Scraptacular

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T09:18:00.000-06:00

I realize I have badly neglected this family blog over the last year, but I'll be back! Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy 2012!

Race for the Cure

2011-07-30T20:43:00.007-05:00

My Mom had never participated in our local Ozark Race for the Cure, and it had been several years since I had, so we decided to go for it this Spring. I brought the kids along, figuring that Mason would like it (and he did!) It was windy & chilly but fun to participate in such a big fundraiser! April 2011

I had to explain to him who "Grimace" was! I was more excited to see that cute purple blob than he was.

Easter 2011

2011-07-26T23:47:00.000-05:00

Who's in the mood for Easter pics in July?? I WILL get caught up on this blog...

Mason colored eggs while Madelyn looked on (can't wait until she's big enough to participate!)

My Grandma ("Gigi" to the kids) stopped by one day with these big baskets for the kids:Easter Sunday (Maddie's 1st Easter.) We got dressed up & the kids enjoyed their baskets, then we went to my parents' to visit.

My little bunnies!

Madelyn with her GrandpaMr. Cool...

Touch A Truck 2011

2011-07-02T22:24:00.006-05:00

Each Spring, I enjoy taking Mason to our Junior League of NWA's fundraiser, Touch A Truck. He loves getting to climb on big rigs & "drive" all sorts of cars. He even doesn't mind getting in the back of a police car. (uh-oh!) This year, it was very windy and chilly, so I left Madelyn at home with her Daddy. We had a great time!

My mom (who just joined the Junior League this last year) worked a shift at the event at the bouncy houses.

Chloe's Prom

2011-07-02T22:14:00.004-05:00

My beautiful niece, Chloe' attended her Senior Prom back in April. She was stunning in red!

With her BFF...

Mason's Milestones

2011-06-26T22:50:00.002-05:00

Back in April, I registered Mason for...KINDERGARTEN!!!! I filled out lots of paperwork while he had fun participating in an aptitude test. When we left, I had to snap a few shots in front of the school. I can't believe my baby boy starts elementary school this Fall!

With the school mascot...

Madelyn's Milestones ~April

2011-06-23T22:07:00.010-05:00

That's right, folks. That title says APRIL. I am just that far behind on this blog. I plan to do a lot of skimming through events with lots of pictures & little typing. Here is what Madelyn was doing back in April, when she was 7 month old.

Getting up on her hands & knees, ready to crawl!
Takes good naps-morning & afternoon. Still sleeping great all night long, too! So blessed!
She learned how to tip over her toy baskets to reach the goods...I love this silly face!

The girl finally got to eat in her high chair! It had been in storage & I was feeding her out of her bouncer. She likes it.

Such a happy girl!
She started pulling up on Everything! We had to lower her crib mattress to the lowest setting right after this!...and she loved to peek through! ;)

I put her on the arm of the couch & she got up on her knees & started rocking! She'll be crawling very soon!
Just chillin' in her recliner...

First Burst of Spring

2011-04-23T22:09:00.006-05:00

The last part of March is when the Bradford pear trees bloomed out all around town-and in our backyard. They don't last very long, so I always try to get some pictures of them while they're loaded with flowers! It's always so pretty when they start to leaf out because the petals fall to the ground like snowy confetti.

I like this moss that grows on the bark of the pear tree, too!

The bright coral azaleas...

A rough, rugged looking boy...
...who picked his Mommy a few flowers :) What a sweetie.

St. Patrick's Day Cuties

2011-04-19T22:28:00.003-05:00

The wee McGarity lad & lass posed for a few photos...

I love the look Madelyn is giving me with her "Irish eyes"!

What a Pair

2011-04-19T20:45:00.003-05:00

Random March Photos

2011-04-18T23:55:00.009-05:00

Here's the collection of photos from March that I just can't help but share...

I'm loving this little dress on Madelyn

Dr. Suess' Birthday (he was happy, but doesn't really look like it here!) Sitting in the Bumbo (She can sit up by herself now!) I love seeing this little tiny hand sticking out of her crib almost every day!

This white hat belonged to my nephew as a baby (he's now 13!) Mason wore it when he was a baby & now Madelyn has!

Remember the 80's? She doesn't, but this outfit does! LOL Love it-screams 80's to me!

Our Helper Boy

2011-04-08T23:20:00.006-05:00

The last day he had to wear a hat for the season, (a chilly day in March) Mason helped Daddy out by sweeping what we call "dingle balls" (AKA sweet gumballs) from our driveway into the grass so that he could rake them...for the four-hundredth time.

Although the Sweet Gum trees are beautiful trees, we despise the gumballs that fill our yard each year!

My hatred for them runs deep, as I grew up with sweet gum tree in the front yard of my childhood house! I can't get away from them!! I used to rake them as a kid--not fun. At least Mason found this to be fun at his age. Just wait, kiddo.

(Check out the lunging action!)

The Enemy.

Playtime with Maddie

2011-04-08T22:40:00.005-05:00

Glowing baby... And lots of teething going on Loving the Jumparoo! March~6 months

Girls and Boys

2011-04-02T23:41:00.005-05:00

THE GIRLS... THE BOYS...

The "Other" Baby

2011-03-27T00:24:00.004-05:00

This baby doll was mine when I was a child. Since it's pretty much life-sized, we brought it down from the attic when I was pregnant to let Mason play with it. One afternoon, I let Madelyn check it out...

Who does this baby think she is?

Don't think you're stealing any of my attention, Baby!

I can take you!

Hmmm...better idea. I can eat your fingers so mine don't get all slobbery.
I like this baby afterall!

Mirror, Mirror

2011-03-26T23:50:00.003-05:00

Mirror, Mirror

On the wall

Who's the fairest

Baby of all?

Madelyn, of course!

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-03-26T23:34:00.003-05:00

Check out this little sweetheart...(not biased at all)

And this cutie...

Yum!

Be My Valentine

2011-03-26T22:56:00.006-05:00

Mason & I had fun putting these little treat bags together to hand out to his friends at preschool.
This was the assembly process...

