Our weekend

Here's how we spent our weekend. 

Reading

Snuggling with this sweet face

Saturday evening was the coolest it has been in weeks.  We actually managed to get outside. 

Since it wasn't over 100 degrees I could finally do some of my spray painting that has been waiting on me















We also had some firsts.  Kate learned to drive

And Hayden learned to run the weed eater (Jerry believes they are never too young!)

We did NOT however do fence repair (one more thing to add to the list of things to do) Good thing Luke has no desire to run away

Bathroom

This was the weekend.  The weekend I knew needed to happen, but I was procrastinating (I am good at that!)  Kate has shown numerous signs of being ready to potty train since she turned 2 but we kept putting it off.  For whatever reason, Saturday morning I decided I was ready.  We started out with a couple of accidents but by lunch time she was getting the hang of it.  I forgot how potty training is a full time job at the beginning.  I spent way more time in the kids' bathroom these last two days than I have in the whole 5 years we have lived here.  Bad part of that is I have decided we have to redo that bathroom.  Those walls are hideous color, not sure what we were thinking.  So while I sat in there with Kate, I started putting together my redecorating ideas!

The potty train has went really really well.  Worst part was Saturday I ran out of the candy I was giving her and had to start giving hershey kisses.  She had a dozen hershey kisses in one day!  I had to get to the store Sunday because I was afraid she would gain 10 lbs if we kept up with the hershey kisses.  Her potty training has been kinda a family affair.  The boys have been so helpful with taking her potty for me especially if I was busy feeding Peyton.  At one point tonight I walked past the bathroom to see Hayden and Jack both in there talking to her while she went. 

So there is no turning back now.  We have committed to potty training and she is excited.   The last two nights she has screamed when I went to put a diaper on her and says she wants panties.  This is a good sign.  And no matter how much I dread the road trips or the mad dashes in Walmart to the bathroom I am excited.  Excited to only be buying diapers for one child.  Excited that Kate decided she was ready before the age of 4 unlike the boys.  (ok so they weren't 4 but it sure seemed like it!)

4 months

It is hard to believe my baby girl is 4 months old.  Peyton, you are such a good baby.  You smile and babble all the time.  You have beautiful blue eyes just like your sister.  Strangers always comment on how pretty your eyes are and how happy you are.  Peyton, I am so in love with you.  Time is going way too quickly baby girl.  I don't get near enough time to just snuggle you and enjoy every last moment. 

She wasn't too into having her picture taken at first.  Of course I guess that's what I get for trying to take her picture when it was feeding time!

We tried after eating and ready for bed and she was much happier.



















It's rather tough to get a picture of her

She will never question how much she was loved when she sees pictures and video of herself when she was a baby.  They just can't help themselves.  They are constantly kissing on her, talking to her, picking her up (luckily just the boys but this is still scary!) and in her face.

Mohawks

I have always been very clear that I want my boys to be clean cut boys.  I don't like their hair to get long and I like them to dress nice.  Well over the last almost 7 years I have learned to let go (a little!) I have learned boys aren't always going to dress in nice clothes and when they do they probably are going to complain.  Boys don't care if their clothes are clean or if they match. 

So when Hayden approached me with the idea of a green mohawk my automatic response was "no!" Well he then did what most any kid would do and went and asked his Dad.  Jerry then somehow convinced me it would be ok.  I decided that a crazy haircut like this isn't something you just give away- he would have to earn it.  So I made him a deal that at his next baseball game if he hit it into the outfield he could have a mohawk.  Jackson then caught onto the idea and wanted the same deal made with him.  So I agreed.  Zach then heard Hayden was getting a mohawk and he decided he wanted one.  Now let's just say it took A LOT more convincing to get Sarah to agree.  She even made Zach hit 3 balls into the outfield (secretly hoping he wouldn't do it!)  He did.  Hayden and Jack both their goals as well.  So it was now haircut time.  Jackson went first and loved his.  He was so super excited to show off his mohawk.  When we washed his hair that night he kept feeling it and asking if it was still there.  I am pretty sure he was afraid it was going to wash away. Hayden then had a change of heart and chickened out.  No mohawk for him.

