This is our life....

People keep asking us, "How is it going?"  We smile and say, "It's going well."  And it is going well, but that does not mean that we have it all together.  We - do - not!  

This is usually what my house looks like (in all fairness, it would be a great place to play I Spy).  Today, as I was stepping through the mine field that is my living room, I couldn't help but laugh.  In my head I know it's not difficult to pick this stuff up and put it away....but, in my reality there it stays.  And to be honest, if  I pop open a sunkist and grab a cookie the mess really won't bother me.;) 

Leggos, board games with little pieces (that I'm sure we will never find all of), new birthday presents, and dress up clothes cover our playroom floor.  Long ago, before I had kids, I was sure that it wasn't difficult to get them to clean up one mess before they made another.  Ha!  Now, we just clean up the play room once a week or so and call it done.  I mean, it's a play room for pete's sake....we really do play in it.  

So folks here's the truth, we're doing well and we're a hot mess all at the same time.  This is our life.  (friends be warned, i may not clean up one thing before you come over...i will offer you a sunkist and a cookie though)

My Beautiful Sister

Baby Jetton - We can't wait to meet you!!  

The Denver of the East

It's always a treat to spend time with Becca and Brian.  I mean, check out their backyard pool....what could be better?  

Uncle Brian is so much fun!!  Always willing to play, laugh, and listen. 

 They recently added this outdoor porch / fireplace / grill area that is A-Mazing!!  

 We did lots of celebrating while we were there.  Brian, my dad, Chesson, and I all have birthday within 2 weeks of each other...so we had one big birthday party!!

More importantly, we celebrated this mama-to-be!  Becca's baby boy is due in October.  What fun it was to celebrate them both! 

The hostesses went all out with fabulous decorations and food!  

As usual, we had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back! 

Happy Birthday Chesson!

How can it be?  Chesson Holt Graves turns 5 today.  What the what?!  I cannot have a 5 year old.  Let's take a walk down memory lane. 

This year we celebrated at a gynmastics place with his buddies.  

a spiderman cake at the birthday boy's request

5 years old.  ahhhhhh!

At his school they have a special birthday tradition.  Chesson held the earth while walking around the sun.  As he walked I read his story including a few special moments and favorite things from each year.

Happy Birthday Chesson!  You are loved!

Dads get all the credit

A conversation from dinner this week.

Chesson:  Mama, Thank you so much for making this dinner.
Me: You're welcome Chesson.  (thinking - I am raising one polite little boy - go me)
Chesson:  It's so special that you made us dinner because Dad usually makes all our food.
Me:  (laughing) Yep, it is special.  That Dad is pretty great isn't he.  (thinking -  really bud? dad isn't even here for dinner....but, bless you both)

We do love Corbin, He is a great dad and he does do a lot for this family, but it is safe to say he does not cook for us.  ;o)

Yep, Dads get all the credit.

The Mama's Birthday

Oh my, what a fun day!!  I'm not sure it could have been any better.  I'm so bummed I don't have a picture of me and my mom at lunch.  What a treat to go out to lunch, kid free:o)  

headed out to dinner

  

This is the 1st time we have taken the kids to a sit-down restaurant.  If we are take them out, it's usually to Chick-fil-a.  As much as I love a  #1 combo, I was hoping for a little something different for my birthday.  This hit the spot.   

To top off an already great day, some of my best girlfriends came over.  We laughed a lot, drank a little, and ate some of my Mama's famous chocolate meringue pie. yumm-o!!  Pretty much my favorite kind of night.  

It only took us about 8 tries with the automatic timer to get this shot:o)  No thanks to me...I have no idea how to use the timer.  Although I have to say, I might love the out takes more than the picture above.

one of many fantastic out takes

Now it's time to get ready for Chesson's birthday!  

New School Year, New School

Chesson and Anna Corbin started at a new school this year...AND they have already been in school a week!!  They love it, Walker and I love it.  It's a win-win.  

My big kids....love 'em

The new school requires uniforms, which at first I was not excited about, but they have quickly grown on me.  Polos and khakis are always adorable.  And getting dressed in the morning has become easy-peasy!  

This month's school theme is "Grace and Courtesy." They are learning to interact with the manipulatives in their classroom, other students, and their teachers.  They greet their teachers each morning and have a quick routine they follow before finding their way to circle time.  Yesterday, as Chesson and Anna Co were playing  I heard Chesson say, "Let's make some silence."  What?!  I love it!  They are learning the ropes of a Montessori classroom, and it seems like a great fit for both of them.  

They are excited to go to school, which is really what matters to me most.