Take the Opportunity to Give

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Arkansas Children’s to support the 2018 Festival of Stars toy & donation drive. I am helping promote the statewide event as part of a paid promotional partnership. However, all opinions are my own.

With the busyness of the holiday season in full swing, I want to take a minute to offer up a simple way to share some goodness in your community. The Festival Of Stars toy drive for Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale will be next Friday, December 14. That means you have just over a week to run out and purchase a new gift or toy for a child who needs a brighter Christmas this year. There is a particular need for items for babies and teens, though gifts for all ages are collected. 

In Springdale, the collection will take place from 7am until 6pm, at the new hospital on Gene George Boulevard, just west of I-49. There will be hot cocoa, holiday music, snacks and special guests for people to enjoy when they stop to make donations on site.

Our family has a yearly Advent calendar that includes special activities and acts of kindness listed to complete each day. Many of our activities include an aspect of giving to others during this month. It's an easy way to help my kids understand that the holiday season is about so much more than them being on the receiving end of gifts. We donate to little free libraries, bell ringers and food pantries during this time. A toy drive makes a great addition to the list! 

Unwrapped toys collected on December 14 will be given to patients and their families who are staying in the hospital on Christmas. There are drop-off locations all over the state, and an online donation site for those who prefer to make a financial donation. Here are just some of the things that your monetary donation can help with:

In this season of giving, I encourage you to find something that makes your heart happy to support. Let us all remember others who are in need of a little holiday cheer.

Can We Talk About...

...spring pictures at school?

• Seriously, this has got to be one of the most stressful times for a mama. Tomorrow is our picture day and none of my children have pants that cover their ankles! Fall pictures aren't that bad because the clothes are new and still fit. Fast forward to late in the school year and growth spurts have kicked in. It wouldn't matter so much if they were only doing yearbook photos, but they are also taking class photos. I'm heading to the store this afternoon to buy Boy Twin some jeans because Lord knows if I don't, then he'll be sitting in the front row with his pants up to his shins for all the world to see. The girls will be wearing dresses because I don't have the time, energy or cash for a shopping spree right now. Anyone feel my pain? And don't even get me started on why they even take school pictures twice a year! Why?

...packing lunch boxes?

• Totally over it. I'm tired of packing them and they're tired of eating them. They don't want anything we have in the cabinet, except for chips.

...everyone's favorite little Boston Terrier, Fergie?

• You know how they say old dogs can't learn new tricks? Well, ours can! Lee has taught her what "kitty-cat" means. She will now run to the front window and prop her paws on the windowsill to look for the neighborhood cat. Our usually non-barker will also bark her head off when looking for the "kitty-cat." It's really funny.

...kids that are growing up too fast?

• In light of the above mentioned growth spurt, Big Sis has asked that I take her shopping at Aeropostale. I blame You Tube. No more Children's Place for that girl, I guess. Sigh.

...Girl Scout cookies?

• I was so excited that my girls wanted to join a troop this year! Yay! However, now I'm on the hook for delivering over 260 boxes of cookies next week. I suddenly realize how my mama felt all those years with mountains of cookie boxes stacked in our dining room. Oops.

I'm sure there are more things I'd like to rant about, but that's all the time I have now. Let me know what's on your mind, maybe we can do a collaborative list.  In the meantime, you can look at these cute, growing kids of mine.

 

 

 

Rockstar Kids

OK, let me be honest here. This is really a "back to school" post, but it's mid-October, and that would just be embarrassing at this point.

So, let me tell you about the kids' annual doctor visit yesterday instead. The doctor pointed out to me that we hadn't been in the clinic since our last checkup in September of 2015. Y'all. That's a whole year without seeing the doctor. I'm shocked and amazed. Then he proceeded to tell me that people with more kids are usually just too busy and tend to let the kids ride out their sickness. I'm sure I'm more guilty of that than them being well for a year. Ain't nobody got time to run to the doctor for every sore throat. 

They all checked out just fine, all in good health and growing like weeds. Then, this happened.