I made the headers on the computer & printed them out. I was so happy with how they turned out!
Here he is signing each and every Scooby-Doo Valentine! I was planning to write the other kids' names on them and just have Mason sign his name so it wouldn't be so overwhelming for him (it's a lot to ask at this age) but he insisted on filling them all out-with the kid's name & his. Then he started signing "Love," and drawing hearts!
Working hard (still in his jammies)...
So proud of him!

The Kids in February

2011-03-26T21:36:00.007-05:00

Madelyn-5 months, Mason-4 1/2 years
Me-ow!

I love that smiling face...
...and these cute little feet!
Mason climbed into Madelyn's crib (against my wishes!) so I had to take a quick pic before making him get out! (It did used to be his crib)
Maddie's still working on sitting up all by herself. This is what she usually does when I sit her up--folds right in half!
Chef Mason helped me make a cake
And got to reap the benefits of it!
He's really been into watching Thomas & playing with his train set.
And there are the random photos for February!

Snowmageddon

2011-03-22T22:35:00.007-05:00

In February, we got 2 feet of snow! That's unheard of for our area. We usually get snow every Winter, but nothing like this. Everyone (including the local news stations) was calling it "Snowmageddon" or "Snowpocalyps." Needless to say, we had many, many snow days stuck at home. It wasn't that bad though, because we got to hang out watching movies and drinking hot chocolate, Wayne enjoyed pulling a few people out of the snow who were stuck, and of course Mason loved playing in the snow until he was a popsicle!

That's our BBQ grill under there
This is after Wayne swept the snow off the porch with a push broom--it was so powdery!

I loved these little bird prints on the front porch

Madelyn--4 Months

2011-03-14T23:55:00.005-05:00

These pictures were taken in January...

Firsts: Cereal!

2011-03-12T22:37:00.004-06:00

In January, it was time for Madelyn to try her first solid (very runny) food! We started with rice cereal and since then she's had oatmeal, applesauce, pears, sweet potatoes, and bananas. So far she's liked them all & seems to enjoy eating with a spoon. Since she's still working on sitting up by herself, I feed her in her bouncer, but we will be breaking out the highchair very soon. I can't believe what a big girl she is!

Snow Day~Jan 2011

2011-03-12T21:11:00.009-06:00

This was the first snow of the year, in January. Mason loved it.

I love the snowflake on his eyelashes...
I didn't actually take Maddie out in the snow (it was freezing!) but I bundled her up in her car seat & we watched Mason play in the snow from the sunroom.

I just adore this little hat on her! I bought it thinking it would be too big, but it fit just right.

When Wayne got home, he assisted Mason in retrieving this huge icicle off the house!
Then it became a unicorn horn...
...and a sword.
This snow was fun, but little did we know 2 weeks later we'd be stuck in almost 2 feet of snow!!

January Random-ary

2011-02-26T23:30:00.005-06:00

Bro & Sis

2011-02-26T23:01:00.003-06:00

Still catching up on January posts...here are the kids just chillin

And playing with the train set in Mason's room. Madelyn loves to watch the battery-powered ones go around the track!

Clean Cutie

2011-02-25T22:39:00.003-06:00

Right after a bath, on her changing table...

Just a little drool.
Focusing in on those frogs on the towel (with a crazy cowlick!)
What a clean cutie! (4 months old~last month, Jan 2011)

Under the Tree & Dreaming...

2011-02-23T00:39:00.002-06:00

This little sweetheart had been playing on her new playmat and finally got so sleepy, she just rolled over on her side & fell right asleep...almost under the Christmas tree! I had to steal a few pictures! (4 months old)

New Year's 2010--->2011!

2011-02-23T00:11:00.006-06:00

Hats off to 2010! This is how exciting our New Year's Eve was this year...at home with the kiddos!

And this is how we found Madelyn in the morning--it was the first time she had MOVED around in her crib overnight! I was amazed & thankful she didn't have a stuffed animal on her face! All those cute stuffed animals went bye-bye out of the crib!
New Year's day we headed over to my parent's house for Mom's annual meal with black-eyed peas. (Not THE Black Eyed Peas)
We had lots of fun with the napkins-here's my Mom with the kids. Mason is wearing a "tie."
Then my sister decided to wear a napkin. Our family has this silly tradition (I'll explain later)...I actually think she looks like a pilgrim--Wrong holiday!
...So then it was Maddie's turn...
Tah-da! Maddie-Mima!
Exciting, right?

Hey, people, at least I'm Finally done posting about Christmas!!! Yea--getting the blog caught up--I'm in 2011 now!

Christmas Morning at Home + Wayne's Parent's

2011-02-15T22:18:00.015-06:00

Santa visited and brought some fun toys for the kids...
The elves made these little wooden road signs for Mason
The Batcave was from Mommy & Daddy
And of course you need the Batmobile

Bedheads
Dumping out his stocking-he was really excited about the little stuff in there!

Me (looking scary first thing in the morning) in my new Plush Snuggie!
Madelyn slept in until Mason was done unwrapping his gifts--so considerate of her! She got her first baby doll.
And Santa brought this play mat that she now uses everyday!

We ate cinnamon rolls (our tradition) for breakfast and then went to Wayne's parents house for a small family gathering & a big meal.
Santa Baby is ready to go!

Mason & Madelyn unwrapping gifts with Grandma Clova

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-02-14T23:30:00.008-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at my parent's house. Every year, my mom makes a big lasagna dinner and then we all unwrap our gifts. We have a traditional turkey/ham dinner on Christmas day. We also go to Wayne's parent's on Christmas day, so this helps spread out all the festivities! Mason was all excited to unwrap his presents, of course-he was a fun age this year for it. Poor Madelyn had no idea what was going on!

I love this picture of our kiddos!

