Egg Hunt

Yesterday we had our 2nd annual neighborhood Egg Hunt. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. Especially Campbell and Ida! They are definitely two peas in a pod. It's rare that you see one without the other. They have such a special friendship.

The babies had their own kiddie pool of empty plastic eggs. It was a big hit with Riley and the others in this age range. They seemed so content just being there while the older siblings were running around hunting for the eggs filled with the "good stuff".

Campbell can't wait until next year!

Pink Eye

I was just thinking last night that I didn't have anything to blog about.

Until this morning......

Campbell woke up with Pink Eye in her right eye. Honestly, it is a little gross because of all the discharge coming out of it.

When I called her doctor, he immediately called in a Rx. How convenient! Sometimes it is such a hassle to load up everyone to run errands. Especially for doctor appointments.

The best part, Ron (Diane's husband) picked up her prescription and brought it to me. I am extremely thankful to live so close to family!

Unfortunately, she had to miss a neighbor's birthday party tonight at Pump It Up. I think I was more upset than she was about it. She had been talking about Jacob's party ever since she received his invitation. Thankfully, Brent came up with the bright idea to take her to Pump It Up another day when her eye was better. That was good enough for her.

A Beautiful Day

The girls and I decided to go outside and enjoy the beautiful "almost" spring day. We were getting tired of being cooped up all winter and headed out to get some much needed fresh air.

Campbell was so happy to see Ida just shortly after we started our walk around the neighborhood. Everyone had a good time and played so well together. Even the babies were in a good mood too.

I wish it could be like this everyday!

Bird Feeder

Campbell and I made a bird feeder this morning. She really didn't like getting her hands messy, so I basically did all the dirty work.

It was really simple to make: Mix together 1/2 cup of shortening, 1 1/2 cups of uncooked oatmeal, and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. Tie a piece of string to an open pine cone or to a cardboard tube. Cover the pine cone (or paper tube) with the mixture and then roll it in the seeds. Hang your bird feeder outside. In a few days birds may come to your feeder to eat your treat!

It was a great way to teach her about how God made the animals. I was also able to tell her about how God loves the animals very much and he takes care of them. They don't have to worry about food or anything else for that matter.

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:25-26

Good Sport

This weekend was the BIG MOPS fundraiser with Heart Strings Photography at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church (RFBC). We have been planning this event since December. It's extremely important that all MOPS members participate if at all cost.

The Munsey household got off to a rocky start. The girls were initially scheduled to have their pictures made on Friday afternoon, but Riley came up sick. Considering my children's health comes first, I rescheduled our appointment for today at 12:45p.

Last night Campbell came down with a minor stomach bug. Thankfully, she didn't have any other symptoms. I was determined that everything was fine and their was nothing a little sleep and a lot of prayer couldn't cure.

Sure enough, she was still vomiting this morning. I already decided to keep Riley home from church (even though she was back to normal), so I thought it would be best if Campbell stayed home too.

Fortunately, Campbell was able to keep her breakfast and snack down. I just assumed it was an upset stomach and everything was fine. However, as soon as she walked in the RFBC lobby, she simply exploded and vomit went everywhere!!

The calm before the storm??

Maybe.

Church was letting out so everyone in the children's department saw it. I did exactly what any good mom would do....I got her cleaned up, put on her dress and got her picture made.

In all seriousness, Campbell asked to get her picture made after we cleaned her up.)

After our photo shoot, we came home and immediately put both girls down for a nap. We didn't even miss a beat! I am so glad that Brent was with me or it could have been a disaster!

I'm proud to report that Campbell has been vomit free the rest of the day.

She is such a good sport!

Dry

This whole week Campbell has woken up with a dry pull-up. She is so proud of herself. I am proud of her too.

So, does this mean the end of pull-ups as we know it? I think so! Or at least until we use them all up.

Any suggestions on her reward? Ice cream? A new DVD?

Full Bloom

My flowers are in full bloom.

Beautiful!

A Wonderful Valentine's Day Surprise

This is the first year that Brent and I have been away from each other on Valentine's Day. He left for some training with the IT department from Norfolk Southern Railroad yesterday morning.

