Back to School...

My baby girls are in the TWOs! I just can't believe it. I remember thinking they were so "big" when they started in the cribs class (at 7 months old). We are so fortunate to attend such a wonderful preschool. I give thanks for our sweet school and teachers on a daily basis.

We had a big summer of development. The girls are talking SO MUCH now. They use complex and compound sentences. The describe what they see and make predictions. They love to count, name their shapes and letters and colors, and we are really working on letter sounds. They love to read and can even "read" (the pictures -- not words, of course) some of their favorite books and love reading to me and their babies. They love to play outside, build with Legos, and do puzzles.

Ashley still loves to play with her babies (she now carries two around at all times) and I see/hear her doing and saying things to them that I do and say to her. She loves to rock, sing, kiss, and read to them. She calls them "sweetheart" and tells them that she loves them. And she also prays with them. It warms my heart and makes me feel like I am doing something right on those days when I feel like I've done NOTHING right.

Annabelle loves imaginative play. She loves to play with little figurines (especially Peppa and her family and Mickey Mouse) and comes up with so many scenarios and conversations. She will occasionally play with baby dolls and she is so sweet as she cuddles, sings, and reads to them. She is still more adventurous than Ashley and loves to jump off of things, climb, and have Daddy or Uncle Dom lift her to the sky. She also loves to play hide-and-seek!

Our school year started off with a bang -- and not in a good way! Annabelle woke up on the first day of school at 4am violently throwing up. The stomach bug would pass between both girls and me over the next three weeks and needless to say, we didn't have a full week of school until the fourth week. But now we are in a routine and loving it! Mrs. Heather is their teacher every day and they just love her. Ashley calls her "Mrs. Feather." They love talking about their friends and the playground and are so happy every day when I go to pick them up. This year, we go back to my room for about 30-40 minutes and they play while I prep for the next day. It's become a time that I treasure and they look forward to it every day.

I am so excited for what the school year has in store for the girls and our family. I bet it's going to be the best year yet!!

So Long Summer...

We're back in the swing of school and almost settled into a routine, and I am just sitting down to recap our last glorious month of summer. I have to admit, although the last two summers have been special and fun in their own ways, I really loved this summer most of all. The girls are just a little bit older and we are able to go and do and explore and enjoy each other's company. I was so sad to see summer go!

August started out with our annual Buckmaster Family Vacation with George's whole family. We all met in Granbury on Wednesday and enjoyed a long weekend together. Thursday we played at Grandma and Pawpaw's house and then on Friday we all went to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and drove through the facility seeing so many cool animals -- like zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and antelope, just to name a few. It was so much fun and the girls LOVED it! We ended the busy morning at Cici's (a first for the girls) and everyone enjoyed long naps afterwards. On Saturday, Grandma and Pawpaw graciously agreed to have granddaughter duty and the siblings and spouses all spent the afternoon at the local brewery. It was so much fun to visit and spend time together! We were sad to see our vacation end on Sunday and can't wait for next year.

The next week, the girls and I spent the beginning of the week at Mommy and Me Art Camp at Van Grow Art Studios. We are so lucky to have this little gem so close to home! It was challenging keeping two toddlers on task (and not painting their entire bodies), but they had fun and the instructor was a good sport! We skipped out on art camp a little early and headed to New Mexico for a long weekend with the Sanders. We had the BEST time! We loved it so much that by the end of the trip, we were looking for houses to buy together! We drove up Thursday morning and George and I were not sure how the girls would do on an 8 hour road trip. Although they didn't nap until 30 minutes before we arrived and probably watched way too many cartoons, they did so well! It was a pleasant drive and we made it to cooler weather and the mountains in great time. We spent four days playing, laughing, cooking, eating, bouncing (the bounce house traveled with us, of course), hot-tubbing, and laughing some more. There was a great park super close to the house, so on Friday we got lunch at ate at the park before letting the kiddos burn off some energy. Saturday we went to the horse races, which was such a fun experience. Saturday evening it was chilly (around 50) and preseason football was on and I felt like I was in Heaven! We headed back (begrudgingly) on Sunday ready to prepare for back-to-school. It was such a wonderful vacation and the perfect way to unwind and relax before school started (and escape the crazy August heat in Fort Worth). We constantly feel blessed and so fortunate to have such wonderful friends living across the street.

The next week was busy with school prep, Junior League and a work day and in-service at the end of the week. Grandma helped out and we were so grateful (and of course, the girls loved spending time with her). We had a fun dinner with the Sudbecks, and I was officially back to work the fourth week of August. This year, I don't have a teaching partner (because of a small class) and it was so overwhelming and stressful getting ready for school to begin. We made it to Friday, which meant Meet-the-Teacher time, and the girls were so happy to meet Mrs. Heather. We celebrated the last day of summer with ice-cream and had a low-key weekend at home. Monday meant back to school, back to schedules, and back to crazy but it also meant that college football was just around the corner!