Before the appointment, I talked to them about the flu shot. In the past, they've always gotten the flu mist, but I knew that our clinic was no longer going to offer that option. Only the needle. So, I explained the vaccine--I gave them the pros and cons. I didn't take a position and let them make their own choice. By the time we got there, Big Sis and Boy Twin were on board with the shot. Surprisingly, Girl Twin conceded by the end of the appointment. They all chose to get the shot--without my encouragement---on their own. The doctor, nurses and I were all shocked. They took the shots like champs and never even flinched.

Now, if it will just do its job we'll all be happy. 

And here are those first day of school pictures that I promised, from August. :)

Twin Tuesday

As the twins are wrapping up kindergarten, I thought it was time to share a few things that have been going on.

The kids went to an "art party" birthday over the weekend--fun!

Girl Twin's sweet tooth has caught up with her; she had four cavities at her last check up. She was a rock star at her first two fillings, and we have to go back in a few weeks to finish.

I also love her confidence and her humor! The other night, we were flipping through the channels on TV when I stopped on a female MMA fight. We both watched in awe for a few minutes before she nonchalantly said, "I could do that." No doubt she probably could. Ha ha.

Boy Twin is showing off his skills this spring in soccer and tee ball. His games and practices are keeping us busy for sure. We are so proud of him for getting out there and trying his best! 

He made us laugh the other day when we were snacking on some gummy bears. Before he ate one he asked us, "Are these fat free?"  

We are coming up on kindergarten graduation soon and they are both so excited. Stay tuned to see what other things they can get into.

Conversation With My Kids

With me not working right now, I'm spending a lot more time with the kids. I've really enjoyed it and I know they have, too. Mostly because they tell me, and often. It actually breaks my heart...they like that I'm home when they get home from school. We have time to play before dinner and not rush around like we do when I'm working.

It's funny how they are each reacting to me being out of work. I try not to make a big deal out of it, because I don't want them to be worried about the "grown up" things like money and bills. They know I'm looking for a job and know when I have interviews lined up.

Girl Twin has been the funniest about it. Every day when she comes in the door from school, she does the same thing. Literally, throws down her backpack and comes to ask me, "Did you get a job today?" Seriously, the very first thing out of her mouth. I can't figure out if she's genuinely asking because she cares or if she's just trying to keep me accountable. 

Big Sis has been a little less obvious about it. Some days she asks and some days she doesn't seem to care. One day she came in and looked at me funny, "Where are you going," she asked. When I said nowhere, she said, "But you are dressed." Now, I know that I've slacked off a little, but I do get dressed most days. Thanks, kid.

Boy Twin isn't exempt from this discussion, either. In fact, he'll always tell me just how he's feeling. One night last week when I was tucking him into bed he said, "Mom, I want you to stay fired." When I asked him why, he said, "Because I like for you to be home with us." Awww, man. Talk about a broken heart. 

These sweet kids. Just when I think they aren't paying attention to things, they show me that they are. So perceptive and yet a tiny bit judgmental. We will survive...

What Does Leadership Look Like For Kids?

I am participating in a monthly awareness campaign with my fellow bloggers and friends in the Northwest Arkansas Bloggers group. Each month, we have a selected topic of focus to learn about, discuss and share with our readers. This month the focus is on leadership; particularly women in leadership roles and/or politics.

 

 

At this stage in my life, I think a lot about what leadership means in the eyes of my daughters. I want them to think, and to know, that they can do and be anything that they can imagine. I try hard to be a good example to them and to encourage them in every way. I want to introduce them to strong women who are doing good things in the world.

 

My older daughter is in third grade. I look around at the things she's already being taught in school, and I know she's way ahead of where I was at her age. Her school administration preaches the ideal of "I can't YET" instead of saying "I can't," when things seem difficult. It's written on banners in the school hallways and often recited aloud in the classrooms. I absolutely love this! So much so, that I find myself saying it at home when the kids want to quit or give up on a project, homework, a game, etc.

 

To me, that is perfect leadership. A leader is never a quitter.

 

 

Leadership didn't come easy to me, either. I was a shy kid. Like, super shy. I didn't really get my sea legs until the middle of college, when I was living in a house with 60 other dramatic young women. That will do it to you, for sure. I see a whole lot of myself in Big Sis: she's quiet, shy and just kind of blends in with the other kids. Gradually, she's getting more involved and interested in things at school and certainly in helping others.

