Happy September/October/November!

Wow! I cannot believe its November already...where did September and October go? I really have been slacking on my blogging skills lately (at least, for my own that is). So without further ado...here are some pics/memories/etc. to keep everyone up to date.

In August/September, Destin started preschool. And she absolutely LOVES it!! If she had a choice, she would go everyday if she could. I can already tell that she is going to love school as much as I do! She has made so many new friends, and I just love seeing her light up when she tells me about her day.

Since starting school, she has had class visitors (from the local firefighters, and a dentist), gone a field trip (nature walk) and celebrated Halloween with a very fun party! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my sweet girl. She is so incredibly smart, and beyond her 3 years that is amazes me everyday. 

About the same time (as Destin starting school), Arwen and I began to have more one on one time, and began our big adventure into potty training. As of now, we are about 80% done. She still has an accident or two each day, but can go for a few days with none at all. We are working on her "using her words" to ask for help and tell someone that she has to go. She does really well communicating with us, otherwise, so I think its just something we have to work on. Right now, its (potty time) more of a game for her - and at times, catching her at the perfect moment. Overall though, I am super proud of her...and can say that is wearing undies FULL TIME during the day now. 

Another adventure (sadly), that Arwen has decided to take...NO NAPS! I knew it was coming, and I actually got very lucky with her, since big sister stopped napping at 18 months (when Arwen was born). So at 2.5 years old, she is done with napping - even though, she REALLY NEEDS them. Its kind of a hit or miss thing for her. 

Other news...

Some other happenings that took place over the past few months, included Patrick working nights for about 3 weeks. That was quite the adjustment! He would from 3 PM to 4 AM, and attempt to sleep during the day. I am so glad that is was only a few weeks.

Now, Patrick is back to work during days (YAY!) and our schedule is not as hectic. Most days we stay home, play, clean (UGH!), and schedule playdates with friends.

The girls and I started going to church in September, as I mentioned in my last post (months ago). And so far, I really enjoy it. I am learning about myself spiritually, and hoping to make new friends over time. We have attended about four events thru the church since joining (Back 2 School night, 2 Family Fun Nights, and the Trunk or Treat night). Over the next couple weeks, I hope to join a small group and would like for the girls to start attending Sunday school.

Halloween was SO much fun this year...and I have lots of great pics to share (which I will in my next post). 

Right now, we are currently counting down the days til we visit Grandpa Todd and Grandma Julie in Florida at Thanksgiving. We cannot wait! The girls are so excited about going to the beach, and flying on an airplane for the first time. And I am really looking forward to taking Destin to Destin, Florida (where she is named after - where Patrick and I got married). 

I have really missed seeing my step mom...its been over a year since we last saw her in Colorado. And I know the girls have really missed seeing her too! After a year (being diagnosed with breast cancer) and dealing with treatments, chemo, radiation, and all the horrible crap you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy...I am so thankful to say, that she is now...CANCER FREE! Yay!

I cannot wait to get more great pics of my girls with them again! Until next time, have a wonderful day everyone! Be sure to get out and VOTE today!! And look for more posts to come!!

Easter 2012

On Friday, Patrick and I went to the movies for the first time in almost 3 years. And we even got our good friends, Stephen & Holly to go with us! We ate at 54th Street (with coupons - of course!) and went to the movies with my FREE movie passes from YouNeverLose.com. I cannot wait to have another double date in the future! It was so much fun!

The Easter Bunny came to our house this on Sunday...and left scooters, helmets and tons of eggs/candy!

Baby on the run!! She would not pose for me!

We spent the day with Patrick's family on Easter Sunday, and enjoyed the beautiful weather...I hope you had a wonderful blessed holiday! I am so thankful for having such a wonderful husband, two gorgeous daughters, and a family that anyone would ask for (more family pics to come...).

Its the little things...

Its the little things in life I appreciate...like staying under budget at the grocery store, and having both my girls behave when we go places. Last week I had one of those moments...and this week - well, not so much. 


There is no consistency when it comes to children...at least with mine that is. At times they can be very well behaved, listen, help and offer love for one another. Then at other times they can be honory, mean, and beyond fun.

Needless to say, we have a lot of pouting, and sad moments that I wish would go away, rather than reoccur daily. I wonder how many other families go through this? Stressful days, misbehaving children, tears, sweat and whatever else. 


I am sure there are more than I can imagine. 


Yay for Spring! We got to spend another fun week with family on Spring break. We rarely go anywhere without "help" so this was quite a treat!

