West Plains! Which also means it's cheerleader time! This year I signed up to be one of the coaches on Jolee's team, and I've kindof scared myself silly already. Having spent most of my childhood and teenage years playing softball, I now know nothing about cheering. I simply want to make sure that the girls have the best experience they can have. We only have 5 girls on the team this year, and 3 of them are Jolee's really good friends. One of the girls is new to us, so I just hope that we can make her feel great and like an important member of our team.

The group all met up this Wednesday for the kickoff to the cheering season. Each year, the college cheerleaders in town put on a seminar to teach a few cheers and get the girls excited. We had a great time, and can't wait to cheer on the boys!

Kaity and Jolee found a way to pass the time with their pom-poms!

Four of the 5 girls: Alyssa, Kaylynn, Kaity and Jolee

Paying close attention to the cheerleaders

I can never get a picture of Jolee without her posing! She feels the camera on her and just has to smile! LOL

Getting into the action

Most of my girls! Kenzie had to leave early :(

Jessica (the other coach) and I with our team

Jolee and Kaylynn @ our after-practice dinner

Ann-Marie (Alyssa & Kaylynn's mom), me & Jessica

River Time

2011-09-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite parts of the summer was some of our amazing family coming down for a long weekend with us. Brian's sister Lisa and her family, and also his brother Chris and his family all came down in June. I absolutely LOVE it when we all get together, because it means that most of the cousins all get to hang out and have some good quality time. We did a whole lot of swimming, eating, talking, and just about everything else we could cram in! Here's some pictures of our time togther:

One of the most fun things we all did was go to Hammonds. Its a spot on the river that is not too far from where we live, so we all decided it would be a fun outing. It was Brady's first real time being in a big river, and he had a great time! The kids enjoyed looking for crawdads, and then once the got one, building it a house :) Brian used to go to Hammonds when he was a kid, and I got a kick out of thinking about him learning how to swim there!

Chaise and Madison

Getting ready to step into the COLD Blue Spring water!

Brady enjoyed the hike it took to get to the spring

Alyssa doing a crazy jump into the spring

And Mackenzie doing the same!

Jolee testing out the water in the river

Brady getting his feet wet

Uncle Chris showing the girls a crawdad

Brady and Chaise hanging out

The crawdad had a home!

Pretty girls!

Brian and I

Brothers Brian and Chris

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2011-08-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Brian's 38th birthday, and we celebrated as only we know how...a crazy keg party! Actually....we did our usual birthday routine: homemade b-day cake and presents. Its about as crazy as it gets around here!
We got some BBQ, had cake and ice cream & Brian opened gifts. I will say though, that I got totally outdone in the gift department. A pilot T-shirt, a book about different types of architecture, and a desk calendar with pictures of the kiddos every month. Not bad, I thought!
However, we were so happy when he opened his present from his mom: a huge photo album filled with photos of Brian! She had never had the time to organize all of her pictures of her kids, but apparently she's had time recently! Brian had a great time enjoying the flashbacks that the photo album brought with it!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Before I start filling everyone in on all of the exciting things we did this summer, I'll begin by telling all about the start of the school year!

Jolee started the 4th grade at Richards Elementary this year. She got a really good teacher this year: Ms. Schrader. She had been a special needs teacher for the last few years, but decided she wanted to get back into 4th grade this year. Jolee may not have several of her good friends in this class with her, but she does have one of her best friends with her, Madi! The girls haven't been in the same class since kindergarten. Nana made her a really awesome bag for school, and she found the perfect lunchbox. Here's some pics from her first day as a 4th grader :

The first of many pictures on her way into school

As you can see here, she was already getting a bit tired of all the picture taking. This is her fake smile ;)

Jolee with Daddy and Brady outside of her class

Jolee and her friend Kaylynn. They're in different classes this year...booo!

Taking a quick family picture while trying not to make Ms. Schrader mad! LOL

Meanwhile, Brady has his first day of pre-school for the year on the same day as Jolee. He had been going one day a week, but he is now going to be going TWO FULL DAYS!!!! He got to get a brand new Lightening McQueen backpack so he could kick off the school year in style. He's also telling everyone that he has a best friend now (Luke). It's so sweet that he has his own little life away from home now :)
Here's a couple of pictures from his first day!

Here's To Tomorrow!

2011-08-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

I would like to apologize to the small handful of people that actually check on this blog from time to time. I completely let updating everyone on our lives slip during our very busy summer. I have so much to catch everyone up on (and a few pictures to share)! I promise that I will be a much better blogging mommy from now on ;)

Plus, it will be MUCH easier to find time now that Brady goes to preschool 2 days a week now!

Starting tomorrow, let the blogging begin!

Girls Night Out

2011-05-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Jolee and I had the pleasure of taking a girls night out and seeing the Missouri Contemporary Ballet perform at the West Plains Civic Center. We had a fantastic time and loved the dancing. We even to to wear our matching dresses! :)
Afterwards, Jolee got to meet all the dancers and get autographs and pictures with them. It was so refreshing to get to see some culture in West Plains!

"Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

2011-05-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

As most of you probably know, a ton of our region had massive flooding during the last couple of weeks. West Plains had lots of damage from one partcular night (so much so that my favorite fabric store won't be able to recover!). Several propane tanks and debris got washed all over town. The kids got a couple days off off school since the busses can't travel well on water covered dirt roads, so I suppose it wasn't all too bad! Our pond overflowed, but that was about it about our place thankfully! I didn't get many pictures, but heres just a few:

This is a picture of one of the dirt roads that you can take to get to our house. Pretty much any dirt road in the area got seriously flooded and lots of people were not able to get through. When Brian and I got out to see it all, we were able to get through about 75% of the flooded spots. This is one that we decided NOT to go through! LOL

Here's a picture of the same road, only from the other direction. It washed alot of it away. It was like this all over the area. It's funny that it looks like a creek running next to the road, when there is never any water there!

Here's a picture of what the water looked like coming into our pond. There is usually no water coming out of those pipes, so after several days of that much water, our "cup runeth over" LOL LITERALLY!!!

Yep, My Cat Is THAT Cool :)

2011-05-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

I seriously caught my cat hanging out like this the other day. Too funny to pass up!