Around 12:45pm my door bell rang. Imagine my surprise when the Fed Ex man handed me a box of flowers. I couldn't get the box open fast enough. Trust me, I had four extra little hands helping me in the process.

Once the box was open, I read a card from Brent that said, "I love you and miss you!" My heart just melted. I am married to the most wonderful man!

Thank you Brent for the beautiful flowers.

I love you and miss you too!

Happy Valentine's Day

my lil' baker....

Words and Feelings

I always carry snacks with me when I run errands with the girls. Yesterday we did some grocery shopping. It was getting close to Riley's nap time, so I pulled out the snacks to keep her content as possible. I gave her some dried fruit and she immediately gave it back to me without hestitation. This went on for a couple more times until she looked me square in the eyes and said "NO"! Actually, her "no" sounds more like "na".

Apparently, I didn't get it the first time.

Campbell and I just had to laugh at her because it was so darn cute!


Later that day, Campbell got up a couple of times during nap time (Quiet Time) after I told her to stay in her room. The last time this happended, I was on the phone with a friend. I gave her an evil eye and pointed to her room so I wouldn't interrupt my phone conversation. She immediately started crying and went straight to her room.

After her Quiet Time had ended, she looked at me with such a sincere face and told me that I hurt her feelings. This is how the conversation went:

Campbell: Mommy, you hurt my feelings when you told me to go to my room and it made me cry.

Mommy: I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. However, it makes me very happy when you obey and cooperate without being told to do something over and over again. When it is quiet time, it's very important to stay in your room because you need your rest.

Campbell: I would have gone to my room if you would have said please and asked nicely.

Mommy: You are right. I should have taken the time to ask you nicely. I will work on that. Please forgive me for not speaking nicely to you.

Campbell: I forgive you, Mommy.

Yes, these were her exact words. Campbell has such a sweet spirit about her. She reminded me that it is so important to speak nicely to the people that you love. It does make a lasting impression on them.

House Paint

It's finally completed! Our entire house has been painted. It didn't take as long as I thought and it looks great!

I'll be sure and put some pictures on the web as soon as I can.

is this your bumper sticker?

Shopping Spree

This morning Diane (MIL) and I went on a shopping spree to Belk's while the kiddo's stayed home with Brent. For those of you that don't know, Diane has this knack of finding bargins. I don't know how she does it, but somehow they just find her. So, whenever she ask me to go shopping with her, I jump on the opportuntiy!

We came across some unbelievable sales today! My girls are practically set for next winter. I bought 20 items of clothing for $61.74. I saved $318.19!!!

Amazing!

Bath Time

Campbell was very excited when I told her that she was going to spend the night with Grandpa yesterday. Normally, I bath her before I send her off, but she was determined to take a bath at Grandpa's house.

This was our conversation:

Mommy: Campbell, do you want to take a bath here or at Grandpa's house?

Campbell: At Grandpa's house.

Mommy: Are you sure? If so, I need to pack your shampoo. I know they have plenty of soap, but I'm not too sure they have shampoo for big girls like you.

Campbell: [she paused for a moment]...Is Grandpa's bath tub new and clean?

Mommy: ????? Ur...I'm sure their tub is clean enough....

Have I created a monster??

Riley's 12 Month Doctor Appointment

Riley had her 12 month well visit this morning. She weighed in at 19 lbs and 2 oz. She is currently 29 1/4 inches long.

Honestly, I'm surprised that she didn't weigh more with all the milk she consumes in one day. Apparently she burns it off with all the crawling and pulling up she is doing when she is awake.

The doctor asked to see Riley again in three months for a 15 month check up. Thankfully it falls in April and I was able to make Campbell's 4 year check up on the same day. Now that's convenient!

Hopefully I won't regret it considering both girls will be getting shots that day....

For Goodness Sakes

"For Goodness Sakes", has become Campbell's favorite words. She actually uses it in the right context too. Brent and I just have to laugh every time we hear her say it.

Just the other day Riley was getting all in her space while coloring. Apparently, Campbell got a little tired of it and said, "For Goodness Sakes" while she gathered up her stuff and moved to a different location. Priceless!

