• Family Celebrations: Happy Birthday Skipper!

    Best Buddies - A Girl and Her Dog (Brina and Skipper)

    The fifth member of our family is full of energy, a loyal friend, loves to play outside and adds a lot of laughter to our family…….Skipper!  She is our sweet black lab who the girls absolutely adore!  Our little Puddle Skipper Hayes was born on March 14, 2010 and she had fun celebrating her 1st birthday with us!  It was a busy day full of a lot of activities but ended it with a little celebration for our furry family member.  The girls were so excited to celebrate Skipper’s birthday.

    Here are a few pictures from our fun together!

     

    Brina and Karlie wrapping Skipper's birthday gifts!

    The girls wrapped Skipper’s gifts in newspaper and A LOT of tape!  They even had tape on the floor when they were done (you can see a pile in between them on the carpet).  They were so excited and had a blast doing the wrapping for their furry sister!

     

    Skipper's Special Birthday Meal!

    The girls thought it was hilarious putting Skipper’s candle in her special meal.  They thought it was funny she would rather have a special birthday meal with “bacon” then a birthday cake.  The girls were worried that Skipper was going to burn her nose so she barely got close to the bowl until the candle was blown out, glad they were looking out for her.  It was great watching them trying to keep her away from the candle while we sang Happy Birthday!

     

    Skipper eating her birthday treat!

    The best puppy birthday meal you can ask for – Meaty and Moist, simply delicious!  Plus she got to eat her special birthday treat all by herself (no one was wanting to share it with her).

     

    The unwrapping part of the birthday celebrations was exciting and confusing for Skipper, good thing the girls were there to help!

    Skipper was very excited to get new bones and a toy!  She immediately took one bone into the yard, then realized the other one was still on the porch so went back for that one.  I really think she stayed up all night playing and eating her bones!

    Happy Birthday Skipper!  Hope you enjoyed your play time with the family, your feast, bones, and toy!  The girls had fun picking them out, wrapping and celebrating with you!!!

  • Family Celebrations: “Welcome Ranch” Birthday Party

    This year did the girls birthday party celebration at Welcome Ranch.  It was our first year doing their party outside of the house and after calling several locations we made the decision to do it at Welcome Ranch.  Brina and Karlie’s personalities and tastes are very different (one of the many joys of having twins), however, they both LOVE animals especially horses.  Jake and I booked the party and when we sat down to tell the girls they were thrilled.  They were okay that we wouldn’t be decorating the house since they would be riding horses for entertainment this year.  I think every day after telling them they would ask “Is it this week?”  When the day finally arrived they asked every few minutes “How much longer until we can ride the horses?”  Thankfully we had another activity planned with friends earlier that day so that distracted them for a couple hours.  They were very excited when we were on our way to the horse ranch to celebrate.  Here are a few pictures from our day at Welcome Ranch:

    The sign at the entrance of Welcome Ranch said "Happy Birthday Karlie 6 & Brina 6"

    The girls were thrilled to see their names on the BIG sign at the entrance of Welcome Ranch!  “We have never had such a BIG sign to wish us Happy Birthday!”  They were pleasantly surprised and excited!

    Brina and Karlie listening carefully to Ms. Lisa's instructions!

    Lisa did a wonderful job of getting the kids (and parents) attention while making the whole experience fun for everyone.  She even got a few laughs when explaining the rules.  Brina and Karlie were listening carefully so they wouldn’t miss out on anything!  They picked out their ranch hats earlier that week at Wilson’s Five & Dime store on Lauren’s Road.  I was surprised they wore the hats the entire time!

    Karlie and Brina leading the way with Ms. Lisa to the horses!

    On our way to ride the horses!  Karlie and Brina led everyone with Lisa to the horses.  They were ready to ride!

    Brina talking and riding Montana! Loving it!

     

    Karlie all smiles riding Chocolate their miniature horse!

     

    Brina having a blast at Welcome Ranch!

     

    Karlie riding with Daddy on Montana! Hang on tight kiddo!

