Bottjen Blog

beach compare

2009-07-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

well ok I have slacked lately...but I had to post this
Love the compares are you know...
the blue dresses are 2009
the white dresses are 2008

I can't believe what gorgeous girls they are. I don't deserve them.

Corporate Family Day comparison

2009-06-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

I love doing this...comparing one year to the next...here are the 2007 babes last year at Corporate Family Day

Here is Sydni from the same day. She didn't make the group pic....

And here the 4 are this year...amazing :)

my little equestrians

2009-06-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Every year at our company picnic they have horse rides.
Well, this is the first time Sydni actually would ride! She did great!

But Averi really shocked me. As soon as we got there she had her mind set to RIDE.
They had a little shetland pony there and she bounced right on top and didn't look back.
It was the sweetest thing ever!

Looks like I am going to be looking into riding lessons soon...

Shreveport trip

2009-05-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

Jim, Sarah and I met my dad and Trish in Shreveport for my dad's 60th birthday! We had the best time. Here are a few pics from our trip...I didn't take many. I was too busy winning money!! WOO HOO!
We are totally going back in July. I can't wait!

Happy Birthday Dad!!! We love you!!

recent videos

2009-05-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent videos we took!!!

This is one of Sydni's dances from Jitterbugs, a dance class at her preschool. She did so well that I am going to enroll her in a ballet/tap class this summer. I am so excited!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iutvUQiFvlA
Averi blowing out the candles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7p3ORFzsiA

the crazy present opening...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1l0d24S4SU

My Averi

2009-05-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog...I know. I guess I haven't been inspired.
But my little Averi's upcoming birthday tomorrow has brought me back :)

Here she is...May 2007

May 2008

May 2009

Egg hunt with friends

2009-04-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

We met our friends at work to hide eggs this Saturday. The kids had a ball! Here are a few of my favorites!! :)

videos from our TX trip

2009-04-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is from lunch in Austin...

This is at the Alamo...

Sydni in Austin

2009-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Sydni used to be the anti-picture one, and Averi was my little model. Well, times have changed!! I just loved these that I got by the river on Wedneday.

the little flower girls

2009-03-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of the girls in their dresses for Matt and Laura's wedding!! Just Sydni and Matilda are actually walking. Averi is just wearing the dress to be cute :) Sydni LOVES the dress. She was twirling everywhere. Averi, on the other hand, wasn't a fan of the tulle underneath (as you can see from her face) Also, Averi's dress is a little big. Its a size 2 and the smallest they have! I have to send it back because it has a small stain on the back, but hopefully I will get the new one in on time to have it altered. Sydni's is perfect!

survey by Sydni about Mommi

2009-03-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends have done these and I thought the answers were so sweet! Here are Syd's answers about me. A couple of the questions she didn't quite understand so we left those blank...

. What is something mom always says to you? no yelling
2. What makes mom happy? keeping my stars
3. What makes mom sad? when i go in timeout
4. How does your mom make you laugh? making funny faces
5. What was you mom like as a child? you went to church
6. How old is your mom? 4
7. How tall is your mom? big as daddy
8. What is her favorite thing to do? go to poker
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? you eat
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for.
11. What is your mom really good at? acting
12. What is your mom not very good at? doing tricks
13. What does your mom do for a job? i work to watch me
14. What is your mom's favorite food? all of it just like daddy
15. What makes you proud of your mom? when you let me do whatver i can
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
17. What do you and your mom do together? play games...you try to win but i do
18. How are you and your mom the same?
19. How are you and your mom different?
20. How do you know your mom loves you? thisssss much

some sunday sweetness

2009-03-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

We had some nice weather today so headed out for some pics before church. I am having a difficult time getting good ones of them TOGETHER right now...but I thought the last one was sweet :)

passing time of the '07 kids

2009-03-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Jan 2008

May 2008

March 2009

How times flies for our blonde, brunette and redhead...

colors for redheads

2009-03-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

As a mom of 2 redheads, I have found that not all colors work on them. Lucky for me my girls are gorgeous so they are able to pull off whatever color I give them :) BUT there are some that are easier than others. Jewel colors are simply the way to go with redheads. I saw these dresses in walmart for $6/each and I had to have them. How beautiful do they reflect the red??

