Front Yard Egg Hunt with Neighbors and Cousins

Insta Friday

My girl in the car while waiting for Ty at piano lessons.

Olivia's Field Trip to the Science Spetrum

Spring is blooming!

Our Wisteria is beautiful! Our attempt to cover up that ugly shed :) You can see that our town is in a very serious drought. Our main water source has completely dried up. We have been told that they will be able to replace it but it most likely will not be until September. SEVERAL area pools will be closed.
This ladder is the only thing I have from my maternal grandparents. Its pretty rickety and I spray painted it this year. A project in the works. I used it this way at our last home but have not committed to outdoor plants at this home until now. After pics to come. Thank goodness we can hand water :)

DOG

I am so weird. I know it. I come by it honest. I get my humor from my mother and we both do odd things like give people nick names and theme songs. I think I will call us FUN instead of weird :) Ty just said in his 'telling' voice yesterday, "MOOOOOOUUM..... SHE CALLED ME WEIRD!" My response? Well you are. Reaction? "MOOOUUM??!!" I went on to tell him that I think his weirdness makes him cool and that in fact he is cursed because I am his mother :)

SO.... here are the names I have for our dog, Murray: Bitty Bear Skin Rug, Bitty Baby Black Bear, Furray Murray, Diggity Dog, sometimes just Diggity for short. His theme song is Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggity Dog- thanks to Mickey Mouse Club House :) He is also known as Furry Brother and a lot of times just plain old Dog.

He is almost 11 years old. Our first responsibility as a couple. Well thats not true, but that would be our brief ownership of a German Shephard and a whole other post. I will never forget the first words out of Trent's mouth... AWE CRAP I HATE LITTLE DOGS. Famous last words :) Let's just say they have a special bond.

Trent is a spoiled brat and out of town in Augusta Georgia, for yes you guessed it THE MASTERS!!!! SO.. last night he was replaced with the next oldest male of the house :)

The Good Day

Here are some pictures taken from my phone the Thursday of Spring Break. This was at Trinity Park in Ft.Worth. It was one of those days I hope is forever instilled in my mind. Just us and Pop and Cita on the most perfect temperature day with partly cloudy skies and BRIGHT green grass. I truely believe Cita would have pushed him ALL day if he wanted her too. I wish I had video on my phone and you could hear him giggling the entire time. The sweetest moment. You have never seen two grandparents more in love and I'm proud they are my mom and dad. I again cannot give enough grattitude for how they cared for me and these babies the day after these pictures were taken and I was sicker than I ever want to remember. Love them so much it hurts.

Some things I want to remember about Levi

I know now from having two older children that no matter how bad you want to hold on to a moment in your mind forever, that there very few that you actually can. This little guy changed me forever. I always wanted a big family but did not even start until I was 30. My husband is the baby of four but was good with having a boy and a girl when we discussed more when the youngest was a year. I was sad but then got very much closure on that. Low and behold four years later we were surprised with Levi. He has taught me to just LET GO. Across the board. I can only handle so much of anything with this energetic, always in motion unless asleep little man. Here are some of my favorite things with him right now:

1. In the morning we have about 30 minutes together after big kids are off to school. Because he is still kind of in the zone he will sit in my lap. I just kiss his soft little hair over and over until he starts asking to eat, drink, play, etc. We have to be at our little school by 8:30 so there is just enough time to soak him up.

2. Every time I tell him I love him, he responds with YOUUUUUUUU.

3. He has a devious little grin with one eyebrow raised (reminds me of my man Dave Matthews :)

4. This kid is NUTS for sports, especially golf and baseball and with NO encouragement. He has been wacking at anything that could remotely be considered a ball since he was a year old. Now that he has been aware of attending his brother's games all he can think about is basssssseball. Everyday he runs to the backyard to hit off the tee. I recently purchased what resembles a wiffle ball bat (I did it like this, I did it like that, I did it with a wiffle ball bat- Beastie Boys and yes I'm THAT old). He LOVES it!

