Lili Lost a Tooth!

Liliana came home last week so excited! She had a loose tooth! Every day I would get an update on how wiggly it was. She would show me her tongue skills and wiggle that little bugger back and forth, side to side. She loved that she had a loose tooth! I didn't try to convince her to pull it. I knew that the thought of forcing it out scared her and it would have to be her idea. She has treasured that loose tooth since the day she figured out it was loose! 

Can you tell which one it is??

We have talked about putting it under her pillow for the tooth fairy, but she has requested that she keep her first two teeth. She is sentimental like that, so I'm not surprised! 

Check out that gap! Too cute.

"Here, Mom, does this help??"

Road Trip and Circus Fun!!

Napping Lili

A couple weekends ago, the kids and I took off for Nana and Bapa's! You may think I am absolutely crazy for road tripping by myself with 3 children, but actually, it isn't all that bad. Cadence is a huge help in the van. She likes playing "mama" since I am busy driving. She helps Lili reach things, she soothes and entertains Drake, or she sits up front with me and keeps me company. I am always so impressed by the way she acts on a long car ride. Love that girl! I was also impressed with her ability to tell time, subtract time and figure out exactly what time it would be when we would arrive. If I told her, yes, we will stop for a potty break in a few minutes. She took that literally and would say- "So at 2:33, since a few is 2 or 3 minutes, we will stop?"
I noticed a pattern as we drove. The girls and Drake did great. They hung out in the back. Didn't fuss for a snack or drink. Watched the DVD player (must have, in my opinion). Giggled. Lili even napped (see picture)! But, it felt like Speed. There was a magic speed minimum in their heads and if I ever dropped below that, it triggered their enthusiasm..... "Are we there???! Where's Nana's?" Needless to say, they were excited to finally GET THERE! And get out of the car to tackle them with lovies. 

Cadee reading about salamanders

Every year, my sister gets us circus tickets through her work. It's a special thing for her to take the girls and I (and maybe Drakey next year) to the circus each spring. The girls look forward to it almost as much as Sares and I. Aunt Sares really spoils us at the circus. Treats, soda, a toy or two, and the girls each get to pick one thing to do at intermission (ride an elephant, a horse or a camel, jump in a bouncy house, hold a snake or have your face painted). This year, Cadee had her heart set on cotton candy annnnd.... Riding an elephant! We tried to get her to last year, but it was still scary then. She was brave and marched right up there and got on. Nevermind the fact that she held on for dear life the first couple laps! :) After that, she started to loosen up and actually lift her hand to wave at me. She thought it was pretty neat riding such a huge animal!

Liliana thought the clowns were fantastic. Of course she would, they have every color of the rainbow- and that's just on their head! As we walked around getting our treats, she wanted to stop and take a picture with each one. She chose to have her face painted. It was the least scary thing available. 

We had a great night with Aunt Sares! Some of our favorites were: Bo, the elephant. Always amazed at that. The girls that twirl on the ropes and scarf things, and later they twirl by their hair! We love the skit that the clown does where he winds up what appears to be a little stuffed elephant. It walks along and follows him and then falls over. In the end, the clown pulls a little dog out of the elephant costume. We laugh every time! And Lili was uber excited to see the man shoot out of the cannon! Thank you, Sares, for another memorable night. Looking forward to next year and seeing Drake's reaction to the sights, smells and sounds of the circus! 

Liliana Faith

My Liliana

My Liliana is sweet and kind.

She will rub your shoulders, 

She doesn't mind.

My Liliana has sass and flare.
She loves to dress up
And style hair.

My Liliana is beautiful and proud.
She sparkles and shines

In any crowd.

My Liliana loves to sing and dance.
Justin Bieber doesn't

Stand a chance.

My Liliana is funny and smart.

Her brain is as full

As her heart.

My Liliana, how I love her so.
It is amazing to
Watch her grow.

You have rocked my world since the moment you entered it. I cannot imagine life without your sweet smile and fierce lovies! 

Happy 6th birthday, sweet baby girl. I love you.

What DO You Do All Day?