I have survived a full week of boot camp. So far it has been fairly easy for me. I was even able to turn town pizza and cake! That's a miracle!! Don't worry...I put a couple of slices of cake in my freezer for safe keeping. : ) Thankfully, I am over the asparagus stage for dinner and have moved on to soup. I absolutely love spicy food, but I have never eaten a soup as spicy as this one. Thankfully, we get a roll to go with it. Otherwise, it would be a little unbearable.

In one weeks time I lost 4 pounds and lost two inches around my waist. Hopefully, by the end of this week I'll hit my goal!

Then, as my reward I can have my cake and eat it too!

Riley's 1st Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Riley!

Daddy's Retirement Party

Last night my mom and dad came into town expecting to attend Riley's birthday party the following day. Little did my dad know that everyone was in on his "Surprise" Retirement Party.

Around 5:30p last night I suggested that we go eat pizza at Lil' Cucci's Restaurant. They all agreed that would be a great place to eat considering it was a little late to be cooking. Or at least that is the excuse I gave. My dad bought into it and off we went to enjoy a nice dinner out. When we arrived the whole gang was there to greet daddy with a huge welcome. He had no idea that we were planning this in his honor. The food was delicious as always and daddy especially loved his cake. Casey's Cakes did a fantastic job making a replica of his truck.

Congratulations on your retirement! Sit back and kick up your feet awhile. After 24 1/2 Years of service....you deserve it!
I love you so much!

Snow Day

We finally got our first snow of the season. Campbell enjoyed every minute of it. Although, after going through three pairs of gloves, she decided that she had her fill of snow for the day. She rather look at it from inside the house. Apparently, she doesn't like her hands to be cold and wet. So, she came back inside and had hot chocolate and soup for lunch.

Riley was napping through our play time, but it actually worked out great because I was able to do some snow shoveling.

Unfortunately, Brent had to go into work today....as usual. That's the price you pay for working for the railroad. Or any transportation company for that matter.

You won't here me complaining...nope! I'm very pleased with my one good snow for the year!

Boot Camp

I've said that I have wanted to go through boot camp for several months now. Well, tomorrow is the big day. No, I'm not talking about military boot camp. It's a class conducted by Oasis Chiropractic Clinic that teaches how to live a healthier lifestyle. I'm more or less going to be detoxing for the next two weeks. It sounds rather odd, but I have heard so many good things about it. I'm not exactly thrilled about eating asparagus for the next two weeks for dinner, but I can handle anything for two weeks. I've carried two children in my womb for crying out loud!

I'll keep you posted.

No More Bottles

Riley copies everything that Campbell does. So, when I decided it was time for Riley to give up the bottle it was a piece of cake. She didn't even put up much of a fight. Now she is drinking water and milk out of a sippy cup like she has been doing it all of her life.

My baby girl is growing up so fast.

A New Year

We survived the Holidays and it was as magical as it could be....especially when my girls saw all the gifts under the tree. Well, at least Campbell. Riley was content playing with the ribbons and bows.

Looking back, I was trying to member all the "moments" that happened during 2007. It was a special year and I look forward to what "the new year" will bring to our family.

Here's a glimpse of 2007:

January - The birth of Riley.

February - Brent celebrated his 35th birthday.

March - We started potty training Campbell.

April - Campbell celebrated her 3rd birthday.

May - We took our first family vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC. We can't wait to go back!

June - Our brand new refrigerator stopped working and it took the repair man three visits and two faulty parts later to fix the problem.


July - Riley got dedicated at our church.

August - We took Riley to her first baseball game.

September - I celebrated my 35th birthday.

October - Campbell FINALLY was potty trained by this month!!!

November - We traveled to Alabama to do our Merry Thanksgiving with my parents. (Thanksgiving and Christmas combined)

December - Participated in two cookie changes and attended five Christmas parties during this month.

Yule Log

Can you believe I made a Holiday Yule Log for our Christmas Eve Dinner? I've seen plenty of pictures of them and I told myself I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. Well, I decided this was the year to give it a try. The cake itself came from a cake mix out of a box. However, the filling and frosting were made from scratch using all natural ingredients. I have to admit...I am so proud of myself! : )

So, does it look like a branch to you?

