Clean Up

Ryan and his coworkers have been making the rounds and helping out in disaster areas in whatever way they can. Here is one of the pictures he took with his phone today. He's been to Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and Pleasant Grove. This picture was taken in Tuscaloosa. It is unrecognizable. Just now I kept asking him, "Are you SURE this is Tuscaloosa?"

Sleepover

Anna and Casey have been begging to have a "sleepover" together in Anna's room. Tonight I let them since they are out of school this week. They are so excited! We will see how long this lasts- I keep hearing little feet above me as I type.

Terrible Day

Thursday, April 27th was a horrible day for the state of Alabama. We are all mourning the loss of life and property that the tornadoes caused- I couldn't think of a joyful picture to take except for these beautiful candles- lighting our house with no power, that was still standing, with everyone safe inside and the horrible tornadoes over.

Best Birthday Present!

Ryan and I share the same birthday and we couldn't ask for a better birthday present than 3 healthy girls!!

Pizza Night

The kids were craving pizza and I was happy to oblige after such a busy weekend! Casey was happy about it...

Happy Easter!

For those of you who keep requesting a picture of yours truly- here I am with my beautiful (and healthy) family!! Happy Easter! (not sure what was so funny to Emily! but I love to see her laugh)

Easter Eggs

Dyeing Easter Eggs with the girls...

First Day at the Pool

We had some friends "staying" at our neighborhood resort pool on Friday, so I took the kids and joined them. My kids still haven't lost their love of the water, as you can see by the joy in Casey's playing.

Catch up tomorrow!

I've got pics from each day but have been too busy to post! I will catch up tomorrow. Happy Easter!

Peace.

That is what I felt tonight as I sat with my husband and some new friends watching a very old friend play live music at Aldridge Gardens. For just a few minutes, I was transported back to being 20 years old, my boyfriend (Ryan) at my side, listening to one of his fraternity brothers playing live music at a local bar on the campus of the University of Alabama. Life was simple then, and I knew it. He played some of the same songs tonight, and I was able to appreciate the old days and be grateful for today- back in Alabama, married to Ryan, with three HEALTHY children.

*terrible picture taken with my iPhone but it was a moment I want to remember!

The Girls

Do you remember being in high school and imagining with your best friends what it will be like to get your kids together when you grow up? We did it today... Michelle's girls and mine. From left: Anna(5), Emily(8), baby Maggie(6 months), Ella(4), Casey(3), and Ainsley(2).

Miracle Babies

Today was a great day- Emily had a clean routine CT (that's another one under our belt!), and one of my best friends from high school arrived with her 3 girls! So we have 6 little girls running around our house- the oldest is 8, the youngest is 6 months. Emily is holding Maggie, who endured cardio-thoracic surgery at the age of two weeks to repair an isolated sternal cleft. As you can see, both girls are doing fine!

My little helper

Anna is going through a wonderful phase right now of wanting to help with anything without complaint. We are also discovering that she is very good at cleaning up and is kind of a neat-freak which I am loving!

Hop on!

Casey and Daisy having fun...

Girlie Girls

All three of my girls are girlie girls- not a tomboy in the bunch. Today they passed time doing each others' hair!

Friday Night

Friday night: Anna sitting on Daddy's lap watching and learning about baseball.

Painting together

We have been stuck at home all week because Emily has been sick with a cold/flu. She is bored out of her mind. When Anna got home from school today they passed some time painting. REALLY low on interesting subject matter and inspiration this week. Can't believe I'm already at day 100!!

Dinner al fresco

We have been thoroughly enjoying our new screened porch!

Dinner!

Today was a crazy day, complete with being late to school because of road blockages, grocery shopping, last minute trip to Children's Hospital with Emily for which I had to take Casey out of school to go with me which meant no nap (Emily just has a virus with fever), 3 hour wait at Children's, then home to put away groceries and make dinner. I had no desire to pick up my camera, but decided last minute to take a shot of Anna pretending to chow down on our quick dinner of a sandwich and fries. It's a little out of focus, but that's how I feel right now anyway!

Budding Artist

My girls spend about 75% of their free time coloring, drawing, or painting. If I saved all of their work over the years, I would have to rent a storage unit. This evening I caught Casey drawing her first "person," complete with eyes, mouth, legs, and hair!

I love April!

There is a reason April has always been my favorite month- and not just because it's my birthday month. April in the South can be hot and humid one day, and cool and crisp another. Just when the heat starts to bother you a little bit, it cools off, and just when it seems too cold, it warms up! And everything is blooming and beautiful. It was so warm today that  Casey finally got to wear her bathing suit outside in the sprinkler!

After Nap

I convinced  Casey to let me take her picture right after she had gotten up from a nap. It's really the only time of day when she is mellow.

School Program

Today was Emily's 2nd grade school program- titled "I need a vacation!!" And do I ever! It was very entertaining. So proud to see her up there when last year at this time she was in the fight of her life. I caught her grinning at me!

Ballet?

Emily is teaching her sisters the finale to her recital dance. Casey is juuuuust leaving the ground. Wasn't able to grab my camera quick enough to catch Ryan trying it.

The camera captured some interesting light as the girls were in shadow cast by our house, and the forest behind them was bright with the setting sun. We had a fun afternoon outside!

Homework Time!

It is getting harder and harder to come up with a creative, reflective, beautiful picture every day! Especially when we are doing the same things day after day.  I need some inspiration...

The Treat Bag

Every night if my kids eat a good dinner (I mean really good- broccoli and everything) they get to pick one small treat out of the treat bag. Tonight was an especially good-eating night! Can't believe I am already on Day 90/365. Where has the year gone?

Spring Morning

Couldn't resist taking a picture of the sun rising over the mountain and shining through the brand new leaves on the trees behind our house. It was a beautiful day! Last year I wasn't able to witness this because I was in the hospital with Emily for 5 weeks and I watched it happen from the hospital room window.

Spring Afternoon

We have the greatest neighborhood- when it is warm outside, the kids come out to play! This is Anna watching her sisters on Saturday afternoon, taking a break from the fun.

Chick Fil A cow

The Chick Fil A Cow was standing outside on the corner today- Casey LOVES that cow- here she is waving to it as we drive by.