City Bred, Country Girl

Hi, I'm Amy and I'm a Cutie-a-holic

2012-01-15T12:01:00.004-06:00

YES...I have achieved step one!!! These little gems are the most addicting fruit I have EVER eaten! I LOVE them. They peel so easy and are just poppable...no muss no fuss, I mean seriously just peel and eat!! Just yesterday morning I had 5 (yes FIVE) for breakfast! I know it could be worse, I mean I could've had 5 donuts for breakfast...but still, a line has to be drawn!!

I buy these gorgeous little nuggets for my kids to take in their lunches for school, but mom here usually polishes them off before they even get a chance!! Do I need padlocks on my fridge!? (lol)

I need to learn self-control, however if this is my worst addiction then I suppose I will survive! Oh wait....I forgot about glorious Dr. Pepper!! Crap, definitely pad-locks!! ;)

My Birthday Girl!

2011-12-19T14:44:00.007-06:00

My goodness, where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday I was introducing her to her big brother for the 1st time!! Abigail turned 4 on December 13th and we celebrated her birthday (Gourley style) with a double birthday (with Carter) on November 26th! Usually I write a little ''love'' note to my kids on here for their birthday, but I thought I would go a different route this time around! I asked little missy girl a series of questions...and here are her answers!

1-What is your favorite color? PINK

2-What is your favorite toy? JASMINE

3-What is your favorite thing to take to bed? JESSIE DOLL

4- What is your favorite book? DORA

5- What is your favorite TV show? WOW WOW WUBBZY & PEPPA PIG

6-What is your favorite movie? ALADDIN

7-What is your favorite song? H-A-P-P-Y (from Sunday school!!)

8-What is your favorite fruit? STRAWBERRIES

9-What is your favorite snack? MARSHMELLOWS

10-What is your favorite breakfast? FRUIT LOOPS

11-What is your favorite lunch/dinner? CHICKEN NUGGETS

12-What is your favorite drink? HOT COCO

13-What is your favorite store to shop in? WAL-MART...THEY HAVE LOTS OF TOYS

14-What is your favorite outfit to wear? (she was VERY specific) TANK TOP, SKIRT, LEGGINGS, & RED SPARKLE SHOES!

15-What is your favorite game? TIC-TAC-TOE

16-What is your favorite animal? UNICORN!!! lol

17-What is your favorite holiday? THANKSGIVING, I LOVE TURKEY!

18-What is your favorite thing to do outside? THROW SNOWBALLS

19-What is your favorite thing to do at school? PLAY WITH HOLLY

20-Who is your BFF? HOLLY

21-Who is Austin's BFF? ME

22-Who is mommy's BFF? UMMMM, DADDY!

23-What is your brother's name? AUSTIN

24-What is your mommy's name? GRAMMY

25-What is your daddy's name? AUSTIN

26-Where do you live? OKLAHOMA

27-What is your favorite time of year? FALL, I LOVE TO JUMP IN LEAVES!

28-Do you know your phone number? YES-----what is your phone #? ALOT, ALOT OF NUMBERS!!!! lol

29-When is your birthday? ON THE 3RD

30-What does mommy do for work? SELL THINGS

31-What does daddy do for work? TALK ON THE PHONE (hahahahaha)

32-What do you love most in this world? RABBITS, ALL KINDS.....PINK ONES, WHITES ONES, BROWN ONES....OH AND PURPLE ONES!! (too cute!)

33-Where is your favorite place to visit? MIMI'S HOUSE....SHE HAS TOYS!

34-What do you want to eat next year for your birthday dinner? CHICKEN NUGGETS

35-What do you want to be when you grow up? BALLET DANCER

Goodness I just love her!!!!!! Happy 4th Birthday, my precious baby girl!!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-07T13:34:00.002-06:00

I have noticed alot of people using Facebook to take the opportunity to share what they are ''thankful for'' daily until Thanksgiving. I have many blessing in my life, and many things that I am ''thankful'' for, but I'm just gonna blog about it instead!!

#1- My husband Bryan---I appreciate you and everything you do as a husband and as a father. I know I don't always show it, but you are an amazing man, husband, father and best friend. I love you for who you are (flaws and all) and how you take care of your family no matter how hard you have to work to do so!!

#2- Austin--- My 1st born, my buddy. You are more than a part of me, you are one of the loves of my life! Before you I could have NEVER imagined the journey my life has taken. You are brilliantly smart, inquisitive, loving, considerate, and (most of the time) respectful. I love you to the moon and back!! :)

#3- Abigail--- My baby girl. Oh you bring such joy!! You too are one of the loves of my life! You are challenging, full of attitude, sassy, beautiful, oh so loving, and you have one of the BEST imaginations ever!! You give the best hugs and kisses, and I live for our morning cuddle sessions (after Austin goes to school)! I love you more than words can express!!

#4- Mom and Dad--- Not only am I fortunate enough to have parents that are still married (and most of the time ''in love'') (lol), they are the BEST role models a child could ask for! Things weren't always perfect, but their love for us was!!! I learned how to love and be loved, how to give without receiving and how to be a family from them! I am truly blessed to have two parents to call ''friend'' as well as ''mom and dad''!!

#5- Lisa and Grant--- I am so unbelievably fortunate to have a sister and brother that I consider my best friends!! I know that no matter the distance between us, our love and friendships can never be broken. I love that we can banter, bicker, argue and down right yell at each other, and 5 minutes later we are laughing!! That kind of bond is precious and one that I personally cherish. I love you both!

#6- Ashleigh (SIL)--- What can I say....he sure knows how to pick them (haha)!! Seriously, I couldn't have asked/prayed for someone more perfect for my baby brother than you! I love how you just mesh with our family with so much ease!! I love the friendship we have formed, not all can say one of their bff's is their SIL, but I can...and I'm and so thankful for that!

#7- My grandma's--- I am truly blessed to still have both of my grandma's with us!! I love the opportunity my children have been given to have so many grandma's to love them! They are both proud, strong, loving women and anyone would have the honor of knowing them!! I love them both dearly and I can only hope that I one day (when I am their age) will have the spunk and fire that these two women have (in their 80's I might add)!!!

#8- Bryan's Family--- They might live far away, and we might not get to see them alot...but I am truly thankful because without them there would be no him!! They might not be perfect, and we might not always get along...but there is love there and we are family!

#9- My Nieces and Nephews--- Sarah, Benny, Noah, Carter, Halo and Avery...I love you, I love you , I love you!!! There is NO aunt in America prouder then me! ;) You are all beautiful, perfect little reminders of a what a family is all about!!

There is more that I am thankful for...but it all pales in comparison to the above list!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and/or friends!!

A Woman's Secret Language

2011-11-03T13:52:00.004-05:00

WORDS WOMEN USE

FINE--This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES--If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING--This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "Nothing" usually end in "Fine."

GO AHEAD--This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

LOUD SIGH--This is not actually a word, but is a nonverbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing."

THAT'S OKAY--This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS--A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.

WHATEVER--It's a woman's way of saying *!#@ YOU!

My Conversation With My Abigail

2011-09-15T15:34:00.004-05:00

Here is the scenario: I was getting ready to go to work to cover a 30minute conf. call that my manager had to take, and unfortunately I had to take miss Abbi with me...in other words I had to get myself and a 3yr old ready to walk out the door in an hour!!

Me: Abbi I really need you to go sit, be good, and watch TV until I'm done getting ready-then I will get you ready!

Abbi: Ok (while jumping around and hanging on me)

Me: Abbi I mean it...I need you to quit hanging on me, mommy can't get ready when your hanging from my arm!