Cadee was "Camper of the Week" this week. Which means she gets to share things about herself, she took an estimation jar to school (she chose cotton balls to stuff into hers and all of her classmates have to estimate how many are in there. At the end of the week, they will see who was the closest), she will read her favorite book to the class, share a letter written to her by a loved one, and bring treats on Friday! Today, I brought her Chick Fil A for lunch and got to sit down with her and two of her friends. Cadee picks good friends. Sweet, kind, respectful friends. Boy, girls, doesn't matter to her. She picks them based on their sense of humor and if they are nice, not naughty.
As we were sitting there having lunch, her friend, M, was chatting with me, Cadee and Drake. M looks at me and says- so what DO you do all day?
I was totally caught off guard! I felt a little defensive. But then I realized, it's just a 7 year old girl wondering what I do with my day since I don't work. See, her parents are divorced and both work outside the home. As I was thinking through my response, I felt a little bit of heartache for M. I wish she could know the routine and comfort of a stay at home mom, and of a family that is still together. I know that her parents do a great job at making her feel loved. I can tell. I also know that I grew up with a stay at home mom. And it was awesome. I didn't have a CLUE what she did while my sister and I were at school all day long. I figured she napped, did puzzles, watched TV, chatted with her friends...(boy, was I wrong!) I really didn't care! All I knew was that if I needed her at a school event, she was there. If I felt sick and the nurse had to call her, she was always there. If there was an early out, I didn't have to worry about where I would go. My mom was waiting for me at home. I know today that it is rare to have a stay at home mom. And I respect that not every family can make it work. I thank God everyday for letting me have my dream job!
To answer M's question, I smiled at her and said, "Well, it's pretty awesome. I get to hang out with Drake all day and come help at school." She grinned.
It has been 6 years since I have officially become a stay at home mom. I STILL struggle with validation. That I'm doing the right thing, that it's ok that I'm not bringing in any money, that I balance housework and my children well. I know, without a doubt, that this is where I'm supposed to be. (Plopped on the couch, blogging about my life...well, ok, not literally.) I love my life. I love that I can be the one to pick up my son when he cries or when he wakes up. I love that I change nearly every diaper. I love that when my children forget their backpacks after National Walk to School day, I can take them to them at school. I love that I can bring my big girl a special lunch and sit and chat with her and her friends. I love being there when Lili comes charging at me for the biggest hug of my life after school. I love being able to get things around the house done during the day so that I can soak up every second with my family at night. I have the sweetest life.

A Look at Our Weekend

This post is 2 weeks overdue. The girls were flower girls in a wedding 2 weekends ago. Not only is this a special thing as a little girl- to get all fancied up and be the center of attention for 2 minutes of walking down the aisle, and pretty much all night. But I think it was extra special for my girls, because they got to do it together. They did such a great job! We took plenty of pictures and some video to capture the night! The bride and groom were so good with the girls and welcomed any and all of their "feedback". You'll see what I mean in a bit...

The day went so well! And at the reception, Lili requested Baby by Justin Bieber. Not only did the DJ play it, but he also said this was a song from the flower girl, dedicated to the bride (who also has Bieber fever). And to top it all off, he came over in the middle of the song and put the mic to her and she belted it out for all to hear! It had to be in her top 3 moments of her day....week...LIFE! 

It started Friday night with some prep! Memaw (Hubby's mom) took us for some manis and pedis. (I guess the mom of the flower girls gets pampered a bit too!)

  

Saturday, the girls had hair appointments at noon. They did such a great job sitting still while the ladies worked on their thick, luscious locks! 

Then, it was off to the church to get dressed for the big day! These fluffy dresses were so pretty and my girls loved feeling like princesses in them!  

The girls with the Bride

When Lili wasn't in a picture, she was
sitting in the front row, helping
direct everyone else and giving
the photographer ideas. That's
my Lili.

Touching up the lip gloss

My little handsome man in his suit!

We were so fancy!
This was the only picture we got, and daddy
wasn't in it. We planned on taking a picture
all together at the reception, but Drake
had a blow out!

Drake in his suit!

We had a fun weekend. We were all dragging our booties last week. But it was well worth it to see my little girls have their day in the spotlight. (At least in their minds, they did.) Best wishes to the Bride and Groom! Thank you for letting us be part of your special day! 

