I didn't think I'd post anything about my birthday b/c well, it sounds a little needy, but I had such a great birthday, thanks to some very special people, that I had to mention it. I wasn't really looking forward to Friday b/c mostly, my dear husband is in Peru for 2 weeks doing medical work and wouldn't be here to celebrate and I would be alone with the kids the whole day and I would be turning 31, making me officially in my 30s. BUT my parents came to the rescue. I'd asked my mom if she'd wanted to come down and hang out at some point during the two weeks and it worked out that this was the best week to come and my dad was able to take a long weekend and join us too. I've been able to sleep in and have lots of help, which has been wonderful! I woke up to the smell of cinnamon muffins baking (made with love by Christopher and Grammie) and the kids had huge smiles on their faces shouting "Happy Birthday!" when I walked in the kitchen. I got to use my new Chi flat iron (thanks honey!!!!) and get ready without a single child in my room or pulling on my leg in the bathroom while putting on makeup. We dropped Christopher off at Mother's Day Out and headed to Destin for some shopping. Grammie bought me some new clothes at the Banana Republic outlet store and with my b'day money I got some new shoes and makeup. We had lunch at Panera and Sophie fell asleep so I got to go in Michael's, by myself, to get some ribbon to make her some hair bows and B&N to get some new books (thank Maria!). We went to pick up Christopher and played in the back yard until Pop got back from his outing, had birthday cake and the kids took naps. The grownups all crashed on the couches reading and we were going to go out to dinner, but it was so cold I didn't want to leave, so we made pizza and watched Wall-E. It was as close to a perfect day as I could have asked for. If Brandon could have been there it would have been. But I did get to talk to him online for a while, so that was very nice. It has been a great week with the extra help and thankfully we have quite a few activities going on, so that will help since I'll be alone. Brandon gets home next Sunday and we can't wait to see him. God has definitely blessed my life with wonderful family and friends. Thanks man!

Sophie making herself laugh while enjoying the birthday muffins. She loves doing this! Making herself laugh AND eat.

Christopher loving some muffins too!

The kids and I about to dive into some birthday cake. They wouldn't come inside, so we took the cake out. Made it hard to light the candles b/c it was windy, but we managed.

Saturday Pop painted the bookcase he made Sophie and Christopher and I helped a little. C-man got bored quickly, which I figured he would, so he went to dig instead.

Pop taking a break to help C-man dig and Sophie cuddling up to him. They quickly became friends and it was adorable!!

Pop and Sophie playing trucks and reading the truck book she brought to him. She sounds like she's trying to say backhoe, which we all think is hilarious! Yesterday she had to take a paintbrush in the commissary while wearing her pink bracelets. Yup, she's all girl, but can definitely keep up with the boys! I love her for it!!

Grammie and Christopher reading books too.

After only 3 days at home, the kids and I loaded up in the van and headed north this time. Our next door neighbor in Huntsville had her baby, on Sophie's birthday, and we went to go meet him. I know you hear me talk about my friends back in Huntsville a lot, ok maybe my new friends in FL hear about them more, but I loved these women dearly! It was very difficult for me to leave them behind and the ONLY thing that made it easier was knowing that 2 of us were moving away. I just had to go first. We spent the night at Aunt Jenny and Uncle Trey's house on Thursday night and Christopher was so excited he wouldn't go to bed that night. Friday we drove over to Auburn to pick up Kirsten, Ava and Patrick (the other neighbors who moved) and got to see their new house. It was fun to have people to ride with us and it gave us time to catch up on everything. We stayed at Kirsten's parents' house for the weekend and they were wonderful to let all of us crash there. Saturday was the big baby party! Gabriel was so cute!!!! His big sister (and Christopher's former partner in crime) had grown about 2 feet since we left! She was so tall and looked more like a little/big girl instead of the baby girl we'd left 8 months ago. It took only 15 minutes for everything to sink in for Christopher and he and the other kids were off and running around like old times. I was so glad to see everyone and hear how things had changed. After the party we all went back to the grandparents' house and crashed. That evening Kirsten and I were surprised with the offer to go have a girls' night out like we used to and we didn't hesitate one bit! After putting the kids to bed, we headed off with the other moms to really catch up. At midnight we realized it was time to head home, knowing the morning was going to come earlier than we'd like. Sunday we grabbed lunch and headed to the park to let the kids run around which lead to more great naps. Monday morning we loaded everyone back in the van and headed back to Auburn. Three of the four kids napped all the way to Birmingham, which we couldn't believe. After playing at Chick-fil-A, stopping in Auburn, stopping at Mimi and Papa John's house to pick up something, we finally arrived back at Aunt Jenny and Uncle Trey's house for the night. Grammie met us in the morning and we were back home by lunch time. It was so nice to be back. Well, I actually enjoyed traveling that much, but I could tell the kids were ready to be home again. It was just what I needed. I've missed those wonderful families so much and would have flown across the country to see them again, but is nice to be back. Hopefully we'll get to see them all again soon!