Since two of the four boys cousins had Mohawks for the 4th of July we felt it was a great time to convince Westy to get one too.  It didn't take much convincing.

Hayden still didn't give into the peer pressure.  The kid who started the whole idea of a Mohawk was the only one without one!

I am pleased to report Jack's hair grew out really quickly.  We cut it up once for him but now have told him we need to grow it back like normal for his first day of kindergarten.  I would hate to send him to meet his teacher with a crazy spiked up mohawk- she may definately get a wrong first impression of my sweet little boy.

4th of July (2 weeks later)

We spent 4th of July in Abilene for the first time in several years.  It was a very short trip but we had so much fun.  We started the day really early so we could be down there for the events in the park that morning.  The boys both did the pedal pull.  This was their first time to ever do it.  They both did great.  Jackson took 2nd place in his age group.  He was especially excited about his trophy.

After that we headed over to enter these two beauties in the baby contest

These two are such great buddies


Neither one cared too much for the pageant scene and didn't show any personality to the judges and so they both went home with only their flags (although I am pretty sure the flags were the best part to these two!)  They were definately the two cutest ones there but oh well!  The kids ate some popsicles, watched some sand volleyball, and had a waterballoon toss which actually turned into a waterballoon fight by the end. We then headed back to Annie's for the day to bbq and just hang out.  It was such an enjoyable time.  The kids had so much fun with their cousins.  They played so hard in the heat all day.  That night we went back into town for the fireworks show.















There was lots of screaming, clapping and cheering for the fireworks

This is how the girls took in the fireworks

It was a perfect day.  I am so lucky to be able to spend my birthday with the people I love most.

Sign

Kate has started to drive her brothers crazy at times.  She loves to be with them and is constantly taking their stuff.  She has put their underwear in the toilet, their toys in the trash, and always is hiding their stuff and they can't find it.  This weekend they had enough.  They made this sign for their door.

Dad Mom Jackson Hayden Cousins Luke
Bottom one: No Kate

Poor Kate.  Good thing was she didn't seem to mind.

When the boys caught her coloring on their sign they said "Kate, didn't you read the sign!"

It's hot

It is hot. Very. very. hot.  We have been in a heat advisory for several days and it is in effect until next weekend.  It's so hot Kate hasn't wanted to wear clothes this weekend. 

As you can tell that potty training thing is still a work in process.  The other day I came home from work and she was on her 4th pair of panties, had pooped on the bathroom floor and peed on the couch.  Unfortunately, no one warned me about the couch until I had sat in it!  Nice. Reason #101 we are not going to replace our ugly warn out furniture. 

Book

I had heard lots of fabulous reviews on this book and was anxious to read it for myself.  I borrowed the book to read when Kate was in the hospital, but since that didn't happen I was able to read the book in a lot less stressful situation. 

It will be 10 years this September since I lost my mom to her battle with cancer.  A day doesn't go by that I don't think about her and wish she was here.  As a believer, I have been taught many things about heaven.  I often think of what it will be like to see my mom again.  What will she look like?  Will I recognize her?  Will she recognize me?  This book is a glimpse into the beauty that awaits each believer.  And that makes me excited.  It is a great reminder to lay up your treasure in heaven.  All things of this world are fleeting. 

I would highly recommend this book.  It is such an easy read and I promise you won't be able to put it down.  Go here and purchase your copy today for less than $10. 

Makeup

Kate is obsessed with makeup.  She loves to watch me put on make up and then imitate me.  I have given her an empty Mary Kay compact with a sponge that she carries in her purse (cause every 2 year old needs to carry their make up right?!)  The other day I walked out and saw this.

Kate was letting Peyton look at her beautful self



She also has been known to get into my makeup unattended.  She did herself up with my eyeliner and lip liner the other day.