Belated Easter Posts

2011-04-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

Once again, I am uber late getting my pics posted. My bad...life gets in the way, as usual! Anywho...last Easter weekend was fantasic! We started off by heading over to the Powers' side in KC for Easter and some good quality time. We had a blast with Crystal and the gang, and Lisa and her gang. The kids all had fun for the 30 seconds of egg hunt that went on, and got waaaaayyyy more chocolate than they ever would need LOL. And then it was off to the Thompson's side :) Pics from that to come ASAP

I love these two sooooo much - Madison and Chaise

I love getting all these kids together!

Madison and Jolee

Me and some of my kiddos :)

My sis-in-law Crystal, jolee, Chaise and Madison

Jolee, Chaise and Madison letting us take the routine "before the egg hunt pics"

And they're off!

Daddy giving Brady a helping hand(s) LOL

Tyler helping Brady find eggs

Chaise, Madison, Jolee and Brady

Brady showing off his eggs!

The kids with all of their goodies!

Madison and me :)

Me and my adorable-in-every-way family

Me and "Mr. Cool" Chaise

Brady and Chaise saying good-bye

Harvey the RV

2011-04-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

I just realized the other day that I had not posted pics of the RV on the blog. So - here you go mom! LOL

A side view

Brian was doing some wiring, and Brady couldn't stay away :)

One of the fold out couches

Down the hallway, though the kitchen

Jolee enjoyed posing in the pics - here's the bathroom vanity

In the bedroom - gotta get sheets and stuff

Shower

Closet

Egg Dash

2011-04-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Every year in West Plains, there is a city wide easter egg hunt. We hadn't gone to it before, so I figured we would give it a shot this time! So, this morning I had the joy (sarcasm) of getting the kids in their nice outfits (even though we were the only ones that decided to do so) and braving the heat and the crowds. They had it divided up into age groups, and apparently they usually have each age go separate. This time however, something went haywire, and so all of the kids that heard "GO" and took off together. So rather than a "hunt", it turned into a "mad dash", for the eggs. Brady didn't end up getting many, but he still was really excited about what he got. Jolee got to see some friends while we were there, and then we went out to lunch together at Coltons. Wonderful way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon!

Kimmie, Kaity, Hannah and Jolee

Jolee in her pretty dress beginning to run!

All over craziness

Jolee got quite a few eggs

Brady running over to join up with me and Jolee

So proud of his few eggs!

Checking it all out

So happy!!!

Mommy and Daddy

Me and Brady at lunch

Bring on Spring

2011-04-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, springtime is here, and so is my love for making little girls clothes! Winter is such a boring, blah time for clothes, so I didn't make much of anything for the last several months. But now that the weather is warmer, I'm enjoying making Jolee some new things, like this rainbow twirly skirt. So glad to be getting out of the winter rut!

Powers Playground

2011-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Brian and I decided it was time to retire the old swingset. So, out it went the old, and in with the new! The new swingset got set up last week, and we have been outside every day that it's been nice enough to. It has 3 swings (to discourage fighting amongst the kiddos), monkey bars, a rock wall, great slide, picnic table, and all kinds of other little gadgets. We also got a really awesome airplane teeter-totter. It's been really wonderful to have such nice weather and be able to get out and play with the dogs and get active. Next up, opening the pool! Yay!

Airplane teeter-totter

Side angle

Jolee catching some air

Brady loves the binoculars

Checking out the site of many future picnics

Checking out the climbing wall

Brady is now able to swing in a big kid swing!

Gotta get in some b-ball. Gotta love that look on his face after making a shot!

Sometimes You Just Gotta Have Cake

2011-04-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am a believer of the idea that sometimes you just need to get a cake and celebrate something once in a while! On Tuesday we had a wonderful reason to have a party: Jolee has just been moved up into 5th grade reading! She's a wonderful reader, and so smart, so we thought she deserved a special treat. She's also nearing the end of her second full week with braces! They've taken a little while to get used to, but sh's doing so great. Bring on the chocolate reeses peanut butter cup cake!

Brady couldn't help himself!

Blue Deuce

2011-03-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, Brian is someone who is always up for a challenge. His newest one didn't come as a surprise to me at all! LOL He has begun a new hobby racing in the modified dirt track series! A couple of friends helped him find a car, and he's been very focused on getting it ready. Last night was the practice night down @ the West Plains Speedway, and it marked the first time Brian had EVER gone out and raced like that! Brady and I went out to support him even though he didn't know we were there! Brady absolutely loved watching his dad and would go down and wave and yell at him. LOL He did very very very good!!! Of course I had no doubt that he would be anything but amazing! Sorry - the pics turned out really dark, even w/ all of their lights.

In these last two, Brady is there waving at his Daddy....AWWWWW!

Mini Reunion

2011-03-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, we all headed to Branson so that we could all meet up with my Aunt Linda and Uncle Larry. They live in Texas and arent able to get up this way very often, so we all jumped at the chance! He is my mom and Janet's brother, and I was so happy that my little family got to meet them all for the first time. We had a great time hanging out and catching up!

All the pretty girls!

All of they boys

Me and my wonderful cousin Jeremy

Mom, Aunt Linda & Aunt Janet - Aren't they beautiful???

Aunt Linda and Uncle Larry

My dad, mom, sisters Stefie & Emi and me

My Aunt Janet, Uncle Larry, and mom

Me and my family

Train Trip

2011-03-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we all headed to Branson for a small family reunion (pictures to come very soon!). But before we met up with everyone, the Powers and Thompson clans thought it would be a fun thing to go on a scenic train ride. It was so much fun and I'm so glad we got to do it!

Me and Emi

Emily, Papaw and Nana

This is how Brady spent much of the 2+ hours...

Or like this!

Grandpa and Grandma

Me and my family enjoying our snack on the train

Me and Emi

Me and the folks

More Time W/ Emi

2011-03-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Thursday Tumbling
Jolee is quite the tumbler, for those of you that don't know. So much so, that she asked to start going a 2nd night a week! So last Thursday was her first 2nd class of the week, and since Emi was in town she got to go with us. I love seeing her do what she loves to do!

Out At Lunch

Me and my boy. I never know what kind of smile he's going to give for a picture these days!