My sister and Grandma with Madelyn

I love all the munchie appetizers my mom puts out! I feel that she should have this out all year long...;)

After dessert...
Wayne & a new wrench

I got these "Smartie Pants" for my niece & nephew. They are little handmade corduroy pants filled with Smarties candies. I found them on Etsy & thought they were so cute & funny!
Mom's new Coach purse~I want it!
More unwrapping...
One of Mason's favorite gifts~The Mystery Machine!
My sister, Angela, with a gift from us.
Me & Madelyn-getting ready to unwrap her gifts.

We are so blessed to live so close to our families!

Cookies for Santa

2011-02-12T22:17:00.006-06:00

Mason and I made (and by made, I mean "sliced off") cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve-Day. He just loves putting the crystal sugar sprinkles on the top--and gets a little carried away! He was really excited about making them & loves to help out in the kitchen any day.

We made sugar cookies with kisses on top & good ol'chocolate chip.

Before bed, we made sure to put out the cookie plate. Mason decided Santa needed 6 cookies and instead of milk, this year he wanted to put out cranberry juice. Mmmkay.

Sporting his new Christmas pajamas

P. S. Santa, please don't forget to fill my stocking!

My Kids...In December

2011-02-06T22:02:00.011-06:00

Warning: Longest post ever containing random pictures from the month of December that I just have to share while getting caught up on blogging!

Also, I just want to point out that our camera has a pretty big flash and it always makes Madelyn's poor little eyes get really big right before the picture is taken~ and sometimes she makes really funny faces!

Check it out~I finally finished that last canvas picture in the nursery a few months ago! (The one on the left-it's a nest with eggs)
LOL! This picture makes me laugh!

Learning to read with his new v.reader
Mason loved playing with this electric train set his great grandma got him!

Annual Girls Christmas Party

2011-02-01T21:42:00.005-06:00

This is either the 3rd or 4th year (lost track!) that my 3 good friends, Amber, Amanda, Heather, and I have gotten together to have some girl time before the holidays. It's always a great time to get caught up on each others' lives, exchange gifts, eat, drink, and LAUGH!!! I love these 3!

3rd Annual Gingerbread House

2011-02-01T00:17:00.005-06:00

Mason and I enjoyed making our gingerbread house again this year. I love how every year it turns out different. (We use a pre-made kit from Sam's Club-they have the best quality.) Wayne snapped these pictures while we were busy decorating. I can't wait until Madelyn is old enough to help us!

The Kids' Trees

2011-02-01T00:04:00.005-06:00

Two years ago, I picked up a couple "extra" 6 foot pre-lit Christmas trees on clearance with the idea that one would be our Razorback tree in the office and the other would be Mason's. Well, we decorated the Razorback tree last year, but not Mason's.

Mason wanted his tree up in his bedroom this year, so we decorated it with kiddie ornaments, mostly from my childhood and a few that I'd bought him over the years.

This year the Razorback office is now Madelyn's nursery! We just put up our tabletop silver tinsel tree in her room since she was too little to appreciate it anyway and Mommy was tired!

Decking the Halls 2010

2011-01-31T22:19:00.007-06:00

I've finally gotten this blog caught up to December! And so we begin with decorating our house for Christmas...

Safe, I know.

We had an extra stocking this year! (I'm so glad we got an extra matching stocking & hook back when we got these a few years ago!) The letters were new this year.

Our Nativity
On top of the entertainment center is where the nutcrackers live...
A little scene I put together--it was my fave little thing this year!

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-29T21:43:00.012-06:00

Our Thanksgiving at my parent's house:
Mom cooking
Family posing

And an outtake...(yep, that's my little head peeking out!)
L to R: Nephew Cameron, Sister Angela, Niece Chloe', Forrest's son Zac, and my Bro-in-Law-to-Be Forrest.
Cameron & Chloe'
Our little sweetie, Madelyn's First Thanksgiving!
Me & the Hubby
Mom's beautiful dining room

The Appetizer Pickle...(silly boy Mason)
Let's Eat!!!

Great pic of my Aunt Marla (who was visiting from CA), Mason, my Mom & Madelyn

Chloe' (not in a Snuggie, but looks that way!)

At Wayne's parents', I only managed to snap a few pictures of Mason by the pool...
(Who's kid is this? He looks HUGE!)

Random Cuteness

2011-01-28T22:27:00.005-06:00

From November... 2 months old.

I have no idea why this rotates when I upload it. I tried several times with no luck, so here it is vertical instead of horizontal! I really think she looks like me when I was a baby in this particular picture.

And Flower Butt!

Turkey Leg

2011-01-28T22:18:00.003-06:00

Just before Thanksgiving, I saw this plastic chicken leg in Mason's play shopping cart & just had to have a little fun with Madelyn. She was just beginning to be able to grasp things at the time, so I put it in her hand. She did try to eat it, of course, and I decided to call it a turkey leg in the spirit of Thanksgiving!

Party At My Crib

2011-01-24T23:10:00.007-06:00

Hopefully this video will work...just a short one of Madelyn @ 2 months watching her mobile. She loves it! She'll just lay in her crib and watch it & kick and "talk" to it. Of course she stopped talking when I started filming, but you get the idea.

The Docs

2011-01-24T22:51:00.004-06:00

These are two of the Doctors that I not only worked with at Creekside (until I left in Sept. to be a stay-at-home Mom) but the Doctors that cared for me for 9 months and delivered Madelyn!

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. McAlister (left)! He was wonderful during my entire pregnancy and although I wish he could have delivered Madelyn, Dr. Reiter (right) was the one who was there that night and was also really great!

These pictures were taken when Madelyn was 8 weeks old. She had been passed around the clinic to all my friends/co-workers there, so by the time I got over to the Dr's, she was pretty tired...

...as you can see! Although Madelyn is screaming, I still love this picture!
What a wonderful experience to have a baby!

Bathing Beauty

2011-01-24T22:41:00.004-06:00

(More from November @ 2 months old)
Madelyn loves to take baths! She smiles and never cries until she gets out & gets a little cold. But Mommy gets her warmed up pretty quickly & she always smells so fresh like baby lotion :) Mmmmm....