Fall is my favorite season of all --but I was so sad to see summer go! It's hard to believe that next summer we will have 3.5 year olds! I can't wait to see what this school year has in store for our family. <3 p="">

Sweet Summertime

Good morning! It's August 1st! I can't believe it. This summer has gone by in the blink of an eye, and so has 2016. Don't get me wrong, fall is my favorite season and I am so looking forward to football, crockpot meals, and a chill in the air, but I have soaked up every second of summertime with my sweet family and enjoyed it so, very much. We've had busy days, lazy days, and everything in-between. The girls seem so much like little girls this summer, and it's enjoyable to have conversations with them and see their personalities and opinions really develop. I love witnessing the special bond and friendship they share with each other, and can't wait to see how much stronger it gets as they get older. We don't start back to school until August 29th (I have some meetings and trainings the weekend of the 22nd), so we still have some summer left, but here's a recap of what we've done so far. 

May began with a trip to West Columbia for Mother's Day and lots of end-of-school year stuff. George had a quick work trip to New York and my amazing Co-Chair and I prepared for the Junior League Provisional Retreat with our newest members. We finished school in mid-May and headed down to Nonnie and Pawpaw's house while Daddy George had a boys golf weekend on Lake Sam Rayburn. We loved seeing our family and he had a wonderful time with high school friends. The next week was the Colonial PGA golf tournament in Fort Worth, so the girls and I were solo most of the week while George entertained clients. Memorial Day was laid back and relaxing with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Dom. We kicked off summer the right way! :) 

June was crazy busy, but so much fun. The first weekend was Crestival, the annual member/guest golf tournament at River Crest. The little ladies spent the weekend in Granbury and we had a full weekend of golf, friends, and parties with the Sudbecks. Crestival is known as "Golf's Biggest Party" and it didn't disappoint. After several weeks of nonstop rain, the boys were forced to walk 36 holes (which was exhausting), but they made the best of it and it definitely didn't ruin a good time. It is so much fun to see so many neighbors and friends that we only see once a year. Crestival is definitely one of my favorite weekends of the whole year! The girls had a wonderful time in Granbury and it was nice to be reunited on Sunday. The next weekend, George and I made a quick day trip to Austin for a wedding and the girls spent the night at Aunt Rachel and Uncle Dom's house. Everyone had a fun weekend and they enjoyed one of the splash pads in their neighborhood (until it started unexpectedly storming). The third weekend in June, we headed to Pearland with George's family to spend the weekend at Matt and Cortney's house. It was so much fun having everyone together and we stopped by Nonnie and Pawpaw's house on the way home to see them. The last weekend, we celebrated the newly-married Corby's at their wedding in Fort Worth. The girls had Summer Fun at their preschool two days a week and started a ballet/gymnastics combo class at Little Gym. Annabelle LOVES the gymnastic portion (and often is asking when it's time for gym during the entirety of the dance class), while Ashley seems to enjoy both portions equally. It's such a fun activity and I love seeing how they have different interests. I don't think they'll be in the same activities when they get older! As mentioned in my previous post, Lindsey and I started taking tennis lessons in June and we are both really enjoying the workout and the sport. June was a fun month! 

After a busy June, I vowed to slow down in July and be home more. It's always great seeing and doing, but I felt like we were running around too much so we really tried to keep our weekends open and not so busy. My parents came up for July 4th, and we had so much fun with them. We went to Granbury on Sunday and got in a little lake time. I always feel so lucky when our families come together because they get along so well. It seems like they've known each other forever. I know we are so incredibly fortunate for that bond! The next couple of weeks were filled with more Summer Fun at our preschool, Little Gym, lots of pool time, trips to the trampoline park and Happy Lark (an awesome indoor play space in Fort Worth) and lots of Chick-Fil-A playdates and lunches. We spent a lot of time with our friends, EV and Will, and the mamas enjoyed the adult time and energy release (for the kids) during the day. George played quite a bit of golf and continued to be so busy at work, which we are always grateful for, but do miss that daddy of ours when he's gone! Lindsey and I improved our tennis game and started playing once a week in addition to our weekly lessons. July was a fun, "laid back busy" kind of month. Towards the end of the month, we celebrated the Scotts at their wedding in Dallas and then had a long weekend in West Columbia with my family (complete with lunch with Nonnie, an impromptu trip to the beach, and a visit from Aunt Dixie). It was a wonderful month and just full enough to stay occupied but not too full as to feel overwhelmed. 

We can't wait for August fun -- a trip to Granbury with George's family, a weekend away with the Sanders, and the excitement of a new school year! I know it's going to be a wonderful month! xoxo

What's Up Wednesday

**Pictures to be added later!

Several of my favorite blogs post "What's Up Wednesday" on the last Wednesday of every month. They answer the same questions and I think it's a fun snapshot into where we are in life right now. Here's to starting a new blogging tradition and hoping I can keep it going! I think it'll be so fun to read back on these posts at different times of the year!

1. What we're eating...
Well, I forgot to cancel our Hello Fresh subscription for this week so on Monday we had seared tuna over rice and a salad and tonight we will have seared steak with a chipotle sauce with veggies and a potato hash. Last night (Tuesday) we had Chinese because George worked late and I was exhausted from a full day at the zoo and splash pad! Thursday we leave for my parents' for a long weekend, so I am off the hook the rest of the week! 