Abbi: Ok mommy (now digging through the nail polish drawer)...mom will you paint my nails?

Me: NO ABBI...GO SIT DOWN RIGHT NOW LIKE I ASKED YOU TO!!! WE ARE GONNA BE LATE IF YOU DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE TO GET READY!!! (can you tell the frustration in my typing!?)

Abbi: OOOOOKKKKKKK....mommy (pause)

Me: yes Abigail

Abbi: mommy you are just like Beast from Beauty and the Beast, you have no patience!!

Me: Ok Abbi (holding back laughter) PLEASE go sit down!!

Abbi: bye mommy (finally exits bathroom)

Me: (die laughing and then call my mom to share!!!!!)

GOOD LORD, I am in SO much trouble with this one!!!!

Disney Princess Charm Bracelet With Swarovski Crystals: Collectible Disney Jewelry

2011-08-19T10:56:00.001-05:00

I NEED this for Abbi...too bad it's so dam expensive!! :)
Disney Princess Charm Bracelet With Swarovski Crystals: Collectible Disney Jewelry

Summer Random-ness

2011-08-08T15:53:00.020-05:00

Random pics of the babes from April to August 2011!!

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Summertime = Hot as Hell!!

2011-08-08T15:22:00.011-05:00

Welcome to Oklahoma Myers' family...as a prize we are gonna give you the largest recorded snowfall (February) and the highest temps recorded in over 75yrs (June, July and August)!!! Seriously folks, this summer not only has been one for the record books, it's been boring for the kids!! At times I feel bad that all they have really gotten to do is hang inside, go to a couple of movies and play with (gasp) mom all summer! I truly had visions of their summer alot like mine was growing up in KS...you know when the kids get shoved outside after breakfast and they just run and play until lunch, and then after eating they get shoved outside till dinner, and then after that meal they get shoved outside till the street lights come on!! (no, just me huh!!) All kidding aside, I know that's what they were looking forward to also, but what they got was dead grass, cement so hot you can fry an egg and a swing set so hot they couldn't even sit on it!! So what does a desperate mom do when it's this hot??? Slip and Slide!!!!!!! Or if your Dane Cook it's slip and bleed from the...oh well that's a whole other blog post!! The kids LOVE it (thank you gramma Donna), and the grass is already fried so who the hell cares if we ruin it some more right!? Of course we can't use the slip and slide during the day since it would probably melt their skin off their torsos as they slid on it, so nightly after dinner dad (because mom's a puss and will melt) heads out to get it ready. Oh mom steps out on occasion to grab some pics and provide ice cream, which in all reality is mainly what they want from me anyways!! I am lucky, I have 2 kids that for the most part have made the best of what this summer has brought and a husband that lets me sit inside and not sweat (seriously, that is in his best interest!!)!!

Speaking of Baseball

2011-08-08T15:13:00.007-05:00

Austin might not play baseball next year....but we DEFANTELY have a ball player on our hands!! She loved it!! Not only did she love it, she was usually upset (aka whining and crying) because she didn't get to play!! Of course we had to buy her a glove and ball when we bought Austin's, the difference is she actually liked to use it!! So Bryan's future coaching aspirations might include 13 little girls!!! Oh the fun!!!

Play Ball!!!!!!

2011-08-08T14:33:00.013-05:00

The SOONERS!!! The boys got to pick their own name and we had such great
daddies willing to help out!!

As I posted earlier (4mo ago), Austin played T-ball this year and Bryan was the coach! It was so fun and annoying at the same time! The Fun parts: the kids, the families, watching 13 little boys (ranging from 3-5) most of whom had never played before, learning to play, watching Bryan try and keep the focus of 13 little boys (ranging from 3-5) as he taught them how to play, the laid back-ness of the parents (thank god) at the games, and how cute/funny those 13 little individuals were!! The annoying parts: trying to keep OUR son from thinking he deserved ''special'' treatment because his daddy was the coach, how POORLY ran the t-ball league was this season (and apparently previous ones as well), trying to watch Abbi so she wouldn't get kidnapped as well as watch my 1st born play baseball for the 1st time at the same time, and did I mention how craptastically the league was ran (seriously, my dog could've ran it better and I don't even have a dog!!)?!

Bryan did a pretty bang up job at coaching...I think he is the new ''hero'' to 13 little guys around Claremore, I mean seriously, the boys LOVED him!! I think they all learned something (amazing with the attention spans), and I think they all are now BFF's (at least that's what the gossip is in the toy section at wal-mart)!! Austin had a great time, not in the playing of baseball, but in the making of friends!! I'm not sure we (meaning Austin) will be playing t-ball next year, but I do think we (meaning Bryan) will probably totally be up for coaching again next spring!!

Check out the tongue...he means business!!

I'm fired

2011-06-15T21:15:00.003-05:00

Let's just call a spade a spade shall we......I suck at blogging!! A lot has happened since March, and I fully intend on updating, just not right this minute!! :) Here is one of my favorite photos from the last couple months to tide those who care over!

Batter Up...part deux

2011-03-15T15:27:00.002-05:00

Well, we have a twist in the t-ball story....Bryan (aka, the man that can't say no) is now the coach of Austin's t-ball team! Yes, the same man that works 60+ hrs a week....the same man who works just about EVERY Saturday (games are on Saturday's)....the same man who has never coached (or been around) 15-20 five and six year olds whom have never played organized ball before! This should be VERY interesting!!!! More postings on this subject to come....in fact they will come for the next 4 months!! :)

Batter Up!

2011-03-02T14:42:00.002-06:00

Mommy is gonna have a nervous breakdown........

My big big boy is gonna play a sport for the very 1st time! A sport with ZERO contact...Baseball!! Well T-ball, but either way he is gonna be part of a team, wear a uniform, and fill up my weekends with cheering him and his team on. So why am I so nervous for him!?
As a mother you are suppose to protect your offspring.....I can't protect him from tripping over a base when he is running, or from a fly ball hitting him! I am going to be a wreck I tell you!! lol

Will keep y'all posted as the season starts and progresses!

I'm Doin the Potty Dance!!!!!!

2011-02-28T15:41:00.006-06:00

**NEWS ALERT** **NEWS ALERT** **NEWS ALERT**

Abigail went pee pee in the ''big girl'' potty for the 1st time on Saturday February 26th 2011!!

OH...why is this such a big deal? Well, I will be happy to tell you......SHE DID IT FOR HER DADDY AND NOT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This precious, full of life, beautiful, loving little stubborn snot box I am raising would NOT go
potty for me no matter what I tried! Bribery-no, candy-no, money-no, toys-no, McDonalds-no
ect...I think you get the picture! For a FREAKING YEAR I have been trying to get her to go in the ''big girl'' potty!! Fast forward till just this past weekend....mommy goes out of town for 4 days to have a nice relaxing ''girls weekend'' with some cousins of mine and low and behold, Super Daddy gets her to pee in one brief little sentence! Here is the scenario.

Abbi: daddy I don't want to wear a diaper.
Daddy: ok, well then you have to wear big girl panties.
Abbi: can I wear my cindawella ones?
Daddy: yes you can, but you can not go potty in them, you have to go on the toilet.
Abbi: ok daddy.
...1 1/2 hours later
Abbi: daddy I need a diaper
Daddy: no, I told you, you have to potty in the toilet
Abbi: (crying ensues--as normal I might add) I wanna diaper no pee pee on the potty.
Daddy: Abbi I bet if you go potty on the toilet like a big girl mommy will bring you home a present.
Abbi: (crying ceases) ok...(panties come down and ....she pees) (roar of the crowd, aka Austin and daddy) (shrieking in excitement) DADDY I DID IT!!!!!!!!!

and the rest in history!!! Is this little girl that I oh so lovingly take care of day in and day out FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!???

