Happy Father's Day 2012

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing Daddy!!  He is such a wonderful father to our girls.  Corey works so hard to provide for us and to make it possible for me to stay home with Audrey and Addison.  No matter how many long hours he has put in, he still has time for piggy back rides, tickles, reading and snuggles with his girls.

It is so apparent that these two girls absolutely adore their daddy. 

I'm so thankful to have him as my partner in raising these two beautiful children.  They are so blessed to have such a wonderful father.  Happy Father's Day, Corey.  We love you!

Wet and Wonderful Weekend

We spent last weekend at my mom and dad's house (aka Grammy and Grandaddy).  Although we endured rain most of the weekend, we still managed to pack in lots of fun.

While there was a brief break in the rain, we jumped on the golf cart (aka Grammy-wagon) and rode around the farm to look at the cows.  Audrey and Addison LOVE seeing the cows each time we visit. 

They think they are so big climbing on the gates.  I can remember that being something that I loved to do as a little girl, too.

When it was raining, my munchkins were dancing and playing in the rain or taking a walk under their Veggietales umbrella.

The rain showers didn't stop us from enjoying some sweet, juicy watermelon on the very warm days.

We took advantage of the carport and played with bubbles in it.  All of us ended up COVERED in bubble solution.  Baths were a necessity for everyone after this!

When we weren't doing these fun activities, we were visiting Nana at the nursing home or enjoying some good food.  Even though it poured rain the whole time, we still had a wonderful time making memories with our family.

Potty Training: Day 1

Well, I wasn't "officially" planning on starting potty training today, but it just sort of happened.  We were going to be home all day, so I thought putting Addison in big girl panties and giving it a trial run was a good idea.  It went much better than I expected. She only had one accident all day long.

So cute in her little "big girl" panties.

I'm not a mommy that stresses over my kiddo having to be potty trained within a certain time frame. (Well, ok, I will be if she still hasn't got it down pat by kindergarten- Haha).  I encourage it, but they aren't pressured or disciplined because they don't master it "quickly".  So, while we were hanging out and playing at the house, I would just set a timer for every 25 minutes or so.  When the timer went off, Addison knew it was time to potty and she would run to the bathroom and try. 

Her reward was an M&M each time she used the potty.  Grandaddy just gave her a super-cool M&M dispenser this past weekend.  I think it really encouraged her to potty because she thought it was great making her candy come out on her own.

Audrey was a super helper when Addison had to potty, so she would get an M&M, too, for all of her help.  Her assistance made it much easier for mommy :)

Mommy Confession #217

Usually I post about the fun, happy, beautiful things going on in our lives. And it is so easy to make things seem just honky-dory around here.  But in all honesty, I'm a mommy to a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, a work-at-home mom who's husband works a lot...so IT AIN'T EASY!  All that said, here is my confession:

** I really don't want Addison to give up the paci!!!** There, I said it! Why, you ask?? Well, for several reasons...

1) It is just so easy to give it to her when she's whining.  She LOVES that thing.  And when there is drama, fussing, fighting, and crying between the siblings (like there has been of most of the time lately) it just makes me not go insane quite as quickly when I can plug her up with the paa-paa!

2) When she has the paci in her mouth, I know what is in her mouth.  This kid puts EVERYTHING in her mouth!! And I do mean- EVERYTHING!! If the paci isn't in her mouth, then the old cereal off the floor, the bouncy ball, the little Lego, the bug, her shoe, a crayon, paper, a blanket...(I could go on and on) is in her mouth. YUCK!!!

3) I'm the one who has to put up with the screaming and crying when she can't have her paci.  As previously mentioned...Corey is at work a lot, so the time he has to endure the screaming and crying is very limited.  I'm not sure my ears, brain and nerves can handle it. (And poor Audrey will have to suffer too!) All these other folks that keep on about how she "MUST get rid of the paci now" isn't exactly volunteering to take care of her during the breaking process!