 

This school year, Big Sis has joined Girls on the Run. It's an after school club for 3rd-5th grade girls, where they spend time learning about self esteem, self control, confidence and leadership. After the lesson, the girls hit the track to train for a 5K at the end of the semester. First, I'm thrilled that the school sees the importance of such a program that works on the mind, soul and body. Second, I'm beyond thrilled that Big Sis chose to be a part of it on her own, without my prodding! The 5K is coming up next weekend and I'm going to be her buddy runner.

 

Big Sis has learned so much as part of this group. In addition, it's given us the opportunity to talk about their lessons at home and lets me affirm to her how important all of these things are in her life.

 

To me, this is another example of perfect leadership. Girls need to know early that everything they do is important, whether it's related to their personal health or in the way they treat others. Affirmation = Confidence = Leadership. Right?

 

Here is a worksheet she brought home from Girls on the Run a couple of weeks ago. I want to frame it or maybe just hang it on the fridge...or on a billboard.

 

 

 

Just like any mom, I want my baby girls to grow up to be great. I want to see them be successful and happy, above all else. I can't wait to see what their future holds...stay tuned.

 

 

 

Big Sister's Travels

It's summertime and that always means a trip to Grammy Camp for each of the kids. Honestly, I don't know who looks forward to it more--the kids, Grammy or Lee and me. HA! I think we all enjoy it for different reasons.

 

Big Sis took her turn at Grammy Camp first this year. She was gone for EIGHTEEN days, y'all! I wasn't sure if she'd ever come home. I think someone was truly enjoying her freedom of being an only child and getting all the attention. That, and sleeping until 10:00am, apparently. Can't say I blame her on that one.

 

This time Big Sis and Grammy kept the road hot during her stay. They took a day trip to Little Rock and an overnight to Mom's family reunion which included staying in a cabin and a side trip to Mammoth Spring. And if that wasn't enough, they went with TP to her favorite swimming hole and then Big Sis spent a couple of days hanging out at Pop's house.

 

Mercy, that's a lot of activity for one eight-year-old!

 

 

These are photos from the family reunion trip. Big Sis and Uncle Bret got tangled up in a pretty hot game of Go Fish. Then, on the way home, Grammy and Nanny made a stop to cool off at Mammoth Spring. I haven't been there in many years, but I remember how pretty it is and how much I liked it. I knew Big Sis would, too.

 

 

These are pictures from the trip to the creek near Blanchard Springs, which is TP's favorite summer swimming hole. She was excited to take Big Sis there again. Aunt Pam, Nanny and Val joined them on this trip, too. And Val's sidekick, Jazzy.

 

It was a fun time for them all and obviously wore out Big Sis and her cousin Piper. 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so very glad that mom takes the kids for Grammy Camp every summer. These are the days that I know they'll never forget. They have made so many sweet, special memories, just like the ones I made with my Nanny when I was Big Sister's age. I can remember playing Slap Jack for hours, Nanny making Cheerios and crispy bacon for breakfast and taking me to work with her at the motel where she worked. I'm thrilled to know that my kids will also have their own sweet things they will remember about Nanny and their Grammy.

 

 

Grammy Camp is good for us all. But it also makes each homecoming a little sweeter when my babies are all back under the same roof.  The twins leave for Grammy Camp later this week, so I can't wait to see what shenanigans Grammy has in store for them.

St. Patty's Day Shenanigans

My sweet, creative kids decided on the eve of St. Patrick's Day that they wanted to make a leprechaun trap in the back yard. I believe this is directly related to the little ones learning about leprechaun traps in preschool--who knew this was even a thing? I think it's getting some legs with the tiny tot set, similar to the Elf on the Shelf craze. Mama don't think so.

 

So, here I am, caught totally off guard over what to use to make (and bait) a leprechaun trap in the eleventh hour. Leave it to Big Sis to have a solution! She asked Siri what to do. Siri told us that leprechauns generally like to eat green foods and liquor; mainly whisky.

 

Being the crafty lot that we are, we searched the fridge for something that would qualify. We came up with some salad, a cucumber and a really, really old and stale beer from the back of the fridge. We used food coloring to dye the beer green and BAM! Leprechaun bait was born!