Bad News: I cried because I missed a milestone in my babies life
Good News: Daddy isn't gloating about it (well good for him anyways! lol).
Better News: NO.MORE.DIAPERS. (except night-time)
BESTEST EVER NEWS: Abbi is SO proud of herself, Mommy, Daddy and Austin is SO proud of her, Abbi has smiled and told me how big she is all day long, I got lots and lots of kisses and hugs for her special present, OH, and did I mention how precious she is?

Snowpocalypse 2011

2011-02-02T11:03:00.003-06:00

The title says it all....we are snowed in (going on day 2) and the kids and Bryan (mainly Bryan) are getting restless! The city has not started plowing the roads yet, but they need to hurry up so Bryan can go back to work...otherwise I just might have to kill myself, or him!!! LOL
that broomstick is taller than Bryan!

have you seen our air-conditioner, or our trash can?

wow...that is our side (8ft tall) fence

during the blizzard...I could barely see above the drift across the street!

we were gonna sit outside and watch the strom, but our seat was taken!

Bryan's 1st blizzard, and hopefully his last!?

Thanksgivng Pics

2011-01-10T13:16:00.003-06:00

Adult table Kids table

they played dress up all day

she was tuckered out!

ahh...love!

the boys were attacked by two little princesses

Aunt Lisa painting her nails

Abbi and Mimi

playing in the leaf pile!

Abbi B-day Pics

2011-01-10T13:13:00.002-06:00

More Christmas Pics

2011-01-10T13:09:00.004-06:00

Me and my buddy out to lunch YUM, carmel rolls

OHH look what Santa brought

Christmas Pics

2011-01-10T12:47:00.006-06:00

Papa playing dress up with Abbi Out to lunch Monday after Christmas...Lisa's mini me!

Mommy and her buddy

Rapunzel, the rockstar in her new chair!

The Princess got a castle! :)

Tea Party..Papa is such a trooper

Austin helping Papa open a gift

Queens for a day! :)

my loves!

he loves this gift...even though I don't know what it is!

Holidays......

2011-01-10T12:12:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted in awhile, but in my defense, the holidays for us were very busy! For Thanksgiving we traveled to TX to my mom and dad's house. It was great, my Grammy from AZ was there, my Grandma from Ks was with us as well as my sis! The kids love going to Texas, we have friends there that they get to play with (Austin has Jake and Abbi has Tatum and Linkin), they LOVE Tanner (mom's dog), and going to Aunt Lisa's work (not sure why, I think it's the suckers)! On Thanksgiving we had Mark, Kristi, Tatum and Linkin with us, the kids played hard all day long and us adults gabbed and ate! As usual, mom and the g-ma's made some good food, and Kristi brought some awesome deserts! I (like everyone else) ate way too much that day, my kiddos on the other hand, not a fan of turkey dinner! On ''Black Friday'' I (the ex-retail worker) actually ventured out to do a little shopping. It wasn't too bad, but I didn't go near a mall either! On Saturday we celebrated Abbi's b-day (since we were all together). We made a day of it...in the morning Abbi and I went to see Tangled, and then in the afternoon we had her party! Austin was not left out, Bryan took him and his friend Jake to see Megamind at the same time Abbi and I were at our movie and then he came back to mom and dad's to play until the party! Abbi got lot's of gifts, the theme of the day was all things princess, and I truly believe that she is beginning to think that she is one! :) Abbi's actual b-day is December 13th, so that night we had a little family b-day with cupcakes that we had made that day, and one gift!!
On to Christmas. For that holiday my mom, dad and sister came to our house, it was great, very low key! Lisa couldn't get there till late on Christmas Eve, so we did not open any presents that night! Mom, Bryan, the kids and I went to church at 7pm, it was a great service with great music, even some tearful moments for myself and my mom while listening to the sermon! Christmas morning we woke up to Santa excitement...it is so amazing to watch the excitement in children Christmas morning!! We had breakfast (which we couldn't get done soon enough) and then settled in to open gifts!! We were very blessed this year with the gifts we received! We missed my brother and his family as well as Bryan's family, my g-ma's and the rest of the Gourley's and Hinschberger's, but we also knew that they were with each other and none were alone! :) Christmas day mom and I made a buffet of appetisers...once again ate too too much, but man was it good!!
Now onto New Years. We went up to Grandma's house in KS for the New Year, it was great being with her, her b-day is the 30th, so to be with her for her 1st b-day and New Years without Grandpa was great, and I think it helped her as well! We had a great time, we went to Lebo on New Years day and spent the evening with the Gourley's watching Oklahoma University win their bowl game (woo hoo) and eating Jeanne's yummy chili and soup! Sunday we went to church with Grandma and then just a lazy afternoon!
I am so lucky to be back in the mid-south (as I like to call it) and be able to be with family so much! I would like to add that I wish AZ were closer so I could have all my friends and family accessible!! :) Austin is now back in school and as I write this we are getting our 1st snow of the year, how awesome!! Never thought I would miss this kind of weather! :) I hope 2011 is better for us than 2010 was (we had alot of personal and family turmoil in 2010), but I know with family and friends like I have, it will be!
PS...pics to follow!

What is Austin Thankful for?

2010-11-16T10:40:00.003-06:00

Last night Austin had homework that looked similar to the picture above. The directions were to color (as close to real) the picture and on the back write what you are thankful for! Here is Austin's answer.....I Austin is thankful for- Austin, Mom, Grama, Abbi, Donuts, My Toys, Grammy, Papa, Dad, TV, Crackers, Cookies, Aunt Lisa, and everyone else in my family because my hand hurts and I don't want to write anymore!!!
LOL...got to had it to him, at least he's honest!!! My favorite part is that donuts come before daddy!! :)

Halloween

2010-11-16T10:27:00.009-06:00

Our first weekend in Oklahoma was Halloween. We had a very interesting time trying to navigate a new town and find a safe place to trick or treat! We started by going to a Fall Festival at the Methodist church around the corner of our house, it was fun for the kids. They had a bounce house, horse rides, hay ride, games, food ect...! The one thing they didn't have was a "trunk or treat", so off to find a neighborhood to go door to door in. Our neighborhood was dark, no one really had lights on, so I kept driving...as the kids cried and then fell asleep, I finally decided we were gonna go to Wal-Mart and I was gonna buy some candy on the off chance that trick or treating was not in the cards this year! On our way home I noticed about 5 homes in our neighborhood with lights on, so we pulled in the garage, and headed out. By the end of the night the kids were happy and sleepy and now I have enough candy to last until next Halloween!

Our New Home

2010-11-16T10:21:00.010-06:00

The title of this post pretty much sums it up!

