It Worked!

I'm posting this after my first full night's sleep in a while!! The TV trick worked and I couldn't be more happy! Karsyn went down around 9:30 and woke up at 6:30! Yeah God!! I was begging Him to let her sleep last night. Thank goodness He did. Otherwise, I'm not sure what would have happened...

Thank God for Blessings BIG and small

Landrie went on the potty tonight!!! She was SO proud of herself!! I made her sit on the potty while the bathtub was filling up. She kept saying "I don't want to try," but I made her sit a little longer. A few minutes later, she starts screaming "I DID IT! Mommy, Mommy, look!"

Such a great moment for me!

It may only last for tonight, but she did it!! Yeah!

Can a girl get some sleep around here?

...Apparently not! Karsyn, dear Karsyn, has decided that she wants to revert back to her newborn days and wake up every 4 hours. Even in her newborn days, she slept at least 6 hours at night.

I'm sure the ideas and suggestions will come flocking in (from all 3 of my dedicated readers), but she's not ready for cereal, she's not cutting teeth (anymore) and she's over the shots. I tried to use those excuses too. =) I have a new solution, and if it works then I will declare myself a genius.

When Landrie was a baby, she had the same problem, but much earlier on. We discovered that she wasn't used to a perfectly dark, quiet room. She was more adjusted to the TV's and noise of the day. So, we bought her a TV at 11 days old. Crazy I know, but once we turned on some static and there was a little light, she slept much better.

Here's to hoping that will work for Karsyn too! I'm sure my students will be much happier too...I'm a little cranky without sleep! I'll let you all know how it works out tomorrow!

Karsyn's Checkup

Today Karsyn went in for her 4 month check-up. Lolly had to take her and Landrie since I couldn't get away from school. She weighed a whopping 14 lbs. 15 oz. and was 26 inches long!! She's my little giant! At 4 1/2 months, she has nearly doubled her birth weight and has grown 5 inches!!

When it was time for her to get shots, Lolly told Landrie that Karsyn had to get some medicine. Landrie's response..."Oh, poor baby"! Such a sweet BIG sister! Thankfully we didn't have to explain to the doctor why she had scratches on her knee. Landrie likes to drag Karsyn along with her...literally...

The First Day

Landrie with her new backpack.

Landrie, Hayden & Avery getting ready to go.


Today was Landrie's first day of school. Her new teachers are Ms. Angie and Ms. Tina. This is especially confusing for her because of our Fairy Godmother Tina aka Channing's Gigi and then Landrie has her own Gigi. I imagine Angie is pretty confusing for her.

She was initially upset because I explained to her that Ms. Kari and Ms. Misty were not her teachers this year. She thought that her friends would not be in her class either. Once I explained that Lauren, Mia, Conner, Gavin and Caleb would still be in her class, she seemed fine.

To add to the fun, Avery and Hayden are also going to St. Timothy's. Hayden was supposed to be in Landrie's class, but the age group was so big that they were split up. We decided it was for the best though, so they could have separate identities. Plus, Landrie and Hayden don't always play well together.

Landrie got a good report today at school. She seemed really happy, but also exhausted. She only took a 15 minute nap! I think the only upset of the day was that she couldn't sit with Avery at lunch.

They Grow Up Too Fast

I am blown away by how much Karsyn is changing! I've noticed her drooling a lot lately, but didn't really think anything of it. I even rubbed her gums thinking maybe she was teething, but found nothing. Last night we were with some friends and one asked if Karsyn had teeth. I said "I don't think so"... Well...she does! 2 of them!!!

It makes me sad because that precious toothless grin will soon be gone. I'm not ready for that. She also is attempting to hold her bottle. That means that she will soon want to be independent and hold her own bottle without me. I just want to treasure these few months...I want her to stay a baby!

With Landrie, I was so excited to see her reach each milestone and see her grow and change. With Karsyn, I'm enjoying each stage so much more. I already can imagine each stage ahead because I've seen Landrie go through them. I wish I could freeze everything and just enjoy the girls at the ages they are forever. With the minor exception of the potty training thing...other than that, I'd keep Landrie at 2 1/2 forever!

The Blinds are IN!!

Our blinds were installed today!! We are one step closer to having things completed. This weekend I'm going to do some paint touch-ups and hopefully hang curtains in our room and Landrie's. I've ordered a valance from PBKids for Karsyn's room.

Here's a few quick pics of the house...remember...it's still a work in progress...

The Girls' & Guest Bathroom

(notice the little potty...still not being used by the way)

Landrie's Room

Karsyn's Room

Our Room

The Living Room

Funny/Scary Realization

Tonight Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original) was on ABC Family. I quickly wondered why I ever thought that it was a good movie. First off, Willy Wonka is CREEPY! The sing-song voice and the creepy eyes screams child molester to me. Then there's Agustus Gloop (?) who takes a swim in the chocolate river and get sucked up into the tube. Where does he go? Does he die? Does that happen to every kid who disobeys? Very traumatic in my opinion.

