February 24, 2013

Still Here

Well life is just breezing right on by.  The moments turn into days, the days into weeks and months, and eventually I look back at the 'ol blog and am sad that I haven't documented as much as I would have liked.  I know in 20+ years I will miss the intricate details of these days being home with my children. 
However, time away from the computer means time spent making memories along this unique journey of mothering my little ones.  They are still small, yet so grown up, developing into neat little people whose company I have grown to treasure. 
She has blossomed from a toddler to a pleasant little lady with a mind of her own.  She enjoys preschool, especially the little boy with the blue-rimmed glasses named Bryan.  Apparently they like to "be silly together." 
Despite her pink, ballerina inspired assembles she enjoys playing any sport with a ball.  She is most at home outside on a sunshine filled day where she can kick, dribble, throw, or swing at a ball. This makes her daddy oh so proud.
She is in a big stage of being a daddy's girl.  He has been away traveling with work quite a bit lately, so she always asks for "special days" with daddy when he is home.  These usually include ice cream, chocolate, fried nuggets or some other type of yumminess that mommy avoids during the week.  While he is away she asks me what he will eat for supper, what color scrubs he is wearing, and then we always remember to talk about how thankful we are for our hard working daddy.  She lights up for that man. 
She has also been hard at work writing her abc's.  She is very good at writing the letters in her name.  Other times she will bring me a paper of scribbles and say "here Mommy, this says I love you very, very much."
My wild man.  I knew that with his laid back, easy going personality that he would never go through the tantrum-filled terrible two's like my first born did.  I was wrong. 
A mere month into his second year meltdowns, tears, and yelling no Mommy, no! with a pointed index finger became a daily reality.  We are working through it. Somedays you just have to laugh because he is so stinking cute when he gets mad. 
The most notable thing about this sweet boy lately is his talking.  Last week I had 5 people in a matter of minutes tell me how well he is talking and how much they just like to hear him speak.  I haven't found a word he can't say or at least that I can't understand him attempting to say.  I know this is so rare in children this age, especially boys.  I do enjoy how much he understands and can communicate to express himself. 
He loves to read.  He loves to dance during guitar time with Daddy.  He won't eat fruits but I can get a few vegetables in him most of the time.  He is so funny without even trying to be.  Yet also a charmer who knows how to get a smile out of someone; especially me when he says Mommy so pretty, you so beauutifuul Mommy.  Melt my mama heart every time Brown Eyes. 
I love that he loves his sister.  His sis.  He has gone from calling her Sissy Mills, to Sissy, to now just Sis.  Oh how I love the relationship these two share.  The giggles, the smiles, the teaching, the fights, all of it.  This is when having them a mere year apart is totally worth it because they are so involved in each others worlds. 
These days are not easy, but they are so, so worth every second of effort, exhaustion, and uncertainty.  I love these two babes with every fiber of my being.  I bet in the years to come I will reflect on these days as some of my best time spent.
Investing in them is worth everything. 

January 27, 2013

He's Two

On December 10th our sweet buddy turned 2 years old.


The joy that this little man has brought our family is indescribable.  He has the kindest heart, is funny without even trying to be, and can easily be described as one of those individuals who is just born happy. 


It seems like yesterday I was introduced to the wonderful world of boys with this tiny, 6 pound bundle of blue.

Two years later he is talking up a storm, infatuated with Dora the Explorer, asks everyday to read books, easily makes friends,  gives a loud bear-like rooooaaaarrrrr just to aggravate his sister, and is always ready to spot a Gamecock sign.

To celebrate the big occasion we surprised the birthday boy and his sis with an afternoon family trip to his favorite - Monkey Joes.

Enjoying a birthday Icee...and sporting some Elmo gear.





After all the Monkey Joes fun we headed home to enjoy some Elmo cupcakes and open presents.


I'd say he is one loved little boy. 


Happy 2nd year McClain.  You are our world. 

December 12, 2012

Jolly Ol' St. Nick

The children and I made a quick jaunt to see Santa while attempting some Christmas shopping.  They were not shy a bit and willfully jumped up to sit in his lap. 
There wasn't a lot of conversation between them, just mainly a fascination with his "scratchy little beard." Love these two! 

December 11, 2012

A Little B-ball

Who would have thought our lipstick-loving, big hairbow wearing girlie girl...
would have a love for this? 
And moves like this? 
I can't tear her away from the driveway for supper these days.  Sweet girl. 

December 05, 2012

Uncle Daniel Tied the Knot!

We traveled to Alabama the first weekend in November to celebrate Daniel and Rachel's nuptials.  What a wonderful addition sweet Rachel is to our family.  
Here are a few shots from their rehearsal dinner...



Some from the wedding...
What a memorable weekend it proved to be!  It was so neat to see the Lord's faithfulness as He provided Daniel with his perfect match.   Congratulations to you both! 

December 04, 2012

iphone unload

Lately...
Picking out our pumpkins this fall, giving William a birthday hug, excited to greet Aunt Marian, and Maggie's lucky day...the single stroller had a flat. 

Enjoying tailgating at the USC v. Georgia game.  

Fun days with my sweet girl. 
Election Day 2012

No we didn't get another puppy, but we really want one now. 

Going to see Faith cheer at the Ben Lippen football game. 

Turkey Day pictures. 

Coldest day this fall and the children pull out their pool floats...it may be awhile kiddos. 

November 27, 2012

The Fair This Fall

Yep, it's the last week in November and I'm playing catch up October pictures.  Better late than never documented right? 
The state fair this year was almost a no go, but on the last day it was in town we made the decision not to miss out.  Our sweet Suggie treated our crew to an afternoon full of smiles, fun rides, and delicious corn dogs. It was a great day.  
I am so excited that the children are getting to the ages where we can do fun activities like this.  Lucy Mills was the exact height to ride, but she stuck with McClain for the most part and they had a ball "driving." 


Every time they passed by us while on the ride their hands would wave as fast as they could.  The sound of "heyyyy Mommy! Hey Geeee!"  coupled with shrieks of laughter put smiles on all of our faces. 


I think Daddy had a pretty fun time too.  He was such a sport to jump on board with the kids on their first ride. 

So much fun.


You can't beat the corn dogs at the fair...or a spot in the shade next to Shuggs. 




Seeing the farm animals was a treat, albeit a smelly one. :) 


Checking out the gamecock.  ;)


What a great memory the fair was this year! Mom, thank you for not only treating us but going with us and enjoying the day.  We loved every minute.