Jolee and Auntie Emi

After a hectic lunch with the kids. You can always tell when Jolee takes a picture, cuz it's always pointing up! LOL

Emily and Jolee with Jolee's painting

Me and Emi

The Start to A Great Year

2011-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am such a lucky girl! My birthday always falls on Spring Break. I used to hate it when I was younger, b/c that meant that most of my friends were out of town on vacation. But now that I'm an old person now, I love it! It means that my mom and dad pretty much always get to come down for a long visit. So I end up being able to spend my birthday with my favorite people in the world: Brian, the kids, and my parents. There is no other way I would rather spend my day.The only thing that would've made it better would've been to have the sun shining instead of it being yucky, but oh well! My Dad even got to go eat lunch with Jolee at school, and then my mom and I went today. So sad to see them leave today!!!

Brian did a great job picking out a cake!

They had quite the spread

Brady finally got into the party spirit

Me and both of my kiddos

Me and my wonderful Brian

The kids were getting rather sugar high at this point!

Me and my wonderful parents

Lunch with Auntie Emi

2011-03-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year! Once spring break rolls around, I know that I can count on always getting some freat family time in. My sister and parents almost always come for a nice long visit. Since my sis Emily is so awesome, she came down again to hang out with us! She got here on Wednesday, and on Thursday we went and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at school with Jolee. Emily really loved getting to meet all of Jolee's friends and seeing where Jolee spends her days!

These girls are so beautiful! Kaylynn, Hannah, Haley, Haley, Jolee and Courtney

Jolee and Emi

Jolee, Aunt Emi, and Brady

Getting Settled

2011-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

Brady thinks the kitty is so cool!

Copper is sooooo interested in what Rio is doing.

Just a good shot of him

Cats have amazing balance!

Venturing upstairs

We sat like this for a while today...no fights for a little while :)

Jolee's been very patient waiting for him to adjust. This was the first time she got to hold him

Kitty Powers

2011-02-26T18:21:00.000-08:00

The Powers family are now the proud owners of a kitty cat!!! I went to KC yesterday to pick up the little guy from the shelter that he has called home for the last year, and we made it back home today at about 4. Even though we've only been actively looking for a cat for a short time, it felt like it was forever! It just makes us all that much more grateful that we found our little boy in the end :)
It's so funny that we ended up finding him at a shelter after all. Since we needed a hypoallergenic breed, I figured there was a slim-to-none chance of finding one at a shelter. I then turned to a person who said they had a kitten to sell, and would ship to us (they were in FL). We thought that it sounded great, and went ahead with it. In the end, it turned out to all be a scam centered around an imaginary kitten. Our collective hearts were broken. The idea that we had lost money didn't even compare to the feeling of disappointment, confusion and plain old anger.
Several days later, on a whim, I called a shelter about a potential kitten. This kitten had just been adopted out, but there was another slightly older cat that needed a home :)
We were all excited, but were trying to not put the horse in front of the cart (I had to explain that one to Jolee the other day LOL). After some correspondence with his "Mommy", we realized that we would be bringing this little boy home! YAY!
As of right now, he is still in Brady's room getting aclimated to his new surroundings. The kids don't quite understand that cats are different than dogs, and may not be as interactive at first. We are all so in love! I'll keep everyone updated!
PS- His name is Rio, but were still debating on if that will stay...

Sheer Genius

2011-02-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

My child is a genius. I know this comes as no suprise. My belief was re-affirmed today at daycare. Here's my proof:

Brady had his very first day of daycare/preschool today! He got dropped off at around 9, and then I picked him up around 12. With this being his first day, I didn't want to push it too much. Heres a shot of how excited he was on the way:

Brian tried to take a picture of him posing in front of the building, but I think he was so excited that he couldn't stand still! LOL

Today was a wonderful experience for ALL of us. (Plus, Mommy got to go shopping!)

The Mack Experience

2011-02-22T19:02:00.000-08:00

While we were in KC this last weekend for my besties sons' birthday party, my Dad took us on a tour of his work. While we were there, Brady got to have the thrill of a toddler's lifetime and SIT IN A MACK! (That is a term for any large semi-truck type vehicle, thanks to CARS the movie). He was a bit skiddish, but he has been telling everyone about it since then LOL. Papaw pulled the horn at one point and Brady jumped out of his diaper (it's alot louder when you're right next to the truck!) So glad we got to do that :)

Yeah, I Married a Great Guy ;)

2011-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

So, my husband is pretty much amazing! He's been in a DIY-kind of mood lately, and has done a few things around the house. Last Friday he surprised Brady with a table he made for his electric train set and his race track. He did it all himself, and it couldn't have turned out any better!!! Brady loves it, and wants to be down at the warehouse all of the time. Then, today, he did something sweet for me :)
My new obsession has resulted in a TON of rolls of ribbon laying around. Well I made the comment about how I would like a stand for all of them, and wouldn't you know it, he took that as a hint to build one himself. After taking Jolee to school this morning he went to the store and picked up the supplies and got to work. Thirty minutes later, Mommy has a new ribbon holder! (And I already have it full!)

Thank you Daddy! We love you!!!!

Tuesday Close-ups

2011-02-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when your 9-year old hijacks your camera while your driving. Theres nothing you can do to stop her from taking bizare close-ups. She snapped another one, but it's a close-up of the inside of her mouth...don't think you want to see that! (I know I didn't)

I'm obsessed!

2011-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my new obsession: BOWS! I got an awesome tutorial on ETSY, and have been making them like crazy ever since. Can't wait to get these to some of the beautiful little girls I love!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Since yesterday was Valentines Day, we got to go to Jolee's school for their V-day party! It's always alot of fun to see the kids and what they made for their boxes...there were some really good ones this year! Brady is still quite the crowd pleaser, and he does better and better every party. After the party we went and had lunch together at our fav place in town and overall had a wonderful day! Hope everyone had a love-filled day! XOXOXOXO!

The scene of the sugar fueled craziness

Jolee and her flower pot Valentines Day box

Me and Jolee

Jolee and her friend Haley just happened to show up with the same idea :)

Brady had his eye on some goodies...

He even got some love from the ladies today (Kaylynn)

He was very proud of his cookie

Jolee and her good friend Kaylynn

Me and Kaylynn's mommy, Ann Marie

Mr. Walter and Kaylynn

Brady and Jolee with their stuffed animals and wonderful Daddy

My kids and Mr. Walter

My Valentine gets cuter every year!!!

