Rodeo!!!

Tonight Daddy took us and one of his customers to see Cowboys ride bulls! We had a blast! Every Monday the Cowboy Way Church has bull riding for free.We have been looking into attending the church so we took the opportunity to check out one of their Church events.We love the concept of their church.Its just people who believe in God and want to live their life right without all the religious stuff to muck it up! You come in whatever you feel comfortable wearing.They wont even baptize babies because they don't believe in speaking for them.When the kids are old enough to understand what they are answering is when they will baptize them.I love that! There is one being built by the house and we are probably going to start going.Its the only church Shawn wont cry about going to! That's always a plus.
The kids were so excited it was really awesome.They had kids about the age of 5 that rode calves and the junior kids rode steers then the teenager and adults rode the bulls.The kids would not leave the railing.They screamed and cheered and talked about Cowboys! Before we knew it was already 10pm! They were not ready to leave but poor Gage was about to pass out.Needless to say we will be back!

Sunday With Papa and Gran...

We spent the day at Papa and Grans and we all had a wonderful visit.Aunt Erica,Uncle Jeremy and cousin Megan came to visit too and the kids had a blast playing together again.The weather held out for almost all of the visit so the kids were able to play in the pool and run around watering the flowers in the back yard.Sorry there are no pictures,I remembered my camera about 2 minutes into the trip this morning.
Papa grilled us a great lunch.Afterwards us ladies went to Wal-Mart to do our grocery shopping.
The kids were still going strong in the yard when we got back!
It was only about 10 minutes later that the wind picked up and the storm blew through.Of course the heavy part waited till we were loading up! The lightning was so close that it hurt your ears when it cracked! It was very slow going getting home because the rain came down in sheets.
As we suspected though no rain at our house! Guess we need to set the sprinkler system again.
Thank you to Papa and Gran for a great day.Nothing better than spending Sunday with your family.

Afternoon With Nana!

Today we took Nana to Splash Factory with us! It was really great to do something fun with Nana during the week.She still has her left hand bandaged up but was able to have fun anyways.As you can see Alex and Megan took over someones toy basket! Alex was really a little Mommy today.Every time Gage wondered off she went after him.One time she drug him back by his arm and told me "here is your baby"!
After the water fun Nana treated us to lunch.The twins had a great time with their Nana today.Wish Nana didn't have to work so we could do it more often.

Gender Lines Are Being Drawn...

I read awhile back about age 3 the gender lines really start to define itself.That is so true of the twins right now.I promised them each a new toy of their choosing for a peaceful trip to Wal-Mart.Yes from time to time I use bribes so I don't get embarrassed in public! Don't judge!
So as we go through the aisle Alex starts to get excited about the dress up/princess toys.After careful consideration she chooses a cheerleader outfit.
Austin starts telling me its his turn and says he wants Hot Wheels.So onto the car aisle where he got a pack of cars and the old fashion Hot Wheel tire case for his cars.
We have been home for a few hours now and Austin plays with his cars and puts them back in his case multiple times and Alex has not taken off her dress up outfit as of yet.
Its interesting to see the boy/girl differences coming out.
I also recalled another article I read when Alex decided she would be going to Wal-Mart with her pink camo coat on over sundress! It was all about letting them express their own style a little bit when what they wear really don't matter.So off we went in the store with the hood on and all.We may have gotten some looks but she sure thought she looked great!

Our Little Gymnist!

At the park tonight I showed Alex how to walk the balance beam.I did not think she would be that interested but she loved it! When she first tried and fell off she got mad and from then on was determined to walk it.She concentrated on that beam for 15 minutes! That is a lot of time in a toddlers world! Look out Daddy I need money for her gymnastics class!

Park!

Tonight after dinner the kids and I were playing in the floor while Daddy and Uncle Kyle slept on the couches.I was pretty bored and it was only 6pm! So I grabbed the kids shoes and asked them if they wanted to go to the park.They of course screamed yes! Off we went just me and the kids.I'm not even sure Shawn realized we left.
The kids had a lot of fun running and sliding.They pretended to be all sorts of things at the park so that made for some laughs.It was a wonderful opportunity to do something special with them at the spur of the moment.When you snooze you loose Daddy!

Day At The Pool..

Saturday afternoon we headed to Nana and Paw Paws for a relaxing day at the pool.We took Uncle Kyle with us so he would not be lonely because Aunt Taryn , Kyler and Mandy are in Georgia visiting family for the week.My Moms cousin and best friend Sandy was in town with her husband so it was great to spend time with her.We do not see her as often as we would like.She without a doubt has the kindest heart of anyone I have ever met.
The day itself was beautiful! Not to hot but hot enough to really enjoy the pool.The kids had a blast of course playing and swimming.The favorite for all 3 was jumping off the waterfall.They are pros at that now!
Mom made us an awesome lunch, as always of course.We had to leave around 5:30 so Shawn and Kyle could go play poker.Good thing because Shawn ended up wining the pot of $50! He is a bit tired though because it took till 4am to win it!
All and all a wonderful weekend.
I am so blessed to have such wonderful family in my life to share my weekends with.

