Fun at the Park

Today's the last day of May.  I didn't quite hit my goal of blogging every day this month, but I did come very close.  There's always next May, right? 

The weather this month has been crazy to say the least.  Last night, we were under tornado warning again!  We got our fair share of hail at our house and a tornado touched down right by Jason's old store.  Tonight, we have another threat of severe weather.  We may be cancelling plans to visit our friends.

With all of the rain, we've been staying inside a lot.  I really thought that the kiddos would enjoy getting out for a little while, so we went to the park.  We took my niece, Jessi, with us too.

Evan, Addi, Jessi, Payton, & Karsyn

When we got to the play ground, we heard someone call out to Addi.  It was her friend Dallas!  She was so excited to see him. She talked a lot about him during the school year.  She even sit by him during their graduation. She was more than happy to help him fill his shoes with pea gravel today. ha!  I really enjoyed watching the two of them play together.  They were a hoot!

Dallas & Addi



Karsyn loved every second at the park.  She loves climbing up the slides. Every time she would go up, she'd say "Climb, climb, climb!"  She's so determined.

Karsyn

Even though Karsyn is super independent, Big Sister Payton was never too far away.  Payton loves to take care of her.  It's sweet to watch the two of them together.

Karsyn & Payton

And the few times that Payton wasn't too close, Jessi was more than happy to help Karsyn out....whether she wanted help or not.  (Hmmm...I wonder how that's going to work later in life?  A very independent girl with a gaggle full of sisters and girl cousins who like to help.  Oh boy!  We'll worry about that later. ha!)

Jessi & Karsyn

Addi, Jessi, & Karsyn

The kiddos had to take quite a few breaks to empty their shoes.  Evan really enjoyed the fact that he got to meet Dallas.  We've heard so many stories about him, we all feel like we know him.

Evan, Addi, & Dallas

I really enjoyed talking to Dallas' grandma.  We exchanged ideas of fun summer things to do.  I think the kids had a lot of fun and I can't wait to take them to the park again. Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Payton's Art Show

Tonight was Payton's big night!  The studio where she takes art lessons hosted an art show.  All of the pieces that Payton has been working so hard on for the last few weeks were on display for everyone to see.  Here's our little budding artist.

Payton

Each week at art lessons, the kids learn about a different artist or different methods of art.  Then, they do art work modeled after that form.  This summer, Payton will be learning about Leonardo DiVinci.  Her class will be painting pictures while they are laying on their backs.  The canvases will be taped to the underside of a table.  I'm sure that Payton is going to LOVE that!  Here's a look at some of her pieces on display tonight.

A repurposed bottle

Recycled Art



More recycled art work - I'm not sure which artist this is modeled after.

Seahorses - Have I mentioned that both she and Addi love them?

My favorite - Payton's water color piece

I really enjoyed seeing Payton's work.  She does such a great job!  Here's my four favorite kiddos all in purple after the art show.  Evan doesn't think the stripes on his shirt are purple.  He sees it as dark blue, a little reminder of his color blindness.


Addi, Payton, Karsyn, & Evan

On Saturday, Payton is entering one of her paintings into a contest at the Route 66 Blow Out.  I can't wait to see how it does!!!

A Road Trip - The Kiddie Park

On Friday night, our little family of 6 took a road trip with Papa, Nana, Aunt Ashley, Uncle Chad, Aunt Kary and Stephen.  We went to The Kiddie Park.  It's a little amusement park just for small children.  We were a little worried that some of our crew would be too big!  There were a few rides that the bigger kids couldn't ride, but we all still had a blast. Before we hit the road, I had Jason take a picture with me.

Tracy & Jason

The Kiddie Park is a little over an hour to the north of us.  It doesn't open until 7 p.m.  We timed our trip out so that we would be able to eat dinner and then go to the park.  We ate at a BBQ place called Dink's.  It has really good onion peels.  I was so surprised that all of the kids loved them!  You haven't really had a meal with our little family of 6, unless we spill a drink.  Addi and I managed to both spill our drinks within two seconds of each other.  Poor Aunt Kary got soaked with ice cold pop.  (We're sorry!)