5. He cannot sleep without his sock monkey, to which he refers to as May May.

6. He is crazed for banannas and 'onggges'. I have to cut him off and he does not like that one bit.

7. His favorite things to watch on television are Diego and Blue's Clues. He likes to interact and answers everytime. I knows colors in spanish now.

8. Would go without shoes if we let him. Everytime we get in the car he takes them off and throws them. I always get ont to him for this and he will respond with," SOWEE.... mean to mamma" Which I think means I didn't mean to mamma.

9. Can eat an entire bag of popcorn.

10. Absolutely can only sit for anything on the tv for only 20 minutes max. Cannot do movies.

11. Gives the sweetest most gentle kisses of ALL TIME :)

Birthdays

Today is my Mother in Law's birthday. She is an incredible blessing to me in many ways. We celebrated earlier at 8 this morning for breakfast, her favorite meal. It was a nice time of just being together. I love seeing them love on my children.

Birthdays are special to me. Although, I think it should be done on a more often basis, I enjoy celebrating those who have helped form me in some way. That would include just about everyone I have ever known. Some in positive ways and some not so positive. I DO believe however that you can take away some good in each person that God has put on this earth. IF not for the soul fact that HE is the one who created them.

There is a special family not related to mine by genetics, that I can feel God talking to me through. That may sound weird. But I think true. Wonderful examples of what HE expects from me. They are not perfect people and have been through incredible trials and heartbreak. That is very hard to see and makes my heart hurt as well.

The thing that stands out the most about each of these individuals is that they have their priorities right. Not on the shallow things in life. Not the silly things of materials that in reality no true happiness can come from. Some of the blessings I have been given by them include finding happiness in focusing on family and inward to the hearts of others instead of the worldly way. Be happy in the art and beauty of nature. Find happiness in simple, yet see the complexity God put in it.

Sadly I can get caught up in ways of the world and not even realize it at times. Like who cares about a wreath on the door in my last post or holiday decorations. I like the fact that I have the freedom and ability to state that HE IS RISEN on my front door but is it necessary that it be 'decorative'? I think not. Not that it is wrong to have or desire things that are pretty, I am just saying we have SO many blessings and basic things that we look over to be happy in.

My inlaws do a lot for us. They have paid for more meals than I could ever count. Mostly they have been involved in the important aspects of our family. Our marriage, our children, these are things that are priceless. I tried to provide for needs that are not necessary but luxuries in her gift, as most would do. This day makes me reflect on the blessings she has given me and taught me. To be kind and respectful to everyone. Realize that you do not know everyone's story and just be sweet for the simple fact that they are near you. To look for others' needs. Bless others with reflecting that happiness in a smile. That is KayEllen in a nutshell.

Birthdays should be everyday, verbally.

Air Conditioner Days/ Heater Nights

Spring MUST be upon us! Well despite the dust storms and freezing cold baseball games ( I could predict the weather by our game schedule), I am VERY much ready for Spring. I love planting the urns on my front stoop and have plans of potatoe vines this year with a little color in the middle. I am waiting to be sure of no more freezes. I have even been in the mood to spruce up the back porch and the kids have been able to be outside more lately. Thinking of investing in a swingset this year. All thoughts and input on that welcome! Not that I have THAT many readers. Anyhoo, Going to get in the attic tonight and get down the Easter Decor. Its always nice to see what I have, like Christmas all over again, because I honestly do not remember. I do NOT have an Easter wreath for the front door and have been looking for one for the past month that I like and that is affordable. I never found one so I made this one. Its haning a little crooked in the picture but I fixed that. I am going to add some olive green felt leaves to those flowers but I think it will do. I found inspiration from a Christmas one I saw on a blog I follow.

I just purchased all three kids coordinating outfits online today and spent right at $100 with free shipping and a $25 gift card. I am feeling pretty happy and proud about that! Almost done with Easter baskets with the exception of the oldest boy. Trying to be creative there. Putting them together is truly one of my favorite things. I collect small inexpensive things all year.