Then Violet...sweet, snotty Violet. She's so cocky and arrogant you just want to slap the smile off her face. She smacks on that "special" gum and turns violently violet. When the Umpa Loompas roll her away, it just about sends me over the edge.

I guess it sent my brother over the edge too. To this day, he's a little weary of little people. I think he's afraid they're going to take him away forever while singing "Umpa Loompa doopity doo..."

And we wonder what's wrong with kids today...

First Day of School

Today went surprisingly smooth. Almost too smooth. You know that feeling when you're just waiting for the other shoe to drop...but it didn't. It was a nice feeling coming back this year. I love the idea of a fresh start--new students, new school supplies (my personal favorite) and just new beginnings.

Jordan watched the girls today since Pops & Lolly are out of town. Lolly made it on the plane with no incidents this time. I called to check in with Jor at lunch time. Landrie was eating her "peanut jelly", as she calls it, and was having a great time. Jordan let me know that there was just one little near-disaster. Landrie found her way into a bottle of Jor's medicine. Landrie couldn't give us a straight answer about whether she ate it or not, but we're pretty sure she didn't. She just told us she threw it up in the air and put it in a bucket. Somehow...I believe her. Thank Goodness! A call to the Poison Control Center was not on my list of things to do today!

When we got home, I fixed (i.e. reheated leftovers) Landrie her favorite dinner...Spaghetti! Two bowls of spaghetti and a bowl of Cookie's & Cream--what a mess! I threw her and Karsyn into the bath and then it was off to bed for them!

All in all, we had a great day! Now its bath time for me!

Super Sunday

My day of rest will not be restful, but I hope it will be fun. This morning, I'm making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Just the kind out of a can...don't expect too much, okay? Karsyn is playing in her exersaucer and Landrie is watching TV (of course). She occasionally darts out of her room to see Karsyn, I mean attack Karsyn. ;)



This afternoon, I'm going to shop for a "First Day of School" outfit. Even though I'm a teacher now, it still seems to be a must. We bought Lamar a new shirt last night, too!

Tonight we have HomeTeam at the Amerson's. It should be fun, but may be a little hectic because we have to bring the girls. With Pops & Lolly out of town, we don't have many babysitting options.

Tommorow is our first day of school. I pray that this year goes well and that we can impact our students in some way.

Real World...Here I Am

So, I'm back in the real world now. Being off for 4 months has been wonderful, but it is somewhat nice to be back into a routine. Sadly though, when I get home my brain is too fried to post any blogs. :( I know you're all disappointed. So just for you all (the whole 3 people who read this)...

My car is back in the shop today which really stinks, but things could be so much worse. It would be so easy to be frustrated and angry and say "Why Me?", but what good would that do. My car would still be in the shop... Truthfully, I am frustrated, who wouldn't be...

I am striving each day to have an attitude of praise no matter what the situation. God has given me more than I deserve each and every day.

"Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O Lord; I will sing praises to your name. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed." Psalm 18:49-50

Sweet Girls

Sweet Sisters

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I started writing a post last night complaining about the beginning of school and football and how Lamar wouldn't be home much starting the 14th. It's never an easy adjustment for me. But after hearing of many others heartaches and difficult times, I've decided that I have NOTHING to complain about.

I am so thankful that my husband and I have great jobs that we love! God has provided us with a beautiful home to share with our 2 perfectly healthy daughters. Our health is what I'm most thankful for. I am amazed everyday by Landrie & Karsyn. They are both growing so fast and we've never had any major illnesses with them. God has blessed us beyond measure.

Each and every time we've hit a hard spot, God provides. And God will always provide. I'm through "sweating the small stuff," and I will be thankful that it is just SMALL STUFF.

Potty Training is the Pits

So...I feel like this is the topic of all my conversations lately, so...why not write about it!

Landrie is 2 years and 10 months going on 13! What she's lacking in potty skills, she makes up for in wit and beauty. The child is hilarious...and can express herself like a little adult, but she refuses to go to the potty!

I'm at a loss at this point... We've tried EVERYTHING! Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement (oops...I hope she's not scarred forever) and then ignoring it altogether.

When all else fails, you just have to laugh.

Here are some of my favorite Potty Moments:

• Me: What's that smell? L: I think its poop.
• L: No more diapers. (5 minutes later...a poopy diaper)
• Yesterday... Me: Landrie go get the Blue's Clues diaper off of your table. L: Woo Hoo! I'm a baby! Baby Diapers, Yeah!!! Seriously running through the house with her fists raised in excitement.

It could be my timing...we started this journey 5 months ago. Karsyn was born 4 months ago. New baby: check. We moved from our old house to Pops & Lolly's, then to the new house. New house: check. I've read those events may be too much for a little one to handle and that potty training is not advised at those times. Do you believe everything you read? Maybe I should. :)

More later...hopefully I'll have good news on the PT front soon. I'm just praying that she's potty trained before Karsyn, but you never know.

