Clayton Tree Lighting

Last Thursday Emma had a performance with the chorus. I had to get her to a certain drop off location and then to where the performance was all on foot!! I was a little nervous about doing it all by myself and making sure that Emma got to where she was suppose to be, and then the rest of us where we were suppose to be. Usually Todd drops me and Emma off and then goes and parks and we meet him and Leah at the performance area. There was no tag teaming this time. I did make it, and was glad of it. However I couldn't see a thing.

On a side note: Todd is the best Dad ever! He actually set his alarm so that he could wake up and skype in for the performace. I stood at the back and held my phone up in the air so he could see. It worked out great for him. I missed the whole thing. I could hear everything but could see nothing!! He enjoyed it so that is what matters!!

Here is a shot of us bundled up!!

Here is a shot of Emma. Freezing. They arn't allowed to wear their coats until after the performance. ERRR!!

EIEIO

Here is a cute video of Sara Beth. She loves the song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." When she starts hearing the music she always starts singing "EIEIO." Too Cute!!

And just because I can't stand how cute this is... I will throw it in here too!! Emma has been begging me to paint Sara Beth's toe nails. I finally caved in and agreed. Yes, it is cute, however, she grabbed the brush faster than I could blink! We had polish all over her pj's my pj's, her hands, legs, my hands and legs, and lets not forget what landed on the carpet!! Then I looked at Emma and said this is why we don't paint her toe nails just yet!! I do think it is the cutest thing I have seen in a while. Those sweet feet running around her. Man, I can't take it sometimes!!

Christmas Recital 2011

From where I was sitting, I didn't have the best shot. You will just have to listen. This was Leah's first recital. She played Mary Had A Little Lamb. I got really choked up, I had a hard time getting myself under control. Emma has been doing this for 3 years now. She playing a piece called It's A Snow Day. Hope those of you who couldn't make it will enjoy these videos.

Very first one to play for the recital, here is Leah(sideways again, sorry!):

I love Leah's bow at the end. Dramatic, just like Leah!!

And with a much harder piece, here is Emma (again, sorry!!):

I love how Emma gets into every note. Watch her head bob up and down!! Too cute.

Great job girls!! I am so proud of the two of you!! Keep up the good work!!

Turkey Trot 2011

I have been keeping a secret from Todd. I haven't told him that I have been training to run my first 5k. He knew that I had been exercising, but thought I was just walking. Well, I wasn't walking, I was running!! Today was the day that I have been waiting for. I am pretty excited that at beginning of October I could run about 3 minutes and was out of breath, and now I can run a 5k!!! We (Sally & I) have come along way in the last few weeks.

Here are a few shots from our Turkey Trot 2011!!

My new tee-shirt.

This was the most exciting part!! The finish line!!!

These cutie pies were waiting patiently for me on the other side!!

I know this sounds crazy, but I started getting emotional when I rounded the corner and could see the finish line. There were cute little girls cheer leading that were telling us we were awesome! I could see my girls at the other end of the finish line. I started getting choked up and then decided I better get it together. I had worked hard and didn't want to start crying and change my breathing pattern! I got it together and finished!!

Here is a picture of me, Kendra, & Sally.

My time was somewhere around 34. something. I don't think that is too bad for my first 5k. I will beat that time next go around. Yes, there will be a next time!!!

So there you go honey. That was what I was going to do today. Your guesses were all wrong!! It wasn't bird watching, it wasn't going on a hot air balloon, it wasn't white water rafting. It was running in my first 5k race!

Silly Sara Beth

A few mornings ago, Sara Beth woke up in a frisky mood. She was making one of her favorite new sounds. I was able to catch video of her new sound, babbling to the girls and her precious wave. It gets everyone, because it is so sweet. She is changing everyday. I love watching her do new things. She is really coming into her personality. Hope you enjoy.

Beauty...

I recently had the girls pictures taken at Joyner Park in Wake Forest. If you are in need of a great place, Joyner Park is it!! The scenery was perfect, with old farm buildings, cobblestone walls, nice trees, etc. I was wanting to get a few shots of Sara Beth for her 1 year photos and a few sibling shots. I couldn't be happier about how they turned out! If I might add, when you have kids as cute as mine, I guess it isn't hard to get great shots!!!!