 

As for the trap, that was all up to the kids. They went into the back yard and rigged up the sandbox lid with a metal rod. Hey, whatever works. Right?

 

Here are pics from the next morning when the kids went out, with their beach crab nets, to check the leprechaun trap. Needless to say, we were all utterly disappointed that the elusive leprechaun was nowhere to be found. The jury is still out on whether it was so fast that it drank the beer and triggered the trap or that the wind blew down the lid. I guess we'll never know...

 

What I do love is that the seven-year-old was equally (if not more) excited and intrigued by the whole thing as were the four-year-olds. Pure magic, for sure. 

 

And, of course, Fergie didn't want to miss out on the action either. Also notice how my brave baby boy stood back so his sisters could open the trap and he'd "stand back and catch it." Sure, that's it.

Weekend Visit Bliss

A couple of weekends ago, we were so excited to get a visit from TP and Piper! We hadn't seen them since Christmas because of so much snow and Big Sis's ice skating lessons; it was way too long between visits.

 

We had hoped to take Piper to our favorite park, but it rained on Friday and Saturday. We ended up at the park Sunday after they left, when it was beautiful, warm and sunny (of course).

 

The kids had so much fun playing. Piper loved on Fergie. And we got to have lunch at The Catfish Hole! Oh, and Saturday night, we took the kids to play at Fun City. It was a busy visit, but we loved it!

 

I cannot believe that Piper is growing so fast. She's a sweetie and a lot of fun. Her mama must be doing something right.

 

Conversation With My Kids

A recent trip to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on a warm February weekend.

Last week's Razorback basketball game gave us the opportunity to introduce our kids to one of the best and most popular players in U of A history, Corliss Williamson. During halftime of the game, the school honored Corliss by hanging a banner in the arena. I have a particularly fond place in my heart for Big Nasty because we were in school at the same time; I spent many, many hours waiting in the cold just to get into the building to watch him play.

As Lee and I explained to the kids his nickname, "Big Nasty," there was a lot of giggling going on. I suppose it does sound like a funny name to a bunch of little kids who talk about poop and farts all the time. I could tell they were really not impressed. 

The next day, Lee and the twins picked me up for lunch. I took Boy Twin into the bathroom to wash up before lunch. As he jammed his paper towel into the trashcan, he jubilantly declared, "I slam dunked it, just like Big Stinky!" 

I'm so glad they enjoyed our history lesson. 

Twin Tuesday

So. It was bound to happen sooner or later, really. I'm not at all surprised by what I witnessed over the weekend.

 

The weather was very nice on Sunday; the kids were playing in the backyard and the windows were open. Girl Twin came inside to do something. Next thing I heard...

 

"Brother! Get your ass back in this house!"

 

Oh dear. She got reprimanded, of course...right after I stopped laughing.

*This is also our first day of Pre-K photo post. They are going to a M/W/F half-day program this fall. I hope she doesn't cuss at school.

You Might Be From Northwest Arkansas If...

This morning, we were driving through downtown Springdale on our way to the kids' preschool Open House meeting.

 

As we drove down Huntsville Road, we pulled out in front of a live chicken-hauling semi truck, or a "chicken truck" as we call it. If you live here, you know what I mean.

 

Girl Twin:  EEEWWW, there's a chicken truck!

 

Boy Twin:  Don't get behind it, it will POOP on us!

 

*hysterical laughter from the back seat.

Back To School Blues

Today was the first day of school for us. Back to early bedtimes and nightly routines, yay! But this morning, none of us were very chipper to greet the day. In fact, here was my first Facebook post of the morning.

After a rough night, I decided to count my blessings to feel better.
1--We got to school on time.
2--No tears at school, and she wanted me to walk her in.
3--I can get photos of the second day because she wouldn't let me today.
4--She wasn't too mad at me because I, her terrible mom, forgot that she was on TV this morning...hence, we didn't even turn the TV on and missed her big debut. Ugh.
5--So very thankful for dear, old sorority friends like Heather Judd who offer to babysit my little ones when we are in a bind.
6--The twins didn't flinch over being left with someone they'd never met before this morning. In fact, I don't think they would have noticed if Freddy Krueger came to babysit, as long as he didn't try to take their Kindles.
7--Thankful I have a job to come to, so I don't have to sit home and look at my messy house today.