2. What I am reminiscing about...
My baby girls as babies! Time flies by and I can hardly remember what it felt like to hold and squeeze my squishy-cheek little loves!

3. What I'm loving...
TENNIS! Lindsey and I started taking tennis lessons this summer and I really love it! It's a fun sport, great workout, and fun girl time away from housework! :)

4. What we've been up to...
We're getting ready to start major construction on our house -- the addition on a master bedroom and bath downstairs, a garage, and outdoor living space. We are so excited! We've been finalizing plans, I've been pinning like crazy (I'm sure George will give me NO budget when picking out everything--ha!), and we're moving everything from our existing tiny garage and guest house into a POD. It's going to be great when it's finished, but crazy during the process. It's a good thing we do crazy well! ;)

5. What I am dreading...
I can't really think of anything too terrible....I am dreading picking up the house because it's kind of a disaster right now!

6. What I am working on...
We need to purge! Before school starts, I hope to purge clothes, shoes, and toys. It's time!

7. What I am excited about...
I am excited about back-to-back weekends with our families -- my family this weekend and George's next. The girls love seeing everyone and so do I!

8. What I am watching or reading...
I am reading The Nest about a super dysfunctional NY family who is patiently awaiting their inheritance (or "nest"). I am a little over halfway finished and LOVE it so far. 

9. What I am listening to...
I've been listening to a lot of podcasts while doing house work. My favorites are Inspired to Action and God-centered Mom. 

10. What I am wearing...
Tennis clothes right now and house shoes, because my feet are sore from playing this morning. But I can't wait to wear my fall goodies from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

11. What I am doing this weekend...
The girls and I are headed down to my parent's house tomorrow and the George joins us Friday night. We can't wait for a fun weekend with everyone!

12. What I am looking forward to next month...
College Football (almost)! We will be so close to college football and I can't wait! I am also looking forward to beginning a new school year. It's always so much fun!

13. What else is new...
Not a lot -- just trying to soak up the last few weeks of summer and figure out what activity to enroll the girls in for the fall. 

BONUS:
14. Favorite part about summer...
I have LOVED all of the extra time with the girls and not rushing around. They are such an enjoyable age and are becoming more and more independent, but still love to cuddle and lay on mommy. It's the best of both worlds and I hope I remember it for the rest of my life!

What a Difference a School Year Makes...

And just like that the school year was over, and the girls were no longer in the "ones," but now "twos!" This is so cliche, but it floors me how fast time goes by and how much they grow up in just a school year. I remember their first day at WDS (in the cribs class) and thinking they were so "big" at almost-8 months old. And now they will be in the "twos" class, which mean they will turn 3 during the next school year. I. Just. Can't. Take. It. They are growing up before our eyes and it's beautiful, amazing, a huge blessing, but also brings this mama to tears. I truly feel like these crazy days are the best days of my life and that I'll look back fondly on them for the rest of my life. Oh, how these sweet girls have changed my life for the better!

Although they aren't quite 2.5 yet, I wanted to document some fun things about them. I feel like so much has changed since they turned 2!


Annabelle Jane -- you are a firecracker! I think I've written that before. ;) You know what you want and are all about figuring out how to get it. You are such a logical thinker and like to figure out how things work. You speak totally in phrases and sentences and remember everything. Just last week you were talking about going to Grandma's house and said you wanted to go on the boat and wear your blue life jacket. You've only done that one time and it was a month ago, but you remembered! You want to do everything we do -- wash dishes, sweep, drive cars, wear sunglasses, drink from a regular cup with a straw, etc. You are so independent and are just fine playing by yourself. You love to climb over and under, jump, sing, read and cuddle with mommy when you are tired or sick. You rarely sit still and love to be outside. You love your sister and EV. They are your best friends! You love routine and remind us if we've forgotten to do something (like at bedtime--it's TWO books and we have to single Twinkle, Twinkle). In the mornings, you want to get dressed and go. You really had a fun school year and love to talk about your friends Sam, Millie, Hayden, Lindsey, Riley, and Jordan. You have the most infectious smile and we just love you to pieces! You can recognize and pick out the numbers 1-10, count to 20, say your ABC's, and pick out some letters. You know all of your colors and shapes love to sing songs that have motions (like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes). You are such a delight and we can't get enough of you!!