P.S. Get ready Todd, these are going to break your heart!!!

Here is a link to a blog spot for the photographer if you want to see more photo shoots!

http://www.elizabethleconeyphotography.blogspot.com/

An Apple A Day!

You know what they say, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!"

Sara Beth got her hands on this pretty apple and started going to town on it. How did she even know what to do with it? I always peel and cut up her apples. I guess she just gave it a shot. I didn't have the heart to take it from her. She was really enjoying it!

She worked on it for quite a while. It was entertaining for her and yummy at the same time. Can't beat that! I want to reach out and kiss those sweet little hands!!

Random Sweetness

OK. So life around here has been VERY busy. What I mean is that I have never been this crazy busy before. I am down a set of hands. I have great kids and my older ones are a big help to me. For an example. Last night I was on the phone and look over to Emma folding a load of laundry. She is the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful child I know. I am aware she is my child, and that makes it even better. It is what it is and I can't help that! Leah is a big helper to, don't get me wrong. She is just a bit younger (3 years actually) so I can't depend on her as much. She is a ball of energy all the time and occasionally will do something to surprise me, like make me this wonderful picture that keeps me going. I have posted it on the refrigerator so that I look at it every single day and am reminded that even on my bad days, she still thinks I am a good mama.
Sorry I haven't been updating much lately. I have been busy being a mom! Apparently someone thinks I'm not half bad either!! Thank you Leah, I love you to pieces! I often wonder what on earth did I do to deserve these precious children. The answer is nothing. There is nothing on this earth that I could have done to deserve the wonderful children God has given me. I am so thankful for them each and everyday. They help get me through the rough patches in life.

Halloween 2011

Here is a few shots of the girls in their Halloween costumes. These pictures aren't great by any means. Sara Beth was not happy about her costume. I think she thought something was coming after her. We took the kids downtown for some trick or treating Monday afternoon. All the businesses down Main street were passing out candy. Sara Beth wouldn't fit in the stroller with her costume on so we just stuck it on the back of the stroller. We got a lot of comments about how cute all the kids were. Monday night it POURED down rain, was freezing cold and windy. After maybe 5-8 houses the group was begging to go home. So we did. I definitely wasn't trick or treating for me! I was happy to get home and warmed up!! Hope you all had better luck than us with your trick or treating!

My Jelly Fish

My Soldier (or the ARMY per Leah). Leah tickled me. She was saluting everyone (some people were saluting her too!). Her daddy would have been very proud!

My peacock

Here is one with our cousins (a viking and Harry Potter)

Happy Anniversary!

13 years and counting.....

I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else. I love you Hot Toddy.

Double Digits!!

That's right, Emma has hit the double digits. She is 10. I can hardly believe it. She actually said to me last night, "mom, you have been a mom for 10 years." Yes honey I have and it doesn't seem possible. She has brought nothing but joy into our lives...well with the exception of taking medication and being a very picky eater. I can let all of that go because you see, she has the best heart, is giving, patient, kind, thoughtful, sweet, caring, always tries to do the right thing, the list could go on and on. She has brought so much joy into so many people's lives, and we love her more that she will ever know. Happy 10th Birthday Emma. We love you to pieces!!!

P.S. I remember when I hit the double digits, and man did I think I was the stuff. Truth be told she thinks she is too. We call her large and in charge sometimes. She is no bigger than a minute, but she is the oldest, knows the rules, and expects them to be followed. Cracks us up sometimes.

Baby Levi

Our new nephew arrived yesterday morning! To say we are excited is an under statement. I was able to snap this picture while we were skypeing this morning. I can not wait to get my hands on this sweet little guy, but for now I will have to settle for seeing his sweet face on my computer screen. His full name is Levi Nicholas Soyars. He weighed in at 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. He decided to make his arrival on his own time table, overdue and breech. His parents are in love and they look so sweet with him. Mom, Dad, & Baby are doing great! Baby Levi has already been the biggest blessing to us, and he doesn't even know it. He came into this world while we were having a pretty rough day. He totally changed our moods! Thank you God for this beautiful blessing you sent our way. We love you guys so much and are so excited for this new season in your lives. God is so good, and here is proof:

Walking Feet!!