Whew...Alot Of Changes In A Month And A Half

2010-11-01T20:06:00.002-05:00

Well, the title kind of says it all. The Myers' family have undergone some major changes since I last blogged! To start, we no longer live in AZ...we are now proud residents of Claremore, OK. That job transfer that Bryan has so diligently been trying to get for the past 2 years finally came through for us (insert party noises here)!! We got the offer the last week of September and left Phoenix for good on October 13th, yes I do work fast!!:)
Our first stop in our travels was in Melvern, KS. at my grandma's house for a family weekend. On October 16th we had a farm auction to sell all of my grandfather's belonings (aka, lots-o-crap!!). Very bitter sweet day, on one hand it was awesome that my grandma didn't have to deal with it all and made wonderful amounts of money, but on the other, in one short day all the stuff that my grandpa had spent years collecting was gone!! After a week and a half in Melvern we headed down to Claremore to meet the moving truck. Our truck arrived at about 3:30 pm on Saturday October 23rd, my wonderful mommy was here to help me unpack and get settled. Honestly, without her I would still probably still be buried with boxes!!
On Monday the 25th, Austin started his 1st day of school at his new school (Go Westside)!! He was so excited that morning, and once we got to his new classroom, fear set in!! He was such a brave little guy, you could tell he wanted to cry, but he held it in and just latched on to mommy!! Unfortunaly mommy wasn't much help because I WAS crying!! (LOL) By the time Austin got out of school he was perfect, no more fear, and hasn't had any since!! He is so big now he is even riding the bus (GASP, I would have NEVER let that happen in Phoenix)!! He sure thinks he is big stuff now, and LOVES riding the bus! I am still in the process of finding Abbi a little pre-school, although she asks me everyday to go to school. Poor baby is just stuck with mama!!:)
Bryan is still in Phoenix. He doesn't officially start here in OK. to work until November 15th. My mom has gone home, and now I am single-mommying it till Bryan gets here. Seriously, I have SO much respect for single mom's, 2 weeks is gonna be enough for me!!
All in all we couldn't be more satisfied...the house, the town, the people, the school seem to be picture perfect! The only thing that can make it better is tons of house-guests (hint hint to anyone reading this)!!
Oh, and pics of house to follow soon!

My Afternoon Insanity

2010-09-15T18:23:00.002-05:00

Everyday I go to get Austin from school at 3:00pm. Most days we come straight home and some days we go somewhere and get snacks and hang out. However, every day I have these two little monsters that peek their ugly little heads out!! Austin and Abbi are absolute nightmares until bedtime!! They fight, scream, fight, yell, fight, hit, kick, sometimes bite and spit, and oh...did I mention fight!?! It is draining. I feel like I do nothing but yell at them from about 4:00pm on, and I hate feeling mad at them all evening!! Any other mommies out there that have ANY advice for me, I will take it! I have tried everything from bribery to beatings (Please no CPS phone calls..lol)!!! I love these 2 little monsters with every fiber of my being, but dammit....mommy needs to catch a break!!

My Grandpa ("Pa")

2010-09-13T23:26:00.018-05:00

We lost my grandpa on July 18th. I miss him everyday. I've wanted to write something on here about him for awhile now...but I just can't find the words with out crying! He was larger than life, and there is now a hole in the Gourley clan that can not be filled! I am lucky to have known and be loved by him!! I love you Pa, now and forever!!

Austin and Abbi's 1st Day of School

2010-09-13T23:16:00.010-05:00

Austin started full day (8:40-3:30) kindergarten on August 9th. It was a rough day for mama!! Abbi started PT (TU & TH for 3 hrs) pre-school on August 17th. Not as rough for mama since it's only a few hours!! :) They both love school and look forward to going....and mommy especially loves the quieter times throughout her week!!!

Where Did Summer Go??

2010-09-13T22:41:00.014-05:00

I have had the busiest summer ever!! It started with my last post, when I flew to KS. in May for my cousin's wedding. Great short weekend there. My mom flew home with me was at my house for a day and then headed to my Bro and SIL's house in CA. to help them pack for their move into their new mc-mansion! Bryan, myself and the kids followed a few days later to join in the festivities!! After that weekend, we came back home, were here for a few days, and then my mom, myself and the kids headed off to TX. We had great time at ''grammy and papa's'' house. We saw old friends, went swimming, shopping, saw movies, and played played played!! Austin and Abbi both were enrolled in a ''mom's day out'' program at one of the churches, and Austin went to vacation bible school with his buddy Jake!! They had a very productive full few weeks in McKinney!! On June 18th myself and the kids headed to KS. Bryan flew into Wichita and we picked him up on the way to my grandparents for 10 days. The kids had a BLAST!! We went over the weekend of Sunflower Days, which is a fair in the town I grew up in that takes place every summer. I saw lots of friends from my childhood and got the chance to introduce them to my hubby and kids....it was great!! The kids rode horses, worked in the garden, caught fireflies every night, went on rides with Pa to check cattle (in no car seats I might add), and just ran around and played in my grandparents HUGE yard!!! On June 28th, we headed back to TX., dropping Bryan back off in Wichita on the way. We spent a week and a half more at my mom's, then my mom, myself and the kids headed back to AZ. On June 25th my new little niece Avery was born (a month early), so for Austin's 5th b-day (July 17th) we decided to celebrate it in CA, so we could meet our new little family member! Austin had a great b-day...he got all kinds of presents and had a super-hero cake! My Aunt, Uncle and cousins also came over from Palm Springs for the occasion. Austin started Kindergarten on August 9th. He was (is) SO excited about this new adventure!! He LOVES to learn and equally loves sharing every bit of his day the way he sees it! :) I just know my little man is gonna be a ''straight A'' student!! Even though we neglected daddy for much of the summer, I know that both Austin and Abbi made some great memories, and I wouldn't change that for the world!!

Freedom???

2010-05-20T10:59:00.003-05:00

So tomorrow I am getting on a plane for KS. to attend my cousins wedding alone!! No husband, No kids!! This will be the 3rd time I've spent a night away from Austin and only the 2nd time I have spent a night away from Abbi..I don't know whether to jump for joy or cry!! So here are the plus's: #1) No kids crying, whining, fighting, whining some more ect...you get the point! #2) Not having to make and clean up meals, change a diaper, fight over doing hair and brushing teeth ect...once again I think you get the picture! #3) I can drink, dance and have a grand old time without having to chase 2 kids around making sure they don't reek havoc or get hurt!!
So with the plus's laid out, here are the minus's: #1) I will be sad that my "little family" will not be there with me and my extended family. #2) I only get 3 days with my grandparents and extended family. #3) (and this is a biggie) I have to share a hotel room with my mom and dad. Now I know that alot of people would think this is an age thing, and that has absolutely nothing to do with it. For those of you that know my mom and dad, you might be able to figure it out, for those of you that don't let me enlighten you....when my parents are sleeping they put on a concert of sounds!! My mom grinds her teeth, they both snore (loud I might add), and then there is an array of other sounds such as snorting, farting, talking, mumbling ect...It is like a symphony of sounds!! I don't sleep through much, I wake up to EVERYTHING!!!! So my weekend just might not be restful!!! I think I might just have to get drunk each night just to fall asleep!! LOL
With all that said, after this weekend I will come home to my precious babies and love the death out of them..but I will also have some funny stories (I'm sure) to share with my brother and sister for years to come!! :)

Stay Classy San Diego

2010-05-07T21:27:00.009-05:00

Abbi trying calamari for the 1st time Austin needed a ride at the end of the day

Abbi got sleepy...and caved

Lisa almost threw up as we passed over Coronado bridge

Grant doing what he does best...sucking...no kidding eating!!

Austin got in trouble..this was my "in public" way of being mad

Abbi and Carter..so precious

Carter loved the fact that he could hang his head out of the bus like a dog!! LOL

family self portrait!

I'm Horrible at This Blog Thing!!