Ashley Dianne -- you are a little mommy! You remind me so much of myself in everything that you do. You are emotional and such a lover. You love kisses, hugs and being held tight. You love your baby and take her everywhere. You are so concerned about her well being and make sure she is fed, clothed, and happy. You love jewelry and to build with blocks (polar opposites, I know)! I can tell that you are always watching me, because if your sister falls or something and I ask how she is feeling you do the same to your baby. You are as sweet as sugar! You love playing outside and announcing that you are a "big girl" and "I do it myself." You are speaking completely in sentences and are just a little parrot. One of the funniest things is that you'll say, "Oh my goodness" and use it in the right context. I wonder who you heard that from! You are like Daddy in that you are a little grumpy when you wake up and usually need some cuddles before you are ready to face the world. You love your sister and EV -- they are your best friends! You also love Baby Will so much. You really enjoyed playing with the girls in mommy's class after school this spring and they loved you, too! School was so much fun for you and you made some great new friends, You loved your teachers and love talking about Sam, Hayden, Lindsey, Riley, Millie, and Riley. You are a little ham and have the cutest "cheese" grin. You melt our hearts with it! You love to sing and read and have recently taken over saying the bedtime prayer. You list every member of our family and talk to Jesus. It makes my heart so proud! You can almost count to 20, recognize and pick out the numbers 1-10, say your ABC's and pick out some letters. You know all of your colors and shapes. We are so proud of you! You make life so much sweeter!

Both of you love learning and love your family, We talk about everyone daily and you get so excited when you see your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousin. You've started to really get sad when we have to leave them and I know it makes them sad, but it makes me thankful for the deep bond that you already have with them all. Your village is so mighty and you are so fortunate to be so loved!

We are so thankful for a wonderful preschool full of loving teachers that have loved and nurtured our girls this past year. I know I am forgetting lots of things, but wanted to document all that I can remember about them at this age. Two has been pretty terrific for us. Of course, our girls have their moments like all two year olds do, but we try to stay consistent and firm and pray every night for God to lead us in all areas of parenting to be just what our girls need. These girls were such an answered prayer and we are so thankful for His great plan and choosing us to be their parents. Here's to the TWOS class, sweet girls! :)

April Recap

April is usually a busy and fun month for us, and this April was no different. We kicked off the month on April 1st with Weekday School's annual Spring Party. It was at the Fort Worth Zoo, and so much fun. George and I sat at a table with some of my students' parents and had the best time. However, a strong cool front came in just before the party and it was freezing. My safari-themed sundress was a no-go, but the cold didn't spoil our fun. It was such a fun night out for both of us!

George left just a few days after the Spring Party for a work trip to the Masters. He took two customers that are more like friends and had a wonderful time. I think it's safe to say it was his favorite work trip (may trip) yet! He brought back lots of goodies (since Masters items can only be purchased at the tournament) and we were so happy to see him. He got to witness back-to-back hole in ones, which is something he'll remember forever! I think it's safe to say this will become one of his annual "work" trips!

The rest of the first week of April was spent with birthday celebrations and the JLFW Provisional Pancake Picnic. Since next year Nicole and I will be planning it, we stopped by for set-up and tried to take it all in. Later George and I came back with the girls and the loved the pancakes and fun games. This year's provisional class (and chairs) did an AMAZING job! It was fabulous!!

I turned 31 on April 8th, and George surprised me by coming home from work a couple of hours early that day and giving me some time to myself. It was so appreciated and fun not to be in a rush (or go to the grocery)! That evening, we walked up to River Crest with the girls for a sweet little birthday dinner. Saturday evening, we celebrated with a casual dinner with Rachel and then a couple of hours out with friends afterwards. It was a wonderful birthday and I am so thankful to be where I am at this point -- a wife and mom. It's all I ever wanted and He has provided. Life is sweet!

The next week, we celebrated Laura's birthday and Taylor and Matt's birthdays from afar and then the four of us headed down to Lakeway Resort on Lake Travis for George's work incentive trip. This year it was a family trip (where usually it's just employees). We weren't sure how the girls would do in a hotel room, but they were rock stars. We had so much fun! Friday evening we had dinner and they played in the room before going to bed. I stayed in the room with them and read (and retired early), while George hung out with co-workers. Saturday, it was rainy so we took them to the resort's big indoor Kid Zone and they had a blast (and took great naps). I spent a couple of hours at the spa while they napped and then we all went to George's work dinner that evening. We got back in time for a birthday dinner for Grandma and then back to business as usual.

The next week was crazy as George and I prepared to leave for a work trip (with wives) to Sonoma. The girls would stay with Grandma and Pawpaw. I always get so anxious and hate leaving the girls, but I know it's good for me to have a break and for George and I to have sometime together. I planned the entire trip for four couples and I had a lot of anxiety about everything running smoothly. We were attending Passport Weekend for the second time (first since the girls), which is a huge food and wine "festival" at each winery. You purchase a wine passport with 45-ish wineries and can go to any of them over a two-day period for tastings. Each winery has a different theme (Italian, Spanish, country club, Hollywood, New Orleans, etc.) and has food to accompany each tasting. We didn't know any of the couples (aside from George having lunch a time or two with the husbands), but we had so much fun! It was a great group and the girls had a wonderful time with Grandma and Pawpaw. What a fun weekend for everyone!

We ended the month relaxing and recovering from being gone so much and, of course, celebrating Rachel's birthday. It was fun to have Matt join us for dinner, too! April was jam-packed, but so much fun was had and memories made. The girls continued to "grow-up" before our very eyes and we love seeing their personalities blossom. We could not ask for more!!

Easter 2016

Easter is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I love what is represents for the Christian faith. I love that it is the "start"of spring. And I love that we typically have both of our families together.