Here are photos from our week at Disney with the in-laws. We had a fabulous time, the kids were wonderful (exhausted, but had fun), Brandon took his finals exams to officially become a doctor and we made it home safe and sound. The weather could not have been more perfect too. Mid-sixties and sunny. Could you ask for better weather? Except one day that was freezing!!!! It was 33 degrees when we left the house and never even got out of the 40s. I had on the following: tank top, long t, short t, fleece, wind breaker, puffy jacket, jeans, 2 pairs of socks, but we still saw people in shorts, go figure! So I'm just going to cut to the photos and explain there:


First day was at Magic Kingdom. First stop: Christopher wanted Mimi and Papa John to meet Mickey. We were informed last visit that this was an early thing to do to beat the crowd. This part of the park opens at 10, be there earlier. Just so you know, I don't have funny bangs, just hair hanging down.

Sophie wearing her new pink and white striped overalls. I had a blue pair when I was a kid (I call them train overalls b/c you think of train conductors wearing them.) and just couldn't pass them up in pink for her. Isn't she adorable????

Christopher and Mimi riding on the Dumbo ride. He would just giggle and wiggle with excitement everytime he got to ride something. He had a blast!! You couldn't help but laugh if you were lucky enough to ride with him.

Those crazy grandparents!! It was really fun having them with us. Brandon and I were able to go on "big people" rides (or take turns with the in-laws) b/c there was always someone to watch the kiddos.

Here we are on day two at Hollywood Studios. This was our favorite park. (We went there 2 days!) This is the only family photo we had taken. Of course it's in front of Light-ing Queen and Mater (as the little guy calls them).

Day three at Animal Kingdom. Christopher and grandparents on a ride. Can't remember which one. Sophie was sleeping and I didn't want to wake her. Glad I didn't b/c they didn't like the ride anyway.

Sophie and I trying to keep each other warm while riding on the trolley. We went to Magic Kingdom after Animal Kingdom in hopes to see fireworks and to let Christopher go on the Goofy ride, his absolute favorite b/c it's a kiddie roller coaster. (Gabi, recognize Sophie's jacket?) The little lady had on 2 outfits to stay warm. Diaper changing wasn't easy, but we did it.

Brandon and Christopher going on the Goofy ride. They let me ride with him first and stay on so Brandon could ride with him. Can you see the excitement in his face? He was practically jumping out of his seat b/c he got to go twice!

Here's Sophie all bundled up. This is how she looked all day. Minus the sweater. It was the only day she didn't mind staying in the stroller. She never tried to get out to crawl around. I wouldn't either! Just so you know, we didn't stay for fireworks. Too tired and freezing!

On day four I stayed home with the kids to relax while the grandparents had the day to go play at Epcot. We spent the morning out at the playground and on the basketball court walking around. After naps we went back out when Brandon got home and they had so much fun! We were going to go to Epcot, but decided to pass. Of course Christopher would find a nice water hold to dig in!

This walker got pushed all over the place. It was by far, the best thing I brought on the trip. If we weren't at a park, she was pushing it around. In the condo, on the sidewalk, at the basketball court. She actually walked so much and so fast that she wore a hole through the toe of her shoe. Thankfully I brought an old pair and since they are getting too small I didn't care. I'll try to post a photo of them later.

Our last day, back at Hollywood Studios. The first day we were there the Toy Story ride had "technical difficulties" when we finished, but since we were still sitting on the ride we got fast passes to come back and ride again another day. Sophie didn't care for the ride b/c she had to be strapped down, so Brandon and I took Christopher alone. Again, can you see the excitement in his face? The squinted eye gives it away. He was trying to pass the people in front of us to get there faster.

Brandon and I went to ride the Aerosmith ride together (take the single rider lane, SO much faster!!!) and when we caught up with the rest of the gang, this is how we found them. Sitting on the grandparents' shoulders while waiting in line for the Stunt Show and trying to peek over the wall. They didn't see anything. The show was really cool! Sophie would start yelling at the cars and clap for them when the stunts were over. I'm telling you, she's a little daredevil!

Not long after the Stunt Show the kiddos passed out! They were such troopers and so tired!

Sophie and I watching the parade/block party. It was a lot of fun! Can you tell we love Disney World? I was not ready to come home. As we were walking back to the van, we lost another wheel off the stroller. We lost one on our first trip to DW, but caught the second one as it rolled away. That same one rolled away again, but somone else caught it and ran us down. We now have 3 of the 6 back wheels off the stroller. I think it might be time to give it a break.