Long Time...No posts

So, since our last post...

We've moved into my parents' house AND moved out into our OWN brand new house! I'm just a little excited!

Living with my parents had its ups and downs, but mostly ups. I remember what it's like to live with sisters again...sharing bathrooms, clothes & make-up. I also appreciate the quietness and space of our house now. Lamar, Landrie, Karsyn & I were all living in one bedroom!

The move went smoothly and after painting for 2 1/2 days everything is finished! I'll post pictures later. The house is definitely a work in progress as I imagine it always will be.

It's exciting to see Landrie guide everyone through the house..."Wanna see my new room?" Even if you've been here 10 times already, she'll still ask you again. :) What a sweet, funny, precious girl!

Karsyn LOVES her room. She's slept 10 hours the last few nights! What a blessing! I think what she likes most is that while she's in her room, she's protected from her big sister attacking her with hugs and kisses. Landrie just can't get enough of her!

I think what I love the most is my big bath tub! My nightly bath is a must!!

Lamar loves the house too (minus the yardwork, maybe) ;). It was a dream for both of us. We're living near family and friends and this time we don't have to move out in a year or two because of a lease.

God has been so good to us! We're so blessed to have this house and our family and friends nearby. We just wish we could have all of our family here. Maybe someday...

Packing Stinks

So I know it's no surprise to anyone, but I have to say it---I hate packing! At least I know it's to move permanently and we won't have to do this again for a VERY long time! It seems like every time we get one thing packed, our stuff has multiplied 10 times! I'm about to adopt the philosophy that if we haven't looked for this stuff since we've been here, we probably don't need it. It's a good thing I say about to though...I've found our Marriage License and my birth certificate! =) Those are semi-important...don't you think.

I'm just going to go on with my ranting for a moment...

On top of packing, I have to go to school tonight, tomorrow night and all day Saturday. I have 2 projects due - luckily they're not too hard, but that means that Lamar has the girls and a house full of furniture to move. Our goal of being out of here by Sunday is slowly fading away!

The House

It's been 3 weeks since my last update. The house is coming along so quickly. We try to go visit every day. It's so fun to walk in and see what they've done each day. As of today, the cabinets, countertops and tile backsplash are all in the kitchen. Both bathrooms have the sinks too. It seems like it will be finished within days. All that's left is the electical fixtures, applicances and the floors. I wish we could be in there tomorrow! I love imagining what the house will look like all decorated.

It's so exciting to imagine what our life will be like in that house. This will be our home for a long time. Our girls will grow up in this house. I can already envision Christmases and Birthdays for many years!

Tomorrow our POD will be delivered here. We'll hopefully have it all packed up by Sunday. Then it's off to Pops & Lolly's house!! I hope that's not too confusing for Landrie. I'm sure she'll love it and be spoiled rotten by her aunts! :)

Side note: Taylor Hicks is awesome! So is Katharine, but Taylor has my vote!

The Easter Bunny...

Karsyn & Landrie met the Easter bunny a couple of weeks ago. Karsyn slept through it...no surprise there! Landrie enjoyed it. She told me that she wasn't afraid of the Easter Bunny, but she was afraid of Santa. I'll have to post that picture later! :)

The sheetrock is up in our house now. It's very exciting because you can see all of the rooms now! It's starting to actually look like a house. We think the brick will go up next. 2 1/2 months to go! That seems like such a long time, and that it would be finished sooner, but I'm sure that time will fly.

Until next time...

PS: Landrie & Karsyn LOVE their favorite auntS! That means both of YOU! :)

This Crazy Life that We LOVE

So here we are...I have clearly jumped on the bandwagon!

Just a quick update - Landrie is 2 1/2 years old and is so much fun to have around. She loves her baby sister and is constantly entertaining us all. She loves to watch Disney movies - especially The Lion King. She even has life-sized Simba and Nala stuffed animals. Landrie wants to take them everywhere. Her Lolly even let her take them into the mall. Just picture Landrie in her stroller carrying a lion that is as big as she is. Definitely a sight to see!

Karsyn is one month old today! She's growing and changing so much each day. She's the perfect baby - just like her sister was. She's sleeping for 6-7 hours at night--we couldn't ask for it to be any easier.

Lamar just finished up track with LD Bell and now spring football has started. He's worked really hard this year and I know he's looking forward to the summer.

I'm staying home (not really staying home though) with the girls until the next school year starts. It is a huge blessing that I was able to take off the rest of the school year. I'll go back to Bell at the end of July.

We're moving out of our house at the end of the month when our lease ends and staying with my parents for six weeks! Our house won't be finished until July 13 (Lamar's b-day)! I'm sure it will be very interesting!

Well...that's it for now. I'm not even sure who will be reading, but it was fun to "document" some of our family. I'm sure there will be more to tell soon.