This year did not disappoint! George was gone Monday - Wednesday of that week, so he had to go into the office on Good Friday. But he made it home in time for a family lunch at River Crest. It was so nice to walk in the sunshine and enjoy a leisurely lunch outside with our family. We don't get to do that often enough, so I soaked up every second. When the girls went down for nap, I went grocery shopping for the weekend. We would have my parents and Taylor here until Sunday and have George's family over on Saturday for the egg hunt at River Crest, plus Easter lunch after church at our house on Sunday. We needed a lot of groceries! My family arrived that evening and the girls were absolutely giddy to see them. They were ecstatic to see their Uncle "Tay Tay." It is amazing to me how kids just have that automatic connection with your siblings, and it's so sweet.

On Saturday, we somehow got 9 adults and 2 toddlers to River Crest by 10:30 and the girls hunted eggs! It was so special to have all of their grandparents there and Rachel and Dom and Taylor. We missed Matt, Cortney and Blaire, but knew they were having a fun time with Cortney's family. We enjoyed spending time with the Sanders at the Egg Hunt, as well as other friends. The girls loved the Petting Zoo and were perfectly content waving at the Easter Bunny but didn't necessarily want a picture with her. After the Egg Hunt, we all went to lunch before the girls took a long nap. Saturday evening, we enjoyed a late dinner with my family before retiring early since we were going to early church on Easter.

Easter Sunday was a wonderful day! This was the first year I really did Easter baskets for the girls, and they loved them! George had a tradition as a child of having the same Easter basket every year and he wanted to pass that along to the girls. I ordered them beautiful, personalized Easter baskets and placed them just outside the door (another idea from George) and they were so excited to see them Easter morning. We really don't want Easter to be about presents, so we put their swimsuits, summer sandals, a small toy for each girl, and a little bit of candy in Easter eggs. It was plenty for the girls and they were on a sugar high the rest of the day!

Church was fantastic and Reverend Mary's sermon was wonderful, as usual. She preached about how Good Friday wasn't good at all, but Easter Sunday followed it, and how we have to believe that God's plan is greater than anything we can ever imagine. This hit so close to home for me as I reflected on our struggle with infertility and how I never could have imagined how doubly wonderful his plan was for our family.

We hosted a traditional Easter lunch, following church, and then everyone was on their way home. The girls and I enjoyed a bonus day off -- Easter Monday, and hung out close to home and enjoyed the day together. He is Risen!!! :3

Spring Break Part II - Fort Worth Staycation

We got home from a long weekend at Nonnie and Pawpaw's house just before Daddy was home from work on Monday. We enjoyed giving him lots of hugs and kisses, and he handled bedtime that evening so I could go on a much needed (mentally and physically) run.

On Tuesday, we met our friends Aria and her mom, Katie, (who was actually one of the girls' teachers last year) at Chick-Fil-A for a play date and lunch. The girls had so much fun together and it felt so manageable and pretty easy. These are huge words coming from a mom, let alone a mom of two toddlers! The girls took great naps and we had a low key evening at home together.

Wednesday morning we went over to the Sanders for a play date with EV (and adult time for the moms). The girls had so much fun, and it was hard getting them home. They all slept so well, which is always evidence of a good play date. After nap, we walked up to Curly's for ice-cream. It's about a 15 minute walk there and the weather was so nice. We brought EV an ice-cream and enjoyed playing outside before dinner.

Early Thursday morning, west Fort Worth had a terrible hail storm. It hailed off-and-on (but mostly on) from 3a.m - 7a.m.! It have never seen or heard anything like it. Between the two of us, we have almost $4k worth of damage to our cars! #thankgoodnessforinsurance After the daddies took off for work, Lindsey texted me and asked what I was thinking: "What are we going to do INSIDE with these kiddos today?!" I had thought about walking over to Bluebonnet Bakery for lunch with the girls, and the Sanders were on board. Linds and I met in the street (per usual) and we headed out on a walk. To our surprise, it was a big success! Moms and the girls all ate lunch and were very happy. We had so much fun! The littles each got a cookie to enjoy on the way home and then everyone took great naps. Rainy day success! That evening, we celebrated Billy's birthday by going to the Family Night Buffet at Rivercrest. Laura was in Pearland (and was so missed), but Rachel and Dom were able to join us and we had a nice dinner.

Friday morning, we met the Amersons (and some of their friends) at the Science and History/Children's Museum by our house. The girls enjoyed running around the toddler area for well over and hour and then we ended the first half of the day with a picnic on the couch for lunch (and Mickey, of course) before napping. Friday evening, George and I enjoyed some adult conversation and low-key fun with Lindsey and Brian on the front porch. What a great end to the week!

We had a wonderful spring break and looked forward to getting back to our friends and regular routines. I absolutely loved the time spent with my sweet girls! They are at such a fun age and are growing and changing daily. I feel so fortunate to be their mama! <3 p="">

Spring Break Part I -- Girls Road Trip

YLast spring break, we started a tradition where I take the girls to my parents' for a few days. My parents always welcome any time they can get with the girls, and I enjoy getting away for a few days. Plus it gives Daddy George a little break from the chaos of living with three girls. This year, we decided to leave Friday after school and come back on Monday. We had just been there a couple of weeks before when George had meetings and had stayed Thursday - Monday. Plus, I wanted to have some time to just be at home with no plans.