Last week, we had quite a few fun adventures...we went to Crown Center with my mom, and little brother (see pics above). We got to check out the FREE exhibit, watch fudge being made, and eat lunch at Fritz's (where they serve your lunch/dinner with a train).

Then we went to Chuck E. Cheese. And then finally to the Zoo on a rainy Friday. 

You gotta love Spring Break! And any time spent with Grandma Melanie and Uncle Joe is so much fun! 


The following weekend we attended a birthday party for Patrick's cousin's little girl ~ Gentry who turned One.

Aren't these matching dresses adorable? We just got them that morning in a package from Great Grandma Reta. 

Happy 1st Birthday Gentry! Isn't she gorgeous?

G is for Gentry!

Then the following day, Patrick's mom and step-dad came for a visit. 

Can you believe Easter is already here??

This past weekend, we went to our first Easter egg hunt (which was the first one for our city that we live in). It was CRAZY packed, and definitely needed a little more organization. But we still had fun despite the large crowd. 


Oh - and Pat started Softball season again from now until Fall. 

We also started working on some front yard work - pulling weeds, planting flowers, putting rock down, etc. It looks pretty good, but I would NEVER take up gardening as a hobby. It is hard work and incredibly HOT.


I still can't get over our 85 degree weather we are having in March/April. We finally caved in a couple days ago and turned on the A/C. The attic fan just wasn't cutting it...so we will see what happens between now and actual "summer". All our fall/winter clothes are put up - and Spring/Summer clothes are in full swing!


Until next time, I hope everyone has a wonderful week and Easter weekend ahead of them!!!

Is summer here already?

This week our local school district was on Spring break, which meant that we got to have a few play dates with our best friends ~ Holly, Karly & Kynly. On Monday, we all went to Paradise Park for under $5 - which was incredible...thanks to Holly's BOGO FREE coupon & Moms' get in Free day (every Monday, by the way!). 

Then on Tuesday, we all went to the Zoo, with my Friends of the Zoo pass that our family buys every year. It only costs us $75 for a family of four to go year round, including train, tram and carousel. ALL of us got in for FREE...and were pooped after only visiting "Africa" with a big group of friends. I think there was a total of six adults, and seven children.

Later on this week, we played outside and even got the water table out (see pics below). It has been 80 degree weather, so we figured...why not? The girls' absolutely love to get wet, splash, and being outside in general. 

On Friday, Patrick got off work early, so we took the girls to get some flowers to plant out front, and to visit the baby chicks at Tractor Supply company. They loved it!

On Saturday, Patrick and I spent the day together - just the two of us - while my mom watched the girls. We went summer clothes shopping, and got some great deals at Old Navy! We even got them some adorable flip flops at Walmart for $2.30? each (see pic below). I can't believe how fast their feet grow! Arwen is wearing a size 5/6 (and may need a 7 soon), and Destin is wearing a 7/8 (but will need a 9 soon). They are 17.5 months apart, but so close in sizes...I think that may be because Arwen is bigger than Destin as this age. 

Then after some shopping, Patrick and I enjoyed a nice lunch together at On the Border. Yum! It was nice to spend some "us" time away from the girls, and enjoy each others company. When the girls were younger, we hardly ever did this...but since they are older now, I don't worry about them as much. I am hoping that Patrick and I can do more things like this in the future...maybe even take a trip somewhere someday - when the money is available. 

I think we may plan another "day date" for Easter shopping in the next couple weeks...

For the past couple weeks, Patrick and the girls have been battling a cold/cough/fever/getting sick...it definitely is NOT fun. Long sleepless nights, and germs that just won't go away..I am wondering if I may need to call the Dr soon and see what else I need to do. My allergies have been up and down with the craziness of the weather...and I am wondering if that may be why this cough/cold combination won't go away for everyone else. I will just keep hoping that it goes away soon...being sick is not fun or healthy for anyone. 

On Sunday, Patrick went to the shooting range to try out his new gun that he bought a couple months ago. And the girls and I went to Kohl's to get Destin some new nightgowns. I cannot believe she has never had any up to this point, so we got some good sales and used a coupon or two and had a girls adventure. 

Then we came home and added some toppings to a frozen cheese pizza that we shared for lunch...aren't these pics adorable?

I hope everyone had a wonderful week, and a super weekend! Next week, we are going to spend some more "Spring break" time with Gma Melanie (my mom).