Splash Factory!

Today Aunt Erica introduced us to Splash Factory! WOW , we had such a great time ! Gran and Papa came too! It is this large but not to large area with different types of water fountain and sprays.There is no standing water so its easy to relax and let the kids play.I did not have to do a thing except keep Gage off the concrete wall a few times.They all played so hard without ever looking up.I had to bribe the kids out of there after 2 hours by promising a sleepover with cousin Kyler tonight.
Thank you to Aunt Erica and Cousin Megan for sharing their play spot with us , we will be back!

Family Pictures!

Today the Goulding family went for long overdue family pictures.It was an adventure to say the least.With 6 kids under 3 its a miracle to get one decent photo but we did.The studio however I am sure is changing its no sitting fee policy as we speak! The adults all acted like fools for the sake of just one smile! I even sang a few bars of the Elmo song!Afterwards we took the 6 kids to CiCis for pizza and that as always was a hit.
I am really happy with the pictures .So happy in fact I vote we don't have to do that again till maybe the first kids graduation!

Peach Festival!!

What a wonderful family outing!We all went to the peach festival and had a great time.First the Grandparents , Aunt Erica,Uncle Jeremy , Cousin Megan and us ,met for breakfast at the best truck stop restaurant ever , The Iron Skillet.It was so so good that I did not eat much at the festival because I was still so full.
The kids had such a great time in the Children's area.They rode swings and jumped in bounce houses.The swings were the carnival type rides that went in a circle.Gage and Megan rode a smaller version and were thrilled! Megan was so cute , every time she passed she would say"wee" , she loved it.She even cried when it was time to get out!
Austin and Alex rode the bigger one with Nana and that was a hit!Alex kept wanting to go faster! Go figure!
The homemade peach ice cream was soooo good! I was to full to try the cobbler but from what I hear Gran is making one from some of the peaches Erica bought.I am going to need to find out when that is so I can drop by!
We truly had a great time and it was a nice change of atmosphere.The peaches were almost as good as the company!

15 Month Check Up....

While I took the twins to the Library Daddy took Gage for his 15 month check up and shot.
He did great and did not give him any problems.He is doing everything he should be at this age so there were no concerns. Here are his stats:
25.6 lbs ( 75th percentile)
32 1/2 inches tall ( 90th percentile)
So he is growing good and is as handsome as ever!

Jungle Jim!

Today Jungle Jim came to our Library! It was a really awesome show.He brought spiders,lizards,turtles,frogs,toads ,snakes,crabs and a bunch more than I am sure I am forgetting.
I was a little squeamish at first being around the spiders and snakes , they were caged though.
The kids didn't know what to think! Alex at first was scared of Jungle Jim , it may have been the mustache.Austin was so excited that it was hard to keep him quiet.He would get excited and turn and say"Did you see that Kyler , Look Kyler" it was really cute! Then when a kid would answer a question Austin would yell the answer right after, like he knew it all along!
I was a little freaked when he was holding a snake.I was ready to flee at any moment if he dropped it! At the end they have everyone line up and go around to look up close at the animals but you could not touch them or the cages they were in.I instantly had a vision of one of mine pushing the spiders or snakes off the table and everyone running , so we skipped that and went home!
It was a great day at the Library and the kids wont stop talking about Jungle Jim!

Fun With A Sharpie!

2 hours before we are to be at the Library Alex comes running and laughing in the living room with black Sharpie ALL OVER! My emotions at that point were really something I could not describe.
To the Internet I went and Googled how to get Sharpie off skin.Well we tried everything.Listen if your toddler has black Sharpie drawings on them its useless to scrub.You can dull the color with various harsh chemicals but it just has to wear off.I had to bath her afterwards so she did not go to the Library smelling like acetone , hair spray or rubbing alcohol! She looks more presentable as long as nobody gets to close to see all the dull black marks on her.

8 Weeks...

Today is our 8th week of not smoking!
We of course have cravings from time to time but nothing that we cant deal with and get over.The cravings can be strong but we are stronger.Every time I think I want a cigarette I just think about my kids , they are my motivation to stay healthy.I was watching Dr.Phil one afternoon and he was telling a drug addicted Mom that she did not have the right to treat her body that way because she was a Mother and her kids depended on her and she has to keep her body healthy in order to be around for her kids.I often use that line when I get a craving. I tell myself that I do not have the right to smoke and harm my body.It works!
Shawn is doing just as good.He has even stopped eating as much!!!
So that is it for now just wanted to update those of you who may have been wondering.

Another Life Lesson..

Shawn was not expecting me till after lunch so he sprayed the house for insects.Well I got home way before it dried so we were stuck outside for awhile.Luckily the day was beautiful then so we had a picnic lunch in the back of the truck!The kids thought that was way cool.
After we ate I decided to wash my truck.I know we have a chance of rain all week but I could not stand my new truck not shining!
The twins helped me for awhile and a good time.
Daddy decided that it was a good lesson for them to wash their 4 wheelers they had gotten muddy a few days ago.We talked to them about taking care of their things and they had a blast doing it!!