2010-05-07T20:54:00.002-05:00

I lost my password to log on and blog and I finally just figured it out!! I swear if my head wasn't attached we would have some problems over here!! Alot has happened over the past couple of months...so here's the recap!
1st week of March I quit my job (as I posted earlier) and went to Cali to see my mom, brother, SIL and nephew for a week. We always have a great time out there, the kids play so well together and really are starting to understand the concept of "cousins" and "loving" one another!! The last week of March, Lisa (my sister) came out for a visit. We hadn't seen her in about a year so it was great!! We all went to Cali (again) so us siblings, and sibling-in-laws could all be together!! Once again great time!! On Friday March 26th we all went to San Diego for the day (will post pics in another blog) and just spent the day like tourists exploring the city on a tour trolley!! It was nice....Lisa, Grant and our families hadn't been together since Christmas of 2008!!! We ate, laughed (at each other mainly) and even a few times argued (what brothers and sisters don't right), but mainly just enjoyed each other's company!! On March 31st Lisa went back to TX (tear), and Bryan, I and the kids pretty much just spent the month of April at home! We hosted Easter at our home for the Myers' family...I cooked a big dinner of yummy food (if I do say so myself), and the kids even had an Easter egg hunt around our complex! It too was a very nice day! The rest of the month was spent doing really not much of anything. We took the kids places (park, birthday parties of friends, out to eat ect...) but that was really about it. On April 25th I decided to go back to Cali for a few days so the kids could play together...so on the 27th me and the kids went and on May 1st we came home. Short trip but the kids always make it eventful!! :)
On May 2nd Bryan's side of the family had photos taken at a park in Queen Creek...that was an ordeal ( for us anyways)!! Abbi only wanted to run around and play, she wanted no part of pictures...she was the token "cryer" of the day! And Austin, well he was OBSESSED with his sissy getting hurt!!! There was a big lake with ducks and anytime she ran he was terrified that she was gonna fall in the water. I told him I can't tell you how may times that I and daddy would go in after her, but it didn't work. Poor thing was a train wreck!!
So that has been my past 2 months...we have a lot going on this summer: Austin started karate at the YMCA on the 3rd and it goes till the 26th. I (just me!!!! :) ) fly out to my cousins wedding in KS on the 21st for a long weekend, and when I come back on the 24th my mom will be with me!! On June 1st-ish we will be driving to TX (me, mom and the kids) and we will be spending all of June and half of July with my parents and sister (and some great friends thrown in there too!) On June 18th myself and the kids are going to my grandparents house in KS for a week and along the way we will be picking daddy up at the airport!! And the when we get back to AZ Austin turns 5!!!!! Can't believe it...he starts Kindergarten August 9th (sniffle)!!!
So there I am, completely updated...I will post assorted pictures soon of all the past activities I just wrote about!

Out of the Mouth's of Babes Part 2

2010-03-08T21:43:00.002-06:00

So today my mom, Ashleigh and myself were at a Carl's Jr with all the kids having lunch and letting them run and play for awhile, when all of a sudden Austin decided to ask a question that I think he had been thinking about for awhile!! Here is how the conversation went:

Austin: Mommy, are you getting really old? (followed by lot's of laughs from mom, Ash and myself)

Ashleigh: YES

Mom: No honey she's not

Me: I'm getting there babe

Austin: Grammy, are you ALREADY old??

Ash and me: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Mom: No way honey!!!!

Once again...ya never know what your gonna hear out of a 4 year olds mouth!!! :)

WOW

2010-03-08T21:29:00.002-06:00

It's been a really long time since I last posted a blog...and alot has happened!

I started a job on August 31st 2009 and quit it on March 3rd 2010!!! I was just giving too much time to work and not enough time to my family, so it was time for a change!! Abbi turned 2 on December 13th...however we celebrated her b-day the Sunday after Thanksgiving because of my job!! We had a great Christmas, the kids got WAY too much...but I guess you can only be little once!! We went to Grant and Ash's in California for Halloween, we all had a great time...Carter and Abbi trick or treated for the 1st time and it was a success!! My entire family (minus my sister) came for Thanksgiving....we had a wonderful time all together. And now that I'm retired again...I'm looking forward to a visit from my sister at the end of March!!

I want to work, I just can't do what I've been doing...my kids mean more to me than any amount of $$$$!!!!

Out The Mouthes of Babes

2009-09-10T17:33:00.003-05:00

So really this is gonna be too much information, but I just have to share, I've been laughing for about a half an hour over this!! So a little bit ago I was sitting on the toilet when Austin walked into the bathroom, and this is the conversation that ensued:

Austin: mommy what are you doing?
Me: going to the bathroom
Austin: oh, are you going poo poo or potty?
Me: both
Austin: oh...well your gonna have to wipe your own butt because I'm too little to wipe yours, I don't know how!
Me: (laugh) ok son, I wasn't going to ask you to wipe my butt!
Austin: yeah I know, well I can't wipe your butt because it's so big (in a deeper, growly voice)!
Me: (laugh...snort) ok thank you buddy!!!

Got to love the conversations we have with our pre-schoolers!!!!

Abbi's Toes

2009-08-20T12:17:00.004-05:00

Abbi got to go through a little girl rite of passage the other day....she got her toe nails painted for the 1st time!! She LOVES her toes, when you say "show me your pretty toes" she holds her foot up in the air!! It's so freakin cute!!!! Just for the record though, daddy is the one who started to paint her toes, hence the "hooker red" color!!! If mommy had picked it would've been a light pink to start.....but you know men!!!!

Austin's 1st Day Of School

2009-08-20T12:11:00.004-05:00

On August 5th, Austin started his first day of full time pre-K. After about a two weeks, we are finally in a groove. Austin loves school, of course there are mornings when he cries and doesn't want to go, but that's because he actually has to sit and listen instead of playing!! :) Here are a couple pics I snapped on his 1st day.....why is it the older a child gets the less they want their picture taken!!??

YUMMY YUMMY

2009-08-20T12:04:00.003-05:00

Abbi had her 1st taste of spaghetti with sauce on it the other night. As you can tell, she liked it!! She had 3 helpings of the spaghetti and meat sauce, I think she would've liked her plate had I let her!!

SWIPER NO SWIPING!! CHEESE....... MOMMA WANT SOME!?

My Big Boy

2009-08-04T21:18:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow Austin starts his 1st year of full time pre-school!! I know it will be a bittersweet day for me...on one hand, the silence will be golden!! But on the other, I have to give my baby up for 7 hours a day 5 days a week!!! Let's all pray that the school doesn't call me and ask me to come him because he talks too much and doesn't listen!! :)

Abbi's New Do

2009-08-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

Today for the 1st time EVER, I was able to get Abbi's hair into both a low pony tail and low pig tails!! I am SOOO excited...now the girliness will defiantly begin!! :) The pics below are of her pony tail, I couldn't get her to stand still long enough to get pics of the piggy tails!!

Abbi and the Cheeseburger

2009-07-22T18:33:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I made cheeseburgers for dinner. Well little miss Abbi decided that her dinner was not enough and she wanted some of daddy's. It didn't take long for her to hijack his dinner!!! Moral of the story: she is my daughter and LOVES cheeseburgers...never leave her alone with one, she will snatch it!! :)

A Letter to my 4 year old!

2009-07-22T00:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Austin,
So last Friday was your 4th birthday, I just don't get where the time goes!! Well in all actuality, now I know how your grammy and papa must feel about me and your aunt and uncle!! These past 4 years have been the happiest of my life! You, my son, are my breathe...without you and your sister I would be lost! I always wanted children, but I always told myself that my children would not define who I am/was as a person, well boy was I wrong about that! Ever fiber of my being exists to be your mother...and not just a mother, but a mother that you and your sister deserve and can grow up proud of! My life before you was great, I had your daddy and the rest of our family, but something happens to a woman when she has children. I will never be able to explain it in any other way than, my heart is full, and I wake up every morning knowing that you are an extension of me, and that makes me proud to call you my son!! So my big, big boy.....I love you so much. Happy Birthday!!!
Love Mommy

BATH-TIME

2009-07-08T18:46:00.001-05:00

Gotta love multi-tasking!!!!! Killed 3 birds with 1 stone on this bath!!! :)

one of these things is not like the others

2009-07-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

How come only MY child is the one crying?????