4) She's my last baby. Sorry excuse, I know.  But if I am being honest, then I must include this.  She looks so darn cute with the paci. (We do limit her use of it, by the way, to nap/bed time for the most part). And once the paci is gone, then it is one more thing that proves my baby isn't a baby anymore. :( (sniff, sniff)

So, there you have it.  My confession.  However, there is a plan in place to take away the paci for good once Corey comes back from his fishing trip. Because I'm not suffering through it alone. Haha!  So say a prayer that the detachment comes easy.  I'm sure I will post about the Operation: Goodbye Paci soon.

Heroes

A few weeks ago Audrey, Addison and I had the pleasure of attending a fire department awards ceremony where Corey was honored and received a Unit Commendation award.  It was for a rescue that was performed last year, April 27, 2011, the day of the horrific tornadoes.

In true selfless, hero fashion, Corey couldn't see why in the world he was getting this award.  Because in his words he was "just doing his job".  Well, certainly he was doing his job, but most people I know wouldn't voluntarily risk their lives on a daily basis to save another. 

I'm not just saying this because my husband in a firefighter, but I think that our firefighters, police officers, and military should be recognized, awarded and commended much more than they receive now.  However, if one was to ask them, I'm sure their response would be that similar to the one Corey gave- "I was just doing my job". 

I'm very proud of my husband and his fellow firefighters who don't think twice about taking the risk to help another person.

Congratulations, Corey! Your award is well deserved! I'm so proud of you!

This is Patrick one of Corey's co-workers and good friend. (and partner-in-crime, if truth be told!)

The girls were, as always, so proud of their daddy.  They were thrilled to get to see him receive such an honor. 

Audrey's 1st Dance Recital

Recently, Audrey had her first dance recital.  She had such fun this year in her Pre-combo class which was an hour long class where they covered ballet, tap and some tumbling during the class.  Her teachers, Miss Molly Brooke and Miss Mallory, were fabulous.  Audrey learned alot during the year while having fun.  She would always come home and teach Addison the skills she had learned.

Although I danced for 14 years of my life, it was so much different being on this side of the recital responsibilities.  I don't know who was more nervous- me or Audrey.  I was so worried that I wouldn't have all the costume pieces in the right places the right way at the right time.  Thankfully, it all turned out okay.

Audrey with her curlers the night before recital. 

The recital was held May 12 at 1:00pm at the Bama Theater.  The theme was Mary Poppins.  The backdrops and costumes were beautiful.

Audrey's tap dance was to the song "Step In Time".  Such a cute routine and I thought the red and white costumes were adorable.

Her ballet dance was the "Fancy Ladies and Ladies with Parasols".  Audrey was a Lady with Parasol. 

Audrey had lots of "cheerleaders" to come watch her dance.

This is Miss Molly Brooke- Audrey's teacher.  She was a wonderful teacher.  Very talented, so kind and patient.

Audrey with her daddy

Audrey with Ms. Marianne and Papa Kenny

Audrey and Grandaddy

Uncle Keith and Audrey

Grammy and Audrey

Audrey and Mommy

Sweet Audrey-Girl and her beautiful flowers.  She got lots of roses for her beautiful performance.

We are so proud of our little dancer.

Audrey's 5th Birthday Party

We had Audrey's 5th birthday party at a gymnastics center in town.  This was the first time in several years that her party wasn't postponed due to bad weather. 

She wanted Little Mermaid (Ariel) theme party.  That particular theme wasn't easy to find in the party supplies.  But after months of looking we finally found items at various locations. 




Audrey getting ready to blow out her #5 birthday candle.

Several of her friends came to celebrate with her.  They all seemed to have such a fun time.

There were lots of activities for them to participate in.  Addison loved doing what the "big kids" did.

After about an hour of playtime, it was time for yummy cupcakes and snacks.

Mommy and Daddy with the birthday girl.

This was a group photo of most of the children that attended the party.  I just love the looks they all have on their faces.  Such a silly bunch of kids!

It was a wonderful day! 

As soon as we finished up with her party, I loaded Audrey up and headed to her friend's birthday party.  We were partying all day :)