Christmas Lights

Last night, Nana and the four of us went to the Elk Home to look at Christmas lights. The Christmas music was blaring on the radio the whole way there. Campbell and I were singing to the top of our lungs. Riley was just looking at us the entire time and making noises. So, you could say that she was joining in with us!

They had over 50,000 lights on the grounds! It was absolutely beautiful! I was extremely impressed they focused on baby Jesus and encouraged the parents to talk about the birth of our King while looking at the scenery. How refreshing!

After taking in all the lights, we headed over to The Station for a cup of hot chocolate. The perfect ending to the perfect day!

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Campbell and I are starting a new tradition by making Gingerbread Men Cookies during the Holidays. She loves to be in the kitchen with me and trying new recipes just as much as I do. Our favorite part is sampling the food along the way. Especially the beaters from the electric hand mixer.

I wonder what we will whip up in the kitchen next week?

Just wait....Riley will be able to help us next year!

Christmas Dresses

This morning Nana and I took the girls to the Hotel Roanoke for some Christmas photo's in their matching dresses. I just loved this picture of the girls standing in front of a huge mirror. Isn't it adorable! What a good Christmas card this will make!

Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread House

Look what we made!

We all put on our jammies and went to town on decorating the gingerbread house. I just love Christmas!

Our Wedding Anniversary

Look what I got for my Wedding Anniversary present! A coffee maker! I can't wait to use it tomorrow morning.

We have been married for 6 years now with two beautiful children. I'm looking forward to many more happy memories together.

Brent and I are going out on a date and the girls are having a sleep over at Nana's house tonight. Yes....both of them! She is a brave woman!

What am I going to wear?

Atlanta Aquarium

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, my parents, the Munsey Clan and I went to see the most fascinating creatures at the Atlanta Aquarium. Campbell loved it and can't wait to go back.

After re-visiting the Atlanta area, we have a greater appreciation of Roanoke and our slow pace of life.

Merry Thanksgiving

Tomorrow the four of us are leaving for Alabama to spend Thanksgiving with my family. We are just about packed and ready to go. I'm especially excited because this will be Riley's first Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one weekend. Considering it is hard for us to make the trip up for both Holidays, we just combine them into one big event. So, that is why it is called, "Merry Thanksgiving". It has a nice ring to it...don't you think?

This year is going to be special because my parents and the Munsey clan are planning on going to the Atlanta Aquarium on Black Friday. Afterwards, we will get to spend some time with some dear friends of ours. (David and Trish and their two kids.)

On Saturday, all of the Day/Munsey/Bryants will get our family portraits taken and on Sunday will plan on opening Christmas presents after lunch. We have a lot planned while we are in town, but it will be so much fun!

This is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy your time with your family and friends!

Thankful

Brent and I are surrounded with loving family and friends. It especially became clear to me when Brent committed on going to the Emmaus Walk this weekend. I was so amazed with all the support that was given to him through emails, letters, and phone calls.

Brent was clueless on some of the "behind the scene" stuff that was going on around him. For starters, my pastor from church called and asked me to provide him with encouraging letters upon his arrival. Also, he went out of his way to provide Brent his favorite snacks....chips and dip with Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper. Brent is going to be a happy man!

Thank you for your prayers, friendship and most importantly...love.

Brownies

Campbell helped me make brownies today after lunch for my weekly bible study that is meeting at my house tonight. She surprised me when she told me to set the oven on 3-5-0-F. Then I realized that she was reading the pictures on the back of the brownie box. Next, she preceded to tell me to put the pan into the oven.

While the brownies were baking, I went up stairs to do some chores. A little later on, she came up to tell me the timer was going off and that I needed to get the brownies out of the oven.

How did I ever survive this long without her?

After the brownies had cooled, Brent was home by this time. You always have to test your goods before giving them to your guest, so I nibbled on a corner piece. I thought it tasted rather odd. I asked Brent to try some as well, but he didn't really notice the difference. Then I realized that I had used Olive Oil instead of Vegetable Oil so it would seem a little more "health conscious".