Well, both of my boys do!!!!

Finger Painting!

2011-02-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Brady has been bugging me for a while now to get out the finger paints that I got FOREVER ago....and last night was the night. It's always so funny to watch a kid experience something that they never have before. At first he was really concerned about using his hands, but soon he got right into it! Jolee showed him exactly what to do. He ended up only using his entire handprint. No fingers for this kid! We ended up some very amazing works of art!!!

Wishing for More Warm Days

2011-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

So, I've decided I'm officially the worst blogger on the planet. Thank goodness that this is solely for fun and nothing else, because it always seems like it gets put on the backburner. But in my defense, we have had a kindof crazy few weeks. Both kids got the flu and got really sick. It was not fun at all. But all is better now, and Jolee got ANOTHER snow day...crazy! So in honor of the snow falling outside, here's some pics from a couple of weeks ago when we were having a beautiful, warm day outside that made me sooooo ready for spring!

Brady was digging rocks out of his shoes all day!

The kids and I dug for rock for a long time

On to Making Purses!

2011-01-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

I recently decided that I'm way past due attemting making my first purse. So, off I went to find just the right pattern for a beginner, and found the perfect one. I whipped this one together last night and Jolee loved it so much that she decided she needed to take it to school today. She even wore her matching dress and a hair clip I made to match the one I made for the purse. It's nothing like my mom makes, but you gotta start somewhere, right? LOL

Perfect Sunday!

2011-01-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Brian, me and the kids headed down to one of our favorite places ever, Gaston's, down @ the lake. Alot of our family on Brian's side was down there for the long weekend, so we headed down there for some wonderful food and hang out w/ great people. We took a walk and ended up down @ the frozen pond, made a peacock friend, played lots of cards, roasted hot dogs AND marshmallows, and generally had a GREAT time!!!

Brady checking out the resident pet

He made his way into the cabin...like he did the night before!

On his way out the door

We enjoyed his company on the deck for quite a while

Jolee, Sadie and Grace

Sadie and Grace checking him out

The girls plus tyler - the peacock was just out of the shot, hence Jolee's face!

Uncle Jim, Brian, and Tyler

Brian and I

Me, Lisa, and our adopted family member! LOL

Jolee, Grace, Sadie and Kenzie in front of the frozen pond

The kids loved that the geese were on TOP of the ice!

The kids (plus my hubby) were trying to see who could break the ice

Jolee was sooooo excited to roast a marshmallow

Just how she likes it!

Uncle Jim helped Brady with his first one ever!

Sooooooooooo good!

Out for another walk with our friend (at this point, he was named Pecka)

All of the adults

Crystal and I

All of the kids

Me and the family!

Brian and I

My Future Olympian

2011-01-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Today was Bradys 3rd Monday in tumbling class with Ms. Veda. He's slowly getting used to the idea of having other people around. I am still sitting with him and trying to gently encourage him to join in. Each week he's getting a bit more willing. He'll do alot of the excercises at home, but when we get there, he gets shy. LOL

This is his favorite! Where he runs and jumps off the mat

Ms. Veda's helping him do a backwards somersault LOL

Helping to put the blocks out

And lining them all up

One of the few times he would actually sit without me!

Jumping over toys...

...and blocks...

...and finally being a big helper and cleaning up!

Hopefully each week will get better and he'll get more and more independent! I'll keep ya'll informed :) LOL

Time for B-ball

2011-01-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

Heres a few pics from Jolee and her cheerleading for Upward basketball:

Giving the players a cheerful welcome

Jolee and one of her co-cheerleaders

Taking a break :)

The bucket that each of the girls made to sit on when they're not cheering

On our way to the game

Madi, Jolee and Hannah

Basketball and Ice Cream!

2011-01-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

Last night Jolee had her friend Madi over. It was a half day of school and she came home with us, so we had a very fun day! Me and the three kids went out for pizza after school then went home and relaxed for a bit. Later we all went to the girls' school for the last home b-ball game and then out to DQ after. Here's some pics of our ice cream outing :)

The Mommy Cave

2011-01-01T21:13:00.001-08:00

I am so excited! Part of my Christmas present from my family was these new shelves upstairs for all of my fabric. And I finally got around to organizing it over the last few days. I had been getting used to having all of it scattered around in boxes and bags, that I forgot some of what I actually had! So now I have a nice space for practicing piano and getting my craft fix! But is this bad of me.......now I see how much space I have for MORE fabric! LOL

NYE 2011

2011-01-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

Here's just a few pics of our family's NYE party of 4. I wouldn't trade a night like this for anything in the world! I'm so lucky!

Brady is quite the party animal! He really did try to stay up, but he just couldn't do it.

Daddy and Jolee before the festivities

I've been hearing the horns constantly since last night!

Jolee and me modeling our festive hats

Daddy getting the champagne ready

Jolee liked this part :)

Me and Daddy right after our family toast

Jolee and Daddy

Copper even got into the fun!

Me with 2 of my 3 kids

This is how Brady woke up right after midnight. Apparently all the noise woke him up, and he was hysterical for about 15 minutes. I felt awful, but such is the life in a family home! Hope everyone had a safe and happy New Years!

Yet Another Christmas!

2010-12-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas, we headed over to Chris & Crystals house to hang wih them and the kiddos. Brady wasn't quite his usual happy self due to tummy troubles, but we still got in plenty of quality time. Jolee wanted to bring their new puppy home with us!

Madison and Chaise

Madison is quite the gift open-er!

Chaise got the CARS dvd, along with Mater's Tall Tales

Brady and Chaise playing

Madison and the adorable new puppy

This is what happens when you try to get my boy in a picture when he doesn't want to!

Christmas with Nana and Papaw

2010-12-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

Jolee was the official "gifter" this year

My beautiful mommy and sisters

Trying to decide on a plan of attack

Thanking Auntie Emi

Papaw was into the holiday spirit

Checking out the new track - thank you Nana & Papaw!!!