I have been busy with a little side venture of taking on design again and baseball season. We took a quick last minute trip to visit my parents on Spring Break but had the misfortune of being sick most of it. It started with Livi with what we thought was the stomache bug. Then we had one nice day of getting out to ride the Forest Park Train and play on the Trinity Park playground with a lunch at one of my favorites Lucille's on Camp Bowie. My favorite part of Ft.Worth!!! That evening my aunts came over for dinner and we had the nicest visit. Then IT hit me. I think I got a touch of the flu. Have not been THAT sick in YEARS. I had planned to return home that day but was way too ill. I have to say if it had to happen I was glad I was at 'home'. My parents took great care of me and the kids. I am sure they had to be exhausted. Nothing like having your mom and dad when you feel that bad. We made to and from safely, another HUGE blessing. I always have anxiety about travelling 5 hours with three kids. We stopped in Abilene on the way back in hopes of some Chick Fil A and scoring some hats at ACU, but to our dismay it was closed... for ST.PATRICK'S DAY??? Really?

I feel like I am finally getting somewhat of a handle on keeping the house and juggling kids schedules and working without being stressed out. The baby is two years old, he certainly rocked my world, but I am finally recovering. Just trying to stop and enjoy things before they are gone!

projects

Entry BEFORE

At one time I would have LOVED this wallpaper. It was not bad, but did not go with what I have going on in my living room. However a Pack and Play and a few stationary toys occupy it currently, so I guess its not like being as decorative as I would like is a possibility. Have I mentioned I have a VERY active two year old??? The third IS NOT laid back in our family. I never even used that pack and play with the other two except when they were tiny if we traveled, maybe twice?!! Actually that is not even the same one. My hardly used one got passed along and thankfully I had the blessing of having one passed to me. I digress....

After pic, another Ballard purchase. NOT cheap and although I have a degree in Interior Design, two double rolls was not enough to cover my little entry. The third double roll should be here tomorrow.

Still looking for a 4' round natural and black indoor outdoor rug and maybe some old suitcases and seat to finish it off. I am having a hard time finding either at a price I would like to pay. Apparently 4' is not common for what I want. I prefer indoor/outdoor or polypropolene for easy clean. You HAVE NO IDEA how dirty the town I live in is. Dust storms weekly these days.

I originally planned to paint this red area an olive green to go with accents in the adjoining living area but now I am leaning toward the red. What do you think? A friend suggested I rub some black paint into the grooves of the texture that the previous owner attacked several rooms of my house with. I am thinking YES.

Under Sink Cabinets before
They are a little more beaten up than you can tell from this picture. I thought I had one up close but can't find it.

I bought some bee fabric from my favorite, Ballard and although I CAN sew and indeed DO own a sewing machine, I opted to ask a friend for a favor. Its called reality for me at this point in my life. I seriously do not know where all these blogging mom's find the time to create beautiful things, keep a home, and run children all over the earth. I also have a part time job and barely can find the time to do the essentials!

Wish I had a skirted farm house sink, but this is the next best thing for me.

Seventy nine and Two :)

Grandmom and Levi have the same birthday, February 25th. This lady is SO special to us and we enjoyed celebrating this day together. Levi is also named after her husband LD.


I absolutely LOVE this picture!

Red Velvet for Etie (Grandmom)

and marble white and chocolate with whipped cream icing for Levi.

Its hard to plan a cake for a two year old but Mickey Mouse Club House is one of his favorite shows. He was thrilled to see MEE MOUSE!!!

Ready to EAT the cake!

YUMMAGE This is WAY easier without a healing severred finger!

PRESENTS!

BUBBO SHEEN!!!!

Ty and Livi picked out presents especially from them

Ahhhh... these people crack me up! I have said many times I hope Trent and I are just like them!