     

    Brina LOVING her time with the horses!

     

    Karlie riding on Mickey!

     

    Brina riding like a pro on Mickey!!!

     

    Brina and Karlie riding together on Montana!

     

    Karlie riding on Chocolate!

     

    Mommy and Brina riding Montana!

     

    Karlie volunteering to ride again! Always ready for another turn on the horses!

     

     

    Brina going for another ride on Mickey!

     

    Brina and Karlie on top of the Firetruck!!!

     

    Karlie putting out the fire!

     

    Brina putting out the fire!

     

    Firetruck at Welcome Ranch

     

    Daddy putting out the final flames!

     

    One of their signs at Welcome Ranch, love it!

     

    Happy Birthday Brina and Karlie!!!

     

    Karlie and Brina taking the candles out of their cake!

     

    The birthday girls enjoying a slice of delicious cake - Brina and Karlie!

     

    The girls liked their cat - Supervisor! They thought his name was very funny!

     

    Karlie had so much fun she crashed in the van on the ride home, too funny!

     

    Brina playing with her toys on the way home, love the crazy hat hair!

     

    Skipper joining in the birthday fun by wearing Karlie's hat!

    The girls had a wonderful birthday party at Welcome Ranch!  Lisa, her Mom, and the crew did an amazing job.  The kids loved riding the horses petting the animals (goats, donkey, dogs, cats, etc…) eating pizza, drinking ice tea, koolaide, a delicious cake and enjoying time with their family and friends.  Thanks to Welcome Ranch for making their birthday extra special and memorable.  We had a lot of fun celebrating with everyone that came to their party.

    Happy 6th Birthday Brina and Karlie!

    WE LOVE YOU!!!

  • Happy Birthday Brina & Karlie!!!

    Today is my little ones birthday!  It seems like it was yesterday we were in the hospital and NICU with them.  Even though their due date was in April they decided to come 7 weeks early.  They have brought so much joy and laughter to our life!  It has been wonderful watching them learn and grow.  We pray daily that God will continue to develop them into beautiful young women with a heart for Him.

    Happy 6th Birthday Brina & Karlie!!!

    Our sweet girls - Karlie and Brina!

    This picture was taken a couple months ago.  Now both girls have glasses!

  • Family Celebrations: Valentine’s Day

    We had a blast celebrating Valentine’s Day together as a family.  The day was so packed full of fun that I didn’t have time yesterday to post what we were up to so I am doing it today!  Here are little snip-its of our family celebrations!

    Brina and Karlie's Valentine Breakfast Goodies

    While Brina and Karlie were getting dressed for school we set out a little box of sweethearts and heart necklaces for them to enjoy.  They ate heart shape blueberry pancakes and saved their candy until after school.  Although they did wear their heart necklaces ALL day!

    Special Valentine's Surprise on my Steering Wheel!

    Jake went with the girls to pick out something special for me.  They left these little goodies on my steering wheel.  When I got into the van to drive Brina and Karlie to school I noticed my Valentine’s surprise.  They picked out a flower, kitten candy and a Valentine’s Day card.  They each wrote their names and drew me a picture.  In my card I had a heart family of four, so cute!

    Valentine's Day Gifts

    Daddy and the girls each received a package of “Nerf Darts” for Valentine’s Day.  Now when we have our little nerf wars we won’t be knocking each other over to get a dart, hopefully.  Karlie was so excited she hugged the package, spun around, and ran out of the room (to get her nerf gun, of course).  Brina had her nerf gun loaded first and Mom was the primary target since I was cooking and couldn’t defend myself, don’t worry I got them back!

    Expression of "love"!

    I had a package of Starbursts so I spelled the word “Love” on the table.  The girls thought this was so neat.  They were excited that they could read the word and could barely wait for Daddy to come home so they could eat the word!

    "I Love You" Balloon

    I picked up an “I Love You” balloon at Dollar Tree for $1.  The girls thought this “ape” was so adorable and managed to drag it almost everywhere they went for the rest of the night!