Sibling Love

2011-01-23T21:26:00.006-06:00

Still getting the blog caught up...I'm now to November! These are random cute sibling pictures from Nov 2010. Madelyn was 2 months old. (Looking at these now that she's 4 months, she's changed SO much!)

This is a classic~the first total "boy" thing that Mason did to innocent little Madelyn! So this is what it's like to have a brother...

Happy 2011!

2011-01-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy 2011 New Year's

Holiday cards personalized with your favorite photos.

View the entire collection of cards.

Misc. Mason

2011-01-04T00:19:00.002-06:00

Just a few of my recent favorite pictures of my sweet big boy...

Modeling might be in his future~this picture cracks me up!
Making a wish

Blue skies & blue eyes
With his Mimi (my Mom)
At a fun train-themed birthday party he attended.
Mason is 4 1/2 this month! He's (still) so tall and is doing so many new things each day. He amazes me!

Afternoon at the Lake

2010-12-30T23:35:00.006-06:00

Back in October, we went to the lake to visit Wayne's parents & grandparents who were there camping in thier RV's. It was Mason's first trip to the lake and he couldn't believe how big it was! Wayne's Dad, Bill, took us out on the boat while his Mom & Grandma stayed on dry land, watching Madelyn. We had a great time & Mason was so excited to be out on a real boat. Bill took off really fast a few times & we laughed as we just about got blown away!

The Many Faces of Madelyn

2010-12-14T10:52:00.005-06:00

Madelyn at 10 weeks.
We were in Dillard's shopping in November and my Mom & I started talking to her & Mom started snapping these pics! I love them! They crack me up!

Football Champ!

2010-12-14T10:35:00.004-06:00

My nephew, Cameron, had a great football season! His team, the Saints, went undefeated and won the Championship game! I know I am biased, but believe me when I say that he is a really great, diverse player! He gives it his all and even fought through a few injuries this year. He's known as "Camaro" to his team because he's so fast!Every year Cameron is # 20 because his birthday is on the 20th. Here's him with my sister:

Halloween 2010~The Kids

2010-12-13T23:54:00.000-06:00

Halloween day...Mason, the "Creature from Next Door"

and Madelyn in her little ghost outfit

Mason is really into Halloween wanted to be something scary this year. After debating whether he should be Scooby Doo (not scary at all) he decided on a skeleton. I didn't care for the mask that came with the costume, (and didn't want him to wear a mask for safety reasons anyway) so I just painted his face. I think it turned out really cute~and just scary enough!

I had trouble finding a costume small enough for Madelyn, so I ended up making her a tutu and onesie. I bought the pumpkin hat & added some tulle to match the tutu. So she was a little Punkin Head!

As every year, we went over to my parent's house to eat chili & go trick-or-treating in thier neighborhood. My family watched Madelyn while we took Mason out.

What a silly face she's making!

Unfortunetly, this is what Madelyn did while we were out trick-or-treating with Mason. She had a belly ache & screamed! :(

Halloween Costume Party

2010-12-13T22:37:00.002-06:00

Finally sharing our Halloween pics...I was Flo, the Progressive Insurance lady & Wayne was a Razorback!

Discount!

My tricked out name badge

Oink Oink
Go Hogs Go!
Our Friends:

Elf Yourself

2010-12-01T23:53:00.001-06:00

Just threw this together really quickly-wish I would've picked a better picture for Madelyn--but still so funny! Makes me laugh every time I watch it. I love how much Wayne is jumping around at the end :)
Oh--first scroll to the bottom of this page & mute my blog music!

Madelyn @ 6 Weeks

2010-11-23T22:16:00.006-06:00

Madelyn is now 10 weeks old, but I'm still slowly getting caught up on these posts. Here she is at 6 weeks--she's much bigger now!
I posted a short video of her in her bassinet which is actually kind of boring (unless you are her doting mommy!) I didn't talk during the video because I don't like the sound of my voice on video--so it's just Maddie looking at the camera like, "What is that thing?"

Grandma's 81st Birthday on 10/10/10

2010-11-16T22:25:00.004-06:00

My Grandma Cleta turned 81 on 10/10/10! My Uncle Jerrold came to visit from CA and we all had a great time celebrating her birthday.

The birthday girl

Yummy cake from (where else?) Rick's Bakery. (It says 10.10.10 on top)
My Mom Lisa, Grandma, and Uncle Jerrold
Wayne holding our sweet little baby Madelyn, Me, and my sister Angela
Grandma with the beautiful arrangement my Aunt sent
Uncle...after we had lunch at The Crumpet. His birthday was just 7 days later...
And then we celebrated my mom's birthday on the 21st! Lots of Oct. birthdays! This picture was taken on my mom's birthday--Madelyn was just wishing her a Happy Birthday! (in her own special way)

Big Brother/Baby Sister

2010-11-16T21:51:00.004-06:00

A little sibling love...

Pumpkin Patch Birthday Party

2010-11-13T22:45:00.007-06:00

Several weeks ago, Mason & I attended a super fun birthday party at the pumpkin patch for our friends' twin girls, Molly & Taylor. We had a great time...

The whole group of party guests:

We've been going to this pumpkin patch for the last 2 years, so we counted this as our trip for this year~since I didn't foresee us getting our newborn out to the patch!

The kids had potato sack races...

Mason was paired with birthday girl Molly

And then the adults had some fun, too!

The kids got to ride the barrels

And we all went on a hay ride around the patch

We took silly pictures

And then Mason got to pick out his own pumpkin

We then chose a pumpkin for each of us (as we do every year.) I let Mason pick out Madelyn's tiny little pumpkin!

We had such a great time celebrating the girls' birthdays, hanging out with friends, and enjoying a day at the pumpkin patch!

Tiny Dancer

2010-11-07T21:05:00.005-06:00

I bought this tiny tutu before Madelyn was born. I had a little photo shoot with her in her room when she was 10 days old (new!)

Spindly little newborn legs!

Madelyn's 1st Bath / Mason's 1st Foot Spa??