Day off

I was able to enjoy a day off work with my kids today.  We had a great day full of swimming, pizza with friends, lots of books, and a trip to the library.  We ended the day with the boys watching a movie with Dad and the girls and mom doing manis/pedis (Peyton even got her first pedi!)

No mani is complete without sunglasses

I heart summer

Birthday gifts

I had a fabulous birthday.  I am strange because no matter how old I get I love my birthday.  The last several years I have been able to spend my birthday with all my family and we always have so much fun.  I mean does it get better than food, homemade ice cream, fireworks and family.  I also still make a birthday wish list every year.  Jerry used to think it was very childish and maybe still does but he has come to accept it.  I like to wish big knowing I won't get everything on my list.  This year I got two giftcards which I absolutely love.  I mean who doesn't love to shop on someone else's money!  I also got these

I am super excited.  These sharpies have been on my list for two years now.  This cookbook is my new obsession- crockpot cooking.  I have become hooked on this blog and she has two cookbooks out that I wanted.  I don't know what it is, but I still really like my good old fashioned cookbooks.  I will find recipes online but I much prefer to have a cookbook or recipe card instead.  And finally I got this

I have been dreaming of a sewing basket for several months.  I was still using the plastic pencil box that my Grandma Sims put together for me when I was leaving for college complete with needles, thread and scissors.  I have had it for 15 years now and have added to it but it was time for something bigger.  Over the past year I have started sewing again and really enjoy it.  Now with this colorful sewing basket I will enjoy it even more!

33 things

I thought this was a great idea so I had to copy Amy.  33 things for my 33rd birthday (a day late cuz who has time to post on their birthday!)

1.  Jerry- we met when I was a freshman in college.  He was a manager at Long John Silvers and I was a cashier.  We were friends for 3 years and didn't start dating until my senior year of college.  I can't believe how God has changed him since I first met him.  He is such an amazing father and husband. 

2.  Hayden- You made our dreams of parenting come true.  I know there will be so many firsts with you being the oldest and I apologize now for our mistakes.  I know being the oldest isn't always fun but you are such a great big brother (most of the time!) I love watching you grow and learn new things.  You have such a passion for sports and such a tender heart.  I love you so much Bubba.

3.  Jackson- You make me smile and pull my hair out all in the same moment.  You are so stubborn and yet have such a caring heart.  I love to watch you take care of your little sisters.  I love watching your imagination at work whether it be playing with your action figures or doing artwork.  I love you wacky!

4.  Katelyn- You made my dreams of having a daughter come true.  You have a smile that lights up a room and your eyes can melt a heart.  I love to hear you giggle with your brothers.  You definately think they are the best.  You are such a good big sister, always ready to help out with your "be-be" You have brought us so many worries over your short little life, but have always increased our faith.  I can't imagine my life without you baby girl.  I love you!

5. Peyton- You complete our family.  I had dreamed of having two boys then two girls and God blessed us with exactly that.  You are so loved sweet baby.  You will never know how many kisses you get each day from your sister.  You are such a good baby.  I love your sweet smiles and all your baby talk.  Your eyes melt my heart.  I love you sweet girl.

6. I still miss Abilene after being gone for 15 years.  So many things I don't miss, but yet so many other things I do.  I feel our home is in KC and don't see us moving us back much to my kids' dismay.

7.  My favorite color is pink.   I especially love bright pink.  I have passed my love of pink onto Kate:)

8.  I love to organize, even though my house may not always look it.  I love containers of any size- baskets, buckets, tubs or jars!  They all make me very happy.  I have also recently fell in love with the label maker (compliments of my friend Leigh) This thing is fabulous!

9.  I collect serving dishes.  This is a collection my husband hates because it takes up quite a bit of cabinet space in the kitchen.  I love serving pieces of all sizes and shapes.  Now I just need to entertain more to use them all.

10.  I hate to wash dishes.  It is the worst chore ever.  Jerry does most of the dishes in the house because I will let them set.  I will find a toilet to scrub before washing a sink of dishes.

