Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Our Weekend

We had a pretty low key weekend. Friday night after Alabama's terrible loss Ryleigh came and said "Mom, who can I spend the night with tonight?" I said I have no idea. She said "Well I know it'll have to be someone who's house I can walk to since I know you won't take me to Aunt Lindey's or Irvington." You are a smart girl! So the kids ended up spending the night with Aunt Lisa. I had planned to stay home and just wrap presents but everyone knows Ryan can never just stay home. We went to Academy and bought Tanner's Christmas present and went to eat at TGIFridays.

Saturday morning we just hung around the house. The kids wanted to wrap Ryan up like a present! (He does have shorts on, even though it doesn't look like it)

(I would also like to say that he made me go get a brush and brush his hair before I could take this b/c and I quote "I know this will go on the blog and I have to keep up my good looking image!")

Saturday afternoon we went to The Bass Pro shop to visit their Santa Village. It was fun even though I hate The Bass Pro Shop. (It's right up there with Sam's. I cannot stand Sam's it creeps me out). They had a lot of fun activities for the kids. We mailed letter's to Santa and made a few crafts.

They got to see Santa. Ryleigh and Tanner don't believe in Santa. I mean, they think he's fun and like to talk about him but they don't "believe" that he is a real person who actually comes into our house Christmas night. In the words of Ryleigh "Mom, that doesn't even make sense. How could someone think he actually comes in our house at night. I just don't understand why people think that mom."

Mrs. Logical, you can't get anything passed her! Please don't ruin it for the other kids in your class though Ryleigh!

Sunday we went to church then out to brunch. The kids and I came home and took a 2 hour nap while Ryan watched the 3rd Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Sunday afternoon we went running/bike riding at MGM. The kids had a lot of fun.

They are getting better on their bikes. They are probably the only 3 and 4 year old who can barely ride a bike with training wheels. We live on a dirt road so there is no where for them to practice.

My little runner! Doesn't she look so big in this picture! They ran 1/2 mile! I was so proud of them! I love that Ryan and I try to keep them active. They may be the only 3 and 4 year olds who can't ride a bike but I bet they are the only ones that can run that far! And everyone knows running is more important...it burns more calories! Ha Ha!!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Tanner is most thankful for Roxy, Gus, Dad, La La, Mom, Mi Mi and Gi Gi!
Ryleigh is most thankful for cute boots and her mom and dad.

I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and 2 healthy great kids. Don't forget to stop for a few minutes today and remember what today is all about.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Nativity Scene

This past Saturday I went to go get Tanner the nativity scene I had found at Lifeway. Well wouldn't you know they were completely sold out and on back order for WEEKS! I was pretty upset about it because it would have been perfect for him! Sunday after church we went to WalMart and he insisted on taking me to the Christmas section to show it to me. I explained that I am going to get him one just hopefully one that isn't breakable.

Well Sunday night Ryan and I got all the Christmas decorations down and guess what I found in there....A Nativity Set! I had bought it last year at Hobby Lobby on clearance after Christmas. It's one that you paint yourself and I had originally planned for the kids to paint it but Ryan decided he wanted to do it. So he set to work painting. I helped a little. He said that it was therapeutic!
Here is the finished product! I think it looks so good! Tanner was BEYOND excited about it! I meant to get a picture of him with it but I got busy and forgot. He played with it for a while last night. I think it makes it even more special that Ryan painted it himself.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Christmas Cards!

Ok, so anyone that knows me knows that one of my absolute favorite things about Christmas is sending and receiving Christmas cards! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE doing it! We have done Christmas cards every year since Ryleigh was born here are all the ones we had before. Just click this link.
The past 3 years I have gotten our cards made from Shutterfly. They are a little pricier than Wal Mart but in my opinion much, much cuter!
I was looking at Shutterfly's website the other day and here are my favorite cards from there. I'm not sure which one I am going to order. I still need to get a cute picture of the kids for the card.
I really like this Peace on Earth card. I would have to get one separate card to send to just Nana since she doesn't like Peace signs! :)

I also really like this Holiday Lights card. Except for the fact that it says Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. That drives me crazy. I love cards with different designs and bright colors. I mean you can only have so many Santa Clause cards before you get sick of them!