Opening presents

Me and my jolee

Playing with the new car track

Stefanie, Emily and me

Me and my amazing hubby

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. It seems like it takes forever to get here, then it's over so quickly. In Santas letter he wrote back, he said the kids had been very kind and nice this year, so they got a ton of stuff! We had a wonderful Christmas, and hope that everyone else did also!

Making Santa his cookies on Christmas Eve

Writing the letter to Santa shortly after (he wrote back!)

Before diving into the presents

Santa left awesome stuff in the stockings!

Checking out the new helicopter

Brady with his new Woody doll

Me and Jolee with our goodies!

Santa left an awesome race track

Mommy and her new coat

My new scrapbooking storage tote. I love it!

A Night With The Nutcracker

2010-12-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday night, Brian and I took Jolee to see the Nutcracker ballet in KC. It was so much fun! Every little girl should get a chance to see something like that while they're young. And, just as I suspected, one of the first things Jolee tells me when the dancers start is, "I wanna do that!". I loved getting to share that with her. I love my memories of doing things like that when I was a kid. Since we got there a few minutes early, she even got to take a picture with a couple of the ballerinas. So much fun!

Eating dinner before the ballet

Daddy and Jolee in the theater

I loved seeing all of the little girls all dressed up! We had great seats also. Jolee got to watch the orchestra playing the music right in front of her.

Busy Birthday Day!

2010-12-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Since today was Jolee's birthday, we decided that we would follow through on one of the things that she is always begging us to do. So we went and ate lunch with her at school! We got her Ruby Tuesday, what she wanted, and did our best to not embarrass her too bad! Fortunatly she still likes to be seen with us, so it wasn't too much of a problem!

Brady and his official "visitors" pass

Jolee and Kaylynn

Jolee and Madi

The Party!
Jolee got to have a bunch of her friends over today for her party. We had a great time eating pizza and cake, making jewelry and making ornaments, and of course opening presents! The kids always have a great time together. Brian and I just sit back and watch the craziness unfold! LOL

Sitting around eating pizza

Getting ready to blow out the candles

So, this is the first year I havn't made her cake myself...slacker

Jolee and Madi are focused on licking the candles

Opening gifts

All the girls: Ashton, Kaylynn, Madi, Hannah, Jolee, Haley, ,Courtney and Kaity

Us and the birthday girl

Making ornaments to take home

Right after things wound down...yay!!!

2010 Christmas Recital

2010-12-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

This last Monday, Jolee had her Christmas play at school. She got to be one of the adorable reindeer and did some amazing singing and dancing. However, we always seem to miss out on a great seat. We apparently got our wires crossed about where she would be facing, and therefore we ended up sitting right behind her! LOL Oh well, she knew where we were and turned around several times. :)
Well, tomorrow is her 9th birthday, and I've got a party to get ready for!
Happy early birthday Jogi!!!!

Giving us a good smile

After it was all done

Me, Jolee and Daddy

This is the best one I could get with Brady involved! :)

Meeting Santa 2010

2010-12-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday before the Christmas parade, we decided to get dressed up and take the kids to see Santa @ walmart. Surprisingly, the santa this year was a really good one (last year's was pitiful). Jolee went first and showed Brady how to do it, and then he got up there and did great! Merry Christmas!

3rd Grade Lunch

2010-12-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

Brady and I thought it would be fun to join Jolee at lunch with her classmates! It was very very fun and Brady behaved much better than I thought he would. I just love getting to see her with her friends and enter her world for even a few minutes. Before I know it I'm going to be joining Brady for lunch at school!

Me and the kids with our 0-so-nutritious lunch!

Jolee and her friend Maddi

Jolee and wonderful Walter - his dad came to eat lunch with him also today!

Mom & Dads Nite Out

2010-11-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

While we were in KC, Brian and I took the opportunity to go out on a date! He took me to the Melting Pot on the Plaza, and as usual we ate too much :) I love date nights with him!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-29T19:09:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day just like we did! We went up to Olathe and enjoyed a nice relaxing week with my family. Me and mom did a ton of shopping, ate too much pumpkin pie and all while everyone was trying to beat the cold that was going around. Once again, I didn't get many pics on Thursday since I was enjoying the company so much :)

Me and Brian after stuffing our faces

My Uncle Del, Aunt Donna and my pops

I come from a long line of cool chicks ;)

Hidden Talents

2010-11-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

So, my child is gifted! LOL...at least he is to me :) The other day while hanging around the house, he goes into the silverware drawer and pulls out a spoon. Brian and I both ask what he wants, and he proceeds to hang it off of his nose. Don't ask me where he picked it up from, but he has a new talent! (Brian and I both have SWORN that it was neither one of us). I like to think he's just that creative!

Bribery is My Friend :)

2010-11-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

So, last week I bribed the kids with Incredible Pizza if we had a good week. Brian took off to work the Phoenix race on Tuesday and didn't get back until about 30 minutes ago. I probably would have taken them anyways, so I figured it wouldn't hurt anything if I tried to get something out of the deal also! LOL Anywho, we had a great week, so off to Incredible Pizza we went, and Veronica and her friend Kori went with us. Jolee is obsessed with laser tag there, so she did that quite a bit. However, the only time that I tried to play with her, she and I collided 1 minute in, and she ended up with a fat lip :( I felt horrible! She got back to it though after some ice :) Brady had a blast also! Wonderful Saturday :)

Jolee showing off her balloon bracelet

In the line to race go-karts

Me & Jogi getting ready 2 play laser tag

Veronica & Jolee about to watch a 3D movie

Me and my boy

Brady is a ski ball champ!

Brady's reflexes need a bit of work LOL

Me and Jolee

Crafty Sunday

2010-11-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Today, the kids and I spent our Sunday being extremely lazy...and it felt so good! After the crazy week we had, I was really looking forward to today. But in the midst of all the laziness, Jolee decided that she wanted to sew! So, we got out some fabric, and it was so sweet what she decided to make...a Thomas pillow for Brady! So sweet!