    Brina celebrating Valentine's Day with her class!

    I was able to help with the girls Valentine’s Day party.  The kids had a lot of yummy treats to celebrate the day.  Brina was so excited to have me come spend time with her in the classroom.

    Karlie enjoying chips during thier Valentine Party!

    Karlie ate all the non-sweet goodies first, including a yogurt and Doritos, as you can see from her orange mouth she really enjoyed the chips.  She was telling all her classmates that I was her Mom and that they should wish me “Happy Valentine’s Day”!

    Homemade heart shape Valentine's Day white pie pizza!

    I made homemade heart shape white pie pizza with mushrooms and olives on top for supper!  The girls thought it was funny the pizza was a heart and the slices were different shapes from “normal” pizza.  It was a fun and easy way to spread the Valentine cheer!

    Minor casualty, nerf dart was shot into the oven!

    I was pulling the pizza out of the oven in the middle of a nerf dart storm and this little guy didn’t survive.  It managed to hit the hot oven, when I went to pull it off the dart tore.  The girls were sad that a dart was broken but it gave me an opportunity to demonstrate why they shouldn’t be aiming in my direction while cooking!

    It was a super fun day with the family.  Having children have makes the Holidays even more of a special treat, they get excited about celebrating.  I am thankful everyday for my family and the memories we create together.

  • Be My Valentine: Romantic Dinner for Two!

    You have the babysitter lined up for the kids now it is time to figure out what fun excursion to do with your spouse.  Going out to eat at a restaurant is a great option, however, going on Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of waiting in lines.  If you have your heart set on going to a restaurant go to a place where you can make a reservation in advanced or pick a different evening near Valentine’s Day.  As a side note, the point of Valentine’s Day is to spend time together and celebrate with your love ones.  If you do it a day earlier or later it can be an even more relaxing and romantic date to remember.  Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, try going on Friday or Saturday before Valentine’s Day.  Going near the Holiday but not on the Holiday allows you to get into the restaurant easier and dinner will be more relaxing with better service because you’re not rushed.  It will be less expensive for the babysitter that night since you don’t have to be out as long waiting for a table.

    My recommendation if you want to go out on Valentine’s Days (or any other Date Night) for less go on a picnic with your spouse.  Why is going a picnic a better option:

    • It’s Less Expensive – you can pick up food on sale at the grocery store and make it at home.
    • No Waiting in Line
    • Relaxing Meal Together
    • One-on-One Conversation without interruptions

    Since it is winter time you may ask, how do we do a picnic in the snow?  The last cold picnic we went on together Jake and I found a great spot to park.  We took all the seats out of the van except the front two then put a air mattress in the back part of the van.  We brought a picnic basket full of goodies and a movie.  We had a quiet relaxing meal together, talked, and enjoyed a movie.  It was a great evening full of fun and relaxation.

    “Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love.  You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot.  Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day!  Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart.  It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family.  May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!

  • Thanksgiving Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

    You don’t have to eat your cranberry sauce from the can this year.  This is an easy and delicious recipe for making homemade cranberry sauce.

    • 1 cup of water
    • 1 cup of sugar
    • 12 oz of fresh or frozen Cranberries (rinsed & drained)

    In a medium saucepan bring the water and sugar to a boil.  Add cranberries and return to a boil.  Once boiling again reduce heat simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Pour sauce into a bowl, cover and cool completely at room temperature.  After it has cooled put it in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served.  You can garish with sliced oranges or herbs.  Makes 2 1/2 cups.

  • A Note of Thanks – Happy Veteran’s Day!

    We want to say a big THANK YOU to those who have and are currently serving our country! Our country is very blessed to have people protecting our freedoms.  We have a lot to be thankful for today.

    Let us take the opportunity today to “thank” the Veterans in our lives.  Also, make it a point to thank any veteran you meet today.  Today provides a great venue for teaching our children who veterans are and why we have a special day set aside to honor them.   We are grateful for those who serve.

    Thank You!  Happy Veterans Day!