2010-11-05T00:32:00.004-05:00

Still playing catch-up on these posts...
Several weeks ago, Madelyn had her first bath. (It was a sponge bath due to her cord still being attached) She didn't cry too much during it, but has since decided she doesn't much like baths.

Mmmmm...that fresh baby smell!

All tuckered out-on Daddy

During those first few weeks especially, I tried to keep Mason entertained while we adjusted to our new family member. I saw my foot spa in the closet & knew he'd think it was fun, so I let him soak his (tired, aching, 4 year old) feet for a while. He wishes he could do this everyday--and hey, who doesn't?

Going Home / Madelyn's Nursery

2010-11-02T09:48:00.006-05:00

Last day in the hospital...ready to get home!
In the car...

And finally home. (now what? LOL)

Mason had to check out his new baby sister. What a sweet picture!

We brought Madelyn home from the hospital to her new room (our converted office) which we decorated in woodland animals (strongly focused on owls!)
Here's a view around the nursery:

New rocker/recliner that I had to have after rocking Mason in an old rickety wooden glider! It's sooo nice! Got chocolate brown so it would match stuff in the future.

To the left of the window are 2 square shelves that my mom found at Goodwill. They were periwinkle and I spray painted them to match the room. (and it matches in real life-not so much in these pics!) I also sprayed the big "M". They all look kinda small in this picture, but are really not that tiny. I put 2 little painted wooden birds on the shelves that I got super cheap at TJ Maxx.

New chest of drawers (thanks to Gigi) and the tv that provides the perfect amount of light & entertainment for those middle-of-the-night feedings! The big bow on top of the shelf is from my baby shower.
The super cute lamp (from my Mom via Target) and the diaper cake my BFF made me, along with the cast iron owl I fell in love with at Hobby Lobby and have since named, "The Guardian of Gahool!" (makes me laugh every time)

The crib that was Mason's~she's in there!)
I made the 4 mixed media paintings above the crib but did not get the 4th one quite finished in time...ask me if it still looks like that after 7 weeks. No really, don't ask! ;)

And the changing table...

That's about it-the other wall has a closet on it. The walls are painted a pale, soft green. The color name escapes me right now--something about apples! It's such a cheery and comfortable room~I hope Madelyn likes it!

Meet the Family

2010-10-07T22:09:00.008-05:00

Madelyn got to meet many of her family members right away...

Madelyn met her Uncle Billy (Wayne's brother) right after she was born, but we didn't get a picture! :(

Wayne (aka "Daddy")

Mason (aka "Big Brother")

My Grandma (aka "Gigi")

My Dad (aka "Grandpa")

My Sister, Angela (aka "Aunt La")

My Mom (aka "Mimi")

My Mother-in-Law (aka "Grandma")

Wayne's Grandma (aka "Granny")

My BFF, Victoria (aka "Aunt" Tori)

Me (aka "MOMMY"!)

Welcome to the World, Madelyn Reese!

2010-09-17T21:55:00.003-05:00

Here's the story...
On Friday & Saturday (Sept.10th & 11th) I had been having more frequent, stronger contractions than usual. I would time them for a while and then they would dissipate. Saturday night at 8:05, Wayne & I were sitting on the couch watching the Razorback game and I was timing my contractions. Then all of the sudden, POP! I literally jumped in my seat and quickly looked over at Wayne. My water had broken! From that moment on, I was like a ticking time bomb.

We quickly threw the last essential items into our overnight bags and I hopped in the shower. Mason was playing a game on the computer and was pretty oblivious to us rushing around. Calmly, I told him we would be dropping him off at Mimi & Grandpa's house so Mommy & Daddy could go to the hospital to have baby sister. He nodded & said, "Ok." (I'll add that it was his bedtime & he was very sleepy!) By this time, the contractions were coming on pretty strong and every 2-3 minutes! I wondered if we'd make it to the hospital, which was about 20 minutes away...and we still had to drop Mason off on the way.

We got him dropped off and arrived at the hospital pretty quickly. By this time, I was really hurting. We got to the ER (the front doors are locked after 9pm) and at that point I was ready for my epidural! Too bad I couldn't get it as I walked through the door. Turns out I was dilated to a 3. (I was previously not dilated at all.) I tried to find a happy place and breathe through the contractions, but I thought that I just might die from pain, then & there. After each contraction, I would get a wave of nausea and ended up vomiting several times. I really wished we had not had pizza for dinner.

They got me to a labor room and I got my beloved epidural. Within 30 minutes, I was a happy camper! In less than 2 hours, I had dilated from a 3 to Complete! In disbelief, I asked my nurse, "What does that mean?" as if I had no clue what was to happen next. She said it meant that I could push. I expressed my displeasure that my baby would be born on 9-11 after all and she said (this part is a secret...shhh!) that since the baby looked great on the monitor and I was not in pain, we could wait to push, if I wanted to! Wayne & I decided it was worth the 53 minutes to hold off so that Madelyn could be born on 9-12 (which was actually my due date...and not a memorial holiday like 9-11.) I also really just appreciated having the time to catch my breath from the pain and to get refocused.

Madelyn Reese was born at 12:11 AM on Sept. 12, 2010. She weighs 7 lbs 14 oz and is 20.5 inches long. The most surprising part is the amount of hair she has and that it is dark! We are so thankful that she is healthy and feel blessed to have such a beautiful daughter! (tear)

After my epidural (thus the smile)

Me with the Mom's (Mom & MIL) before delivering.
I'm looking quite scary in this pic-a little like Jabba the Hut.
She's here! Proud Daddy
Our little sweetheart
Proud Mommy
MUCH more to come...(for like 18 years)

The McBabies

2010-09-09T23:03:00.004-05:00

It's been fun sharing my pregnancy with these girls that I work with, Renae & Leslie. Renae is a month behind me and Leslie is 2 weeks behind her. (They make me look really huge!) We kept meaning to get a few pictures of the 3 of us, and finally did earlier this week. We call them the "McBabies" because all of our last names start with "Mc". I really hope to be meeting MY McBaby this weekend! If not, then I am scheduled for an induction next Thurs, Sept 16th!