Something a little more uplifting than yesterday.

So excited around here, because little Miss Sara Beth is doing something BIG........

Sorry the video is sideways. Just turn your head to the side like i have to!!

Wordless Wednesday: Broken Hearts

We are so proud of Daddy and what he is willing to do for our country!

12 Months!

What!! Wait a minute. No one told my baby she could be one!! Where has the time gone? What a bitter sweet day. In some ways I find it sad that she is one already. In other ways I can wait to see what the next 12 months are going to bring. She is doing so many things all of the sudden. She has several signs that she uses. She is saying a few words. She is just about walking all alone. She is only holding on with one hand. She eats really well. She has 8 teeth. She has turned into a major daddy's girl in the last few weeks. Which is making daddy VERY proud. She loves to make us laugh. If she thinks we are laughing at her, man does she put on a show!

Her birthday treat was a cupcake all to herself. To say she enjoyed it would be an understatement. She LOVED it. At first she shuttered a bit while tasting the icing, but once she got past it, she ate the entire thing. Here are a few pics for you to enjoy.

Give me, give me. I know what to do when I am in this chair!!

Look how big she looks. Her legs are hanging off the chair. Kinda sad to me!

This is pretty good. Where have you been hiding this stuff?

Where is the rest of it? Do I get another?

She is with out a doubt the cutest, sweetest one year old around. Like the lady at Chick-fil-a said, "it is what it is... and you can't help that." That's right lady... you know what you are talking about!! I don't know if my heart can take it if she gets any cuter!!

Leah is 7!!

Just can't believe she is 7 already! She is just as spunky as the day she came into the world. She keeps us laughing all the time. She has a great heart, and is full of love. She is a big helper around here and at school. In fact the teacher told Todd and I on Friday that she wished some of the other kids in Leah's class would follow her lead and always strive to do their best. Speaking of Leah's class. Some of the kids in her class are so small and she is so tall that she looks like a giant compared to them!Here she is getting some Birthday wishes before school started. She would giggle each and every time the phone rang. She knew that the calls were for her. She loves all the attention!If you look closely at Leah's ears you will see one of her birthday wishes. She wished it until she got into the seat to have it done. Then she started crying and saying she would wait another year! We talked her through it and she is so excited now and feels so grown up! It was just fear of the unknown!

Leah we love you more than words can say and can't believe that another year has come and gone. We couldn't imagine how life would be with out you. You have learned so much this past year and we can't wait to see what this next year brings. Happy Birthday my silly girl!!!

More, More!!

O.K. All credit due here goes to Aunt Rachel. We were over at their house for dinner on Thursday night and Rachel was showing Sara Beth the sign for more. Before we left Sara Beth signed it once. Rachel was VERY excited. She showed Emma and Leah because she said if she had any hope of Sara Beth learning it, they would have to show her too! NO faith in me!! Then on Friday we were over again and she practiced with her again. Holding out on blueberries worked really well, because she did it a few more times. I will be honest. I did think "yeah right". Well she is signing it a lot now. Every time we have been in Rachel's presence she has tried to get Sara Beth to sign more. She has picked it up very quickly. I guess I am a believer :). Today while I was giving her some lunch, every time I put a bite in her mouth, she would do HER sign for more. I got so tickled. Food is something she doesn't play around with. If she thinks she will get more, she will do whatever it takes. Thanks Aunt Rachel for showing me some ways to communicate so I don't have to yell at mama all the time!! I guess we (Rachel) need to work on some more. She is just brilliant!! What can I say?

First Day of School 2011

Well, we had to set those alarms last night. Back to the daily routine. We started school this morning. The girls were so excited. They were ready and sitting on the couch waiting on time to leave this morning. If we could do that every morning we would be in great shape! Won't happen, I should go ahead and realize that I am going to be rushing and pushing them to finish breakfast, brush those teeth, do something with your hair, grab your lunch box and book bags!

I hope they have a great year. Emma is in 5th and Leah in 1st. Pretty crazy. When I was writing out their signs, Emma said "Mama, I can't believe Leah is going into 1st already." I was actually thinking that I couldn't believe she was going into 5th already. CRAZY!! Next year is middle school. I only have a year to get ready for it. Something tells me I won't ever be ready.