I also like this one. I just wish it was in brighter colors and not just red and green.
My favorite card from Shutterfly this year is probably the Top Ten Family Moments card. I love the idea of listing a few of our favorite things from the year. (Like you guys don't get enough of us during the year!! ha ha!! :))

Go check out Shutterfly's website if you haven't already gotten your Christmas cards. They have some really great cards in all price ranges!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

What's going on with us this Saturday

This Saturday the boys are off to the woods for their first hunt of the season.

I asked Ryleigh what she wanted to do this weekend and she said she wanted to have a girl day! So she made a list of everything she wants to do and she wants to put a check mark by each item as we complete them. You gotta love this girl! Look how good she's writing now to. I'm so proud of her!
Good luck guys! I hope you kill a big buck Tan Man!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Friday's Letter

Dear Ryan, I come home to find a black Rubbermaid container filled with pine straw in our kitchen last night. When I asked what that was all about you and Tanner both looked at me like I was crazy and said "To get our scent off of our hunting clothes." I then look around and see numerous amounts of "Scent A Way" products on the kitchen table. I'm sorry you stink so bad even the deer can smell you! ha ha!! Dear Tanner, your love for hunting is something I will never understand. Its weird to me that a 3 year old would love to sit in a shooting house and have to be quiet for hours at a time. I'm so happy about the time you get to spend with your dad though! Ryleigh, I am so looking forward to our "girl day" tomorrow. I can wait to check everything off of your to do list. Dear Nana, the above picture makes my heart jump for joy. I love you and I love that even though you have no idea why I was getting you to do that, you still did it for the sake of a funny picture. There's nothing like a Nana that knows how to throw deuces! Dear Thanksgiving Holiday, I am so looking forward to you next week. Dear other blogs that I read, Thank you for the wonderful information you supply to me. 100 Christmas cards for $6.99, Free Photo book coupon code, $5 off a leapfrog book? Yes, Please! Dear Hunter, I can't help but laugh when last night you spent 2 hours loading up hunting stuff, cleaning your guns, organizing your ammo and when you were done you looked back at it all with a weird sense of love and satisfaction! I hope you love me as much as you love all your hunting gear!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Nativity Set

This morning Ryleigh and I were talking about what she wants for Christmas. She has a few things in mind and they are all kinda expensive so I'm wanting her to decide so I can be sure to get what she really wants as opposed to something she just likes. Anyway though we were talking and Tanner comes in from just waking up and was still groggy and tired. He ask what we were talking about and I told him. He said:
"Mom, all I want is the Jesus playhouse."
"What Jesus playhouse Tanner?"
"You know Mom, the one from Wal Mart?"
"You mean the nativity set?"
"No, Mom I mean the Jesus's playhouse. You know, it has baby Jesus, his mom, his dad and some sheep."
"Tanner, that's a nativity set."
"I don't think you know what your talking about mom, it's a playhouse. It's at Wal Mart in the Christmas section. Next time we go I'll show you because it's what I really want."

Then he curled back up and went back to sleep. He's such a sweet, sweet little boy.
I know which one he is talking about but it's breakable so although it would be pretty in our house it would either not last long or he wouldn't be able to play with it. So instead I found this one at Lifeway. It's made for kids to be able to play with. I think Ryleigh and I are going to go get it for him for an early Christmas present!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Twins

I know I've posted this before but is seems like it's happening a lot more now. Everywhere we go people comment on how cute my TWINS are! They do look a lot a like. Especially now that they are officially the SAME HEIGHT! They stood back to back today and Tanner has officially caught up with her. He was so proud!

Everyone in our family seems to think Lindsey is going to have Twins. (No, she isn't pregnant, yet! Hopefully soon though we need a new baby in our family!) All I can say is if you do have twins is, GOOD LUCK!!!
I do hope you have at least 2 kids and I would say it's a good idea (or at least I think so) so have them close in age. My 2 our best friends and always have someone to play with. How fun is it to be 3 and 4 and always have your best friend around!
Because, it's fun to make faces and goof off like this but wouldn't be nearly as much fun if you had to do it alone!