Mason's First Day of Preschool

2010-09-07T23:17:00.004-05:00

After he waited all Summer long to get back to school, Mason started Preschool today! He was so excited to be returning! He is in the 4 year old class now and in a new classroom with a new teacher. Some of his friends from last year are in his class and those that aren't, are in the classroom next door and luckily he still gets to play with them at outside/gym playtime. His first day went great and he was pretty tired tonight. I'm glad he will be occupied with school while we get adjusted to Madelyn (who is hopefully on her way very soon!)

4 year old update:
Mason amazes us everyday! He is such a sweetheart and makes us laugh all the time. He is really becoming a big boy. I took him for his 4 year old well check-up last week and he weighs 43.8 lbs and is 45 inches tall. (Still off the growth chart for his age!)
He did an eye test and a hearing test and had to get 3 shots (which was not fun for him nor to watch) He didn't feel very good over the weekend and even had a reaction on his leg to one of the shots, but thankfully he is better now--and just in time for school!
He still loves to play with cars, play computer games on NickJr.com and his new favorite show is Scooby Doo! He is also very into drawing pictures and writing his letters and numbers. He's looking forward to meeting his baby sister and helping Mommy & Daddy out with her!

My Baby Shower

2010-09-04T23:41:00.006-05:00

My sister, Angela, and BFF, Victoria (Aka Tori) hosted a wonderful baby shower for me a few weeks ago at my parent's house! My mom & Tori's mom helped out a lot (kind of a second string of hostesses) and it was so beautiful & themey! (I'm very "themey!") Everything matched Madelyn's nursery in pink and green owls & other woodland animals. Some of my close friends and family attended and brought such great gifts for us!

The Entryway (filled with decorations for me to take home!)

Tori made this super cute diaper cake...
And this is the real cake, which was A-MAZ-ING in both looks & taste!
Yummy (& cute) raspberry punch
Me & Mom
Me & Tori
Me with the Hostesses
Ready to open gifts
Wow! I've never seen so much PINK!
Good Friends
Some of the guests

New stroller & car seat!
Does it get any cuter? No.

(Check out the huge box of handmade bows made by my friend Amanda!)
A fun little game...
Favors to grab on the way out (handmade by my mom & sister)
So as you can see, I had a wonderful shower filled with so many special little details! Thank you to the hostesses, friends and family that made it special for me & Madelyn!

Cameron's 13th Birthday Party

2010-08-28T21:51:00.006-05:00

Last weekend was my nephew, Cameron's 13th birthday! I can't believe he's a teenager! We attended a small family party at my sister's house to celebrate his birthday. Mason had such a fun time playing with the guitar prop that my sister sent it home with him.

My Maternity Photos

2010-08-24T22:00:00.004-05:00

I had Maternity photos taken when I was pregnant with Mason and they are so special to me, so I knew that I needed to have some taken with Madelyn as well. They are very personal (& some people don't care for them at all) but I wanted to document my pregnancy with them, so I'm sharing a few poses...
Taken at 36 weeks

Our Trip to the County Fair

2010-08-23T09:48:00.006-05:00

On Friday, we took Mason to the fair~We realized he'd never been! We first walked through to see the animals and Mason got to pet some goats & sheep and looked at horses & cows.
Then we headed for the rides. He was the perfect age & height to ride the kiddie rides and he wasn't shy about going straight for the roller coaster, called the "Dragon Wagon." (that made me laugh)
See his little pumpkin head in the 3rd car from the end? :)

His next stop was the swings that go around & up & down. I used to love those when I was little. He looks a little apprehensive in this pic, but he was really just tired. Once the ride started, he was all smiles! He even saw the girls behind him putting their arms up, so he did the same.
(There he is~middle right!)

Next was the Ferris Wheel. Daddy took Mason while I stayed on the ground (both to take pictures & save tickets!) Mason boasted that he could "see the whole city" from the top.

We were all pretty tired & hot by the time the sun had set, so Mason used his last tickets on 2 different bouncy houses. He was so tired that he laid down in one of them to rest in between jumps! We got some cold drinks as we left for the car & Mason got to ride on Daddy's neck since he was getting "noodle legs." It was a good first experience at the fair with Mason!

My Baby Shower at Work

2010-08-22T00:30:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday, the girls at my work threw me and another co-worker, Renae, a baby shower! Renae and I worked together at the hospital and both moved to the clinic at the same time. We are both having girls, so the shower was very pink & very cute! They served baked potatoes (my fave food!), salad & bread for lunch. The cake was so cute & yummy, too! I took Mason with me and he had fun. I got so many cute, girly gifts~from outfits to blankets to room decor. It was a fun day and I'm so thankful for them throwing the shower!

Me & Renae (a little blurry)

Heather's Wedding

2010-08-15T21:40:00.007-05:00

On Saturday, Wayne & I attended my good friend, Heather's wedding at Stables on the Hill. It was gorgeous (although extremely HOT!) and the bride could not have looked more beautiful! We had a good time hanging out with my friends, Amber & Robert and Amanda & Nathan and it was a nice break for us~probably the last for a while with the baby due in 27 days!

I told you...she's Gorgeous!

Amber, Me, & Amanda

I love this one~she looks so happy!
The Girls! Love that we got this shot of the 4 of us!
Wayne with one of the horses. It was a beautiful location!

Hot & Spicy

2010-08-05T22:11:00.004-05:00

Just a quick post with a random picture.
Mason loves Hot & Spicy Cheez-its! He will not even eat the regular ones.

Also, I'm fully aware that I have not taken any recent pregnancy pics to share (sad) but I will soon! And I'm having some professional ones taken as well. Only about 5 weeks left until my due date!