Sat night dinner

2009-03-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from dinner last night.
These girls are so very important to me and their kiddos are too.
Can't believe we have multiplied like this...HA!

apple oat bread

2009-03-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

A got a bread maker for Christmas...but it turns out Jim is more into baking than I am! He has started making this bread called "apple oat". It is marvelous! We have a loaf a week I think....maybe more! HA! And I wonder why my weight loss seems to have stalled...Here is a pic of the girls helping Daddy make our bread.

Syd's Vday throughout the years...

2009-02-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

2005...

2007... (yes, there is no 2006)

2008...

2009...

It was noted that monetary donations receded substantially this year due to economic times!! LOL

Happy Valentines everyone...we love you more than you know!

some of Joel's from the super bowl

2009-02-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

If this isn't sweet I don't know what is...

A couple of Averi playing with Uncle Joe - hes a favorite with our girls!!!

growing up...

2009-02-02T06:52:00.001-08:00

We went over to the White house last night for the super bowl. The girls had an awesome time! It was so much fun to see them play...I will post more pics on the site once I get Kelly and Joel's but I just had to share these 2.

This is Averi and Reaghan getting into something...

And here they are LAST February. Seeing the above picture made me think of the one below.

playin' in the park

2009-01-31T16:41:00.000-08:00

couple pics of the girls playing at the park today...70 degrees in January and just a few days ago we were freezing our asses off at below freezing...gotta love Arkansas...hope all of our friends have power now up in Fayetteville!!

cousin cuteness

2009-01-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

I tried to blog this one with my previous post but it dropped it for some reason. Thats ok...this one is cute enough for its very own post. Here is my adorable niece Matilda (i want that hat!) and you know the amazing redhead...

catching up...

2009-01-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I blogged! I don't really know why...we haven't been that busy...lol Just haven't made it over here I guess.
Anyway, here are some of my fave shots from the month.

The first 2 are the girls showing off their new Croc boots they got for Christmas. I think Mommy was more excited about them than they were. heehee...but they look SO CUTE on them :) THANK YOU GaGa and Memaw!

Here are our little ladies before church last week...

Shabby Baby Girl Contest #2

2009-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Why is Averi the picture princess?
Averi is my little 19 mo old princess. Honestly she is too young to care what she wears but that is a good thing for Mommy. I can dress her up however I like and she is happy!

I love the Vineyard dress for Averi! Again like my older daughter I probably would have bought it already if her size was available! The colors would be beautiful with her hair and blue eyes.
Here is a link to the dress:
https://www.shabbyapple.com/pc-82-16-vineyard.aspx

Shabby Baby Girl Contest

2009-01-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Why Sydni is the picture princess?
Sydni is 4 yrs old and definitely a picture princess. She loves wearing pretty things and showing off. Dressing up and fixing her hair is one of her most favorite things to do. Shoes are another favorite! She can never have too many. I think she is already counting the days until she can wear makeup like Mommy!

The Vineyard dress would be precious on her! The dark colors and the contrasing bright green would look so cute with her red hair. You don't have her size available on your site (or I probably would have already bought it).
Here is a link to the dress:
https://www.shabbyapple.com/pc-82-16-vineyard.aspx

some of my Christmas faves

2008-12-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Santa visit...

2008-12-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

and I am freaking exhausted!

at home in front of the tree...

Kelly and I holding our fraidy cats.

Group pic of the kiddos!

More of the little ladies :)
(yes, my little one is trying to eat her snack through the plastic bag)

Happy Holidays everyone!!

just because I love this pic...

2008-12-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

We had a big weekend! Full of birthday parties and best friends and balls of fun :) I just loved this pic of Sydni and Matilda and thought I would share. Hope everyone had a great weekend! Sydni sure did!

new action sets

2008-12-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some weekend pics with my new action set from Pioneer Woman! I really like them...not as much as the first but maybe they just take some getting used to. I really like the first and third...not too wild about Sydni in the 2nd. Of course...she wasn't really in a picture taking mood on Sunday.

ahhhh Christmas

2008-12-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

The only thing better than looking at a Christmas tree right before Christmas....

is being a KID and looking at a Christmas tree...
They are getting excited for Santa I think :)

Branson trip

2008-11-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pics of the girls. We took off the Branson for a couple days with my parents. Mom and I had TONS of shopping done and had so much fun!! Why is so much fun to spend tons of money??? We got lots of cute clothes for the girls and ourselves..heehee. It was great. We are already planning another trip in the spring. We found a GREAT condo right behind hwy 76 in Branson. It was perfect.

quick cartoon

2008-10-31T14:59:00.001-07:00

This is hilarious!!!!!

