Turkey Day 2015

November 30, 2015December 1, 2015Leave a comment

2013 we were in shorts, 2014 we were bundled up, and this year we were back to short sleeves. You never know what you will get with Louisiana weather! My kiddos were excited to spend the day outside with their cousins…and Momma was excited for the food ;)

Every year we visit my dad’s side of the family for Thanksgiving – this is the one time of year we get to see everyone on that side. The kids enjoy the swing set and tree house the best.

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We then head to my in-laws to visit with the family there. Between lunch at my uncle’s house, and supper at my in-laws, we were stuffed more than the turkey. Jules literally licked her plate clean.

My father-in-law set up a huge tent in the yard for the kids to play. They absolutely loved bringing their toys inside and playing “camp out.” They were excited to learn this was the same tent their dad used for boy scouts!

As I was trying to snap some pictures, Kennedy, Jules, Alyse, and Luke decided to “pose” for some different shots. I was laughing so hard. They have sleeping poses, scary poses, thinking poses, etc. They are NUTS!

We are missing Harley in our family picture, but I could not be more thankful for these people in my life. God has blessed us beyond measure. Happy Thanksgiving to my virtual family and friends!

2nd Annual BOUCHERIE

November 28, 2015November 30, 2015Leave a comment

Since we had so much fun at last year’s boucherie, we decided we needed to make it an annual event! The weather was not on our side this year, though!

The cooking started around 5am and didn’t end until late afternoon. The pig has his own tent to keep out of the rain. Fancy, I know.

The food was delicious. From the pig we had pork stew, cracklin’, and hog head cheese. Friends brought chips, dips, desserts, etc… It’s a good sign when you have that much food, and most of it has no leftovers!

Despite the weather, the kids had fun getting muddy :) As the cold front came through, we had to keep adding layers! It got cold fast!

One of our favorite band, Cynder Road, came to play – the kids were mesmerized!

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It was another good time, but hopefully next year’s weather is a little nicer. A weekend filled with that much fun calls for Sunday naps :)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Hakuna Matata!

November 10, 2015November 10, 2015Leave a comment

I was so apprehensive about starting a blog…I honestly did not think I would keep it up to date. However, it has become my cushion when I just need to write or share stories… even if people don’t read every post, I feel good knowing my kids will have all their memories to read about.

I’m not sure they will like it as much when they are teenagers, so I’ll write while they are still young haha!

Here’s the top 5 posts in the last year! Thanks for reading!

1. Memories Lost
2. Introducing Easton Matthew
3. Easton’s Newborn Pictures
4. Maternity Photos – 32 weeks
5. We’re Going to Need a Bigger Dining Room Table

What I Know at 30

November 2, 2015November 30, 2015Leave a comment

I think it’s funny when people ask other people, “Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years?” We can all answer that question as honestly as possible, but who REALLY lives up to that answer. Things just happen and things come up that we can’t control…and your “plan” changes quickly.

When I graduated high school, I saw my very own dance school in my future. What I didn’t know was that I would be reliving my ballerina dreams through two tiny little dancers of my own.

When I was in college, I saw little students and my very own classroom in my future. What I didn’t know was life takes you on turns you never thought you would see… and that I would end up in a chemical plant! I thank God everyday for that plan he had stored in his back pocket.

As our relationship grew in high school, I knew I would always see myself with Seth. What I didn’t know was that love grows beyond what you can imagine. Just when you think you can’t love someone more…your heart just makes extra room for that special person. I love him way more than I did in high school, and I’m sure I’ll love him even more than I do today. It’s funny how that works.

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What I did know ever since I was a little girl, is that I wanted to be a mommy. What I didn’t know is that I would have three of the most amazing little children who could make every dream I have ever had come true. They literally put a smile on my face every single day. I know my entire purpose in life is to be their mom, and I am so grateful for that opportunity. They are my greatest success.

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So maybe I’m not where I thought I would be at 30…but I can say that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else :)

Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet – 2015

November 2, 2015November 2, 2015Leave a comment

My kids are pretty easy going and let me dress them in whatever I want, so when I suggested that they dress as the Three Little Pigs for Halloween they were super excited. I put together different clothing pieces for the girls…bought pig ears, nose, & tail and VOILA! They were the cutest little piggies I had ever seen!

Easton was a little more tricky since he’s so small. No headpieces or nose would fit on his tiny head, so Mom had to get a little clever. I figured he was about the size of a small dog, so I ordered a pig costume for a dog…it fit perfectly! I’m sure I’ll get fussed for that when he’s older, but it was cute nonetheless. To put the finishing touches, I found this piggy pacifier at a costume shop that I just HAD to get!

Our neighborhood surely has grown in the past year! We’ve added SIX kiddos to the mix this year. I love seeing the excitement in their faces at these ages!

The kids couldn’t wait for the annual “hay” ride to trick-or-treat. Pappy pulls everyone with his tractor, and the kids stop at the different houses and get their goodies. (Easton and Dad stayed behind since it was a little too windy)

Can you tell my kids love to pose?

Afterwards, we walked in to see a team building exercise I had to photograph. Brother-in-law holds baby bottle so Dad can take a sip of beer…terrible!!

They collected way too much candy, but had a blast again this year. We ended the night with another photo shoot with my other model. They act like they get their picture taken a lot :/