I hope you guys always stay the best of friends! And Lindsey, the more I think about it twins may not be such a bad idea...the benefits of two kids close in age but only have to be pregnant once!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday's Letter

Dear Ryan, our veterans day date was Aw to the Some. Spot of Tea was wonderful and I'm glad you are slowly falling in love with Hudson's as well! I think it may be the $2 Sanuk's we got Tanner that sent you over. Dear girls of my family, I had a wonderful time at the Christmas Jubilee and dinner with you guys last night. Just so everyone knows "We are just like you, only prettier!" Ha ha! (I love the Budweiser sign right above us in that picture!) Dear Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, I have never been a a huge fan of either one of you but after your CMA wins and how genuinely happy you guys were...I think I fell in love. My new favorite song is "We are just like you only prettier!" Dear Ryleigh, I am over the moon excited for you about you putting up your Christmas tree. I'm glad you finally were able to talk your dad into letting you put it up. It's looks wonderful! Dear Mrs. Kim (Cunningham), your facebook response when people were saying it was to early to put up Christmas trees was priceless! And I quote, "What can I say??? The birth of the Saviour of the world is a pretty big deal!!! I celebrate my birthday a whole month and my Jesus deserves way more than that!!! Such a wonderful time of the year and I am truly thankful!" Dear Paw Paw, Happy 72th birthday!! I have something to talk to you about tonight. Even though you don't know what it is just go ahead and get ready to say, "Of course Tiffany! You know I will do that for you because you are my favorite!!" (if you say it that way or not we all know it's the truth!! :)) Dear Friday, you feel like Monday since I was off yesterday. That is a bad thing this morning but this afternoon it will be fabulous!! Since I love these girls almost as much as I love Ryan they get 2 post today...Dear Nana, Mom, Aunt Melissa, Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Tena, Aunt Velvet, Whitney and Lindsey, I am more thankful for you guys than I am for Christmas trees in November and Hudson's. Enjoyed the laughs last night! Love ya'll!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Social Calendar

So, it's official our kids are to cool and to busy for us! Friday night Ryleigh called Aunt Lisa to see if she could spend the night over there. Aunt Lisa said yes because normally when Ryleigh ask it's a week day and she can't. So Friday night we had no kids and no plans. We decided to take advantage of it and went to eat at Wintzells in Saraland and then to Moka's coffee house.

We had to stop by Wal Mart and Ryan found this in the middle of one of the aisles and insisted on riding it around Wal Mart!
I told him that is why our kids don't want to hang out with us anymore! :) I said I can't wait for Ryleigh to get older and we can use stuff like this to embarrass her. He said we won't be able to because she'll be running in front yelling "There is nothing wrong with him!! He shouldn't be in that cart!!" Ha ha!!
Saturday we did something we never do...we stayed home all day!! I cleaned the house from top to bottom and Ryan did a lot of yard work that needed to be done. We then watched Alabama lose! It was a sad, sad day.
Ryleigh had been calling mom all day begging them to come home to Wilmer so she could spend the night! Seriously, you would think she hates her house! :) So mom did and it left Ryan and I free again with no plans. I suggested we just stay home but Ryan had already been home all day so he had to go somewhere. We threw on some clothes and went to Lowes, Hudson's (I got a new vacuum cleaner!!) and Zaxby's.
I hate I didn't get a picture of them Sunday before church. It was pajama day so all the kids wore their pajamas. We actually went out to eat Brunch after church and I had forgotten to bring them clothes so they went in their pajamas and house shoes!!
Sunday afternoon we hung out at home while Ryleigh was on the go AGAIN!!
I did get her to come home when I told her I made an obstacle course in the yard.
They Loved the obstacle course! I timed them and they kept trying to beat each others time. Tanner picked the tunnel up when Ryleigh was in it and made her fall out. She was not happy!
Gus even got in on the obstacle course action!
Ryleigh asked me Sunday night if she could call someone to go spend the night again and I told her sadly her weekend was coming to an end. She said "I'm just a spending the night girl on the go!" Yes, you are! Tanner was also really sad the weekend was ending!
Miss Priss already has plans again this weekend!! She is having a slumber party at Sydney's house. Then a birthday party Saturday. She is a busy, busy little girl with a very active social calendar. Poor Ryan and I have nothing planned. It's pathetic I know.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Principal's Office

Well it happened. Tanner had his first trip to the Principal's office this past Tuesday. It was only a matter of time the poor boy and school are just not mixing well. He got caught spitting on someone and biting a little girl! (In his defense she put her finger in his face. She needs to learn to leave cute, sweet little boys alone! ha ha!! :)) Tanner has a WONDERFUL teacher who is very patient but firm with him which is exactly what he needs. She has been wonderful and called me Tuesday afternoon to let me know what happened. He had to go to time out twice in Mrs. Carter's room (which is Ryleigh's class) and had to miss their whole recess class. He was heartbroken. He kept asking Mrs. Parden when recess was and she would tell him but then say I'm sorry Tanner but you aren't going to be able to go because of your behavior. He would respond but I said I'm sorry!! When I picked Ryleigh up from dance she wanted to call everyone and tell them what happened. Literally we called like 8 people so she could tell the story. She made a point to say he missed the ENTIRE playtime. (Normally they only miss like the first few minutes as timeout if they are bad.)