Click it to make it bigger

our weekend

2008-10-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

WHEW...it was a busy one. We went to Waldron to watch Nashville play them in football. When we left at halftime it was 35-0, so I am pretty sure we won! The girls had a great time...especially Averi! You will have to check out those pics on the website at the end of the month. TOO CUTE!

This first pic if Miss Sydni. She had ink ALL OVER HER.
This closeup was cuter but her entire legs and arms were covered in ink from a stamp kit she got in her pumpkin.
So we were scrubbing her in the bathtub at 10pm...fun!

Here are a couple before church on Sunday. Averi was pretty good at keeping her headband on during the day.

This is my brother, Matt, and his fiancee, Laura. They stayed at our house over the weekend. It was great to get to know her better. They are getting married April 18th and the girls are going to be in the wedding :)
You know how much this thrills me....
CUTE PRETTY DRESSES!!!!
Congrats Matt and Laura!

Wild Things Farm - pumpkin pickin'

2008-10-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the Wild Things Farm today. The girls had a wonderful time feeding the animals and picking a pumpkin. We even did a hayride and corn maze...although I didn't get pics of that. It was a great time! I am exhausted...haha

some pics before the party

2008-10-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

We went to Landry's 1st birthday party today! But before we went I got a few pics of my precious redheads...

sunday shots

2008-10-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics this morning before church. Averi loves her poppa. She is saying his name now. It is soooo cute!

Going to church...

2008-09-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics before church on Sunday.

Tagging myself...

2008-09-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

Found this on a blog I read...bored so tagging myself :)

1. Who is your man? Jim
2. How long have you been together? together for 6 , married for 5
3. How long did you date? 1 year and 2 months
4. How old is your man? 32
5. Who eats more? i guess the ladylike thing to say is him but I really think I can...lol
6. Who said "I love you" first? me...I think?
7. Who is taller? He is
8. Who sings better? neither...LOL
9. Who is smarter? I am not one to admit anyone is smarter than me...but he probably is
10. Whose temper is worse? Mine :)
11. Who does the laundry? I do mine ...he does his...it works!
12. Who takes out the garbage? him....I love that man :)
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? me
14. Who pays the bills? him
15. Who is better with the computer? probably him
16. Who mows the lawn? He does....bless his heart
17. Who cooks dinner? Me during the week...him on the weekends (we grill a lot then)
18. Who drives when you are together? Him
19. Who pays when you go out? He does, again....love him
20. Who is most stubborn? me :)
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? ME!
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine
23. Who kissed who first? I kissed him first!
24. Who asked who out? I don't think we ever had an actual date...one night we were dancing and we were inseparable ever since :)
25. Who proposed? He did
26. Who is more sensitive? ME
27. Who has more friends? we are friends with mostly couples so its about the same although I keep in touch with people better
28. Who has more siblings? me if you count step-siblings
29. Who wears the pants in the family? :)

Shadows...grrr

2008-09-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

(Maybe yall already knew this but you can click on the picture to make them bigger)

I didn't do the greatest job with shadows on these...but I am learning!! Here are a couple of my faves from Carol Ann Cross park today.

The Sydni Series

2008-09-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I talked Sydni into going outside for some pictures by letting her wear her new jeans. It seems she hasn't gotten over her jean fettish from last winter. I think I got some cute shots...I am going to try to put these into a collage...

Park Pics

2008-09-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the park today to walk for Huntington's Disease. We ended up doing more playing than walking I think but had a great time. Here are a couple pics from the park.

Joel's pool pics

2008-09-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

Joel took some awesome pictures at our Labor Day party. I downloaded some for the September pic post on our website later this month. Here is a link to all of them...they are so good!!!

http://photos.joelculbersonphotography.com/p375487511

Sydni is on the cover!

2008-08-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

My photographer friend, Rachel Law, submitted some pictures to be selected for a magazine. And they picked Sydni's 2 yr fall pic for the COVER ISSUE!! We are beyond excited...here is a link to the cover and you can buy your very own issue there. Now, I REALLY want this to be their best selling issue EVER so break out the mastercard please :)

http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/table_of_contents.php

Photoshop actions

2008-08-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here is Averi straight out of the camera...

This one is called "fresh and colorful". Probably my favorite...

This is "black and white beauty". I love this too but as much as I love black and white I can't get away from my girl(s) red hair.