The girls are great travelers! We've been going since they were just shy of four months old, and I think that is huge. We also always leave right around nap time. My hope is that they will always get a good 2+ hour nap in the car and then we just have three hours of entertaining. We usually drive thru McDonalds for a smoothie and then once we get to 290 (just west of Houston), I have  no shame and the iPad comes on.

We got to Nonnie and Pawpaw's house about 7 on Friday evening, and had dinner and played hard before bed. They didn't sleep great the first night, and I think most of it was due to Ashley cutting her 2/3 year molars. She was pretty miserable! Saturday, we spent the day playing around Nonnie and Pawpaw's house and spending lots of time outside. We brought the bounce house and even Pawpaw bounced with the girls. They enjoyed swinging and exploring in the giant backyard that my parents have. Such  a difference from our small yard in Fort Worth!

Saturday evening, I met up with some girlfriends at Rouxpour in Sugar Land. A couple had to cancel, so it ended up being just Cortney, Taryn and I (and Kellye for a quick glass of wine). We had so much fun, great conversation, and truly enjoyed each other's company. I am so lucky to have great girlfriends in my life, but there is something special about your first set of "best friends" that have grown up with you and experienced so many of life's milestones by your side. We may not see each other as much as we would like, but when we do, we pick right back up where we left off.

Sunday was spent with more playing at Nonnie and Pawpaw's and then hot dogs for dinner. The girls loved every second! The time change was hard on everyone and we got in bed decently early. On Monday, Uncle Taylor picked up donuts for the girls and played with them while I packed the car. We drove 45 minutes to Sugar Land and I let them play and eat lunch before buckling down for the almost-4 hour drive home. We made it home safely and felt so grateful to have had such a wonderful trip and time with our family.

Hello March!

March means spring is close -- and a break from school for mommy and the girls is even closer! We were excited to welcome March and looked forward to spring weather and wearing all of our cute spring clothes! We have had a very mild winter, so we can't complain too much about the cold, but I just can't put my girls in spring smocks until at least March. 

My February goals went pretty well, but I believe I am going to take a step back for March and just focus on maintenance in all areas. We are busy the next two months and I don't want to invite any unnecessary stress into my life. 

Looking back at February --

1. Read two books -- I made reading a more regular habit and I feel like I can fulfill my goal of reading two books a month going forward. It amazes me how when we get out of the habit of doing something on a regular basis, that it's hard to find time to pick it back up again. 

2. Daily Devotional -- I did much better with quiet time this month. I found another Podcast that I enjoy (aside from God Centered Mom). It's called Inspired to Action and it's wonderful. I may not read my devotional every day, but I am praying, reading Christian books with the girls, and listening to Christian podcasts on a daily basis and all of that makes life so much sweeter. 

3. Be active everyday -- I have not done as well in this department this month. It's so hard again to find time for something when it hasn't been in your routine. Hopefully in March with spring break, I can make this a priority again. 

4. Finish the playroom -- It's done! And I love it. I will have to post pictures. 

5. Meal Plan -- Done! We did well with eating at home this month. In March, we are trying our best to incorporate no-carbs at dinner time, so I will be on the look out for new recipes. 

6. Stick to our Budget -- Well, this one is a big fat FAIL! We had lots of expenses this month, and we did go over budget. The good news is that we get to try again in March. 

7. Laundry Room / Landing Cabinet -- This areas got some major organization and it felt great!

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In March, I hope to just keep the house maintained. I do want to bring working out to the forefront and commit to three days of actually working out, whether it be a class, running, or the elliptical. I have an app that has short workouts that I could do on the days I can't get a full workout in. I also need to charge my FitBit and start wearing that again. Small changes that I think can make a big difference!

Probably my biggest "goal" for March is to start making low-carb or no-carb dinners. I will be on the lookout for new recipes! George is working hard to eat healthy and become active again, and I feel like preparing healthy meals will help him in his lifestyle change. 

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I can't to see what March brings our family! We are so excited for spring weather, a few days off, and celebrating Easter with our families. God is so good! <3 font="">

Life in February -- Friends, Valentine's Day, Pink Eye, and a Road Trip

February felt a lot less hectic than January, and that was welcomed by all. We spent a lot of time at home enjoying the very unseasonably nice weather.

The first week of February was nice, normal and quiet. We played outside a lot, I worked on getting caught up on never ending housework, and George was in town and not working too late.

The next week was pretty easy, too, until I came down with pink eye for the first time in my (almost) 31 years. My eyes were yuck all of Valentine's weekend and but the end of the next week, all of the girls in our house had a turn with it. That meant not much school that week for anyone and a stressed out mommy! George managed to escape it and was out of town for two days. Lucky him!