Payton & Aunt Kary

After dinner, we made it to The Kiddie Park right as it opened. The Kiddie Park has been in business since 1947!  Old time carnival style music was playing in the background.  The smell of popcorn filled the air.  We stood in line to buy tickets - each ride was only 50 cents.  Then,  we broke off into a few small groups.  The first ride our little group chose to ride was this spinning ride.  Papa, Jessi, and Addi rode together.  Karsyn and I rode in another one.

Papa, Jessi, & Addi

Karsyn

Once the spinning started, Karsyn ended up in my lap.  She didn't know quite what to think.  I looked over at Papa and Addi and I saw this.  This is just one of those pictures that says 1,000 words.  I love the joy on Addi's face.  I can see the love Papa has for Addi as he's holding her tight.  It's just so sweet!

Addi & Papa

After a little spinning and twirling, we met up with the big group again and most everyone rode the roller coaster.  They had so much fun!  Aunt Ashley said that Addi turned into a little spider monkey! ha!  She wouldn't let go.  Evan and Stephen had a blast!  Papa was holding Karsyn's hands up for her.  She wasn't scared at all! The picture is a little blurry.  That silly tree jumped in my way. ;)

Maybe the tree didn't jump in my way, but when it was Payton and Jessi's turn, a clown really did!  The girls really enjoyed riding the roller coaster.  Jessi is a ham and she screamed the entire time!  Each of the big kids said the roller coaster was AWESOME!!!!

Jessi & Payton

After the roller coaster, the big kids had a rush and felt the need for speed.  The little girls needed something a little easier going.  We broke off into groups again.  While we were waiting in line for the roller coaster, Addi asked to ride the boats.  I decided that it wasn't a good idea for Karsyn to ride them, because I was afraid she'd try to jump out.

Addi

Well, as I'm sure you can imagine, Karsyn didn't agree with my decision. She wanted her Addi!  She tried very, very hard to get to her.  It's a good thing that she was no match for Nana.  I love Nana's face in these pictures. ha!

Nana & Karsyn

Nana & Karsyn

Nana & Karsyn

I felt really bad that Karsyn wanted to ride too.  We looked for and found a ride that I felt more comfortable letting her ride.

Karsyn

Papa really liked that Karsyn was in a police car. =)  He also thought it was really cute that Addi chose a fire truck.

Addi

The girls rode this a couple of more times and then the carousel.  They couldn't wait to ride the train next.  They rode with Papa and Nana and I met up with the big kid group.  I got there just in time to see Payton and Jessi flying an airplane.

Payton & Jessi

Payton and Jessi had a lot of fun hanging out together.  They rode the spinney ride with Aunt Ashley too.  She said they made it go so fast, that she almost got sick.  Surely these two sweet little girls wouldn't have done that.

Payton & Jessi

On the same spinney ride, Evan and Stephen had a hard time making their ride spin. The boys always have fun together.  Stephen was a little too tall for quite a few of the rides, but he still said he had an awesome time.

Stephen & Evan

Payton and Jessi really wanted to ride the Farris Wheel next.  They couldn't wait.  They boys were too tall, so Aunt Kary took them to the carousel.  The girls both said this was their favorite ride of the night.

Payton and Jessi rode together!

At this point, Aunt Ashley, Uncle Chad, and Jessi had to leave.  Uncle Chad was helping with the tornado clean up in Carney the next day.  Payton and Nana sat in the big gazebo and looked at pictures while the boys rode the carousel again.  Papa and Daddy were with the little girls.  Addi and Karsyn LOVED this stage coach ride.  Papa really enjoyed helping the girls out.

Papa, Addi, & Karsyn

Addi & Karsyn

It was getting really late, so everyone met up at the carousel and rode one last time together!  I think everyone had so much fun!  Our only regret of the night was that we didn't know about The Kiddie Park sooner.  It's such a great place!  We invited Stephen over for a sleepover. The kiddos really enjoyed having him over and it went much better than last time.  Payton told me just now that I need to let you all know that Addi called the amusement park - the 'Music' Park. ha! 