Coolest Idea in the World

I am all about being sentimental. I love scrap books, family heirlooms and anything that makes a memory. I would absolutely love to be an awesome mom and have a big ol' scrapbook for each of my kids with memories from each day of their life. "This was your first trip to the zoo." "Introducing: Your baby sister/brother!" "You and your best friend at the football game." "You made it on the dance team!" "Graduation day!". However, let's be real. I do not have A- the time to devote to scrapbooking. I am not the most creative person, so it takes me awhile to create a page or two. And B- I don't have the space to work on a scrapbook without someone begging to help me (COUGH-Lili). And I certainly don't need another mess that needs to be cleaned up by me. 
I love this idea that a friend heard about and passed on to me. I started an email address for all of my children. And every so often, I will send them an email about what is going on in our lives. I am a fast typer. So this seemed like a no-brainer! It's a great way to tuck away those memories and to do it quickly, so I can get back to making more memories with them. One day, when they are grown and can appreciate this time capsule of memories, I will tell them about it, and give them the password so they can read each and every one. 
I hope it makes their life sweeter.

School Time

My kids thrive on routine. The summers are fun, chaotic, messy and so tiring. Full of trips to grandma's and play dates with friends. I love being able to enjoy the summer at home with all of my kids (can't say just "girls" anymore!). Everything from the lazy morning cartoons, to the giggles that fill our home, to the picnic lunches. I appreciate the fact that I can stay home and not miss anything.
That being said, I so appreciate the routine that school brings. I can tell that my girls were starting to miss some sort of routine. (I can say "girls", because Drakey didn't care one way or the other!) They seem more calm and easy going. Not saying that it's been easy. We've all been struggling to peel ourselves out of bed in the morning! And to catch the bus instead of sit and watch cartoons on the couch! And to put the toys away and get to bed at the end of the day! 
Even though I fiercely miss my girls throughout the school day, I've come to realize something. Not only do public schools need Christian students in them to be an example and a source of kindness and respect, but also, they need Christian moms in the school system. Helping out, sending notes of encouragement and treats to make them feel like they are doing a great job- despite the naughty notes home or the rough day/week/month they have had with so-and-so. Those teachers and the staff need to know that they are appreciated. And that I am on their side too. I love being a stay at home mom to school aged kids. I may not have a degree or be working outside of the home, but I hope that I am making a difference for my girls' teachers. They are such a blessing. I pray that their spoonful of sugar overflows just as much as mine does!

A Look at Our Weekend

Annnnnd....over a week later, here we are! Oops! :) It's been a busy busy week. 

We had a fun weekend as we made our last trip to my parents' with this baby in my belly. We are officially done traveling for awhile. My sister got us tickets to the circus on Saturday! Sares, Cadee, Lili and I all got to go to the circus and enjoy a sisters' day out! It was so much fun. Here's a look at our weekend...

"Brubber's" last trip in my belly

The sight I woke up to Saturday morning.
Sweet snuggles and giggles.

The girls loved the circus! They really enjoyed the elephant and giggled the most at the POODLES! Of all things! :)

 Lili couldn't stand to watch this man walking on the big circle. That really freaked her out.

We were fascinated by these ladies. They were attached to the rope BY THEIR HAIR! And they did a bunch of fun tricks and twirls.

 Lili chose to ride the pony and as soon as it started moving, she grabbed onto Aunt Sares for dear life and said- "Why did I ever choose to do this?!" Haha but she made it! We tried to convince Cadee to ride the elephant. But she wanted to spend her money on a stuffed animal instead. 

The girls outside the living room window. Being so sweet to each other without even knowing we were watching. Precious.

Sunday, the girls decided we needed to have a bonfire before we left. Lili was all about what "activities" we would be doing. Like a little event coordinator. She made us all stickers with our nicknames on them. So cute.

  This big girl finished her first ever chapter book! All by herself!!! She was so proud. 

Lili Girl

I'm excited for a family weekend! We will be doing an early celebration for Lili's birthday! I cannot believe my baby is going to be 5 at the end of the month. Where did those years go?? I love the sweet little girl that she is. She tests my patience and makes me question myself every single day. But, she also gives me countless lovies, compliments and laughs everyday. She is full of sass and spunk. And we love her so much!!! 