Rewind to Valentine's Day--it was pretty sweet! Daddy George got all of the girls breakfast and flowers. And we got him his favorite candy and cards. We spent the day together as a family and shared lots of love! I was able to go the grocery before noon and alone, so that was a win for me! We enjoyed an early family dinner eating Mexican and George and I had dessert after the ladies went to bed. It was a great day!

The next week was busy with Junior League fun and prepping for Theresa's couple's shower. We can't wait to love on Baby Camden in April! Following Theresa's shower, we enjoyed adult company and conversation with the Sanders. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends that live across the street. 

George found out he had some meetings in Houston on a Friday and a Monday at the end of the month, so the girls and I tagged along and spent an extended stay at Nonnie and Pawpaw's house. It was so much fun! Aunt Dixie took off Friday and we met her at the zoo. I think all four girls needed a nap afterwards. We had so much fun! I really wanted a picture with the girls and Aunt Dixie at the zoo and didn't think to try and capture one until the end of the visit. Needless to say with two tired toddlers, I learned my lesson that pictures need to always be taken at the beginning! We had a great day with her. Growing up, I spent a weekend with her each December and we did something fun in Houston. Those memories are some of my most treasured of my childhood. I hope the girls get to share in the Dixie Days tradition. 

Friday evening, we were back in West Columbia and once everyone was home from work we all went to dinner at my favorite hometown Mexican restaurant. It's even starting to grow on George now! We headed back to Fort Worth on Monday afternoon and made it back in time to prepare for school, work, and the month of March the next day. 

February was a low key, but enjoyable month. We really enjoyed each other and seeing the girls grow, talk, and become more independent every day. We are so fortunate, and don't take a second of it for granted! Cheers to March!

February To-Dos/Goals

February is here! January was so busy for us, that I don't feel like I was very successful with my January goals. My biggest goal in February is to give myself some grace and breathe, so that means many of my January goals are getting carried over into February and I am forcing myself to be completely satisfied with that. 

A peek at my January goals:

1. I've decided that it may not be the season in life to train for a long distance race. I had planned on running the Hot Chocolate 15K tomorrow, and had made sure to get at least a longer run in each week. This week I realized (after reading my very appropriate daily devotional) that sometimes we take on too much and although it's all good stuff, too much "good" can actually not be so good. I still may try and run the Rock-and-Roll Half Marathon in Dallas in March, or I may not. I'm not putting unnecessary pressure on myself. 

2. I didn't read the two books I had intended, so that is a goal that is being carried over into February. 

3. Read my daily devotionals every day. Between sick kids and feeling rundown, I was not as consistent as I would like to be with this goal. I would say I did this 4-5 days a week, but hope to be 100% next month. 

4. We did pretty well with our January budget, despite the girls' birthday and party. 

5. The playroom is so close to being complete! I'll continue working in February and hope to have this big item crossed off my list. 


February To-Dos/Goals:

1. Read two books. I hope to read the same two books this month that I planned on last month -- Ever After by Vicki Courtney (wonderful book about marriage that I am re-reading) and Decision Points by George W. Bush (I've begun, but never finished this one). 

2. Devotional EVERY day -- I want to continue reading Jesus Calling, which has a morning and nighttime devotional for a year and also Power of the Praying Parent. My goal is no skipped days this month. My days are SO MUCH BETTER when I include quiet time in them. 

3. Be active somehow every day. I am taking a step back from training for long distances. My new goal is to be active every day (walking 15,000+ steps) and then maybe have a more organized/intense workout (like running or actually going to the gym) 1-2 times a week. I hope to do some kind of short floor work daily in addition to getting my steps in. 

4. Finish playroom. I hope to cross this big (but fun) project off of my to-do list this month! We just have a few things left -- pictures of the girls, more wall art, finish our art wall, buy a large rug, and install a chalk board and mirror. 

5. Meal Plan. I want to get back into the routine of meal planning for the month and cooking at home five days a week. It's so much easier to eat healthy and stick to our budget this way. 

6. Keep MINT updated and stick to our monthly budget. It feels great to stick to our monthly budget and not overspend. We did much better in January and I hope to stay even more on top of our budget in February. 

7. House Focus: Laundry Room / Landing Cabinet -- In addition to finishing the playroom, our laundry room needs some organization. I hope to keep some toys in our cabinets in there to rotate through the playroom. Also, we have a closet in the landing area upstairs that needs to be cleaned out and organized. That space could be used so much more efficiently!

TWO!

Baby Girls--you're two! I just can't believe it. These last two years have gone by in the blink of an eye. I can still remember being so nervous for my first sonogram, only to find out that we had been blessed with TWO sweet angels. Your actual "birth"day seems like yesterday -- I can remember so many of the sights, sounds, and being freezing cold afterwards. I can remember the NICU routine and bringing you home, and all of the crazy, sweetness of your first year. Looking back at pictures from the past summer, I remember that we thought you were so big on our family beach vacation and now you look like babies in those pictures. It has been a wonderful year! You make my heart so full. The first year of your life was so special because of all of the "firsts" of motherhood, but this past year you have grown so much, accomplished so much, and really just come into your own. I have enjoyed every second of seeing you personalities bloom. There have been challenges -- probably the biggest being keeping you two stimulated and safe all day. You both like to go and move like crazy. Having twins means that we can't go and do as much as we all would like, because I am paranoid and maybe a little too "safe" and it makes me nervous to have both of you in a big open area (because you two never fail to run in the opposite direction). But we really try our best to have a lot of fun at home inside and outside and with lots of different materials and toys. I am loving this age so much! I can't say you two haven't had a tantrum (or ten), but the hard moments make the good moments that much sweeter! You two are both dolls and loved by so many people, but none more than your daddy and me!