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!

Today, is a special day for our little family!  It's Jason's 35th birthday!!!!  Jason and Evan had a job to do out at Grandma's house, so the girls and I planned a very special surprise for when our boys came home.  I let Payton do all of our party planning.  This made Payton so excited.  She started making a list and then she made a diagram for party decorations.  Addi and Karsyn were her special helpers.  After the list was made, we headed to Dollar Tree.  I gave her a budget and a time limit....Payton needed both. =)  She had a lot of trouble deciding what party theme to pick...there are so many options at Dollar Tree.

Payton

Payton was having a really hard time making up her mind, so Addi offered her suggestions. Oh, and when we walked in, Addi asked if she could carry the "heavy basket." ha!

Addi & Payton

And even though I held Karsyn's hand the entire time (I only stopped to take a picture), this still happened!  I don't know what it is about Dollar Tree, but all of my kiddos at this age think they need to touch everything!   It doesn't happen at any other store!  You don't even want to know what Karsyn did on the greeting card aisle. Oh Boy!!!!

Karsyn

When I was picking up the mess, Payton noticed the monkey plates you see in the picture.  She decided they were perfect for Daddy's birthday.  Addi was in agreement.  We bought our supplies and Payton only came in $2 over her budget.  We decided to stop for lunch and to a little more planning.  We needed to decide what to do about a cake.  The girls wanted to go to Subway or 'Eat Fresh' as they like to call it.

Payton Grace, Karsyn Faith, and Addisyn Hope

We decided to go to the Wal-Mart bakery and buy a cake.  I was really wanting to make one with the girls, but I think they were more excited about going home and decorating.  We were in luck when we got to the bakery, we found a monkey cupcakes.  We bought the fixings for Daddy's birthday dinner and then headed home.  Payton couldn't wait to start decorating!  The girls and I all worked together and here's what we came up with.

When Daddy and Evan got home, we all hid in the dining room.  We were all planning to yell surprise together, but the little girls couldn't wait!!!  Jason loved what the girls did for him.  He thought it was so cute!!!

Jason

Then, we got the party started! 

Evan

Payton

Jason loved that we made him his favorite dinner - Chicken Nachos!!!

After dinner, Addi got the cake out of the kitchen for Daddy.  He started laughing when she said, "Daddy, look what I made you!"  The girls thought they needed to sample the cupcakes before Daddy got home, so Mommy had to do a little rearranging.  Jason's the kind of daddy that thinks that is really cute. We lit the candles and sang "Happy Birthday!"

Jason's 35!!!

We have a lot of other fun things planned for Daddy's birthday.  We are going to buy him some new clothes for his present!  Tomorrow, we are going to go to dinner and go to the Kiddie Park with my family.  Saturday, we are going to go out to breakfast with Papa and Grandma!  We really want to make Daddy feel special, because he's such a great guy! 

Karsyn

One last thing, Daddy thought the monkey party was way too cute! He and I decided that Karsyn should have a jungle birthday party for her upcoming second birthday. =)

Build 'Em Up - Being Confident in Motherhood

I'm linking up again today with the Build 'Em Up Bloggers.  Today's topic is all about being confident in motherhood.  To read other great posts or to join in the discussion, click here.

When I became a new mom, a little over nine years ago, I quickly realized how much pressure there could be on a new mom.  At first, I thought people, especially other moms, would see the joy written all over my face.  Evan was my first baby.  I was in love and I wanted to make everything perfect. 

I soon found my self drowning in a sea of unsolicited advice.  I honestly didn't know just how to cope with this part of being a new mommy.  I read every single baby book out there and I couldn't recall (maybe due to lack of sleep) one talking about how to handle this.