This is a way cool action called "vintage". Doesn't this pic look like it was taken in the 20's or something??? Very cool...

And I guess I should probabyl give credit to these very cool actions. I didn't come up with them myself thats for sure! I visit a site called http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/. It is an eclectic blend of cooking, photography and life. She is my hero.

So which one of these pics is your favorite??

eta...I don't know why there is so much spacing in this post...it doesn't look that way when I edit. And the pics aren't that blurry. I think they just look that way b/c they were shrunk down to load to blogger. But you get the idea :)

Crystal Beach, TX

2008-08-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at the beach. Here is a collage I made on photoshop ALL by myself.

Catching up...

2008-07-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Well, its been a fun few weeks!! Lake of the Ozarks was so nice! The girls had a great time with their cousins. And I had a great time at the outlet mall. I can't wait to go back! HA! Averi had a bout of roseola. It was a high fever followed by a bunch of red dots on her tummy. The fever was the worst part. Today SYDNI is home. She had a fever and puked yesterday. I think it was just the heat because she seems fine today.
Next trip is the BEACH!! I am so excited...hope I can keep everyone healthy. ugh...
Averi is suppose to go to the "pre-toddler" room at her daycare. She just went to "older infant" a couple months ago!! Shes getting so big...and by the way, is MUCH happier with her tubes. A happy baby makes a happy momma.
Big news for Sydni is Rachel Law, a photographer I take the girls to, emailed me and said that Syd's picture is being considered for the fall COVER of an adoptive parents magazine! How exciting is that?!? I told Jim she is going to be the next Cindy Crawford..we will be retired in Malibu by 40...heeheee. I hope its ok for models to eat pizza and mac 'n cheese because thats all the kid eats!

Last Lazy Weekend

2008-06-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know its been awhile and its likely to be even longer after this weekend. Let me give you a rundown of the Bottjen summer!

Next weekend- Dinner in Rogers for Joel's 30th birthday! Our friend Joel is turning 30 soon. He is going to Vegas (without me because he sucks) to celebrate but we are taking him and Alex to dinner at Johnny Carinos in Rogers with the Davis', the Settle's, the White's and of course ALL the kiddos. Should be interesting.
We are having a pool party the next day. Gotta celebrate the 4th of July by the pool!

Weekend #2- POKER night! Jim and I play poker once a month with a league the Settles started a couple years ago. We have a great time! I don't know why...I have yet to win! But I have been placing pretty high the last few months so maybe its coming!

Weekend #3- Lake of the Ozarks!! We are meeting up with Jim's family in Missouri. I am really looking forward to it. We usually see them every summer, but we missed last summer because Averi was just too small to travel. We are going to have 6 kids up there all 5 and under!!

Weekend #4- Dinner party at the Davis'. We just started this dinner party thing this year. I thought it would be fun for us to all get together every month with the kids. We rotate houses and bring side dishes. Its a lot of fun.

Weekend #5- We are leaving for Texas to hang out at my dad's beachhouse! WOO HOO! I can't wait! Dad, Trish, Aunt Patti, Uncle Ron, Lindsi and of course all of us...I am really looking forward to it. Sydni has never seen the ocean and course Averi hasn't either so it should be a really memorable trip.

By then we are in mid-August! WHEW! Our dinner party will be that month sometime...

So as you can see we are going to be so busy, but I am looking forward to all of it! As the girls get older there are so many things we are able to show them. Disney World is coming soon!! heehee

Branson

2008-06-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

Thought I would detail our trip! We had a great time! The girls did pretty good on the trip. Averi slept til Fayetteville then she was DONE with the carseat. I would like to meet a baby that likes her carseat because I never had one. Sydni is now cool with riding in the car. Get her a movie going and she is good as gold.
We checked into the hotel on Sunday then headed to Branson Landing to cruise around. We looked in the shops but I didn't buy anything. I wanted to wait til we went to the outlet. They had some bounce arounds there which Sydni LOVES.
We had dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. Normally I like that place but our meals were just ok. Got back to the hotel around 630pm. We just hung out and gave the girls a bath in the big whirlpool tub. Sydni slept like a rock. Averi on the other hand fussed a bit through the night but made it til 7am in the hotel crib.

The next morning we went to Silver Dollar City. I am SO glad we brought the double stroller. At first I was thinking about not bringing it and just letting Sydni walk. But that was wayyyyyy too much walking for her. She did great in the stroller. She was all about the rides at the park. I was really surprised. They were pretty big but she jumped in line to every one of them that she could...with me or Daddy in tow.

