A Love Hate Relationship

The bushes in front of my house are about to make me fall in love with them again. When I first met them I did not think they were anything special at all. Boring. Green. Big. Blah. Like this:

Then, while we were in the middle of closing on the house they did something spectacular. This:


Once a year these incredible huge, old azaleas go crazy and will literally stop traffic. I have been sitting on the front porch and seen it happen, people. I have had many friends and neighbors let me know that if I ever come home to find them missing I can check their yards. So, 11 months of the year I want to rip these out. But- I could not be more excited that my one month of love is almost here. Come on by in a week or so and see the show.

Chalkboards

Did you know they make chalkboard contact paper? I found some at Michaels and went a little nuts...

A new Chalkboard for the kitchen...

A new Chalkboard for Zander's room...

A new Chalkboard in a frame to display the kids artwork...

So much fun for $4. I love the chalkboard paint, but this was even easier and faster!

Spring Everywhere

My yard has exploded with blooms! It is safe to say Spring has fully arrived in Oklahoma.

The Magic of Reading

I have always been and will always be a proud and happy bookworm. I really love nothing more than getting lost in a great story. I have always hoped to pass on this love to my kids, and we have made reading an important part of our nightly routine since they were babies. My mom and Lance's mom have both helped feed this love for my kids by giving them many many new books over the years.
One of my greatest joys over the last year has been seeing Zander develop as a reader. He is getting really fluent and is now able to take on chapter books on his own. We have tried out a few Boxcar Children books (these were the books that got me totally hooked on reading!). But, our latest and greatest favorites are the Magic Treehouse Books. He is able to read these on his own, but still likes us to read them to him as well. Yesterday the Full Circle Bookstore hosted a special Magic Treehouse event. Jack and Annie came and sang some songs to the kids and we were able to stand in line to get our books stamped and a picture taken. It was really a fun event and got Zander even more fired up about reading the next books in the series.


Now I just need a new book for myself! So, come on faithful readers and give me a recommendation for my new read!

Spring Break

This past week has been Spring Break for the kids. We decided to head down to Dallas area to hang out with my Sister-in Law Kelly and her wonderful kiddos. My kids absolutely love their cousins so this was guaranteed to be a fun time for all. We drove down Tuesday, played, stayed in a hotel, swam, and had a pizza party. Big Fun. Wednesday was my niece Abigail's 7th birthday, so we headed to girl paradise... The American Girl Doll Store.
Abigail and Zella both had birthday money to burn so we spent some serious time checking out all the goods and making our selections. In the end, both girls bought this year's doll of the year, Kanani. She is Hawaiian and an obvious pick for both girls since we will all be in Hawaii together this summer. We also had dinner at the very cute and girly Bistro. What a great time!

Ain't no Party Like a Princess Party 'Cause a Princess Party...

We had a group of great friends over to celebrate the big #5 yesterday. It was a beautiful day, a gorgeous group, a ton of fun! Here are some snapshots of the fun...

Happy 5th Birthday Zella Grace!

Five years ago today I gave birth to the sweetest, kindest, funniest, most lovely daughter anyone could ask for. I can hardly believe she was ever that small (and way smaller!).
Happy Birthday ZGrace, we love you so very much!