It took a couple of months before I realized that I had to forge my own path of motherhood.  There are so many different ways to mother a child.  As a mom, you have to choose what's best for you and your baby.  I think God equips us as mothers to do just that. There will come a time when you need good advice, so I do encourage you to find moms that you trust to talk to.  Weigh thier advice, pray about it, and you'll know just what to do.  If you are reading this, and you know a new mom, just tell her how precious her baby is and only give advice when she asks. =)

After I had my second baby, Miss Payton, getting an overwhelming amount of advice toned down dramatically.  Then something happened that I'm a little embarrassed of now.  I became super judgey mom for a while.  Yes, it's true.  Evan and Payton were the kind of toddlers that I could take any where and know that they would be good.   We would take them to weddings, church, out to eat,  grocery shopping...anywhere and I wouldn't have to worry about thier behavior.  I thought that if other moms would just do things the way that I did, thier kids would act the same way.

I can only imagine God laughing at me as I would pat myself on the back.  He had a plan to put me in my place and keep me on my toes.  On June 11, 2009, Miss Addisyn Hope was born. =)  Addi showed me and the world on the night  she was born that she had her OWN way of doing things.  She has continued to every day since.

I always have known what to expect from Evan and Payton.  With Addi, I feel like I jump in the deep end and we learn to swim together.  She has truly opened my eyes to see that God makes all of us so very different.  All kids have different needs and there is no one sized fits all approach to being a mother.  Now, I give other moms a gentle smile when they have a fit throwing toddler in the line at Wal-Mart.  I'm just glad that it's not my turn. =)

Almost 2 years ago, we had our 4th baby. Sweet Karsyn Faith is a little mix of her brother and her sisters.  It's been a blessing to watch her personality emerge.  I've really learned the best way to be confident in motherhood is to trust the Lord and to trust yourself. 

Oklahoma Strong and A Concert

First, I just want to say thank you so much to all of my blog friends who checked on our little family yesterday.  We are a little more than an hour away from where the tornadoes came through.  Please keep praying for all those who were affected and all of the rescue and recovery workers.

This weekend, we went to a sweet couple's wedding.  This morning, Ann, the bride, posted this on Facebook.  "My husband's house he sold last month in Moore ok has been destroyed. Gary said I saved his life." Gary lived in Moore and they decided that Gary would move here after the wedding, so that they could live closer to Kim and her family.

Jason and I both woke up this morning with the resolve to help. We got a phone alert that our local police department was hosting a blood drive and decided to donate.  We were at the police department about 15 minutes after the drive opened.  There were so many people there ready to donate, that we had to wait over an hour before we were told that it would most likely be another hour before we could give.  By that time, our kiddos were ready for lunch.  We came back after we ate lunch and found out that they would not be able to get us in before the drive ended!  It makes me so proud to live in a town where so many people are ready and willing to help. 

After we left the blood drive, we decided that we needed to have a little fun.  We met Kary, Stephen, and Emily at the library for a concert.  It's part of the fun of the Summer Reading Program.

Karsyn, Addi, Stephen, Evan, Aunt Kary, Emily, & Payton

 
Look really closely, do you recognize this singer?  Think late '90's sitcoms.

It's Heidi Swedberg!

It's Heidi Swedburg!  If you watched Seinfeld, you might recognize her.  She played the role of Susan, George's fiancee'.    She's part of the Heidi Swedberg and the Sukey Jump Band.  If you love ukulele music, you're in for a real treat.

Heidi Swegburg and the Sukey Jump Band

Seinfeld was my favorite show when I was in high school.  I still watch reruns every so often.  I have to admit, that was my main motivation for wanting to go. =)  Addi and Karsyn had a blast during the concert. There was dancing in the aisle!



 Dancing at our seats!!!

Dancing on Daddy!  (And Mommy too!)

More dancing in the aisle and an escape attempt by a certain little girl who is about to turn 2!



Evan, Payton, Stephen, and Emily didn't seem to enjoy the concert as much as Addi and Karsyn.  They did do a little clapping, but I think they were all in agreement that they were too big!  Heidi is a great performer.  The Boogie Man song was my favorite from the concert.  You can click here to see if she's performing close to you.