{happy b-day to me...}

Well.... today I'm the BIG 33! I'm doing the usual Wednesday stuff.... making some pillows for the back porch {pictured}, Lego time, coloring, a little Dragon Tales... and some swimming {note- as of yesterday the A-man now swims without his shark float..... I'm not sure how I feel about that!}. Joey is bringing home dinner- YEAH! and is making me a cheesecake YUMMY-O - I do so {heart} birthdays! I have nothing earth-shattering or super clever to report today... but here are some random facts about me that you may not know...

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1. When I was growing up, my birthday wish EVERY year was for Cooner to live forever {I still say it when I blow my candles out...}.

2. My favorite verse is Jer 29:13 "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart"......

3. I love the smell of my children- they are delicious!!!!

4. I am a horrible joke teller.....

5. I ALWAYS stand up during the National Anthem {even during the medal ceremonies of the Olympics- in my bedroom!}

6. I have read Little Women a ba-zillion times....

7. I love dirty, junky, non-air conditioned, nearly condemned thrift stores- they have the BEST stuff. What can I say? I'm part gypsy! hence the fact that 75% of my house is used or as I like to say re-furbished!

8. blood doesn't gross me out... but I HATE being dirty....

9. I am a little freakish about my kiddos' nails- I cut them about 3 times a week.

10. my favorite color is pink... and my 2nd favorite is light pink

11. I love collecting.... old silver, old furniture, old metal crates... basically anything OLD!

12. I {heart} naps.... if I would take one EVERY day if I could!!!

13. I eat a bagel almost every morning of my life- even if I make something else for the kiddos.

14. I hate driving.... but I do like riding in the car {maybe because I get my sense of direction from Cooner- ha ha}

15. I am not very competitive.... which drives my husband crazy.

16. I love fabric! Any shade, texture, or style will do..... So much so that I can hardly part with scraps after projects... {it's a sickness I know}!

17. Lark Rise to Candleford is my favorite television show- EVER!!!

18. but Gilmore Girls is a VERY close 2nd....

19. I love sleeping with my heating pad... and NO I'm not 133! I just am an old soul!

20. I love jewelry... not really expensive stuff- just gaudy- ha ha!

21. I miss my kiddos when they are sleeping.... I almost wanna wake them up, but I DON'T!

22. I love singing in the car with Cooner & Prissy so much that it makes me cry... but I don't tell them!

23. Airports make me sad & always give be a belly ache- they remind me of having to say "goodbye" to Joey when we were dating. They take people away when they don't wanna go & won't bring them back when they're ready....

24. I'm currently obsessed with "The Kennedy's" on Netflix

25. I love to wrap gifts, I have been known to spend more or as much on the gift wrap as the gift. It's all about presentation!!!

26. I love A-man's belly laugh- it could heal the hardest of hearts, this I am sure!!!

27. I love Prissy's attitude in life. She has a earnest sweetness in her spirit that I wish for myself!!

28. I don't like walking or talking in front of crowds....

29. I love getting mail!

30. I don't miss cable... we canceled it last year. When Joey first proposed this dreaded idea I thought it was horrible.... Now I'm thankful!

31. I adore lilacs, but sadly... I have none!

32. I don't tan {at least not very pretty}, I burn then I freckle.....

33. I secretly like playing Legos....

{welcome Harris Family!}

We have had an exciting weekend with family in town! Joey's brother Jeff & his family came to visit on their way to the beach. We loved hanging out with them.... so much so that we tagged along to the beach too. My kiddos {heart} Tyler & Allison to death- we miss y'all already.

Thanks so much for coming!!!!

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the A-man & Prissy pacing the sidewalk waiting for them.. The last 10 minutes of waiting is the absolute WORST!!

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Our little surprise 29th birthday celebration for Aunt Carol {wink wink}. Prissy made all of the decorations & the dining room looked precious! Aunt Carol loved it & we loved an excuse to throw another party!!!

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the boys playing "jail"-

A-man so loved having Tyler in his room for a sleepover. I didn't hear one peep out of him- he was afraid Tyler would have to leave if he was "chatty". He just keeps talking about how "Tyler is his best pal & he loves him"- and "Tyler do you know why I have your pictures in my billfold? cause I love you so much!" so sweet!!!!!

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....and uncle Jeff taking his turn in the slammer :)

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Aunt Carol & Allison- like me NOT taking our turns. I must say.... I did so love having a few extra babysitters around!!! It makes meal prep & clean-up SO easy. Hurry back to us Harris'!!!

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~the beach~

Allison & Tyler have the patience of SAINTS I tell you. They were such a treat to have around!!!

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Uncle Jeff showing A-man the ropes of sand castles. A-man cried about 20 minutes in the car when we had to say "good bye" & Prissy said she would actually stay there without Joey or I..... poor us!!!

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p.s. I been serving up some summer dishes lately. Here is a tried & true favorite to put out while you're getting dinner ready!