PRECIOUS?????

2009-07-08T18:33:00.000-05:00

WARNING: Be on the lookout for a precious little girl that looks like the pic above and goes by the name Abbi. She is vocal, dangerous and not to be trusted!!! The following picture below is what this precocious little angel normally looks and acts like!!!! If you do no heed my warnings, then I am sorry, but there is no help for you!!!!!!

(wait for it)

(wait for it)

(one more second)

I told you....she hits ya like a ton of bricks!!!!!! But she's mine, and I love her!! :)

Austin and Jake

2009-06-10T17:06:00.002-05:00

This was Austin and Jake's last day together!!! :( I really was happy that Austin and I made friends with Jake and his mommy, we truly enjoyed them!! It is amazing to me to watch small children form friendships and bonds between other kids, and this little relationship is definatly for life!!! They've already talked (sort of) on the phone, and they both cried when thay had to leave each other!! As much as it broke my heart, I know that Jake and Joy (Jake's mom) will be in our lives for a VERY long time!!

Arizona

2009-06-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

Well we're back, settled, and I'm ready to get a job...part-time that is!! I definatly missed my friends and my grandma, but I'm still not looking forward to 100 degree + temps!!!!

Aren't We All A Little Crazy??

2009-05-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

So ever since Bryan (my husband) didn't get the transfer that we had hoped he'd get, I just haven't been the same!! I definatly fell into a funk, I was yelling at the kids..ALOT, and for no good reason!! I would blow up in anger at my mom, sometimes when we were arguing and other times just because she said something I didn't like! Oh and at work at the bar, well that's a whole new ball game.....ya know how older men in bar like to "talk sex" with the waitresses, well that didn't boad well for crazy Amy, I actually told one of them to go *#%$ himself!!! Thank god my boss is cool and knew I was going through something!! So after some long heart to hearts with my very cool and awesome boss, she told me she thought I was growing more and more depressed! Now I've never thought of my self as a person that would EVER have to be medicated, but apparently I am/was wrong!! Not only am I crazy and need drugs, I am a comfort eater....ARE YOU KIDDING ME...as if I'm not "fluffy" enough!!!
So two weeks ago off to the doctor I go. I told him everything that's happened in the last six months...not living with my husband and living with my parents while he was trying to get a job out here and how that fell through and now I have to go back to AZ, which honestly is the last place on earth that I want to live right now (well, maybe not in the middle east either!!). And do you want to know what the doctor told me?? He told me I need to, and I quote," get laid"!!! As funny as I thought that was he proceeded to give me an anatomy lesson on the female body and why we women need to big O. And then his next statement almost made me fall off the table with laughter!! He said, once again I quote, "now since your husband isn't here and you can't get laid the traditional way, I guess your gonna have to do it yourself!!" Now in all my 33 years I have NEVER had a doctor tell me to masterbate, but I guess there is a first for everything!! So he did give me drugs, I have gained 20 pounds from my comfort eating, so he gave me Xanax to calm my nerves. I did fail the depression test, so he gave me Wellbutrin for depression. And since I lay awake all night stressing out over everything, he gave me Ambien to help me sleep. He also gave me a laundry list of vitamins to help get my body back on track...so let's all keep our fingers crossed that this new CRAZY Amy goes back into hiding sometime soon, because I can't stand her!!!!

Arizona or Bust??

2009-05-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

Well it is official...we are moving back to Arizona! Bryan has unsuccessfully secured a transfer with his job out of the state! I have to say 1st, that in this economy, at least he HAS a job, so for that I'm not complaining. And 2nd, I will be near my friends and some of my family again, and for that I'm not complaining. BUT, I HATE ARIZONA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so not looking forward to this summer, when I packed up and left in December I was so excited that I would never have to go through another summer there, and guess what, here I am moving back at one of the peak summer months!! This just sucks!!!!!!! I can only hope that the economy gets better, and at that time Bryan will have an easier time getting transfered out of the state! Sorry to all my friends that read this that live in and/or are from Arizona....I promise this does not reflect in any way my feelings about you!!

STAR CHART

2009-04-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

Well over the past few months, with all the change in our lives, Austin has been really hard to manage!! My 1st step was putting him in pre-school...we thought with some structure it would bounce him right back into shape! But after a few weeks we realized that his "good" behavior would be strictly reserved for his teachers who think,(and I quote) "he is the most precious, smart little boy they've seen in a long time!" So back to the drawing board....may I introduce you to the star chart!! I have been reading a highly recommended book to me called The New Dare to Discipline by James Dobson. I am only in the 3rd chapter, but I think this book is going to (fingers crossed) be my, or should I say Austin's saving grace!! I am going to start him on his new Star Chart when we get back from Kansas next week (we are going for Easter!). My only hope is that this sassy, defiant, backing talking that he is doing is just a stage, otherwise, Bryan and I are in for a long journey!!
Wish us luck!!

Embarassing but True!

2009-03-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I can't believe I'm gonna actually admit this....I have a secret crush on the Jonas Brothers, and I LOVE Hannah Montanta!! When I was young I had pictures of Kirk Cameron, and Sean Austin all over my walls (along with a bunch of hairbands:)), and it's so refreshing to me to see that the current pre-teen, teenage generation has someone to look up to that's good, and clean and responsible other than Paris Hilton or Brittney Spears!! I would watch Hannah Montana all day long on Disney if it was on!! And I gotta tell you, I recently watched Camp Rock "on demand" and it was so cute, and their song LOVE BUG is great!! Also, I think I will be the only one in the movie theater without children when the Hannah Montana movie comes out this month!!

Signs of Spring

2009-03-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

This past week the weather here has been beautiful!! One thing that I forgot living in Arizona for the past 15 years is how everything blooms in spring time!! The flowers, the trees, the grass it all is starting to come back to life after a cold and icy few months!! Here are a few pics I took around my mother's neighborhood. The white, flowered trees are just the prettiest, there is also a few pics of some other budding beauties from Texas!!

ODE TO THE CHEESEBURGER

2009-03-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

Oh, how do I love thee? I love thee to the width of my waistline, the jiggle of my underarm, and the dimples in my ass!! Can you tell I'm craving a cheeseburger? I want a really good and juicy one!

Sneaky Sneaky

2009-03-02T17:16:00.000-06:00

Abbi knows better than to play with Papa's golf balls, but decided to go for it anyways! We caught her doing it but she didn't care, and when Papa went over to stop her she just smiled at him really big as if to say "I know I'm not suppose to play with these, but I know you won't care once I bat my eyes at you!"

Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired

2009-03-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

The title pretty much sums it up!!! Ever since we moved to Texas, one of us has been sick!! I've been constantly tired because of not having Bryan here to help me with the kids! And to boot, the weather has been a roller coaster; hot, cold, hot, cold ect... Yet in Phoenix the weather has been perfect Phoenix weather; a wondrful 80 degrees!! I know I'm bitching now, but when it's 120 out back in Phoenix, I know I will be posting a different story!!

Been Awhile!!