Headed back to the hotel for a nap. Sydni was the only one that slept. Averi had taken a catnap in the car and was not interested in sleeping anymore. Finally got to go to the outlets!! FUN FUN FUN! The prices were awesome and the selection was even better. I am bringing more money next time!!

We went to dinner that night at Outback (not the chain). It wasn't that great either. Of course it didn't help that Averi was a little pill with NO nap.
Back to the hotel by 630pm again. I know that sounds lame but honestly it was nice to get to all hang out with little distractions. We just played.

We decided to go back to SDC the next morning since our tickets were good for 2 days. We were able to get some video of Sydni on the rides but not much. I felt bad that Averi was locked up in the stroller most of the time the day before so I chased her around the park while Daddy and Sydni rode the rides.

We headed home around noon. I sat in the back on the way home so Averi did much better.

Honestly she was a little angel most of the time. I think her ears are finally healed and her teeth aren't bothering her.

That night both girls slept like ROCKS. Sydni was asleep before I even left her room I think.

Our next big trip is to Osage Beach (Lake of the Ozarks) to meet up with Jim's family. I am really looking forward to it. Sydni should have a ball with all of her cousins.

Sorry its been so long since I have posted. I will try and be better! Check out the Branson pics on our site!

Pics by Joel

2008-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Joel took Sydni's pictures yesterday. He did a beautiful job. I don't know how I am going to choose. Thank you Joel! You are the best.

Click here to see them!!

Supermodel Sydni and Aerodynamic Averi

2008-05-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

I had to blog this so I wouldn't forget...

I took Sydni to Joel's studio for some pics then to downtown for some outside ones. She did SO GOOD. Lately shes been so antipicture. But today she was cooperative and grown up and of course beautiful. :) I was so proud of her.

Then my little Averi...heehee. She has developed quite the belly these days. And when she walks she sticks it out even further so to counteract this obvious imbalance she throws her arms back behind her when she walks. It is freaking hilarious! I have got to get a pic of it one day if I can stop from laughing.

BUSY

2008-05-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I know its been a while but its been a crazy week and a half!

The week after Averi's party she came down with the stomach bug. And this is the stomach bug to end all stomach bugs. She puked alllllll day Thursday then had a low grade fever on Friday that ended around 4pm. Saturday she gets up happy as a lark so I think we are in the clear...right? So, I go ahead and take the girls to my mom's. They were going to spend the weekend down there while Jim and I had some mommy/daddy time. Well, all hell breaks loose down there. Averi has diarreaha like CRAZY. Mom is cleaning her and bathing her...ugh. I can imagine the mess. So not only was she missing me but she wasn't feeeling the greatest either. GranGran got a crash course in Averi consoling that weekend for sure.

Anyway, we get the girls back on Monday and while Averi was still having some loose diapers shes in really good spirits. So Tuesday shes off to daycare and I am home puking! Yes, I got her bug. I am still not feeling 100%. Poor kid...can't believe she felt like this. Well, daycare calls around 4pm on Tuesday saying Ave's squirts are back. lovely....so we keep her home again today and with normal poops. HOORAY! She was also in a pretty decent mood so we are going to try daycare again tomorrow. I have to get some work done b/c Jim and I are taking off Friday for her tube surgery. Will this ever end? Jim and I have our fingers crossed that these tubes will solve all her problems. I think thats a bit of a stretch.

On the bright side, Sydni managed to stay healthy (so far). And GranGran told Jim that she was a complete angel over the weekend. Now, I don't know if thats just compared to Averi and her tantrums or just because Sydni was...it was probably a little bit of both. But I must say after dealing with Averi over the last few weeks Sydni is a BREEZE. Maybe I should buy her a pony instead. But the sweet baby girl will be back soon. I just know it.

My sweet Averi's 1st birthday!

2008-05-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been a year already! Averi is such a beautiful and wonderful blessing. Everything about her is pure sunshine...hence her birthday theme. I love you so much, sweet baby girl. I wish happiness, health, safety and lots of love on your first birthday. I look forward to the years to come.

Check out the slideshow to the left of our little Averi in her first year.

Averi's 1 yr pics

2008-05-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

They are ready!! I am about to pee myself I am so excited! I truly love them.