*                *                     *                          *           

So, you wanna know why our night was so crummy? It went a little something like this.

11:15pm  Mom & Dad in bed

12:00am  Big Sis woke me up because (oh my!) it was thundering. I sent her away to the couch to sleep. That leaves one empty bed in our house.

1:00-ish  Big Sis again was at my bedside nudging to get in my bed.

1:01-ish  OH! There's Girl Twin, too! It's a party!

I put Big Sis in my bed with Dad. I took Girl Twin to the couch, where I slept on one end and she on the other.  That leaves two empty beds in our house.

3:15am  I hear giggling and loud talking coming from my bedroom, where it seems now that Big Sis and Boy Twin are having a party and Dad is not very happy about it.  There are now three empty beds in our house.

3:30am  ALL FIVE OF US ARE WIDE AWAKE.  And yes, remember that the first day of school starts in approximately 4.5 hours.  Sigh.

3:45am  Everyone seems to have settled down. Boy Twin has been deposited in his bed again. Big Sis is again in my spot in my bed. I'm back on the couch with Girl Twin. Why? There are still two empty beds in our house.

5:00am  Dad has slept through his alarm and is late for work! I happened to wake up on the couch and notice the time. I went into the bedroom to find him frantically getting ready for work. He called to let his supervisor know he'd be late. But, guess what? The supervisor was apparently on vacation today and was greeted with a wake-up call from the hubby. Surprise!

5:05am  I push Big Sis out of my spot in the bed and crawl in beside her. I quickly realize that the 5:45am alarm I'd set is not happening. I reset the alarm for a much later time and decide that I can skip washing my hair in order to sleep longer. After I thought of a few other things I could skip, I was back asleep.

7:00am  Big Sis excitedly awakes to turn on the local morning news to see her big TV debut.  "Is this the right channel?," she asks.  Uh oh.  The segment aired in the 6:00am hour.  Oops.

7:30am  Rushing around the house getting the kids' teeth and hair brushed, begging Big Sis to eat breakfast and yelling at everyone to PUT ON SHOES....all Big Sis could say is, "Why are you rushing me?!?!" in a very impatient tone. 

7:50am  I got that child to her classroom with the little ones in tow. Hugs, kisses and definitely no pictures of her on the first day. That is NOT allowed. If someone is in a decent mood, maybe she will allow photos tomorrow. 

8:00am  Herd the other two back to the van after a little Frogger-style car dodging in the parking lot. It's humid, I'm sweating and I just want a gallon-size Dr. Pepper, for goodness sake!

How was your first day?

We've Been Busy...Having FUN!

This is one family that seems to always be on the go! So much so that finding time to capture all the goodness on the blog has been a challenge.  In the past couple of months, my kids have gotten to enjoy some new experiences and it's been so fun for us to watch and share with them.  I'm enjoying the fact that we have so many events and places to visit nearby that are easily accessible and don't cost a fortune for a family to do.  I've been on a hunt for these kinds of activities, and I think I've found a few great ones.

 

The kids have now been to their first drive-in movie experience. And because we all had a blast, we've gone back a second time! We are so lucky to have this hidden treasure in Fayetteville! I think it's the perfect arrangement for a big family; it's more affordable than a movie theater and you can bring your own snacks! We've yet to try an "inside movie" with the twins, so this was a perfect introduction because they don't have to sit still and stay quiet all the time.  Our drive-in theater shows a double feature, so you get even more for your money!  Boy Twin was the only kid to last through both movies without falling asleep--I should have known he wouldn't sleep if Captain America was on!

 

 

 

First time for family bowling--another success! And this was our Mother's Day outing, my choice. We've signed the kids up for a summer bowling program called Kids Bowl Free, where they will each get coupons for TWO FREE games every single day throughout the summer, so this won't be the only time they get to bowl.  Check out the info at www.kidsbowlfree.com.

 

 



We also spent an afternoon at S-Fest at The Jones Center in Springdale. We took advantage of the free games, kids' activities and live music to celebrate the day. Oh yeah, and some free ice skating (why didn't I take a photo??)! We are getting a membership to The Jones Center and will be spending much more time there in the coming months.