Jolee and the wonderfully made pillow

He was very happy with it :)

2010-11-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you all how sad I am that Halloween is over! It's probably one of my favs now that I've got the kiddos. Last friday, after the school parties, the kids and I got the casa ready for our fiesta! Jolee had several of her friends over and we ate lots of goodies and played lots of games. I think I've decided that this will be a yearly tradition in our house :)

Doing hair and makeup

Brady helped me get ready :)

Cleopatra and her beautiful kids

Me and veronica before she got changed into her costume

Jolee and Haley

Jolee and her friend Walter

Dakota as Luigi and Veronica the hot dog LOL

Me and my beautiful fairy

Kaylynn's mom & dad as Tacky Tourists :)

Kaylynn the Princess, Jolee the Fairy, and Haley the Skeleton

Me and V-ron

Veronica and Blake

Madi and Copper

Kaylynn and Jolee

Kaity and Haley

Playing the game Trick or Treat

The pirate loves Tootsie Rolls :)

Jolee paying very close attention

Dakota & Veronica

Nicole & Rusty

Waiting for a game to start

The girls showing off some goodies

Helping Blake the Farmer

Jolee pinning the tail on the cat

The whole gang

Me and Aunt Janet (aka the photographer)

Me and Nicole

Jack-O-Lantern Time!

2010-10-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, we carved pumpkins finally! We had a great time and ended up with some very cool jack-o-lanterns! Definitly put the finishing touches on the holiday decorations!

BEST. PHOTO. EVER

2010-10-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

Okay...for those of you that know me at all, you could only imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this priceless photo! Two of my most beloved musicians of all time: James Taylor AND Lady Gaga! (Carol King doesn't hurt it at all either!) I can only imagine the things that they talked about. I'm holding my breath for a future duet (I know, I don't quite know how that would look or sound...but a girl can dream!).

Pumpkin Run

2010-10-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Brian and I took Brady to the pumpkin patch again. Since our last trip was a bit hectic and short, we really needed to get some pumpkins for carving! So we went and had a great time and left with a nice size batch of pumpkins.
We have a VERY big week coming up! Brian starts his new job with NASCAR (for which he will be in Talladega for!), and all the halloween festivities. All of the costumes are just about done, nearly all of the decorations are put up, I've got almost all of the games ready, etc.... It just doesn't seem to end! I can't believe I signed myself up for a party at the house, but the kids will (hopefully) have so much fun. We are just definitly going to miss Daddy for sure!!!!

Brady always likes to think big...

but I think this one is more his size! He calls this his Baby Pumpkin.

Brady and the "Mater" lookalike

Brady likes to pull the wagon :)

Round Two!

2010-10-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were lucky enough to have some of our favorite people come and stay with us. Chris had drill at the Armory here in WP, so Crystal, him and the kids all came to stay with us. We had a great, long weekend and got to spend lots of time together!

Enjoying the beautiful weather with a picnic

Riding a motorcycle @ walmart

On Friday night we all went to Jolee's school for their fall carnival. Thee girls got to get their faces painted and their hair colored, and they all got to get their sugar rush with tons of cotton candy!

Fun Weekend (Round One)

2010-10-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here's Round Numero Uno of this weekends pics with all the kids! These are of our hectic trip to the pumpkin patch and then a few others

Beautiful Day to Fly A Kite

2010-10-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday was a perfect day to fly Brady's kite that his Aunt Lisa got for his birthday. There could've been a bit more wind, but we made it work! Brady really enjoyed watching the frog fly LOL. I'm trying to enjoy this nice fall weather, because I know winter is right around the corner! EEK!

Totally Fun and Random Weekend

2010-10-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, Brian and I wondered what we were going to do that day. So we got to thinking and decided that we might as well fly up to Olathe for the night and hang out with my folks up there! And it was one of my favorite weekends to date. When we got up there we went to Hobby Lobby, the kids painted and we had a Chinese feast from my favorite restaraunt. I also randomly stopped by one of my old friends' houses and got to talk to his mother (who was like anther monm while we were growing up), whom I hadn't talked to in YEARS!!! Then, I found out my bestie Alicia was in town from Texas for the weekend and she and her fiance(!!!!) came over on Sunday. The just got engaged on Saturday night, so I was so happy to be able to be there for that. Lindsey also brought over baby Brooklyn and we had a great time hanging out (even though the Chiefs totally blew it). I love random fun times!!!

On our way to Olathe

Painting their masterpieces

Brady got as much on his clothes as he did the paper!

Papaw doubles as a horsey!

Alicia and I with our guys, Josh and Brian

So tired after our wonderful weekend!

Big Boy Bed

2010-10-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Brady is starting the transition into a big boy bed! Granted, he doesn't sleep much in it yet, but he does enjoy just hanging out in it. Too cute!

Chaise's 3rd Birthday

2010-10-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend in KC was sooooo wonderful. Me and the kids went up on Friday after Jolee got out of school, and Brian had already flown up on Thursday morning. On Saturday morning, Lindsey and Jackson came over for a visit, and then we went over to Chaise's 3rd birthday party. This was the first time that we had been to Uncle Chris and Aunt Crystal's new house...and we had a blast! The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins and jumping on Chaises new trampoline. It was such a good time!

Jolee and Madison with their amazing blankets that Crystal's g-ma made for them. She also made Brady and Chaise matching Thomas blankets!

Jolee and her cousin Tyler

Brady and Chaise playing with dinosaurs

Hugging :)

I love that they both smiled for me!

Madison and Brady

Madison and Jolee

Brady and his Uncle Chris

Brady helped to observe the opening of presents

Some of the kids on the new trampoline

Blowing out the candles on the amazing cake that Crystals grandma made

Chris hauling around the boys

The three of them had the trampoline all to themselves for a while LOL

Crystal and I

Chaises Nana and Brady

Good Times at Chuckie Cheese :)

2010-09-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Brians last night at the speedway here in town, so I decided to take the kids up to Springfield for an afternoon out. We went to Chuckie Cheese, and also hit up Target and a Halloween store. The kids left Chuckie's in pieces, and also did the same to my wallet...LOL!

Veronica and Brady shooting hoops

Chuckie himself made an appearance

My gang very focused on a game

Brady loves the train they have there

Jolee posin'

Me and V-ron

Go Dolphins!

2010-09-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Jolees first Mighty Mite football game, and it was fantastic out! Beautiful weather for an evening of cheering! Jolee and her friends did a great job of pumping up the Dolphins fans. We got to see all of our favorite people too! Congrats girls on a fantastic job!!!