I remember at Sydni's 1 yr shoot with Rachel, she was soooo difficult for Rachel to get. I thought there was NO way she was able to get a decent picture. I felt the same way with Averi's session too! She was all over the place...not feeling well...and was ready to eat!! (she loves dinner time more than any other meal...just like her momma). But Rachel did a beautiful job and I am lining up my order already! heehee Take a look...

Go here www.rayelawphotography.com
click ENTER site
Then find the CLIENT PREVIEWS section.
password is: bottjen

saw this on another blog...

2008-05-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

twenty years ago I...
-was only 11 so not much was going on...I think we had just moved to Arkansas from Georgia

ten years ago I...
-was 21 and moving back from Colorado to Arkansas from "finding myself"

five years ago I...
-was planning my wedding to my sweet honey

three years ago I...
-was playing with Sydni who was 5 months old!

one year ago I...
-was VERY pregnant with Averi

so far this year I have...
-gone parttime at work and LOVING it

yesterday I...
-worked, walked and watched Cloverfield with Jim (its pretty decent I thought!)

today I...
-went to Walmart with the fam

tomorrow I will...
-relax because it Mother's Day!

in the next year I may...
-get pregnant (JUST KIDDING!! making sure you were paying attention)

Maybe this will help

2008-05-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

My Aunt Judy requested I create some kind of list on my blog for things the girls need. That way she will have some idea of what to get them. Well, let me just say they "need" nothing!! The amount of toys in this house is sinful I swear. I stay on top of the clothes buying most of the time, but I will never say they have enough clothes. What fun is that??
Well, Mel told me a couple weeks ago about this site where you can create lists of things that you want. So I decided to use that! Now, you don't have to get exactly what I have on the list..I just wanted to give you an idea of what they "need". Also, I hope this doesn't come across as "go out and buy my kids some stuff"!!!! I just thought it was a good idea for ME to track what I want to get them if nothing else.
So here is Averi's link. Since its her birthday coming up I have put a few things on it already. I am working on Sydni's. Once I get both lists up and running I will post permanent links in my favorites over to the left.
Averi's Things I Want List

My recent cooking success

2008-05-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

So I love to cook. I don't know why. My mom hates it. haha But shes really good at it. So I hope since I LOVE it then I will be REALLY REALLY good at it. Anyway, I try to make a new recipe once a week and honestly most of the time they bomb. But every once in a while we get a good one and we did this week!!! You must try it.

Cajun Chicken Pasta
INGREDIENTS
4 ounces linguine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips
(I cheat and get the cubed chicken pre cooked and pre packaged. completely worth the extra money to save on time!)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
(again I cheat and get a pepper stirfry in the frozen foods section)
4 fresh mushrooms
(I used canned)
sliced 1 green onion, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
cook pasta
coat chicken in cajun seasoning
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chicken
Add green and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms and green onions; cook for 2 to 3 min
Reduce heat, and stir in heavy cream. S
eason the sauce with basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper
In a large bowl, toss linguini with sauce.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

ITS POOL TIME BABY

2008-05-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well, they finished up the pool today. We had to get a new liner. Don't ask me why we are putting a new liner in our 2 yr old pool. It only angers me. The good news is that the new liner is SO much prettier than the old one. Once I get the yard cleaned up and the flowers all set I will post pics. Yes, thats right. FLOWERS. My rose bush is looking GREAT...thanks to my sweet honey. Who knew he had such a green thumb. Then my Aunt Judy gave me some beautiful geraniums, I think. I suck at flower names. Whatever they are they are really pretty! I have potted one and going to pot the other 2 this weekend. They are going to look really nice out there. I am hoping Mother's day brings me some azaela bushes. Again, I have a black thumb. But the azaelas in our neighborhood are so pretty so how hard can it be?!?!

pics pics and more pics!

2008-04-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I took Sydni and Averi to Rachel for Averi's 1 yr pictures!! I am completely addicted to her shots. They are so beautiful and just POP out at you. I went to Mikabeth Edwards last fall. I loved her pics too but something about Rachel's style I just really like. Plus the fact that she is SO good with the girls. She was so patient and sweet to them...even though they were all over the place! She is pricey but totally worth it. I highly recommend her. You won't regret it.

Here is a link to her blog with a few of the girls' pictures if you didn't get my email yesterday.
http://rayelawphotography.com/blog/

Tubes, Timeouts, and more...