Annabelle Jane -- 25lbs, 8oz. (38th percentile) and 37 1/4 inches tall (99th percentile)

Sweet Annabelle -- you are so determined, focused and silly. You completely have your dad's personality (mostly). You are very logical and once you have your mind set on something, it's not ideal for ANYONE to stray you in another direction. You don't throw many tantrums, unless we are interfering with your carefully-crafted plans. One of my favorite stories is from Christmas Eve. You wanted to go outside and play so badly at bedtime. Daddy and I, of course, said "no," so you went and put on your jacket and shoes and stood at the door. In your mind, you had taken the necessary steps for going outside and completely expected for us to open the door and go out with you. Needless to say, you slept in your shoes and coat that night. 

You love playing make believe, especially with little figurines (like Mickey, farm animals, and doll houses). It's so fun watching your mind work and your scenarios unfold. While Ashley is definitely the one that plays baby dolls more, you have your moments where you sweetly and quietly go over to the babies and tuck them in, swaddle them up, or push them in the stroller. It melts my heart! You will be a great mommy one day. You love, love, love Mickey Mouse and would watch him all day, every day if I would let you. You love to laugh and love to be tickled. You also are such a risk taker and love to hang upside down, climb, run, and play chase. I love hearing you squeal in delight as you play with Daddy. Lately, you've been extra cuddling and I love it. I hope you always love my hugs and kisses! You love playing with your sister and love it when she tickles you. Hearing you two giggle together is the sweetest sound! You have many words -- too many to count. You have been speaking in two-word phrases for a while and are saying some three-word phrases. It amazes me what you pick up and understand. You are so smart, and your dad and I are so proud of you. We can't wait to watch you grow this year! You are a smart, sweet, strong-willed, beautiful little girl and we feel so lucky to be your parents. 

Ashley Dianne -- 26lbs (40th percentile) and 34 1/2 inches tall (60th percentile)

Miss Ashley -- you are so caring, playful, and cheerful. You remind me so much of myself. You are such a "little mama" and I have been called that my whole life. You are so emotional (just like me) and that emotion can go one way or another. Let's just say we've seen you throw a fit or several, but we've also nearly melted from your sweet kisses and "I wuv woo's." Tonight was one example of your sweetness. You were tucking your babies into their bed, and we sang "Jesus Loves Me" to them together (like I do to you every night). I loved hearing you sing most of the words to them and seeing you rock them. Afterwards, you reminded me that we needed to say the prayer. You folded your little hands and bowed your head while I prayed, and then we said "amen" together. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life! I have never been prouder of you. 

Besides playing babies, you love singing, reading, and watching "Wheels on the Bus." Naturally, your favorite parts of the song is the part about babies and moms. You also love reading books. I love hearing you and Annabelle read books that your dad and I have read to you over and over again (and you know most of the words). I can only hope you both have a love of reading. You definitely are a little more cautious than your sister and are startled/afraid easily (again, like mommy). You still love me to hold you a lot, but I am secretly enjoying every second. You are becoming more and more independent and there are many things you like to do on your own. You are quite the talker and have more words than I can count. You speak mostly in two-or-three word phrases, and say lots of "pleases" and "thank yous." It makes my heart so happy! You repeat everything, and it's a constant reminder that we need to set a Godly example with the words that we use. You love your sister so much and love waking her up from nap. You run in there and practically shriek her name. It's the sweetest thing! You are very in tune to the feelings of others, especially Annabelle. You quickly report that "Annabelle is sad" or "Annabelle is crying" if something is wrong. I hope you and your sister stay this close for the rest of your lives! You are such a smart, strong, kind little girl and truly beautiful inside and out. We couldn't feel prouder and luckier to be your mom and dad!

For your second birthday, we celebrated with family and a few close friends. We had a donuts and pajamas party and everyone wore pajamas. We ate lots of yummy breakfast food and, of course, donuts. Your grandparents and Aunt Lynn got you two a bounce house and you love it so much! That was the best part of the birthday--seeing the joy on your faces as you bounced and played. You two are loved by so many, and I hope you never doubt how much you are loved. Most of all, you are loved by your Heavenly Father, and I hope you always feel His presence and love. If we raise you two to live your lives only worrying about pleasing Him, then we've done our jobs. That's my prayer for you--that you won't work to please those here on earth, but live to please God and live a life parallel with His wishes. Here's to year 3, sweet girls! There's no greater joy in our lives than being your parents. You were so worth all of the waiting and the heartache, tears, and worry that came with it. We still can't believe you are ours! Happy Birthday to you!! xoxoxo