We have a future kicker on our hands

Jolee, Brady and Kaity

Jolee and Kaity

Jolee, Kaity and Kaylynn

If the Dolphins could win based on how cute their cheerleaders are, they would for sure!

Getting the crowd excited!

Jolee had a really good time

They all remembered their cheers really well

Daddy and Brady

Brady and Veronica

Mommy and Daddy

Brady and Kat-aroo

Jolee and me

Jolee and Veronica

Daddy and Jolee after the game

Good times

2010-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

So, how much fun did I have this weekend you ask? So much fun!!! It was a very fast trip to Olathe, but we squeezed in alot of fun in a short amount of time. On Saturday morning Brady and I went over to Lindsey's house to hang out with her and the kiddos. I go to surprise her with the costumes that I made for them for Halloween :) I think she really liked them! How crazy is this...she had just bought Jackson a costume. What do you think it was??? A dinosaur!! (I made Jackson a dinosaur also) LOL! We are quite connected, me and Lindsey. The boys had a great time playing together, and so did us mommies! Love you guys!!!!

Time for Cheerleading

2010-09-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, I apologize for not updating this like I should...it's gotten to be a pretty routine thing for me to do it seems! LOL Anywho...here are some pics from Jolee's very first cheerleading practice. They all got to go watch the Grizzley cheerleaders and learn some moves. Brady had a good time watching them also :)

Kaylynn, Kaity and Jolee

Concentrating hard!

Veronica and Brady

Brady had to get a picture with the Grizzley mascot :)

Happy B-Day Brian!!!!!

2010-08-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was Brian's 37th birthday! And, per our usual, we spent it with just us and a homemade cake. Brian requested his favorite dinner (tacos), followed with cake and his favorite ice cream (mint chocolate chip). We had a wonderful time celebrating another wonderful year that we've had with Daddy! We love you!!!

The kids with their amazing creation

Jolee helping Daddy blow out the candles

Brian and his babies (for some reason, Brady gets really upset every time we sing Happy Birthday)

Brady and Veronica enjoying cake

Me and the love of my life :)

Beautiful Brooklyn

2010-08-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Lindsey & Brooklyn got my package the other day...and I must say, she looks rather good in it's contents! I tend to think of Lindsey's kids as mine as well, and since I love to make clothes it just makes sense. I can't wait to see what her and Jackson see what I have up my sleeve next!

Blakes B-Day Party

2010-08-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

I just realized I had pictures from Blakes b-day party last month that I forgot to post. Great party Blake!

Play Time

2010-08-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Veronica came over today after her first day as a senior. Her and Brady play for hours and hours and hours! Here's just a couple of pics of the kiddos hanging out:

Jolee the 3rd Grader

2010-08-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Time to ship Jolee off to school for some education. She's now in 3rd grade...where has the time gone?!?! This was a very good First Day. There were no tears, no nervousness. Just a very confident girl that was excited for her first day in Ms. Squires class. She has several friends in her class. We're looking forward to seeing what she's going to learn this year!!

Such a beautiful 3rd grader!

Walking into school

Doesn't she just look thrilled? LOL... she actually was excited, I just snapped the picture at the wrong time!

Daddy, Brady and Jolee

Me and Jolee

Daddy and his big girl!!!

Fun @ WallyWorld

2010-08-15T09:57:00.001-07:00

Our friend Veronica has been hanging out with us alot lately and going along with Brady and I to Walmart. We both really like it when she does! I get to shop in peace and Brady gets to play and run and have fun. Here's a couple of funny pics that she's sent me of their Walmart adventures!

Hiding in the diapers...

and the bottled water

Trying on some shades

Blake and Brady

2010-08-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Although I didn't take any pictures this week, I took a couple with my phone. Heres a couple of cute ones of Blake and Brady. Now that they're gone, Brady obviously thinks it's too quiet in the house now LOL...I kinda like it! J/K

Brady giving Blake a hug :)

When I would wake up in the mornings, this is how I would find the little guys...so cute.

Accept My Apologies

2010-08-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

My apologies are in order...I have been slacking on posts to the blog. I'm in trouble, I know. However, I feel like I have a good excuse! My friend Nicole and her husband took a trip to NYC this week, and we got the pleasure of having their 3 kids here with us while they've been gone! So it's been a very busy, wonderful, and full house this week. We've done lots of fun stuff, but unfortunatly, I can't seem to find my camera. It's probably found it's way to the bottom of the couch (or wherever Brady stuck it). Also, I've been sick with what the doctor is treating as strep. Yeah, that is not very good when you have 4-5 kids at home :)
It was a great week with the Smith kids!!!!

Last of the Disney Pics!

2010-07-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Monday - Day at the Animal Kingdom

Getting ready to start the safari

Checking out some rhinos up close

Getting on the train to take us around the Animal Kingdom

Nana & Papaw in front of the beautiful Tree of Life

Tuesday - Epcot
Tuesday started off sorta...different! We decided that we were going to spend the morning at the swimming pool with the kids and go to Epcot later on in the day. Well, we get down to the pool and within 10 minutes Brian and Brady decide to go down the big water slide. As I would soon learn, this is not a good time for miscommunication...I though Brian told me he was sending Brady down on his own. Imagine my surprise when I am greeted at the bottom of the slide with Brady AND Brian! Needless to say, your hubby's foot doesn't feel good when it slams into your face going VERY fast. Since I figured that the fact that I couldn't close my mouth without excruciating pain, Brian and I paid a visit to the local emergency room. After many x-rays, we found out nothing was wrong. Needless to say, most of our Tuesday was gone. That is why my pictures don't start until later that night at Epcot. Gotta love vacation stories!

Me and Brian getting ready to watch the fireworks at Epcot

Watching fireworks

Wednesday - Spent mostly at Epcot

Since Tuesday was basically a bust, we headedd back over to Epcot on Wednesday. But was we all know, just when you think things are fine, they are SOOOOO not! After the stress of the day before, Brian ended up with an excruciating migraine. After trying his best to tough it out for some family fun, be headed back to the hotel to try and get some sleep. So me and the kids and the grandfolks hung out a while longer and checked out "Germany". Brian and I didn't get to go out to our anniversary date that night, but Nana and Papaw did get to go out themselves. Before the end of the night, we went and walked around the Boardwalk and watched the fireworks again!