Well folks, for those of you who check here often, you can take the week off. Cause I am! Monday morning we are loading up the kids, some warm clothes and headed to Disney World. Again. We went in October and are going back b/c Brandon has to take his Step 3 board exam for med school and where else, but Orlando, is one of the locations for this! His parents are going to be joining us, to which we are very excited, and are looking forward to having two pairs of helping hands. Although they seem to be as giddy as little children themselves (it's adorable!), so I may be the only "adult" there. We will return on Sunday, but please don't expect photos to be popping up here by Monday morning. I promise I will do my best to get them on here as soon as I can, but you have to understand, I will most likely have 2 cameras (ours and the in-laws) photos to go through. This means, hundreds, not 100, more like 400-500+ photos to dig through. This will take time. I wonder if I can get Brandon to drive home and I can start editing the photos? (By that I mean just go through them, there's no real editing going on, in case you haven't noticed.) So, I hope you have a great week wherever you are and I'm hoping we will too!

Brandon and I were talking in the kitchen at lunch time today and Sophie was playing with the phone. She'd push the talk button and hold it up to her ear saying, "Hi." It was really cute so we just let her keep doing it. If I saw she pushed some buttons I'd hang it up and let her keep playing. I heard a voice on the other end of the phone, so I picked it up thinking it was the operator telling you to hang up and try again. It wasn't. I glanced down as I was hanging it up again and saw she had dialed 9114683. Yup, you saw that correctly, the first three numbers were 9-1-1. I couldn't believe it and set the phone on the counter hoping nobody actually picked up b/c she dialed them too quickly for it to register. I was wrong. The phone rings and it's the 911 operator asking if everything is ok. He starts asking where we live and our names and other info. As a precaution they have to send a patrol car out to the house just to make sure. Yup, the base patrol shows up a few minutes later and he laughs when he finds out what has happened. I am completely embarrassed and tell him thank you for being concerned. I'll be more careful next time she wants to talk on the phone.

My birthday is coming up and this past weekend my husband told me that he knows what he wants to get me, that it's kind of expensive and he knows I would love it. Since our budget is usually about $30 (we're cheap, I know) and I hadn't even told him what I wanted I was extremely curious what he'd come up with. Last night as we were going to bed he told me what it was, new flat iron. The only reason he did was b/c he saw the one I currently own sitting out and was wondering where it came from. That alone should tell you how much I've actually fixed my hair in the last year+ b/c I've had it for years and hate it. It's a cheap one and all that I could afford, so it had to make do. I've never been much of a makeup/hair/jewelry/clothes person, but I'm trying to work on it since I'm now a mother of two and can't pull off the college look anymore. (Finally having a paycheck helps too!) Now, my hair has always given me trouble. The top half is straight, the bottom half is curly (and not the pretty kind) and all of it is frizzy!! Living in FL does not help it either. Back at Christmas, I borrowed my sister-in-law's Chi flat iron and fell in love. My hair was so smooth and silky and not frizzy. And it stayed that way for 3 days! (Please don't be grossed out, remember I am a mom of 2 and bathing is a luxury!) It always felt that way when I'd leave the salon, but I figured it was the stuff they put on my hair, which I'm sure helped too. I didn't realize Brandon was even in the room when I talked about how much I loved it, but apparently he was b/c he told me last night that when he heard me saying this he thought he'd store that info for my birthday. He continues to tell me that he has spent quite a bit of time researching flat irons to find out more about them so he can get the best one. He goes on about the metals that are typically used, the brands and the pluses and minuses of each, the temperatures they'll reach, and on and on. My mouth hit the floor. What man would take the time to research a hair product for his wife??????? I fell in love with him all over again. He knew WAY more than I did about all of this. The only reason he told me was b/c when he saw the one I had sitting out he was afraid he'd have to come up with another idea. The funny thing is, this is the only thing I wanted for my birthday and was just going to use whatever money I got to buy it! Do I have the sweetest husband in the world or what? I love him!!

Here are more photos from the party. I forgot to mention that she has icing all throughout her hair, that's why it looks greasy. Don't worry, I at least wash my childrens' hair!


Sophie and her new bracelet from her new purse.


Sophie and her new nail polish, which turns out, wasn't meant to be in there!


Sophie and her new dress, that was meant to be in the gift.


Sophie in her party dress. Grammie made it for her! You can't tell, but it has little snowflakes on it. This was only worn up until cake time.


Sophie made this face every time she opened a card. Not sure why.


Sophie playing with her minivan. She loves it!!


Sophie enjoying the icing.

Here's the icing recipe I used. It's from the Williams-Sonoma kids parties book. If you are icing a chocolate cake I'd recommend doing 1 1/2 the recipe. I had to do a second layer on the bigger cake b/c flecks of chocolate came up with the icing while spreading it. It looked pretty like that, but if you want it to be "fleck-free" you'll have to do a second coat. It is so smooth it doesn't take any time to spread it around. Unless you are eating it! I'm telling you, this is the best icing you will ever make!!!

Vanilla Frosting:

3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
3 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 Tbl. heavy (double) cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt

In a bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, beat together the butter, sugar, cream, vanilla and salt until creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Use frosting right away.

To color the frosting, proceed as directed, then beat in food coloring, a drop at a time, until the desired color is achieved.

For lemon frosting, proceed as directed, but reduce the vanilla to 1 tsp. and stir in 1 tsp. lemon extract and 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest.

Enjoy!!