Boy was I mistaken! They had the worst after taste of any dessert I had ever made. Needless to say, they ended up in the trash can! YUCK!

I am not a baker! I like to use a little bit of this and that in my recipes. You can't do that with desserts. Oh no...it is a formula.

I made a call to my sister for some help and she reminded me that I needed to substitute apple sauce in the place of the oil. Now you tell me....

I'll never make that mistake again.

So, at the last minute I ran to Wal-Mart and picked up some Boston Cream Cake for tonight. Campbell didn't seem to mind that her brownies were missing in action. She was just thrilled to be eating cake!

I think we can all learn from her. A little grace and mercy goes a long way!

Halloween

Campbell wanted to be a black kitty cat for Halloween. So, I did what any good mother would do. I dressed her up as a cat. She and her friends in the neighborhood had so much fun on Wednesday night while trick - or - treating.

A few of us moms huddled together because our girls are all the same age. We were amazed how much faster it went this year than last. We come to the conclusion that they were a little more confident and they would run from house to house screaming, "I want candy"!

Campbell couldn't wait to get home to see all the candy she received. It was so exciting. It made me want to be a kid again. Then again....she only wants the hard candy. Leaving me with all the chocolate!

I really wanted to get Riley in the photo's but she wasn't feeling very well. Later on we found out that she had an ear infection. Hopefully, we'll get some good Halloween pictures of her next year.

First of Many

Riley has her first tooth! It hasn't quite made a full appearance yet, but you can defititely feel it.

We had lunch at Diane's house after church. We all noticed that Riley was being a little fussy today. So, Diane asked if she was teething? Sure enough, we felt the tip of the tooth when we ran our fingers over her gums. So, that explains why my sweet little girl was a grump-a-lump.

MOPS and POPS

Each semester our MOPS group has a night where the moms and dads can come together for a night of fun. Childcare is provided, so it is a win - win situation for both parents and children.

This semester we decided to have a "Fall" theme where dress up was optional. Brent and I decided to borrow some clothes from his mom and her husband and go as bikers. Since we don't have a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, we decided to call ourselves the "minivan warriors".

All the parents had such a wonderful time and was able to be a kid all over again. We ate pizza, attempted to eat donuts off a sting without using our hands, stuffed as many marshmallows in our mouth as we possibly could, and played the DVD version of Family Feud.

When we got home, Nana had both girls in bed. It was a perfect night!

Nine Months Old

Can you believe that Riley is already nine months old?

I took her in for her well visit today and she weighed 17 pounds and 2 ounces. Her height is 27 3/4 inches long. Basically, she is in the 25-50 percentile at the moment. Her doctor said that she was doing great and he wanted to see her in three months at her 12 month visit.

Wait a minute.....12 months?? No way! My little girl growing up way too fast.

I'm in denial.

My Little Pumpkins

Yesterday after lunch, we headed over to the Layman's Pumpkin Patch. It was a big hit last year so we decided to go back again this year. Campbell still loves it! Riley really enjoyed herself too. She was all smiles from the moment we got out of the minivan.

Campbell has definitely earned her right as a "big girl". She actually rode the cow train all by herself. Actually, I lost tract of the times she rode it. Probably around 6-8 times. She enjoyed the corn crib, hay ride, and especially the corn snake. We even took home a 7lb pumpkin as a souvenir.

I just love fall. It has to be one of my favorite times of the year. Especially when I can spend it with my three favorite people.

swing set

Campbell always says the blessing before meal time. Usually she thanks God for our food, friends and family. However, today at lunch she added in her own little special touch. She went out on the limb and prayed for our house and Ida's swing set.

(For those of you that don't know, Ida is Campbell's best friend. Two peas in a pod, dynamic duo, etc.... You get the picture.)

I have always been told that if something is important to me, than it is important to God too. Apparently, Campbell has caught on to that concept.

French Doors

Yep...we got 'em! French doors in our basement that leads out to our "future" patio! Brent and his dad did such a great job! In reality, it only took half a day to put them in. All that is left is putting the siding back on the house. Brent should be able to finish that tomorrow....I hope.

What's next...finished basement? Patio?? Only time will tell!