Mason's New Sandbox

2010-07-27T21:57:00.007-05:00

Wayne added a sandbox area underneath Mason's new swing set/fort. It was the perfect place for it and he has really been enjoying it this week! We got him some sand molds to make castles & such & he will play in it for over an hour if we let him! Wayne even made a cover for it because we didn't want debris getting inside or neighborhood cats using it as a big cat box. ("Uh...I don't think those were Lincoln Logs..." TS3 quote! LOL)

Also, I posted about Mason's Annual Handprint on my poor neglected blog Daily Chrysalis since that is were I posted about each previous year. That blog is just about artsy/crafty stuff usually. Anyway, you can check it out if you want...

On another note, Wayne & I have both been so incredibly busy trying to get EVERYTHING under the sun done before our baby girl gets here. My due date is in just 7 weeks and we've been stressing-but also getting a lot done each weekend. We've been so overwhelmed with all the stuff that is breaking around here! Why all at once? Why now!? I know we'll get it all done & be ready to welcome our little one though!

Now Showing...

2010-07-18T22:03:00.004-05:00

This afternoon, we took Mason to see his very first movie in the theater! Since he's 4 now and well versed in Toy Story 1 & 2, it was a no-brainer that we wanted to take him to see Toy Story 3. He did a wonderful job sitting still & being quiet. He ate a whole box of gummy bears during the movie and only had to get up once toward the end to go to the bathroom.
The movie was really funny and also sad-I will admit that the Mommy hormones got to me at the end & I was crying (and trying to wipe away the tears fast because I felt a little silly!) Wayne enjoyed it, too...and Mason thought it was great. He liked the whole theater experience and is looking forward to returning to see more movies in the future.

With the movie poster (and wearing his new TS3 shirt):

Here's how excited he was right before we left home:

Swimming & Swinging

2010-07-13T22:52:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, Mason got to try out the new swimming pool he got for his birthday. He had a great time splashing & jumping & even did a few cannonballs!

While Mason was swimming, Wayne finished the assembly of the playset! He worked so hard over the course of 3 days to get it together. Mason hopped right out of his pool & onto the swings & glider when he heard it was ready. It has a bumpy slide & a little picnic table/bench area. We are talking about putting a covered sand box under the fort (behind the picnic table area.) I know Mason (& eventually his baby sister) will get years of play out of the set!

Mason's 4th Birthday

2010-07-11T21:18:00.010-05:00

Saturday was Mason's 4th Birthday! We celebrated by having family over for a Disney Cars themed party, eating pizza, cupcakes & ice cream, and watching Mason open gifts. He had a great time!

With the gifts:
The cousins: Chloe' (17), Mason & Cameron (almost 13!)
Striking a silly pose in his "Birthday Boy" hat that he's had since his First bday!
All the pizzas!
With the cake table...

He looks so big in this picture! This was his own little cake. He requested cupcakes, but I just had to get this little cake, too!
The cupcake tower (those chocolate ones are to-die for!)
Time to open presents!
One of his faves~a swimming pool from his Gigi (my grandma)
And another fave~Woody with a pull string from his Grandma Clova (Wayne's Mom)
Mommy, taking a little break! (almost 31 weeks)
And yet another fave gift...an Art Easel with ALL the accessories from his Mimi & Grandpa (my parents)
And the big gift from Mommy & Daddy...a new outdoor playset! This picture is Day 2 of assembly. Wayne finished it today (Sunday) and I will post the pics of it soon.
Wayne & his brother Billy worked SOoooo hard on trying to get this assembled in time for Mason's birthday--they even worked in the dark & in the rain! Mason is very excited about it since he had outgrown his other outdoor fort/slide.
One last exciting gift~Mason's first pet! His Uncle Billy got him a Betta fish & all the stuff to go with it. He loves it & although called it "Fishy" for a day, has decided to name her "Bluey."
Thanks to all of our family who made Mason's 4th birthday so special! He loves each gift he received & was thrilled to celebrate with you!

Life, Liberty & Happiness

2010-07-07T21:22:00.009-05:00

We had a busy 4th of July weekend~we worked on lots of projects around the house but took some time to celebrate the holiday as well. On the 4th, we went to the Bentonville fireworks display at Orchards Park. We even got Mason to take an hour nap before we went! (a rare act!) He fell for it because we let him lay down under the baby's crib...he was out within 15 mins!

Sidenote: Wayne has the nursery painted & all the furniture moved in now, so I can work on decorating!

We let Mason do some fireworks at our house on the 3rd & 4th--just sparklers, snakes & other small, not-as-dangerous ones!

Posing for Mommy

The Nap:
Mason & Daddy waiting for it to get dark outside

Mason & Mommy (not looking my best here!)

The fireworks...I didn't get too many good shots this year :(

I love these 2 pictures of them watching the fireworks!

A little fun with sparklers when we got home~Mason was up super late that night!
Hope everyone had a great holiday! This weekend will be another busy one~it's Mason's 4th birthday!!!

Summer in Full Bloom

2010-06-27T21:48:00.007-05:00

Tonight Mason got to play in the sprinkler in the backyard, He loved running through the water and sliding down into it until the rain blew in and we had to go inside. He ate dinner & then actually fell asleep on the couch at 6:50! (that never happens!)

The water's cold!!

Love this running picture!

While out back, I finally got some pictures taken of our gorgeous hydrangeas and echinachia (sp?). This fat bumble bee was ever so nice to pose while I took her picture...
This is the first time in 4 years that the hydrangeas have bloomed! The first year we lived in our house, they were loaded with blooms--but none since. I guess the weather always got them.

They are all actually a deep, dark purplish-blue in person--like the ones in the shade to the far right in the picture below.
There are also some day lillies in bloom in another corner of the yard.

Mason's Art & A Birthday Countdown!

2010-06-21T09:56:00.006-05:00

We are so proud of Mason for drawing his first person that has a body! He usually draws a face with arms & legs coming out of it, but this time he drew a body.
And then, as you can see, I thought he was making it anatomically correct, however he informed me that the circle and the line are the button & zipper on his pants!!! I secretly laughed until I cried!

Since it's only 19 days (gasp) until Mason's 4th birthday, we made a countdown chain so he can keep track...