2008-04-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, Averi just hasn't been herself the last couple days. When I took her to daycare this morning they mentioned that she has been grumpy there too. So I knew what that meant...dum dum dummmmm...ear infection. I get her an appt at 1040am. And while I appreciate them getting me in that day, I DO NOT appreciate waiting 2 hrs to see the doc. Just TELL me 1240 next time...or at least 12. ugh...anyway, yes, she has an infection and yes, we have to do tubes. So they are going to schedule me an appt with the ENT doc.

When we get ready for bath time Sydni strips down and runs around the house like a banshee. Now, shes normally that hyper anyway but being naked seems to multiply it by 100. I try to get her in the bathtub and usually end up having to threaten a timeout....which the last 2 nights have resulted in her saying..."ok". And plopping down right there for her allotted 3 minutes. Now, WTH would Supernanny do?? So, I go for popsicle. She has been getting a popsicle every night so once I threaten to give her popsicle to Averi she hops directly into the bathtub. Gotta find their currency....

And Averi has been playing peekaboo. It is freaking adorable. Here is a sneak peek of my April pics so you can see her playing.

I am Martha Stewart

2008-04-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

So I decided at Sydni's first birthday that I was going to make her cake every year...and kiddos thereafter. Its really fun (although I am not that good at it). Here is my "experience".

Cake #1 - The Rancid Duck (I learned not to use grey shortening)

Cake #2 - Elmo (This one was EASY! And turned out well I think!)

Cake #3 - The Artistic Cinderella (This one was TOUGH!)

I am doing a sunshine for Averi this year. It should be interesting b/c I am turning a flower cake into a sunshine. We will see how it goes.

Another Bday shout out

2008-04-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

Its my girl Sara's 30th birthday today!! We have been through a lot in our years. Unfortunately, I don't get to see her very often since she lives in Austin. So I thought I would post some pics from our glory days. LOVE YA GIRL! Hope you have a wonderful day. Check out the new slideshow...

I tagged myself...

2008-04-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

from a blog I read...so here ya go.

What I was doing 10 years ago:
1998- hmmm, I had just moved back to Arkansas from Colorado. I was working full time as a front desk clerk at a hotel getting my shit together to get back in school that fall

What I was doing 5 years ago:
2003- Jim and I had just gotten engaged :)

5 favorite snacks:
chips and dip (any kind...I love it all!)
leftovers (ask Jim...I will eat anything!)
Frozen custard (greatest stuff EVER)
cheese and crackers....hard cheese, not that soft kind...BLAH
...this is tough, I don't snack much...ummmm wheat thins?

5 places I want to travel internationally:
Greece
Aruba
Virgin Islands
Paris
Fiji

The next 5 places I want to travel nationally:
NYC
Key West (haven't been since my honeymoon and I want to go BACK)
Las Vegas (of course)
Seattle (never been!)
Minnelapolis (sp?...I must hit that big mall...)

Jobs I have had:
Dental Assistant
Secretary
Hotel Clerk
Programmer
I think thats it...???

Three places I have lived:
Fort Smith, AR
Boulder, CO
Valdosta, GA

the weekend

2008-04-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend went great! We took the girls over to Joel's and they had a great time! Averi showed off her walking skills and Sydni karoked to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (quite well I might add). I think we need to get her one of those machines for her birthday. I, of course, sang David Allen Coe (just for you, Dad!), and Jim sang a Chicago song. He wanted to do a little Air Supply but had to settle for Chicago.

The big news of the weekend was Averi's top teeth are FINALLY starting to come in! I felt one of them Sunday morning and today I thought I saw the other one poking through. HOORAY! Shes been in much better spirits...if we can just get rid of the cold!

Sunday afternoon I took Averi over to Joel's for some pictures for the upcoming 1 yr birthday. Joel was so good with her and got some PRECIOUS shots so far. He has only posted a few but I am already WAY excited.
http://photos.joelculbersonphotography.com/p256905208/
I can't believe she is going to be a year old soon. I keep thinking of her as my tiny baby. She was so little and so perfect. Of course she is still perfect but not as little :(. Its a good thing though. I can't wait to watch her grow. Its the best.

Random

2008-04-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty good day. Averi slept all night but shes still struggling with the teeth. I can tell. Shes just not herself. This afternoon she would THROW herself on the floor in an all out tantrum..out of NOWHERE. It was the weirdest thing. We are going to Joel's for dinner tomorrow night so I hope shes feeling better by then. I just wish those teeth would come in already so we can move on!! argh...