 

 

We have been having all this fun and much more that will be posting soon. These kids can't be still, so we've taken to trying to get out all the energy that we can. The good news is that we are all sleeping better than ever! And the adventures continue soon...

Long Lost Easter Photos

I swear these are the last of the Easter photos! I guess I should expect this to happen when my family has three different Easter celebrations.

 

Anyway, these are the pics from my Dad's house. The kids love running around his big yard and riding in the wagon, too.  As you can see, there are absolutely no photos of adults. I have learned this is what happens once kids are born into the family...there is now no need to photograph the adults. Adults only exist for being the vehicle of the children. For real.

 

My kiddos love every chance they get to play with Ally, so they loved this day. And you can see who was most excited about finding the "money eggs." We also got to meet Ally's new baby brother, who is such a cutie! Suddenly we are finding our family overflowing with babies!

* Click on the photos to make them larger.

Twin Tuesday, Birthday Edition

Happy 4th Birthday to two of the silliest, lovable kiddos that I know! What an adventure it is every day with these two.

 

We celebrated with lunch out at Chili's and opening gifts from mom & dad. We are going to play a lot of catch and Hungry Hungry Hippos this summer at our house!

 

 

Conversations With My Kids

As always, there is no shortage of entertaining conversations with my kiddos. On any given day, any one of them will provide us with a ton of laughs. I'm always ready to jot down the really good stuff so I can log it here and always be able to look back and remember it.

 

Recently we were driving somewhere when a motorcycle stopped beside us at a stoplight. It was a chilly day, so the driver was wearing a ski mask.  Now I can't remember which kid said it, but I think it was Boy Twin:  "LOOK! It's a robber!" 

This happened, the other night at dinner.  

Big Sis: Mom, how old are you?

Me:  I'm 38. Why?

Big Sis:  How old is dad?

Me:  He's 40; reaaallly old.

Big Sis:  HAHAHA!  Dad will be a grandpa first!

Obviously, I don't think she quite understands how the grandparent thing works.  But I'm glad she does recognize that her dad is so much older than me.

Twin Tuesday

Another Twin Tuesday, already? Here are a couple of my favorite recent photos of the kids.  It's hard to believe they will be FOUR in just a few short weeks!

Twin Tuesday

Here's a photo from our Easter egg hunt at church on Saturday. I will have more egg hunting pics later. I really wanted to share a video of the kids throwing a big tantrum that Lee took on Sunday, but I cannot figure out how to load the video from my phone. It's really hilarious in a sad way.

 

Happy Twin Tuesday!

Conversation With My Kids

I had another fun bedtime conversation with Girl Twin last week that I want to share.  I'll be honest, bedtime is not always fun for us simply because we are outnumbered and we have three kiddos who require a lot of assistance and attention.  Mainly, the little ones like me to lay with them (in separate rooms, of course) while they fall asleep.  While there are about eleventy million other things that need to be done during that time, I put them aside and lay with my kids.  This is when we have some of our best chats.

 

This particular night I was with Girl Twin and we got to talking about vacation.  Of course, she requested a trip to Disney.  I told her about the time we went when she was a toddler and promised a return trip when she's a little bigger.  We talked about the trip we are planning to "the lake" this summer and about swimming.  I then told her we might even try to go to Tulsa a few times.

 

Her:  "I like Tulsa dip."

 

Me:  (confused)  "Did we have Tulsa dip?"

 

Her:  "Yes! I like the red dip!" 

 

Ahhh, salsa dip!  Haha.

 

 

 

 

The same night, we laid in bed talking about school.  She said, "Why is it taking so long to get to Walker?"  (That's Big Sis's elementary school).  The kids are so ready for kindergarten!  I told her that she had to be able to spell and write her name before she can go to Walker.

 

So, I asked her to spell her name for me...which she did, flawlessly.

 

Then, I asked her to spell brother's name.  Again, easy peasy.  Then, I asked her to spell Big Sister's name.

 

"B-E-R-L-E-Y!"  (I think she thinks everything ends in LEY!")

 

 

I love that kid.