Weekend With The Grandparents..

Saturday night the twins went with Nana and PawPaw and Gage spent the night with Gran and Papa.
Needless to say not one of them were happy or even interested in seeing me today!
Papa and Gran reported that Gage did great.He had a great time being the center of attention.
He was even the hit of lunch with Papas Harley group.Plus Papa was proud to report that he likes the sound of all the bikes! When Gran tried to take him in when the bikes started and he was not having it , he wanted to be out there to see the bikes.
After one time of trying to pounce on Papas sore tummy Papa quickly swept him up in the air.Well that signaled play time to Gage! Papa said Gage made a game of trying to pounce on his tummy so he could fly!!
After the Harley lunch today Gran and Papa brought him back and it actually took a few times of me asking him to come to me did he reach for me while being in Grans arms!!

The twins had a blast with Nana and PawPaw too.Their night started at the movies as soon as Nana picked them up! She took them to see Rattatouie(excuse the spelling!) where they had popcorn , Dr.Pepper and Sprite.After the movie they went back to Nanas and swam all afternoon.Austin was of course a little fish but Alex is still pretty stand offish of the water.For dinner Nana treated them to McDonald's! Alex was so wore out from her big day that she fell asleep on the way.
When Mom called me this morning I heard her tell the twins to get in the truck so that they could come see me and at the same time they both cried out "Awe , No"!!! The only thing they said to me when I saw them was that they wanted grapes and a cheeseburger!
It is great to have such wonderful loving grandparents that really enjoy keeping the kids.It makes it nice for Shawn and I to get a break but also for the kids to get that special time with them.Thank you to our wonderful parents for being such awesome grandparents..

Grown Up Time!

Last night Shawn and I went out for the evening.The kids stayed at their grandparents , it was a welcome break.We took a few of Shawns customers to Dave and Busters.Jason and April met up with us later that evening.We do not get to see them as often as we would like so it was great company.We played a ton of midway games! I felt like a teenager!
Shawn and the guys got themselves into a basketball shooting tournament and Shawn is paying for it today.Unfortunately Shawns phone fell out of his pocket and was picked up by some thief.We knew we were in trouble when we called his number and the phone was turned off! Not a good sign. Its sad that there are people in this world who don't have the morals to turn a lost item in but rather pocket it.
Other than the lost then stolen phone the night was great fun!

4th Of July!!

We had a wonderful day! We started with lunch at McDonald's so the kids could play on the playground.Afterwards we went shoe shopping , which is one of Alex's favorite things to do.We finished the afternoon at the fireworks super store!We gave the twins each a basket while we shopped and they were in awe of all the craziness.
After dinner we joined Aunt Taryn , Uncle Kyle , Kyler and Mandy at Braums for ice cream cones.The kids were all excited about the upcoming fireworks!
We drove around for at least half an hour looking for the perfect low key spot outside of city limits to shoot off the fireworks.We ended up on the access road! We put on a show for the people driving!
We put all the kids in the back of the truck to keep them away from the street and fireworks.
They had so much fun watching Daddy run after he lighted each fuse! The fireworks were a hit too.Austin always asked Kyler if he saw it after each firework , it was really cute!Mandy loved being with the big kids in the truck and squealed every time they laughed! Gage was really tired and had been woken up for the show so he was not as enthused.All I got from him was pointing at the sky with some serious confused expressions!
On our way home we saw a group of people in an elementary school parking lot shooting fireworks! And to think we searched and searched for a legal place!
All and all the night was a big hit!

3 Year Check Up..

Today I took the twins to their 3 yr. check up.I'm happy to say they passed with flying colors!
Alex did not cry as much as she usually does.Every time she sees the Dr. she starts crying and climbs in my lap.She will not stop till he leaves the room.Its weird because the nurse is the one who gives all the shots and she loves her! They both took their shots like big kids.
Here were their stats:
Alex
34.5 lbs
36.5 inches tall

Austin
44 1/4 lbs!! Big Boy!
39.5 inches tall

Wow! 3 Already!

I can not believe my babies are 3 ! It seems not so long ago I was bringing them home. Time sure does fly.
They had an awesome birthday. We started with pizza then we had cake.Austin decided to eat his cake like it was his first birthday! I had to stop him from just leaning down and eating the corner off the cake! It was chaos opening all the gifts! There was no organization at all.Finally I gave up and just let them open and do their own thing.Thank you to everyone for their gifts , although I'm not sure what came from who!
Nana and PawPaw bought the twins their very own 4 wheelers to use at the pond.After the rain we took them out to the front and let them ride in the street and through all the water and they had the best time! Especially Austin , he is a pro now!
Daddy decided to get a poker game together that night and the twins played with their friend Brianna and their cousin Kyler who spent the night for their birthday.All and all their birthday was a success.Thank you to all of our family and friends for making it so special!