And do you know people like this...where you are talking to him/her and something comes out of their mouth and you are like...WTH??? Or you hear about something they said about you and you are like DAMN...why would they say something untrue like that? For what purpose? Odd I tell you...sorry if that is a bit random. Just had to get it off my chest...it doesn't really matter. I have an amazing husband that loves me more than any woman ever in the world and I have 2 of the most beautiful children and I have a loving family and awesome friends. (hmmmm maybe thats why the random said it. I would be jealous too! heehee) Who gives a rat what this random has to say? me thats who. haha....I kid I kid...

Oh, and for those that haven't checked out the Charolette Russe store in the mall yet don't bother. I am going to buy up all their clothes anyway. TOO CUTE! And great prices...

Oh, and one more thing....Happy Birthday LeAnn!!!

Mel's 31st

2008-04-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well, today is my BF (thats right..I said it...did you hear that, Mel?) birthday today!! I posted a slideshow over to the left of some pics throughout our years. We met at work in 2001 and quite frankly I don't know how I made it those previous 24 years without her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY FRIEND!!!!

Teething sucks

2008-04-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

So my perfect sweet Averi wasn't so perfect and sweet last night! She had some trouble sleeping Sat night but I just thought it was b/c Danielle put her down and not me. (She is our babysitter and is WONDERFUL) So last night woke up once before we went to bed and I had to rock her a little. Then she got up AGAIN at 4am. UGH...we gave up at 5 and Jim gave her a bottle....although she didn't eat much she did go back to sleep until I woke her at 7am.

So I take the kids to school for the day and Jim and I paint the living room and breakfast area. He was thrilled. haha We had a good time though. Its nice just hanging out the 2 of us...no kids...no TV. We work well together too! We had 2 coats of paint in both rooms by 2pm. Then it took us another couple hours to clean up. I love how it turned out though. Pics are on our site.

Keep your fingers crossed for SOUND SLEEPING for my little one...hell for both of them just in case! I need some rest...

Slideshow

2008-04-13T15:59:00.001-07:00

So they have this cool feature on here that does a slideshow as you can see over in the left hand side. I think I am going to post random pics there occasionally. For the first one I have pics from AGES ago...heehee...have fun!

ps...Yes, I was a lard in one of those pictures.

Loud shoes

2008-04-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

So Sydni has this obsession with heels...or "loud shoes" as she calls them. She asks me every morning "Are you wearing your loud shoes today, Momma?". She has 2 pair of play heels she wears around but her new faves are these white dress shoes that were passed down from cousin Matilda (which automatically makes them gold to Sydni anyway!). They aren't "real" heels but they do have a little heel on them. The main thing is they are LOUD on the floor. So she can stomp around and thinks shes very big. But the things are way too small for her. They were starting to leave marks on her feet! So the 4 of us set out for new loud shoes for her. We finally found some at Shoe Carnival of all places. I must say that kids shoe sizes are SO weird. Some she wears a 10 others she needs at least a 12. Anyway, shes happy with her new shoes and Mom is happy that her feet won't be torn apart anymore.

While I am on the subject, she also is crazy about this particular red and white striped shirt. I got it for her at the beginning of fall so again it is TOO SMALL. I refuse to let her wear it to school anymore but AS SOON as we get home she pulls it out (even from the dirty clothes...grrr) And she must wear jeans too. This is very important. So you can imagine the sight of her at home....in old ripped jeans, this faded short striped shirt and her loud shoes. She looks so trashy BUT so happy.

Trying this on for size

2008-04-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

I decided I wasn't doing a very good job blogging off my homepage. So I thought this would be a better way to do it. Of course, I started one of these blogs right after Averi was born for my "diet blog" and that kind of fell off as well. But I feel more dedicated these days so here goes nothing...

I am not entirely sure what this blog will be about...but probably my life, my husband, and of course my darling girls. I don't make it very far in a conversation without bringing them up.

Schools were closed today because of the terrible storms that went through last night. Sydni didn't notice one bit. I am so glad shes not scared of storms. I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. Averi didn't much care either. She was in bed before it hit and barely moved throughout the storm. Bless her heart.

Sydni will do anything to avoid bedtime. She stalls and complains...asks for "2 more minutes!!". She has gotten better, but she knows she has lots of ways to prolong it even after Jim coaxs her to the bathroom to potty and brush her teeth. It is much better than it used to be thank goodness. I can't wait til shes a teenager and I can harass her when she sleeps.

Ok I have much more to write but have to wake the girls from their naps! I am going to be good about this. I promise!