2009-02-23T14:34:00.000-06:00

peek-a-boo-Abbi

Austin and his new dump truck!

pretty in piggy tails!!

my little man

Happy 1st B-day Abbi

My Friends

2008-12-05T17:31:00.001-06:00

As my time in Arizona comes to an end (hopefully for good), I am starting to get a little sappy about my friends that I am leaving behind!!!! I have made the best friends a girl can have in this state, and I know that distance won't change that!!! I love them all with all my heart, and I know they all feel the same....I just want them to know that no matter what life throws at us over the next years of our lives, thier friendships will always be a constant that I do not want to live without!!! So to Nik, Jenn and Cole......my sisters, and life long friends...I Love You!!!

Abbi's 9 month pics.....kind of!

2008-12-05T17:26:00.001-06:00

We had these pictures taken in California when we were there for Halloween! I'v just been so busy packing and getting ready to move that my blog has went to the way side!! Anyways, here are the professional (walmart) pictures we had taken.....the middle one is of all 3 kids, Carter-Austin-Abbi!!! Aren't they all just the most precious 3 kiddos you've ever seen!!??(well I guess if you have kids of your own ours will come in a close 2nd!!):)

Random Pictures of the Kids

2008-11-07T10:10:00.001-06:00

Austin helping Aunt Ashleigh make Carter's birthday cake!!

Only had one stroller...can you tell which one was comfy and which one wasn't!!??

Unfortunaly Abbi was staged in this pic...but lil monster wasn't!!:)

I love that this was captured on camera...Abbi loves kisses from her Grammy!

TWINS

my kiddos playing and hanging out!!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-11-07T09:59:00.000-06:00

Bryan and Austin carved a pumpkin this year to match Austin's costume, I think it turned out so good! Here are the pictures of it....Carter didn't want to help even though Austin tried!!:)

October 2008

2008-11-07T09:44:00.000-06:00

My what a busy month we had!! My mom came out to Phoenix the beginning of October for my grandma Jeanne's 80th birthday party. Actually all of my family except for 1 cousin was able to come out for the party!! We had a great time, it was like a mini family reunion, we all haven't been together since Grant's wedding 2 years ago!! After the party was over, it was time for my mom and I to pack the house up...I think I put more in the garage sale pile then I packed, but none the less, we got done what we wanted to accomplish!!! On October 24th we headed to Grant and Ashleigh's house. We had a great week....we had a Thanksgiving dinner together, the babies just played and played, we went Trick-or-Treating, and to top it all of, we had Carter's 1st Birthday party!! We had so much fun with them, we always do!!! It was really Austin's 1st time Halloweening because his stingy mommy has never let him have candy before this year!!!:)

Abbi's 1st treat!

2008-10-03T18:46:00.000-05:00

Abbi had her 1st biter biscuit the other day, and she absolutely loved it!!! She had it from head to toe....literally!

ABBI

2008-09-09T01:18:00.000-05:00

These are just some recent, PRECIOUS pictures of my lil Abbi!!!! As much as I love Austin, he is just not that into taking pictures right now...but my little ham has no problem smiling for the camera!!! She is finally on the verge of crawling and is getting more vocal by the minute (I say she is saying 'mama' even though no one else thinks she is!!:)) She will be 9 months old next week, the time goes by so fast!!!!! I am so thankful that I get to be home with the kids...you couldn't pay me enough to miss all the moments I've seen in the past 3 1/2 years!!!

A GIRL CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY BATHING SUITS!!

2008-09-09T01:15:00.001-05:00

My cousin Cara bought Abbi this swim suit....I think I might just have to put it on her to wear around the house, it is just adorable!!!!

MY GRANDPARENTS VISIT

2008-09-09T01:01:00.000-05:00

My grandparents came for a visit last week, and boy did we enjoy having them! Austin especially had a good time with his great grandpa! We did absolutely nothing....we had some company for dinner a couple of nights, and that was about it. Pa and Austin played and played, it was great to see Austin interact with his great grandpa, and even better to see how much my grandpa enjoyed the kids!! Pa and Austin played with stickers and they ended up all over both of them instead of on the paper!

Austin and the art of peeing standing up!!

2008-08-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

Austin's grammy taught him to pee standing up while we were in California!! Austin has great form and technique...and he loves his new found talent, so much in fact that he wants to pee standing up outside all the time!!! He has told me that "peeing outside standing up is how big boys pee", and that he "has to do it cause grammy said so" (by the way have we thanked grammy yet??:))!!! Austin 1st peed outside in uncle Grant's backyard, who found it funny becuase that is how he was taught on the farm 25 years ago.....the 2nd time was while we were at the beach (which unfortuatly I didn't get to witness) where he was apparently showing off his new talent to some strangers, who just happened to be young women who also found it cute and funny!!! And then the grand finale (as seen below in pics) was while at my cousin Cara's pool, he would get out, walk over to the dirt and let er rip!!!! I have to admit, I was laughing too, and was glad that he finnally learned that he could pee standing up....until we got home! The 1st morning after we were home, he got up, and told us he had to potty, so we told him to take his pants off and go. Well a few seconds later, I knew he was going potty, but it didn't sound like it was hitting the water of the toliet so I asked him if he was pottying on the toliet, and this was the response I got back: "NO I AM NOT GOING POTTY ON THE TOLIET BECAUSE I AM A BIG BOY, AND BIG BOYS POTTY STANDING UP! So I said where are you going potty (mind you I'm feeding Abbi), and this was what he said next: I AM POTTYING IN THE SHOWER LIKE DADDY DOES!! WONDEFUL.....as annoying as his new found talent is, you just can't help but laugh!!

Abbi and Carter

2008-08-09T10:29:00.001-05:00

Abbi and Carter are getting so big and are starting to interact a little bit more. Carter started crawling while we were there and one of his favorite things to do was crawl up little miss attitude.....whom in return screamed and let us know she was not happy with her older (yet smaller) cousin!! They are so much fun, and I'm sure will grow up to be great friends!!!

My Babies in California

2008-08-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

July 25th myself and the kids drove to my brother's house in California. My mom was there to help Grant and Ash watch Carter for Ash's sister's wedding, so I had to go see them!!! We really didn't do much the 1st week....we had a mini birthday party for Austin, we went to lunch, and Austin's grammy took him to go see Wall-E. On August 1st, Bryan flew in and we went to my cousin's house in Costa Mesa for the weekend. What a nice break from the hot desert weather!!! On Saturday morning we went to Huntington Beach, it was Abbi and Carter's 1st trip there...which they enjoyed!!! Then after the beach we went back to my cousin Cara's house and hung out in the pool for the rest of the day! We got to see my aunt and uncle and 3 of my 4 cousins (miss you Taryn!!). On Tuesday the 5th, mom had to go back home to Texas, and Bryan, I and the kids drove home! I always enjoy being with my family...it's just grown a little more hectic since the arrivals of Abbi and Carter, but still always well worht the trip!!

Abbi sunning in Cara's pool.

Austin with my cousin Jena!

Mommy and Abbi on the beach.

Austin LOVES the sand!

My pretty little girl...I found these little barrettes and couldn't pass them up!

My little man going to the movies with his grammy!

Austin with his second, 3rd birthday cake!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!!

2008-07-21T20:59:00.001-05:00

Holy crap.....I have a 3 year old!!!!!!! Where has the time gone!!?? Anyways...we had Austin's birthday party yesterday and he had a really good time! He knew all week it was his birthday, and everyday he waited just as patiently as the day before, for Bryan and I to tell him it was the day of his party...and when Sunday got here, he could barely stand it!!! He is such a big boy, it actually makes me cry to think how big he's getting!!! Happy Birthday my baby!!!