We talked to him when he got home that night. It took us a while to decide what to do. I just felt like spanking him was a little much since this was the first time it had happened. He isn't really used to school or any type of organized system like that so it's been an adjustment. We just sat him down and explained how he should behave and what he should do if someone is aggravating. We told him at school Mrs. Parden is the boss and he has to listen to her. We told him if it happened again we were going to spank him and take away his favorite toys for a few days.

I'm happy to report when I picked him up today the first thing out of his mouth was "Mom, I was extra special good at school today!!" Mrs. Parden was behind him to confirm it was true!
Tanner, I know somehow you are going to make it through the year. You may be rowdy and hard to handle sometime but you are so cute and sweet that it cancels each other out!! I just pray for Mrs. Parden's nerves! Lord help her!! :)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Disney Animal Kingdom

I know Disney seems to have been forever ago but I really want all these pictures and post to be on our blog so here is Disney Day 3- Animal Kingdom!

We went to AK on Monday and get there when they opened at 8. I knew that this was going to be one of our favorite parks. And it was. The whole thing is just beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous!
Our first stop on the morning was the safari. Tanner LOVED the Safari. Seriously did not want to get off of it.
He loved looking at all the animals. His favorite was the giraffes. Once we got off we were sure to get a fast pass because we knew he would want to ride later in the day.
We then walked to go see It's Tough to be a Bug. I didn't know how Tanner would do with this show. I mean he's obviously obsessed with bugs and animals but this is kinda in your face and has some "mean" bugs. He did really good. A few times during the intense parts he would just close his eyes. Overall though they both really liked the show.
We then made our way to Dino Land where they have a few amusement park type rides for kids and a huge bone yard that you can play in the sand. The kids really liked this part of the park. They got to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore.

The thing about writing this so long after we went is that it's hard to remember everything we did.
Around lunch time Ryleigh fell asleep in the stroller so it was just us and Tanner. We let him do whatever he wants and he just wanted to walk around and look at all the animals. They have a lot of "trails" you can go down and see animals.
We ate lunch at the Flame Tree BBQ and opted not to wake Ryleigh up for lunch. We sat outside on a pier that went over the lake. It was so nice. It was the most peaceful lunch we had the whole time we were in Disney!
Ryleigh didn't miss to much. We walked around and did these little activity things they have in each part of the park so we wouldn't have to wake her up but she still wouldn't miss anything big.
Tanner was sure to rub it in her face though once she did wake up!
Once Ryleigh got up we went and watched the Nemo show. Tanner and I liked it but Ryleigh and Ryan didn't. They have a 3 second attention span and don't really like TV or movies. It was a really good show though.
After that Ryleigh was starving because she had missed lunch so she and I set off to get her some lunch while the boys went to ride the safari again.
We then went to see the Lion King Show. We all really liked this show. It's nothing like what you would think when I say The Lion King. Ryan and Ryleigh even liked it because it was pretty interactive. After that we walked around and rode all the rides they wanted to ride again. We really liked the Animal Kingdom...well I would say Tanner and I did more than Ryan and Ryleigh.
Animal Kingdom isn't really an all day park especially when you get started at 8 am so we had made plans to head to Downtown Disney for the night. We ate Dinner at Planet Hollywood and it started STORMING! Of course I didn't bring our bag with our rain ponchos either! We just waited for a few minutes when we were done eating and it passed over. The good thing about the storm was it also drove all the crowds away. It seriously felt like we had Downtown Disney all to ourselves!
They loved the Lego store!
We also let them spend their money that night. and boy did they! They both had $60 and they spent every dime. It was so funny watching them ration out their purchases and really deciding what they wanted. We went in the huge Disney store (it's the biggest one in the world) and were in there for what felt like FOREVER.
They found this one store that had everything for $10 or less and it was like a jackpot to them! Ryleigh bought a baby Pluto in there and Tanner bought a Pirate set that came with an eye patch, sword and stuff like that. It was the beginning of his Pirate and Pirate ship obsession!

Next up: Epcot!