Getting ready to watch a show

Oh no! They got eaten by a shark! LOL

How do they stay so cute when we're all melting??

Getting ready to watch another show (Brian was trying to tough out a migraine...that's why he had a pair of sunglasses on in a dark room) POOR BABY!

Brady did better than we expected in the shows where he had to sit still

Walking around "Germany" in Epcot. How perfect does Papaw look with a German beer :)

We enjoyed going through Germany with Nana. She still remembers a few things about life over there even though she was a little kid.

Me and Mom on our walk around the Boardwalk

Brady and Papaw

Nana, Papaw and Brady enjoying the surroundings

Thursday - SeaWorld

On our last day of the trip we drove out to SeaWorld, and spent most of the day there. We had a great time watching the amazing shows they have and seeing all of the animals. Later, Brian and I made up for the night before and went to dinner, and then met up with the gang and walked out on the Boardwalk. We got to see a magician, play some games, eat funnel caked, and basically have a wonderful last night!!!

Jolee at the entrance of SeaWorld

Brady and Papaw getting ready to watch Elmo live!

Jolee did a great job of keeping Brady focused! :)

Elmo and Grover dancing

The kids in front of a race car (Brian is probably embarrased that his wife doesn't know the driver!!)

Watching the Shamu show (I ended up leaving with Brady after 5 minutes. Apparently a giant killer whale can't keep his attention)

My boys with Shamu :)

Brady banging on some island-y drums

We stumbled upon a wonderful little water play area in the middle of SeaWorld. Jolee got right into the water!

Brady wasn't so sure at first...

But as you can see, Jolee wasted no time!

He started to realize that it felt kinda good!

Mom and Dad after we had gotten several wet hugs :)

They ended up not wanting to leave!

All of us waiting in line to see some polar bears

Brady watching sting-rays

Jolee and I in front of the dolphin feeding area. Right before this picture we had both leaned over to touch one as it swam by, but it instead blew a bunch of water on us! Good times...

Me and my family in front of our hotel on our last night

Nana and Papaw in front of the Dolphin Hotel

Getting ready to walk on the Boardwalk one last time

Brian and both of his very happy kids

Brian and I had our 2 year anniversary on vacation!

Come on, you know it's cute!

Brian and Papaw couldn't resist a friendly game of b-ball

And guess who won!! Papaw won Nana a stuffed animal...adorable!

The last picture of the trip...Now on to the next one!

Day Three of Disney

2010-07-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of our Disney whirlwind started with a great breakfast. On Sunday mornings, they have four famous characters meet and greet everyone. That day it happened to be Pluto, Goofy and Chip and Dale. The kids had a lot of fun with that...but I don't think they ate a whole lot though! After that, we went into town for a trip to Target so we could get some snacks and stuff. After a nice, relaxing afternoon, it was off to the Magic Kingdom yet again! We did have something extremely fun to go do once we got there though!
Jolee got an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a princess makeover!!! This was just too much fun. You get to go into Cinderella's castle and then step into a renaissance-era salon! She got to pick out her dress (she chose Tiana's dress because it was the most comfortable), got her hair done, and also her makeup and nails. It was so much fun to watch her getting spoiled :)
After becoming a princess, we went on many more rides and got to meet some very cool folks (see pics below)!

Brady doing his best to hug Pluto

Jolee had an easier time

The kids with Chip...or Dale

And Dale...or Chip...who can tell them apart?!? I think it's the noses that are different.

Two Goofys

Nana and Papaw and the kiddos with Goofy

They were all very willing to sign autographs for the kids

Getting Princess-ified:

Consulting with her Fairy-Godmother In-Training about what hair-do would be best

Getting started

Getting her "extensions" put in LOL

Getting fairy dust

Jolee and Anastasia, who was from Missouri also!

Before the big reveal!

I think Nana approves :)

I have to admit, I felt like a kid again

Daddy and his princess

Sitting on Minnie Mouse's couch (notice the finger in the nose...thanks Brady!)

Apparently Minni likes to sew also

Princess Jolee and Cinderella

Jolee and Belle (Jolee's FAVORITE!!!)

The Princesses have to support each other LOL

Comparing hair-do's

Jolee and Sleeping Beauty

Mickey and Minnie signing the kids' autograph books

Jolee hugging Mickey

Group shot!

Getting ready to go on the Haunted Mansion ride....spooky!

Day Two of Disney

2010-07-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of our family vacay got off to a great start. We got up early and took a boat over to Hollywood Studios. Did I mention yet that it was EXTREMELY HOOOTTT last week?? Granted it's just as hot here in WP, but when you're out in the sun walking a thousand miles a day, it tends to feel a wee bit hotter. Anywho, Hollywood Studios was lots of fun! We saw a 3-D muppet show, an awesome(!) car and motorcycle stunt show, got to eat lunch with lots of Nick Jr. characters, and lots of other fun stuff. Once we all felt a heat stroke coming on, we decided it was time to go back to the hotel for a break. And a nap.
Then we headed back to the Magic Kingdom for some more fun since you can't do too much at a time with toddler. This time we did lots of fun rides, like Dumbo, the Teacups, Peter Pan, and Snow White. The only hard part was waiting in the lines with the kids. But that was another time I was sooooo glad it wasn't just Brian and I. We called it a night slightly earlier than the night before. Gotta start getting some sleep if we're going to make it all week!

Mickey Mouse has some big handprints to fill!

Getting ready to go into the 3-D muppet show

Eating lunch with Leo from the Little Einsteins...

And June...

And Jojo (with MY Jojo!)

I couldn't believe that Jolee got up and danced with them!

My boys with Handy Manny (Brady almost couldn't believe that the cartoon he watches in the mornings was right in front of him)

Jolee and Leo

Papaw and Brady on the bus on the way to the Magic Kingdom

The castle with out the lights

Getting ready to fly on Dumbo

The wind-blown look is good for them!

I had a good vantage point to see everyone

Brady was still slightly unsure

Me and Pops enjoying Dumbo

Brian said they almost made Nana sick on the teacups :)

Brady and Papaw on the teacups

On the bus on the way back after a long day (notice Brady's face...it looks like he just got done mauling a gazelle...actually just a sucker...that he then fell asleep sucking...LOL)