~Paula Deen's Summer Salsa~

4 tomatoes chopped
3 green onions chopped (both white and green parts)
1 can of sliced black olives (drained)
1 can of diced green chiles
2 cups of shredded mexican blend cheese
1 package of good seasons italian dressing prepared as directed on package

mix tomatoes, green onions, olives, chiles and salad dressing and chill. Just before serving add cheese.
Serve with fritos scoop corn chips.

{a weeks worth of ramblings...}

.... First- Prissy & my A-man were FANTASTIC on the "stage" at church last Sunday. I didn't get a video or even a picture of the A-man {because I NEVER dreamed he would go- just call me doubting Tom!}. Sunday morning he woke up with "Now Momma, I'm not gonna jump, I'm just gonna stand on the stage, Okay?". "Yes" I said, just relieved he would go up. Then I heard Cooner's voice coming out of my mouth with "I just thought it would be fun to wear your light up shoes that would light up when you jumped?" {shameless I know!} "Okay.... I'll jump" he said {sorta pitiful}. I helped his class line up and stood in front helping them with the motions and words.... He was front & center.... and he did EVERYTHING. I was shocked... so much that I cried {cause that's what I do} and could barley help the others {clearly he did NOT need my assistance}. I couldn't see to help them off of the stage.. I only kissed his cheeks off & took my place for Prissy's class. She too was front & center and she could have been leading the whole show! She looked precious and by this time I had my wits about me to take a picture.... Need-less-to-say.... we got ice cream afterwards.... and Joey brought home prizes for them {and me too:)!!!!}

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.... and I finished up some furniture pieces that I bought last week! Sorry that I didn't get any before pics- I got to excited to get a move on them...

~here is the little nightstand~

perfect to house his Darth alarm clock & sippy cup at night...and

drawer #1- nerf darts {YES we need an entire drawer}

drawer #2- bakugans

drawer #3 {double drawer}- animals collection= you name it & we got it!!!

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~and here is his new Lego Cabinet~

just the right height for him to get to his Gun Ship & other favs.

{note- the Tie Defender on top was his VBS prize!}

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and can I just say that I wish I would have taken a picture of her everyday this summer! She has the best style {I wonder where she gets it from- wink wink}. I am amazed every time she comes bouncing down the stairs. SO FUN!!!!!!

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and... I had NO idea why the A-man woke up at 5:30 wanting 6 cups & a basket.... I quickly told him he would have to wait until "wake-up time". This is the result of having a slightly OCD Momma.... although I commend his organization skills- Bravo A-man!!! Now we can play Lego store build-a-guy ever so easily....

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and.... I found these light/glow sticks at Michael's in the dollar bins. They might be our best summer find so far. The kiddos could hardly wait until dusk, so we could crack them & have a galactic battle. Run out and get some- you won't regret it!!!!!

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and

Happy Birthday

Aunt Carol!!

{we can't wait to see you guys this weekend & celebrate in person}

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p.s. In this busy life we I can get wrapped up in being "of this world" & not just "in this world". My husband asked me how my spiritual life was this week? I gave him the standard "okay, but it could be better" response. Then {because he knows me better than myself}.... I confessed that either my prayer life if good and my reading time is bad or the other way around [can any of you relate?]. So that is why the blog had been a little less frequented by me.... I'm trying to get my priorities right again! Pray for me.... I'll be praying for you! Be blessed sweet friends...

{7 days for Joey part- 2}

....so sorry that our week of 7 days 4 daddy- celebrating Joey has come to an end! We have so loved loving on him & letting him know how precious he is to us {and missed when he leaves}!

Here is the rest of the fun...

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day #5

~cup cakes for my choco-holic~

Joey adores the choc-lettiest chocolate you can find... so we happily obliged! We made Paula Dean style cupcakes with homemade fudge icing- SINFUL I tell you!!! And.. cause we are pulling out all the stops this year, we hand crafted chocolate toppers!!!

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super easy recipe for chocolate molding clay...

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{1 bag of semi sweet chips & 1/3 cup light corn syrup}

Melt chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until totally melted. Then add in the syrup.

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next pour out onto wax paper then put another layer of wax paper on top & roll it out like pie crust. Then let it set for about 3 hours until it's firm.

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we tried our hands at a mustache.... but my freehand pattern was pretty sad

and it needed a little bit of pizazz....

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so we busted out the cookie cutters- MUCH easier and MUCH prettier!! I can't wait to try this again for Prissy's party with white chocolate {she and I prefer white unlike the boys}!!! But we did use a few of them!

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Prissy made these...

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...and we made some mustaches of our own...

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They were a HUGE hit!!!!

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day #6

~surprise!~

Joey has taught at church several times, but I have never gotten to go & hear him..... But this week I loaded the kiddos up {after dinner time- gasp} and headed to church. I had texted him with "good luck wishes" like I usually do & he had NO idea that I would be in the crowd. I felt someone put their hand on my shoulder... and it was him. He had spotted our car on the way in. He was FANTASTIC, just like I imagined he would be. I usually get to hear it the night before, but this time I got to see him in action. I was SO proud of him!!!! He said I made him nervous, but he must have told me "thank you" ten times for coming! I love surprising him & this makes me want to do it MORE often!!!!

