The Callaways

Tonight I was thanking Jason being so wonderful and having such a grand family. I count myself blessed to have married a man with loving parents who have taken me in like a daughter and a great bother who married a woman who I can call a friend. Jason' s brother's family is visiting from Ohio. We spent the day just hanging out with them. This is the first time we meet their new addition, Jacob. He is a sweet boy. His peaceful and calm personality is a joy. Ramsey and Deb are supper parents.
Madison was delighted to meet Jacob Edward and enjoyed giving him a toy- pup pup and a little bear hug. Caroline gave him cute smiles. It will be fun to see them all grow up so close in age.
I am looking forward to spending the rest of the weekend with them and making more memories with Jacob. I loved rocking you to sleep tonight.

A Bond

Jenken and Caroline are just over a year apart, but they have a special bond that is so clear. Last time he was over he feed Caroline 3 bowls of Mac and Cheese. She belly laughs when ever he laughs. He always has lots of kisses for her. I am thankful I live so close to so many family member. With how often we are with the cousins I think in some ways it is like the girls have many brothers and sister. I love that my kids have a special bond with both sets of grandparents, lots of aunts and uncles, and all those cousins that keep coming!

Green Eggs and Ham

Popeye would be happy we ate our spinach!

I understand why

Miss Mat told her Daddy that she wanted him to be her husband when she grows up. She finally admitted that she will grow up usually she says she will stay little forever. She loves her Daddy and I understand why.

Fun morning!

Lots of kids and lots of fun! This morning I watched Zhara, Alisha, and Jenken. Thank you, Jennifer for bringing Kaylee over and evening out the adult to kid ratio a little it was 1 to 3 instead of 1 to 5. We played in the playroom the entire time and only came out for lunch. Madison loves to have friends over and I love to help out other moms by taking on a few extra. We ended our time together with my version of a preschool, story time, music time class- I think the kiddos enjoyed that the most. Signing off for naptime.

Supper Exchange

I organized a supper exchange with a group of friends and today was the exchange day. I must say I am delighted with the meals that are in my freezer. I made 6 Pizza Pasta Bakes costing $27.00 and 1 1/2 hours of my time. In exchange I received a veggie casserole, chicken enchiladas, bierocks, a chicken and artichoke dish, and a Mexican casserole. I hope the meals taste as good as they sound!

New car seats!

They are growing. We got Madison a booster seat which is perfect timing for Caroline to get Madison's car seat. Caroline loves facing forward. I think this, when they can sit in a shopping cart, and when they can sit on your hip are all great milestones for mommy.

Thanks for the outfits Nana and Papa!

(Madison just picked up the baby monitor and said, "Caroline, I love you very much." I didn't tell Madison that she can not hear you.)

Conversations from the Playroom

Grandma Linda, Johnny, Blake, Jenken, and Madison playing in the playroom.

Grandma to Madison, "We need more girls around here, so many boys."

Madison, "I have you Grandma, you are the other girl. You and me, Grandma, you and me."

Caroline's 1st Birthday Party

What a fun little party. Everything was super sweet. Caroline had so much fun with all the family. Uncle Ramsey and Aunt Deb made sure she was dresses to the T with the cute new dress. Grandma made the cutest butterfly cake! The Leaches are sure to keep her learning with new books. She will be decked out this summer in her daisy dukes from the Kondratows! Uncle James game her an adorable curious George stuffed animal. She can clean up all her toys with the new hippo walker that sweeps up toys that Nana and Papa gave her. Then she will have a sweet nights sleep, falling asleep to the crib toy Grandpa and Grandma gave her. Caroline, I loved how you so delicately would take each gift bag pull out the tissue paper set it aside and so carefully get the gift you took the time to really inspect each gift. I was asked if I practiced opening gifts with you. You are so cute! She received many more fun items! Thank you to all who made it a memorable day!

The hardest Birthday yet.

Tomorrow Caroline turns 1. This has been the hardest birthday I've ever had. I asked Jason if we could not celebrate and keep telling people she is 11 months. Turning 1 means she is growing up and I really like her little! I have accepted it and planned a small party with our family. I made a slide show with all her pictures (over 500) to play while the party is going on. That was a fun activity to see how much she has grown and how beautiful she is. Caroline, I trust you feel the same way about your first year as I do. It has been a joy for me. I love you with all my heart! You're growing into a little person with so much personality and love for those around you. You have eyes for your daddy. I hope he always lights up your life like he does now. Your sister makes you laugh you smile with ease. I can't get enough of you. I probably hold and spoil you to much, but I can't help myself you are mine! Happy 1st Birthday my baby girl! We all love you.