My Grandpa

2008-07-13T00:37:00.001-05:00

My grandpa was just recently diagnosed with liver cancer! They are going for a second opinion, but unfortunately, so far, they have said that treatment really can not help him!! I spent the better part of my childhood being raised in the same town as my Pa (that's what we call him), and when your young and just living life, you do not (or better yet can not) understand how fortunate you are to have a grandfather in your life!! Now that I'm older and I live SO far away, it has been very difficult for me to deal with all this news!! I love this man and appreciate all he has taught me in life....#1 is family, to him nothing is more important, and the older I've gotten I truly understand and believe in the support of family!!! #2 is honesty...my Pa may be a bit off-colored in his opinions and beliefs, but they are his and he doesn't hide them, nor sugar-coat them for nobody!! #3 is hard work, this man would still work if he wasn't almost 80!!! I can just go on and on about him....but bottom line is, he IS a great man, and I thank god that I am almost 33 and still have 3 of my 4 grandparents in my life!!!! And when god so chooses to take him from us, I will make sure that my kids know him in the same way I did!!! I love you Pa!!!

Here are a few pictures of my Pa, myself, my kids, and my grandma!

My Lil Firecracker!!

2008-07-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Abbi from our 4th of July photo session!! I just think she might could be one of the most precious babies on the face of the planet!!!!!!!!!

4th of July

2008-07-04T22:45:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th of July!!! Today we did absolutly nothing...but last night we did take the kids to see a fireworks display. Austin had his friends Owen and Olivia with us as we sat in the dreadful heat patiently waiting for the fireworks to start. Once they did, they ween't disappointing! We were actually shocked at how well BOTH kids liked them. We figured Abbi would be scared of the loud booms, but she was mesmerized from beginning to end!! So since we did that last night, we decided not to fight the crowds today and stay home! I did, however, squeeze in a 4th photo session....here are a few of the pictures of my babies!!!!
Abbi certainly does love her big brother!!

Piercing Dilema OVER!!!!!

2008-06-23T00:24:00.000-05:00

Well...we did it, or I should say Bryan did it!! Today we went over to Bryan's sister's house, and we went to the mall where Abbi, her daddy and her Auntie took her to get her ears pierced! You might wonder where her mother was? Well I was in the Disney store at the other end of the mall, so when she cried I couldn't hear it!!:( Bryan said that she did cry but only for a minute because her Auntie picked her up and loved her and she was happy again!!!! She is just too precious for words, well at least me and her grammy thinks so!!:)

Austin's Art

2008-06-17T00:20:00.000-05:00

This is a picture that Austin and I painted for his bathroom.
It was his 1st time painting and he is awfully proud
of his work!!! Hopefully we have a budding artist on
out hands!!!:)

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-16T23:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday for Father's Day we really didn't do anything special...we just treated it like any other day, only Bryan got steaks on the grill for dinner!! The most exciting thing from yesterday were these daddy moments caught on camera! All in all I think Bryan had a good Father's Day!!!

Abbi laughing at her brother!

2008-05-26T00:38:00.000-05:00

This was the 1st bath that we gave Austin and Abbi together....they loved being in there with each other! Abbi laughed so hard when Bryan dumped water over Austin's head....so I just had to get it on video. I got 30 seconds on my camera....hope y'all think it's as cute as we do!!!

To Pierce or not to Pierce!!

2008-05-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

OK...need some advice, I really want to pierce Abbi's ears, but I can't make up my mind. Here's my dilemma.....#1 I'm just not sure I can hurt my baby with intention, I can't help shots, but if I do this I'm allowing someone to hurt my baby girl!! #2 I used to work @ Icing when I was young and I know how they train those girls how to pierce ears and I'm not at all comfortable letting someone of that age and that little skill touch her!! #3 I would love for a Doctor to do it, but my doctor's office doesn't offer it, and the ones that do, only offer it to their patients!! #4 If I don't do it while she's little and I can take care of it, I know I won't let her do it till she is old enough to care for it herself, which means she will be 10 or so before I allow it!
So with that said...Taryn, Ash and Kristi (since those are my only friends on this thing)(mom don't need your opinion, I've already got it!!:)...I need some advice, what do y'all think!!?? And remember, I can't do it...if it's done Bryan will have to take her and do it!!!!!

Where Does The Time Go!!??

2008-05-12T11:07:00.000-05:00

I love being a mom.....but it really makes you feel old when you look at baby pictures of your children and wonder where does the time go!? Austin is potty training and Abbi is starting to eat baby food....it just flies by so fast! Right now as I'm typing, my "baby" boy is standing up on my bed looking in the mirror and totally cracking himself up by making weird noises and faces....it seems like yesterday that he was so tiny and peaceful in my arms, I would KILL for some peace now!!:)

This picture is so vivid in my memory.........and now I have.......

THIS.................naked in a box!!! But I guarantee I wouldn't want it any other way!!!

Haircuts

2008-05-09T01:25:00.000-05:00

Well as a child and sister of hairdressers.....I HATE PAYING FOR HAIRCUTS!!!!!!!!! My mom went to beauty school when I was in 5th grade, and since that time (which was 1985) I have not had to pay for a haircut, color, perm, you name it!!! One would think that is a fantastic thing to have, and don't get me wrong, it is.....but when your mom and sister selfishly move out of state leaving you and your hair to fend for itself, well that is just an outrage!;)
Tomorrow I have an appointment to get a haircut....a $35 dollar haircut, which might sound cheap to some, but for me it is a MAJOR deal!!! So when I go see Amber in the morning (that is my new hairdressers name) hopefully I can let go enough to not only allow myself to enjoy the experience of having someone else cut my hair, but let go enough to reach in my wallet at the end of it and actually pay her!!
Wish me luck!

Abbi's New Seat

2008-05-05T01:56:00.000-05:00

Austin in his seat in 2005.........has passed it down to Abbi in 2008.............

Abbi LOVES her new seat.....it spins, plays music, has toys...and most important, Austin can tell her "how to" play with it because he is after all an expert!!!! I over-heard him telling her today "NO sister, you put your hand here and do this!!" It was pretty cute even though I had to tell him not to tell his sister what to do!! I just can't wait till she can talk back and tell him to mind his own business!!! She liked it so much that by the end of the day she got all tuckered out (just like her big bro used to)!

Family Time

2008-05-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

I don't know about most NORMAL families, but when we were growing up and we had Family Time. That meant we were either washing one of the cars, yard work, or when I was really young and on the farm in Kansas we went to check the cattle!! I swore when I got older and had a family of my own I would not do that to them, I would make Family Time about the family, something fun we could all do together!! Well I lied to myself, because around here Sunday is Family Time! Now, some Sunday's we go here or there, take the kids places, and just hang out......but there are those certain Sunday's where cleaning and doing yard work is considered Family Time. Fortunately for me, Austin is still too little to understand the trickery behind those words, but Bryan on the other hand knows and hates it!! I know as a stay-at-home mom, I should do all the household chores so my poor husband that works hard doesn't have to do anything on his days off but lay around and be lazy, and in the neighborhood of make believe that might take place......but here in the real world I am boss and what I say goes!!:)(or so I like to think).
So if you ever call up the Myers residence on a Sunday and someone here tells you were spending time as a family, now you might think twice....you'll wonder if we're playing and loving our children, or taking advantage of the free labor!!

My husband

2008-05-03T22:09:00.000-05:00

As far as husbands go...I have a pretty great one! He works his @$$ off so I can stay home with our kids, and on top of that, he helps me with household chores! He is wonderful, and I truly don't tell him enough just how great he is. So from now on, not only am I gonna tell him I love him daily, but I will also thank him for all he does for me and our children!!