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day #7

~pie of course~

next to chocolate... my sweet husband adores berry pie!!! So tonight we will be having blueberry pie & salmon cakes {2 of his favs}! Just the perfect ending to his week & warm homecoming. On a side note a very dear older lady at our church asked A-man about his daddy @ VBS this week. She said "I know your daddy and he's really nice", A-man shyly said "yes he is and he plays Legos good too". Then she went on to say "does he tell you about Jesus" {it was one of those moments as a mother where you just hold your breath, close your eyes, and hope for the best}... He said {with NO hesitation} "YES he reads his bible to me every night and Prissy too sometimes... but not Momma, just Prissy and Daddy!"

**never mind that I stayed in bed with him for almost 5 months and that the ONLY reason I don't GET to read the bible during bible-time is because Joey and Prissy WON'T let me..... and the one NOT reading has to answer the questions afterwards!!!!!**

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Happy Father's day to

Joey & Daddy

and..

Travis, Jeff, Jamie, Uncle Michael, GB, Bill, Dean, Steven, Heath, Crist, Kevin, Jonathon, James, Todd, Rod, Matt, John, Jeremy, Sam, Nick, Jason, Rick, Adam, Jason, Leon, Ben, Larry, Scott, Ryan, Grant, Tom, Eddie, Rich, Darrell, Jimmy, Terry, Justin... and all the other awesome dads that I know.

I pray that God blesses you abundantly!!!!!!!

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and..

Happy 2nd Birthday

Paige!!

{while the cat is away...}

We have been keeping busy.... and missing him! The kiddos & I wrapped up VBS-

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Here is the A-man on day 1

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and day 4

{although this picture is deceiving-

it was snack time.....}

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and here he is on day 5 {with his bestie Lukey}

... much improved however I'll let y'all know how tomorrow goes with the "stage" portion- YIKES!!!!! Next to "snack time"

Lukey was A-man's favorite part of VBS!

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Prissy... well let's just say- she has NO separation anxiety... She has TOTALLY come out of her shell & is looking VERY forward to the "stage" tomorrow.... {regrettably I didn't get many pics of Prissy this year- the A-man wouldn't let me leave his side...}

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and... we've been swimming A LOT!!!

...and missing daddy!

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and making some water bombs.

{wanna know how? Okay!}

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first- go to the dollar tree and get some sponges

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next- cut each one into 4 pieces

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then- stack them together like this & tie them up with fishing line

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finally- take them to the pool & make some new friends- VERY quickly!!!! We we there only a minute before the neighborhood kiddos came swimming over to play...

We had a blast!

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These are also VERY fun with a bucket of water in the yard.... Endless fun for little to NO effort or money!!!! And they would be the PREFECT bow on top of a summer b-day present...hum?

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I {hear} summer!!!

{7 days for Joey part- 1}

Well.... in a sentence- we are knee deep in VBS this week & I am helping out in A-man's class. We have 33 in the 4yr olds- PLEASE pray for us- {ha ha}. And I wanted to do something special for Joey for Father's day this year..... So we decided to make it a week long celebration- why the heck not? I mean after all... he does put up with us all year, and having Prissy around is just like having 2 of me! Perhaps we should have started celebrating last month- wink wink!!! Anyway Joey is headed out of town this weekend so we have gotten a head start on our 7 days 4 daddy!!!

Here is what we've done so far....

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day #1

~root beer floats~

{fancy straw included- which was of course the kiddos' favorite part. This was so easy & I'm sad to say that my kiddos had NO idea what a root beer float even was - gasp!!!! NO WORRIES- they do now & the LOVE them!!!}

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day #2

~kids choice~

{they made special signs and posters for Joey & took him out for lunch to McD's {all while I was @ work}. A-man even made a Lego ship which he politely told Joey "he could keep until daddy's day is over, but NOT the guys". Joey found it most impressive & A-man beamed with pride!!! Prissy choreographed a complete ballet for him {to music I might add}. It was stunning- I cried and Joey kissed her cheeks off! A-man didn't seem impressed...

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day #3

~a little apple~

{nothing says "thank you" like an itunes gift card in this house. Although- true to form, Joey has promised to share his gift with the kiddos... We are now the proud owners of Clone Wars season 3 & Cody Simpson's new single.... And now you can start to see why we are celebrating what a WONDERFUL daddy we have!!!!!!!!}

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day #4

~a morning off biking trip~

{my sweet husband loves biking almost as much as I like sewing- so he says... He went to the trail furthest away- one that he doesn't go to often (the MOST dangerous of course!) and loved every minute of it!!!! He came home dripping with sweat, cut up, bruised, grinning ear to ear with a jammed hand....- I still say sewing is better!!!}

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{Prissy adding some polka dots...}

~more of 7 days 4 daddy to come~

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{I found this little paper tucked into Prissy's kitty caddy.... it made me chuckle. Poor little A-man isn't quite loved as much as Joey & I.... but he would take a bullet in a minute for her! I bet she loves him more that she would care to admit!}

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And I picked up a couple of new furniture pieces this week...

I can't wait to get my hands on them!!!! Now I'm off to bed early tonight- Lord knows I need some sleep tonight!!!!!