11.  I have a huge fear of public speaking.  I hate talking in front of people although I love to talk!

12.  I get to start working from home 4 days a week later this month.  I am SO excited.  I have a 45 min drive one way to work so this is going to be huge for me.  What will I do with my extra time in the morning.....exercise, quiet time, sleep- the possibilities are endless. 

13.  I have a fear of heights.  I can't even sit up in the nose bleed section at the Chiefs game without feeling like I am falling.

14.  Fall is my favorite season.  I love all the colors and cool weather. 

15.  I love to watch football.  Jerry and I watch football every Sunday together.  We have been to 3 Chiefs games together and I loved it.  I look forward to Sunday afternoons during football season.

16.  I love to read and want to do more of it.  I haven't read a novel in years however I love to read inspirational or self-help books.  The most recent book I read was "Heaven is for Real" (more to come on this soon)

17.  Jerry and I lead a small group at church.  I never imagined us leading a group and am amazed at how God works.

18.  I love to sing but don't sing that well.  I would love to sing in our praise band at church but thankfully for everyone else I won't even try out!  So instead I will just stick to my own praise band in the privacy of my car.

19.  I have two fabulous sisters.  I love having sisters and when I had Kate I told Jerry I had to have another girl because she needed a sister.  I can't imagine life without them. 

20.  I knew all four of my grandparents.  I was fortunate enough to live next door to my Grandpa & Grandma Sims growing up and have so many fond memories of them. 

21.  I love lists.  I love to make lists and especially like to cross things off my list.  I sometimes will add something to my list that I already did just so I can cross it off. 

22.  I was in a serious car accident 6 weeks before our wedding totaling out my brand new car.  Ever since then I am very cautious (paranoid as Jerry would say) on the road.  Heavy traffic can cause me severe anxiety.

23.  I had pregnancy complications with Kate.  I was told at 8 weeks I had lost the baby on a Friday.  I went all weekend grieving and on Monday got a call from the dr office asking me to come back in because my tests had come back and the numbers were too high.  I went in and they did another sono and advised I still had a baby.  They never were sure exactly what happened.  They speculated that I may have been carrying twins and lost one.  Kate truly is our miracle baby.

24.  I love chocolate.  I can never have too much chocolate.

25.  My favorite drink is Diet Dr. Pepper.  I cut out all caffiene when I was pregnant and vowed not to go back.  But that didn't last.

26.  My favorite piece of jewelry besides my wedding ring is my necklace with all my kids' names on it.  I wear it all the time.

27.  I am really looking forward to not having to dress up every day for work anymore.  I can see additional lounge clothes being added to my wardrobe. 

28.  I am officially old.  I have decided comfort over style in the shoe department.  I know this makes me officially old and I am ok with that.  Besides why would a 6'0 tall woman who is married to a 5'8 guy want to wear 3 inch heels???

29.  My favorite places to shop are Target, Kohls, Michaels and Hobby Lobby.  I can walk into any of those stores and ALWAYS find something (this isn't a good thing!)

30.  I love to talk.  I can spend hours talking on the phone, especially to my sisters.  I wish I knew how many hours of my life has been spent on the phone.  I can tell you it has been a lot.  Kate has several phones of her own and constantly walks around with one up to ear jabbering away. 

31.  I love Starbuck Carmel Machhiotto.  But since I can't afford that unless it's a special treat I just stick with flavored creamers.  I love coffee, especially in the winter.

32.  I didn't own a dog until I was 30 years old.  My mom was very against pets because they were too messy for her, although she did let me have a fish.  But the tank got too dirty so she cleaned it with bleach.  My poor fish didn't survive that. 

33.  I love a good bargain.  Nothing makes me more happy than to get a good deal on something.  I love to clip coupons.  I am the person you hate to get behind at Walmart.  I will price match and use coupons!  I am constantly getting free stuff with my coupons.  The best ones are the items that they pay me to take.  I have quite a system down.  On more than one occasion I have used so many coupons at Walmart that they have to call a manager for approval.