And yesterday he painted a few pictures to give to his Gigi's (Great Grandmas)

Happy First Day of Summer!

I just have to say...

2010-06-17T22:02:00.002-05:00

Isn't my niece, Chloe' looking so gorgeous in this picture? Just sayin.

Cameron's Baseball Game

2010-06-14T22:28:00.004-05:00

My nephew, Cameron, is playing in Championship Week with his baseball team, the Pirates. Mason & I finally made it to a game on Saturday afternoon. It was H-O-T outside! Thank goodness for Sonic Happy Hour!
I was so impressed with Cameron! He is so athletic. He plays Pitcher:

And Catcher:

And Shortstop! Of course he has his turn at the bat:
And rounds it home!

Silly Mason loved screaming for his cousin...and I mean SCREAMING!

After the game~so hot we almost melted! But they won!
My sister & Cam

His team plays again tomorrow night~Good Luck Cameron & The Pirates!

Workin' at the Car Wash

2010-06-08T22:34:00.005-05:00

Last weekend, Wayne washed our cars and Mason got to help. He had so much fun.
Puddle jumpin'

Scrubbing Mama's car
And Daddy's car
Taking a little break

Daddy wrote Mason's name on the driveway with the power washer! (and then had lots of fun having to blast it off!)

My Boy, My Girl, and My Hair

2010-06-07T21:15:00.003-05:00

I finally got my hair cut, which prompted this little photo session...
Me & my big boy who will be 4 in just 5 weeks! How did he get so big?!

The new 'do
My big baby belly at 25 weeks~Third trimester already! I've been feeling pretty good now that my Sciatica has calmed down (nerve pain in my back & leg) but I am still having lower back muscle pain-have to do lots of stretching. I've been having less reflux (probably due to all the ice cream I've been eating!) Now I'm just starting to freak out because we don't have the nursery ready AT ALL and I have not bought much for baby. We have all of the main baby stuff that was Mason's, but I need to get some cute girl stuff asap to satisfy my nesting urges! :)

Our Trip to the Botanical Garden

2010-06-04T18:54:00.009-05:00

My Uncle Jerrold visited us over Memorial Day and one day while he was here, we visited the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. We hadn't been since last Summer, and although it got a little hot about half way through, we all enjoyed it & got some great pictures.

Last Day of School

2010-06-02T20:46:00.008-05:00

It's hard to believe that Mason has been in Preschool since September. Last Thursday marked his last day in Mrs. Davis' 3 year old class. He's really going to miss his friends and is already looking forward to next year. He is a kid who loves to go to school! He would cry on snow days or when he had to stay home sick! Now Grandpa has his hands full all day long with Mason since we couldn't find a Summer program for kids his age. (We are so thankful for our families and all they do for us!)

The morning of his last day of school: I just love this picture!

And here are some pictures from the FIRST day of school...look how much he's grown!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-26T22:16:00.005-05:00

I finally got a few pictures taken the other day with my Mother's day gift from Mason since we forgot to on the day. It was a pot that he had decorated at school and a "World's Greatest Mom" card with a picture he drew. Mason was so sweet on Mother's day-he kept telling me, "Happy Mother's Day!" all day long!

We were able to find a rocker/recliner for the nursery last weekend. It's so comfy, we've all been enjoying it. It's temporarily in the living room since we're working on the nursery right now.

Biker Boy

2010-05-23T11:39:00.003-05:00

I took these pictures a few weeks ago (when it was still a little chilly outside, thus the jacket) of Mason getting to ride his bike in the street. He's usually confined to the driveway, so we try to let him go in the street for short distances while we help to watch out for cars.

They Both Reached for the Gun!

2010-05-19T22:04:00.003-05:00

Here's a video of my niece, (yes, another post about Chloe'!!) in the role of Roxie in Chicago singing "They Both Reached for the Gun."

For those who aren't familiar with the story, she's the main character in the flapper dress being fed lines by her lawyer (who is played by Chloe's boyfriend, Spencer) like a puppet to the press about why she killed her husband...

(Scroll down & pause or mute my blog music first!)

Chloe's 17th Birthday

2010-05-17T23:42:00.004-05:00

It seems like my niece has been dominating my blog lately, but she's had so much going on over the last few months with school performances, Prom, and now her birthday! I can't believe that she is 17!!!
My sister hosted a small family party for her and made a wonderful dinner for all of us. Instead of a cake, Chloe' picked Dirt Dessert, of which I was very grateful! It was A-MAZ-ING! It looked so real and tasted heavenly! Chloe's big gift was a laptop computer~such a grown up gift! Oh~ and can you tell what her fave color is?
My camera batteries (& back-up batteries) died after about 15 minutes at the party. (Note to self: remember to charge camera batteries before an event!) So all of these pics are from my sister. I'm still planning to get more from my mom with some of Mason & other family included, so I may still post some of those when I get copies.

21 Weeks

2010-05-08T22:23:00.004-05:00

Disclaimer: Mason actually took these pictures! I did some cropping, but they still aren't the best. (He did a good job, though!)
We had (another) ultrasound at 20 weeks (our official one) and Baby Girl is growing right on track and is still a GIRL! ;) We are so blessed that she is healthy!
To answer the next question I get constantly: We are still thinking about a name but have some in mind.
My parents kindly bought us the baby bedding I chose and Wayne & I have been so busy turning our office into the nursery. Our house is totally torn up right now from moving furniture here & there. I'm ready for everything to be in order! (yes, I'm nesting.)

Simple Pleasures

2010-05-05T22:13:00.008-05:00

Since Mason is doing so much better now that the excessive amount of pollen is clearing, he has been able to play outside some lately. The weather has been gorgeous and I'm so glad he's not suffering with those allergies like he was. He's back to his regular OTC medicine but still has to avoid being outside for too long.
A few days ago, we went out back to see our Iris' in bloom~ so many more have bloomed since the picture~ and Mason played with his bubbles and a pinwheel and blew every white puffy dandelion he could find!