She asked for a double chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips AND red velvet cupcakes for her family party this weekend.
How could I resist this face?!? 

Waddle, Waddle, Waddle

I had a dream last night where I was explaining to someone why it is necessary for a pregnant woman to waddle. I remember some key points were- To keep my balance with an ever-growing belly. Because I cannot physically function with my legs any closer together. And because I have sore hips (why waddling would help this, I have no idea.)
I can remember when I was pregnant with Lili, and I got to the point of waddling more often than not, Cadee (my 2 year old baby) would follow me around, waddling like a penguin, saying "A waddoh waddoh waddoh". I will never forget that.
Hubby loves to mock me for waddling. It used to bother me, but not anymore. Because I know how to make a waddle look good! It starts with a smile. I can smile at this mockery because I know that Baby Boy's birthday is getting closer and closer. This time is so short. And a little comment about my waddling just makes me even more present in the moment. Soaking up every last week, day, second of life as a family of 4. We are super excited (as I may have mentioned before) to welcome this baby boy into our family, but we are not so naive to think that things will not change around here.
So yes, I will sit on the couch with you, Lil, and watch this Max and Ruby again with you on my disappearing lap. And yes, I will spend 20 extra minutes tucking you girls into bed. Yes, Hubby, please go see your friends tonight. I know I can handle things around here right now. And yes, Cadee, go ahead and sign me up for that at school. I will be there. That laundry can wait. The floors don't look too bad, just keep the lights dim. That blanket fort can stay up in Brother's room for at least another month. And we have enough clean dishes to get through the next day. But, my babies are growing up. And those snuggles can't wait.

Funday Monday

The girls are on Spring Break! And while we didn't do anything too exciting today, they did play outside alllll morning long. Then around 2, it started to thunderstorm. By dinner time, there was a huge river flowing through our backyard. Daddy and the girls decided that they needed to make a boat to float down that river. And so, they scavenged the kitchen in search of a boat that wouldn't capsize. Then, they built a sail and headed out to sea! 

Their boat! Lili was not very happy with the lack of decoration. I had to pry her away from decorating the boat to go to bed tonight. 

Go, little boat!! GO!!!

Random Rachel

Random Rachel time! With a twist! I have some random pictures that need to be shared. 

We opened Brother's carseat and stroller last week! We washed it, stared at it, smiled at the thought of the little guy that will soon come home in it. And then covered it with a blanket to keep it semi clean til his arrival. Hubby and I loved getting them out, the girls loved getting the boxes. They got pretty creative and made some robots!! Too cute. Cadee even came up with different functions for her different colored buttons! And the next day, Lili made a mask out of a paper plate for hers. I love their imaginations!

Cadee-Bot

Playing in the box
(My sweet little girl got pink eye last week. You can kinda tell in this picture. Poor thing.)

Tracing her letters on the iPad

Memaw and I were able to find the Bieber-Lover some Justin Bieber pajamas. 

Boyyy was she excited! And will probably want to wear them every single night. 

               

We had a chance to visit some friends on Monday. This is a picture of Cadee with their 6 week old, Cy. She was so super sweet with him. We also visited with friends that have a 1 year old little guy, and Cadee just wanted to play with and hold him too. I cannot wait to see this big girl with her baby brother. She is going to be so good with him.

A Look at Our Weekend

This weekend we had alot of fun with our family! My parents and sister came down and we all got to spend some time at my brother and sister-in-law's eating, celebrating some birthdays and playing card games. It snowed a ton here on Friday and Saturday! It was the perfect snowfall for making snowmen, snow forts and snow balls! The girls also got some sledding done with their new sleds. It was a really fun weekend and we all turned in early last night because of it! Here are a few moments I was able to capture...

Lili with her new penguin sled!

Cadee got to feel baby brother moving!!!
The look on her face after she felt him each time was absolutely priceless. 

Their snowman!

The birthday cake! It's supposed to look like zebra stripes on the inside. It didn't really work...but it tasted
A-MAZING!! I wanted to decorate it all pretty, but I ran out of powdered sugar. 

Lili pooped after a long fun day! 

More fun in the snow at home